May 5, 2023
Today we have the joy of reading a variety Psalms including 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68.
Psalm 1 –
The word “blessed” means “happy” or “inward joy is theirs.” The Psalmist paints a picture of a pull toward evil. The counsel of the ungodly refers to advice given to people to do evil. To stand in judgement of God is a desired outcome here, a symbol of divine approval. “The righteous carves His name upon the rock, but the wicked writes His remembrance in the wind.” The righteous man plows the earth and sows which shall never be harvested until he reaches eternity.
Psalm 2 –
Plot communicates the activities of a people who complain and are discontent. God laughs at the very of people who think they can oppose Him. Rod of iron is the scepter that represents kingship, iron being a symbol of strength. The phrase dash them to pieces like a potters vessel illustrates the strength of the king over the nations.
Psalm 15 –
Tabernacle and holy hill are interchangeable terms that designate the dwelling of God. Abide refers to a temporary condition; dwell is a permanent position. Those who live according to the verses found here shall never be moved. Backbite is a word for slander, which means ‘to wander about the tongue.”
The Israelites were prohibited from charging interest on a loan and bribery was considered to pervert justice.
Psalm 22 –
The psalmist felt frustrated from God’s lack of response to his cries, Jesus quoted these words as He hung on the cross. David considers himself a worm expressing his feeling of worthlessness. Apparently, his enemies were so certain he would die they were already dividing his clothing among themselves. “I shall not want” literally means “I shall not lack.” God’s loving care and protective care is eternal.
Psalm 23 –
What a great Psalm when we consider all is says and how it ministers to us. David recognized how much God watched over him when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The psalm is a picture of complete rest and peacefulness. Humanity needs soul restoration because of carelessness, difficult circumstances, secret sin, and the world’s influence. Once we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have spiritual privileges.
David looks beyond the pasture of the future as we should to dwelling place of the Lord forever.
Psalm 24 –
God is overall because He created all, in the eyes of God the only acceptable worship is that from people who have clean hands and a pure heart. Lifting up the gates refers to raising the do the glorious God could pass through.
Psalm 47 –
The root word for gone up is exalted in verse nine. The people of God will shout in triumph on the when the rightful King of the earth reigns.
Psalm 68 –
This psalm echoes the Song of Deborah in Judges 5. Verse 18 is quoted somewhat the same way in Ephesians 4:8-11 to describe how the exalted Chrsit distributed gifts to believers after His ascension. Here the focus is on God the conqueror, while Paul’s shares the benefits of Christ’s victory.
Asbury United Methodist Church 