Author: Stephen Ricker

“Be merciful to me, O LORD,” David requests. “Mercy,” is a common plea to the Lord. Mercy is compassionate treatment, especially of those under one’s power. Mercy is a disposition to be kind and forgiving. Care for others, especially the disfortunate is a practice found in Biblical mercy. The biblical concept of mercy always involves […]

David claims four facts. He knows them to be true. First, he does not associate with those who cling to worthless idols. He even goes as far as to say he hates them for they lead people astray into vanity. They are excessively proud of their accomplishments and appearance. They worship themself. As Jonah sang […]

David’s plea for delivery from a trap that has ensnared him contains a prayer that was repeated by Jesus while on the cross. The last words before Jesus gave up his spirit were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46) This simple and direct […]

The plead psalm is requesting deliverance because the condemned is confronted by a conspiracy so powerful and open that even the closest of friends not only abandon but will strongly deny having allegiance with the attacked. David, the author states that he has taken refuge in the Lord (1) and then asks the Lord to […]

Turning wailing beds into dancing floors and morning sackcloth into clothing of joy is the often ending to David’s psalms. A repeating theme of David’s life was tragedy tears to triumph jubilation. He was no different from everyone, except his life was on public display when he was king of Israel for no self-design. The […]

Security is an erroneous perception of reality. What is security but the idea or feeling that I will be free from risk, danger, doubt, anxiety, illness, and fear knowing everything that every tomorrow after and all days forever will be peace, happiness, and goodness? Absolute security is a fallacious reality that the blessed Christ, apostles, […]

The call goes forth for the saints (“hasid” in Hebrew) to praise the holy name of the Lord. “Hasid” is an additive that means loving-kindness, good, godly, and pious. The call is rational because a fraud or someone who hates the Lord is not a saint. Degenerates and the perverse have little desire to praise […]

The author of the praise psalm, David had been sick and his enemies were happy. They knew he had faith in the Lord and despised him for it. Like Cain who wanted his brother dead, they so wanted David dead. Hate is from the same evil cells as murder. (Matthew 5:21, 15:9) David did not […]

The praise psalm starts with a storm forming over the Mediterranean Sea at the command of the Lord. A powerful storm developed and traveled to Lebanon over Mount Herman and onto the Kadesh plains and the Orontes River’s upper reaches. The glory of the Lord is displayed in the storm. The Lord sits enthroned over […]

The voice of the Lord is the subject of this psalm. I imagine the most fierce storm either a hurricane or super cell. Streaks of light illuminate a dark sky. Bursts of thunder rattle windows and shake building bones. Continuous winds knock down even the strongest structures and trees. Rolling waves cover the earth. The […]

The two-verse introduction to this praise psalm is reciprocated in the two-verse ending. The LORD (YHWH, Yahweh) is the object of the praise. The subject is the sons of the mighty. The first couplet of this first stanza in Hebrew is “Yahab YHWH”. The second couplet of this first stanza in Hebrew is “ben” meaning […]

David is full of joy because the Lord has heard his prayer. The one with whom he has the closest relationship turned his ear to him. His heart trusted in the Lord. He was helped. David was weak. So the Lord was his strength. David was vulnerable. So the Lord was his shield protector. David […]

The prayer psalm continues by stating the author’s request. David does not want to be dragged away with the wicked. He is referring to the judgment to come. Jesus taught those who persecuted him and trying to kill him, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in […]

David, the author of this psalm desperately wants the Lord to hear him. He says if the Lord turns a deaf ear to him he would be like the dead buried in the ground. David equates “Sheol”, the abode of the dead with a pit, “bor” in Hebrew. “Bor” is any hole in the ground […]

David has foes who desire to do terrible things to him, even kill him. False witnesses are used to justify to others that David deserves punishment, even death. The same was true of Jesus. David was crying out to the Lord for mercy and deliverance. He asked to not be turned over to the desire […]

Sometimes when I either call on the Lord in prayer or sing praise I find that the Lord seems far off. I have a hard time settling my heart and mind. Concentrating is a chore that takes much effort. My heart wants to seek the Lord. I try to seek. Yet, my mind is like […]

Surrounded by strangers and enemies, fear pushes down the soul like a title wave. Fear coils like a python in instant reality. I grow weak swimming on the top of the ocean deep. I am standing alone in a war-prone region with people who do not look like or talk like me. If I am […]

Not a priest am I. Not a blameless without sin am I. I am shown grace. I am a layman. No rights have I. Nothing of grandeur have I. I have mercy. I have naturalization. Vagabond am I. Repulsive am I. I am seeking acceptance. I am requesting a household. I have accepted His light. […]

Many reasons to fear come and go in life. Some rationalizations for fear never leave, usually acting from the edge of my consciousness. Often these imagined or real giants I fear amount to nothing. Similarly, plans made because of vague fears are nothing but wasting time. Fear is a feeling not reality. Yet, fear can […]

David gets to the point of coming to the Lord. “Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men…” David wants to live in paradise, the house of the Lord forever. David wants eternal life. David’s case has been that he has kept a blameless life. He has walked continually […]

First, David asked for vindication for he led a blameless life. Then, he asks the Lord to test him and examine the sincerity of his heart and mind. Now, David brings up four do-nots and four dos to back up his statements. David is presenting himself to God as a person who would ask a […]

After asking the Lord to vindicate him, David makes a rather unusual and bold request. To support his claim of living a blameless life he wants the Lord to test him. When I want to test the quality of an item, I invoke a procedure for critical evaluation. If it is important I will rigorously […]

Enemies are made. They do not preexist. Enemies are brought about for several reasons. Enemies are sometimes produced by no fault of our own, and other times are produced by my ill actions, words, or sin. Having enemies is known by every generation, culture, and society. Why should I be excluded? Having an enemy knows […]

David is suffering the consequences of his sins. He mentions his sins four times. (7, 8, 11, 18) They are not mentioned in detail or specifics, only that they are great, and many and they came from his rebellious nature. The rebellious nature is in everyone. Sins have consequences. God will forgive sins if I […]

Jesus instructs his people though they are sinners because he is good and upright. If I am humble he will guide me in what is right and teach me his way. Jesus spent most of his ministry teaching to anyone and everyone who wanted to listen. Often he taught what is loving and faithful the […]

David’s relationship with the Lord God must be very close because he asks for something most religions teach is too bold and impossible to ask for. David’s request concerns what he wants the Lord Jesus to remember. “Remember your mercy and love. However, those sins of mine and my rebellious nature, forget them.” God does […]

The LORD has life paths set for mankind. A life path is a way to live; how to walk by faith in Jesus, live a righteous life, and interact with others and the environment. “Path” is “orah” (a transliteration) in Hebrew meaning “a well-trodden road or path” and “manner.” It can also mean caravan because […]

Psalm 25, a prayer-psalm written by David is an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Hebrew alphabet has twenty-two letters and does not have case (upper and lower). Therefore, this poetic prayer has twenty-two verses. The prayer begins by beseeching the Lord, “To you, O […]

The Lord Almighty (YHWH Saba in Hebrew) is referred to four times as the King of glory (melek kabod in Hebrew). He is called the Lord Almighty because he is strong and mighty in battle. He is returning victorious from battle He is before the gates of Jerusalem a victor in battle. The gates are […]

Two questions presented concern the approachability of anyone to God. Since the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, what can anyone build that they could ask God to move into it. Since God founded the earth as a temple is founded, and since God established the earth as a temple is established, what […]

David has two assurances because the Lord is his shepherd. First, goodness and love will follow him all the days of his life. Goodness and love are personified. He imagines they are attendants who ensure all is well with their companion. Goodness and love for the Lord’s sheep are not the same as those whose […]

The celebration in the house of the Lord continues as David describes his participation in the festival. David is using metaphor to describe what it is like to have a personal loving relationship with his God. The Lord is his shepherd-king. The benefits of his relationship with the shepherd-king are described as a celebration, a […]

I imagine two parallel scenes. David is invited to a special banquet like the one Jesus attended at Matthew’s house just after Matthew became a disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 9:9-13) Many people were there including David’s and Jesus’ enemies. At Matthew’s home were his enemies the religious leaders who did not have faith in Jesus. […]

“Do not be afraid” is a common message from God to his people. The Sovereign Lord said to Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) God called to Hagar, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he […]

Death is a looming tower standing overall, like a mountain rising into swirling clouds. Its dark shadow is long and deep, as a valley fissure presses shoulders into a cold wall. Fear of the dark. Fear of the unknown. Fear of death that keeps one from going. Walking forward I have no choice, for time […]

God leads like a good shepherd. A good shepherd calls to his sheep and leads them out of the sheep pen. He calls them by name, one by one he knows them. He has plans for their well-being. He knows their needs. He knows their wants. He knows safe paths to their desires. The sheep […]

Psalm 23 is divided into two balanced stanzas, each having four couplets with a triplet in between serving as a transition (4d-f). A couplet is one line of Hebrew poetry. BDBD is looking at one couplet a day. Today’s couplet reads, “He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Although David, the author […]

LORD (all capital letters in the NIV) is the covenant name of Yahweh (YHWH), the name told to Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14) David, the author of this modern-day famous psalm, called the Lord his shepherd. Calling a king a shepherd was a common practice in the Middle East in David’s time. However, […]

The psalm started with the Anointed alone, suffering, and crying out, “My God, my God,. why have you forsaken me?” He is tortured and suffers death. Then the Lord saves him. All now know that God has not hidden his face from him. A celebration and praise ensues. A revelation of God has been made […]

This gospel prophecy continues with a proclamation that the Gentles will accept the message of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus told the apostles and his other disciples to go to the ends of the earth with the proclamation of the redemption he preached. (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-19; Luke 24:45-48; Acts 1:7-9) They did. Now I, […]

“Lebab haya ad” is Hebrew for “may your hearts live forever!” and “your heart shall live forever!” So much time, effort, and expense is spent to extend life. I watch what I eat – most of the time. I exercise – when I can. And I avoid dangerous situations – except when I am adventurous, […]

The psalm begins with the despondent crying in desperation, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” Others trusted the Anointed One and were delivered. Yet the Holy One who saved others could not save himself. He was […]

What is praise? Is it linked to fear of the LORD? What are honor and reverence and are they linked to praise? With a crescendo’s pinnacle, the author of this verse commands these three. (note the exclamation points) “You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all […]

Agony has not quenched the fire of faith and love for God. The author proclaims though distressed confidence enough to request, “But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Deliver… rescue… save…” With his last breath while on the cross Jesus prayed, “Father, into your hands I […]

David wrote a psalm about a fierce conflict he was forced to endure because of his enemy’s pursuit wanting to end his life. Did he know that he was prophesying about his Master’s trials and crucifixion? Bashan was the northernmost region of Palestine east of the Jordan River. Their bulls were among the strongest in […]

Jesus was betrayed by a close follower and turned over to the religious leaders. (Matthew 10:4, 26:14, 16, 47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:48) When arrested the rest of his followers deserted him and fled. (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50) Simon, whom Jesus called Peter (meaning the rock) denied him three times. Peter walked away from Jesus […]

Jesus was humiliated, scorned, insulted, ridiculed, and despised as he hung on the cross. No wonder for the torture alone spawned hideous revulsion. A later regretted glimpse of the guilty crucified would turn the stomach and head. The prophecy in these three verses was fulfilled during the passion of Christ. Worms, maggots, and grubs with […]

When anguish, pain, suffering, sorrow, depression, loneliness, betrayal, and bankruptcy become constant demanding partners the godly press their anguish knees in the soil at the base of Jesus’ empty cross as their tears water splintered prayers. My fathers of faith trusted in Jesus; fathers such as David, the author of Psalm 22. They cried to […]

The psalm that follows this one (Psalm 23) is known by more modern-day parishioners than this one. However, this one is alluded to and quoted by the apostles more than all the other psalms. (Matthew 27:35, 39, 43, 46; Mark 15:34; John 19:23-24, 28, 34; Romans 10:19, 11:13-14; Hebrews 2:12) Jesus voiced verse 1a in […]

God’s people have their say in this reciprocated repertoire psalm (8-12). Their voices are clearly a prophecy of the second coming of the Messiah. Therefore, the first half of the psalm is about Jesus’ ascension after his death and resurrection. The first enemy Jesus defeated was sin while on the cross. The second enemy to […]

Trust is the firm reliance on a person’s integrity, ability, or character. It is also something committed into the care of another. (American Heritage Dictionary) Trust is linked with hope. Apostle Paul said to the fearful Roman congregation, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, […]

King David had been given much. He went into battle leading Israel as was his direction from the Lord his God. He obeyed and the Lord granted him the desire of his heart and had not withheld the request of his lips. What did David desire? Verse 4 reveals that he desired what all soldiers […]

The psalm’s theme is revealed in the first and last verses, with the center, verse 7 being the pivot that makes this psalm spin. As with the psalm before, this one also is a repertoire to be reciprocated between the king and God’s people, except it is after the king engaged in a successful enterprise […]

The congregational repertoire continues with a devout man of God such as a prophet or Levitical priest singing, “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.” When I am about to place myself in an engagement that if I […]

David composed this psalm. Most commentaries agree that the intent was for this repertoire to be reciprocated between the king and God’s people before the king engaged in a challenging enterprise for God’s people, especially before a battle. The intent is the same as when a congregation prays for its elders and pastor, when a […]

The last verse states two actions of a believer in Jesus, indicating that the entire psalm resulted in their enacting. The first is meditation of the heart. The second action is speaking or singing what he had meditated. Of course, David or someone else wrote down his meditations. Meditations are contemplations of the mind and […]

The Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible) is equated to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49). They are wise instructions and encouragement to followers of the Lord Jesus. Those like me who are rescued from poor life choices and being controlled by sinful impulses know […]

Five Hebrew words describe the Pentateuch – also known as the Decalogue, the five books of Moses, and the laws of the covenant with Israel. The Hebrew words are translated: the law (instruction), statutes, precepts (testimony), commands, and ordinances (judgments) of the LORD. At the time of the creation of this psalm, the only other […]

The sun rises above the horizon into the visible sky in the morning and sets below the opposite horizon in the evening often in brilliant displays of kaleidoscope colors. Paired with its absence as its emitted light shines on and rays heat up the opposite side of the earth, the day is established marking the […]

A clear night silent gaze beholds bright lights twinkling little diamonds in the sky. Questions befall. “Why,” I wonder, “do you shine so divine above my sigh and awe.” You speak non-audibly to my spirit and soul. What message do I behold? “Where it to my future,” a fool quires. “No,” the wise answer, “The […]

David, named in the last verse concludes his doxology by summing up what he has been proclaiming. David is God’s king. David is God’s anointed. David knows he is the Lord’s chosen and anointed king. David recalls God’s promise while a lad. (1 Samuel 16:13) He experienced God’s grace in making it happen. The whole […]

The psalm’s crescendo has reached its climax. The choir reaches its highest chords and exhibits the mastery of a virtuoso. The musicians’ souls pour into their instruments. The limbs of the audience tingle and their torsals swell. Joyous tears moisten checks. Arms reach to the heavens in exultation, “The LORD lives! Praise be to my […]

David endured so many threats from his own people in the days of Saul’s reign. Now he was crowned king of Israel. He reigns over other nations. People he never had acquaintances bow down to him. His commands are obeyed with trembling. David is the unquestioned premier monarch. This psalm is a prophecy psalm relating […]

David prayed and trusted in God. He waited for God for many years to rescue him from a life he did not want to live. God did not send an army of immortal spiritual beings we call angels to strike down all his enemies so David could be king of Israel. Instead, God enabled him […]

David publically acknowledged in this Psalm the depths of his soul’s firm belief that the Lord God’s blessing had made freedom from his enemy’s oppression a reality. This Psalm was written sometime between Saul’s suicide (1 Samuel 30-31; 1 Chronicles 10) and when David’s kingship over all of Israel was finally fully established (2 Samuel […]

God reveals his character to all; yet to each, he reveals himself in his own way. Those who are faithful to the Lord God and his ways, the Lord God is faithful to them. He does not leave them. Jesus promised, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to […]

While David was on the run from Saul and his army David made sure to inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:1-6) and follow the Lord’s ways (21). David did not harm Saul even when he could have killed him twice. (1 Samuel 24 & 26) The temptation was great for his men said, “This […]

The Lord God had anointed David to be the next king of Israel when he was but an unrecognized lad. (1 Samuel 16:13) The fulfillment of the promise began looking possible when he was moved from being the family shepherd boy to the court musician and armor-bearer in the household of King Saul. (1 Samuel […]

The oppressed have a day of gladness and celebration to look forward to. Those ridiculed and harassed because of their steadfast faith in God can rest assured that their fear and tears are answered. Those excluded and reviled by the powerful wicked can be assured that their hope in Jesus is not misplaced. The start […]

Mortal danger is poetically personified. Deep sorrow is like cords entangling and pulling one down to death. Mellencolly emotions weigh one down immobilizing the soul till death becomes one’s closest attendant, waiting for me to willing follow to the end. Some live in a state of numbness. Invisible cords keep one from moving. Some turn […]

David states the reason for praising his Lord. His acclimation is because the LORD, whom he prayed to is worthy of praise. All should have a reason to praise the LORD. This reason is best and always true; Jesus is worthy. If for no other reason, I can and will praise the Lord Jesus who […]

Who is worthy of praise? If anyone is worthy of praise because of strength, glory, prowess, wisdom, ferocity, love, compassion, and truth, then the Lord Jesus is worthy by an eternity more. When to praise the one who deserves loving exultation? David, the servant of the Lord sang praises to Jesus when he delivered David […]

Whenever someone does ill towards me I sometimes think, “The Lord judge between me and them,” not wanting to take revenge against them, but let the Lord Jesus vindicate me. I want the Lord to rise up, confront, and bring them down. I beseech the Lord to rescue me from the wicked. This is what […]

David is pleading to the Lord God against his foes who surround him. They have callous hearts. They have an unfeeling indifference to David’s suffering. They have ganged up against him and want to pulverize him to the ground. They are determined and eager like a hungry wolf whose gaze is fixed on the sheep. […]

David requests God because he knows the Lord will answer him. He seeks God’s ear so that He can hear his prayer. Confidence in God is a part of prayer. Do I believe God will hear my prayer? Even though God may not grant my request will I have faith in him? David asks the […]

David is praying to the LORD his God. He has a request that he calls a cry. He is sure that his request is righteous. Before he presents his request he invites God to examine his heart and way. He confides that he is not trying to deceive. David said that though the LORD would […]

Jesus is the path of life that God made known to David (11). Jesus is life, in him is no death. Jesus told confused Martha and Mary just before he raised their brother Lazarus from the dead, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; […]

David, the youngest of many brothers and perhaps the only son of his father’s second wife (or concubine), had an ongoing life problem. He pondered his unsure future and where he belonged. His inheritance according to the law of Moses was questionable. His seven elder brothers did not think well of him. They gave him […]

David is the author of this Trust Psalm. He asks God to keep him safe. Why? Because David takes refuge in God. God is his protector and shelter from danger and hardship. He rescues him from death and gives him a delightful inheritance. God is his inheritance. (Numbers 18:20-24; Deuteronomy 10:8-9) God in verse 1 […]