Bible Study April 18

April 18, 2023

In case you are seeing this for the first time we are reading through the Bible in a year and I am adding notes for you to consider as you join us.

Today we are back in the Psalms reading from 17, 35, 54, and 63. As we read these think about two things: David is not afraid to reason with God when he wants something, secondly are we the same way? We know when we pray and ask God for something he will not give us anything that would be a detriment to us. He wants us to seek Him and ask Him for things in our life.

Chapter 17 –

David petitions God to hear and respond to his prayer for vindication, for his lips were free of deceit, he had no unaddressed sin in his life. He is confident no bit of sin can keep God from answering his prayer.

He desires to reveal his faithful love to Him and show Himself to be the true savior of all who seek Him. David is confident in God although the wicked continue to reap benefits in the world.

Chapter 35 –

Oppose my opponents…fight those who fight me. David’s prayer is one of intervention against his enemies. He hopes they will be caught in the very net that they hid from him. He laments over those who repay his kindness toward them with evil. He urges God to prevent the triumph of his foes who hated him without cause.

You saw it, Lord…do not be silent. David calls on Him to be his vindicator which he expects from God. We should follow this example then give the Lord praise for His salvation.

Chapter 54 –

This psalm is about the time David was hiding in the Judean wilderness of Ziph. He pleads for deliverance from the Ziphites who had found him and reported it to Saul. He pleads for his deliverance from strangers and violent men who sought to kill him without provocation.  David expresses confidence that the Lord is his helper and the source of his life who will guide him. He concludes this Psalm by affirming his commitment to praise his God who recued [him] from every trouble, he truly knew the goodness of God.

Chapter 63 –

His experience in the dry, desolate wilderness without water prompts David to consider his thirst. That is the thirst of his soul. Although he is in the wilderness he finds satisfaction for his soul through joy, comfort, and praising his Lord. Better than life is the faithful love of God who cares for those who fear Him.

David has disciplined himself to meditate on the Lord rather than his problems. He knows God is his helper at all times. Although he is hunted and chased from his throne, he knows his enemies will be defeated. A good message for us today.