Author: Stephen Ricker

BDBD is Psalm 23:5a-b

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. […]

BDBD is Psalm 23:4:d-f

“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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:4a-c

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 23:3b-c

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 23:2b-3a

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 23:1-2a

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, […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:30-31

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:27-29

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, […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:26

“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, […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:24-25

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:23

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:19-22

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:12-18

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:9-11

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:6-8

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:3-5

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 22:1-2

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 21:8-12

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 21:7

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, […]

BDBD is Psalm 21:2-6

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 […]

Psalm 21:1 & 13

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 20:6-9

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 20:1-5

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 19:14

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 19:10-13

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 19:7-9

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 19:4b-6

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 19:1-4a

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:47-50

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:46

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:43-45

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:37-42

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:30-36

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:25-29

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:20-24

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:16-19

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:7-15

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:4-6

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:3

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 18:1-2

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 17:13-15

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 17:10-12

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. […]

BDBD is Psalm 17:6-9

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 17:1-6

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 16:8-11

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; […]

BDBD is Psalm 16:5-7

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 16:1-4

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 […]

BDBD is Psalm 15

Everyone wants access to God though our core being is also repulsed by the nature of God (Romans 1). The essence of this psalm, composed by David, is how one gains access to God. Access to God is of course granted by God. Without permission, a person may not enter the King of kings presence. […]

BDBD is Psalm 14:4-7

Hope exists for everyone. Jesus’s ministry included everyone. He helped and taught the rich and the poor, the religious elite and the social outcast, and the intelligent and the simple-minded. However, the evildoers never learned. They devour God’s people as men eat bread. Some believe, but most reject. The Lord Jesus, David’s God, was the […]

BDBD is Psalm 14:1-3

The Psalm starts by establishing a truth with fact. The truth is that every human soul is morally depraved. With this truth, God says that we are fools. Fool in Hebrew is “nabal” meaning “vile person, one who is morally deficient”. The fact to establish the truth that every soul is morally depraved is that […]

BDBD is Psalm 13

Psalm 13 could be titled “How Long” or “Forget Me Not”. David, the author is grappling with melancholy and disturbing thoughts. Repeated stupefying speculation has become like an unrelenting railroad wheel clanging over rail cracks. Thought is fixated on his enemy’s triumph over him. Sorrow fills his being. He is entangled in his own web. […]

BDBD is Psalm 12:7-8

Confidence in the Lord is expressed and believed. Though evil people walk around boldly because they have the upper hand, those who trust in the Lord will be strengthened by their God. We know that he protects us from such people forever. Though at present liers oppress and deceive I can have confidence in the […]

BDBD is Psalm 12:5-6

The Lord responds with a reassuring word to the cast down and to David who presented the request. The Lord God does see the oppression of the weak and he hears the groaning of the needy. After the prayer, the Lord says he will arise and protect them from those who malign them. I note […]

BDBD is Psalm 12:2-4

David’s appeal to the Lord in verses 1 and 2 has two parts. First, the faithful, those who are morally true and loyal have disappeared (1). Second, everyone is lying. Their lies are flattery, saying one thing while not believing what they say (2). The worst scenario is when they say kind words while secretly […]

BDBD is Psalm 12:1

Psalm 12 is a plead-psalm. David is seeking the Lord’s help for every tongue seems false, the weak are oppressed, and the needy groan. Looking everywhere he cannot find anyone who is godly. The Hebrew adjective “hasid” is translated as “godly” meaning a kind, virtuous, and moral person. As the Lord later said through the […]

BDBD is Psalm 11:4-7

The LORD is the covenant name for the God of Israel. Since the LORD came in bodily form he has also been called Jesus. Jesus is now on his heavenly throne. Jesus is observing every act and the motivation for the act of the righteous. He examines their heart. Those that are wicked the LORD, […]

BDBD is Psalm 11:1-3

Everyone has had life’s foundations, including relational, political, and moral support give way. (“Foundations” in vs 3 is “shata” in Hebrew meaning political and moral support; i.e. 82:5) Most are too familiar with life-pillars unexpected shaking. Just as citizens living in cities built near a seismic fault ask, “What can we do now that shaking […]

BDBD is Psalm 10:12-18

David’s lamented questions turn into a jubilant poetic prayer. His joy is engulfed in the Lord’s compassionate triumph. The Lord does see trouble and grief. He is the helper of the fatherless. God calls all to account for wickedness, all things done while in the flesh. His patience allowed them to repent, not wanting any […]

BDBD is Psalm 10:1-11

David looks at society and his unassuming life and asks two grievous life questions, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Repeating too often it seems, God does not seem to see me in my time of trouble for I am not happy, do not […]

BDBD is Psalm 9:17-20

The grave (Sheol in Hebrew) is not the subject of family and friends parties. Most people do not like thinking about the end of our physical life. The one who brings up the subject will find themself alone in a crowd of lifetime acquaintances. Two occasions exist when we ponder the eventual end of our […]

BDBD is Psalm 9:11-16

Today’s BDBD verses have some joined phrases requiring God’s revelation during deep Bible study. Phrases like “enthroned in Zion” (What Zion for the temple was not built in David’s life? The tabernacle and then the ark was moved to Jerusalem late in David’s life. So, what and when is Zion referring to?); “proclaim among the […]

BDBD is Psalm 9:3-10

The Psalms (like this one), the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles all agree, that a time is coming when God will judge the living and the dead. (Daniel 11-12, Matthew 24, Mark 13) When Jesus comes again, “he will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.” Those who were enemies […]

BDBD is Psalm 9:1-2

David announces a decision to the Lord his God. David declares that he is going to praise the LORD. David is going to let it all out. His heart will gush forth with exaltation like a geyser from the earth. David is going to reveal in song all of the Most High’s wonders. Heartful worship […]

BDBD is Psalm 8:3-9

Verses 3 and 4 remind me of the celebrated hymn “O Lord My God”. I also think of Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman congregation, “…since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal […]

BDBD is Psalm 8:1-2

The Psalm of David starts with praise for the LORD (YHWH in Hebrew), our Lord (adon in Hebrew meaning sovereign). The name of the LORD is the manifestation of his character. It has no separate existence apart from the YHWH, but is synonymous with God in his gracious manifestation and accessibility to his people. The […]

BDBD is Psalm 7:11-17

David was on the run from a man who wanted to kill him. He was a fugitive in his own land. Life was not sunshine on the beach. David did not take action for he considered he might be wrong. Instead, David asked the Lord to be his shield. He asked God to be the […]

BDBD is Psalm 7:6-10

Life is often overwhelming, a relentless barrage for adults and adolescents alike. Continuous are the assaults against body, heart, and mind. Few reliefs can be found that are not self-destructive. Life is often like living in a besieged city. Enemies’ weapons encircle, constantly firing at a shield wall with gaps and grass openings with no […]

BDBD is Psalm 7:1-5

David was being pursued by Cush, a Benjamite. King Saul was also a Benjamite. Cush was part of the forces that Saul sent to find and tear David apart like a lion would, or at least Cush would bring him to King Saul for judgment, prison, and/or execution. David could not go to one of […]

BDBD is Psalm 6:6-10

David’s illness is physical, caused by a heavy soul. He is faint because he is in anguish. He groans and weeps all night long because of his foes. Sorrow endlessly flows like the tears from his eyes, down his cheeks, and into his drenched pillows. A weighed-down heart and turbulent mind can be the source […]

BDBD is Psalm 6:1-5

David starts this psalm with a plea to the LORD for mercy. David knows he is a sinner and thus deserves rebuke and discipline. Part of God’s wrath is disciplining his congregation. David asks the LORD for relief and mercy. David is very ill. He is faint and his bones are in agony. Though he […]

BDBD is Psalm 5:9-12

David’s enemies spoke lies about him, not a word from their mouth can be trusted. Their heart, the source of the lies is filled with destruction. David did not take revenge against his enemy’s lies. He did not strike out against them. He may have been king when he wrote these words. He may have […]

BDBD is Psalm 5:7-8

David has great respect for the LORD. Reverence is a feeling of profound awe, respect, and love. In God’s mercy and righteousness, David trusts. He tells the LORD that he will come into God’s house and bow down toward God’s holy temple. The house and holy temple that David is speaking of is not the […]