Blog -Bible Daily Bread Devotional (BDBD)

David’s account of God’s judgment is in the future tense: “God will shoot… suddenly they will be… He will turn… He will bring them… will shake their heads… All mankind will fear… They will proclaim… and ponder.” This is true for every psalm -9:8, 72:2, 96:10, 13, 98:9, 110:6 to name a few. Judgment is sure to come, but when? It could be in this life, but this is not a guarantee. A final judgement is coming and Jesus will be the judge.

Jesus said to those who continued in their unbelief, “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” (John 12:37, 48) Apostle Paul said to the men of Athens, “For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)

Jesus explained the Parable of the Weeds to his apostles, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:37-43)

Like a faint rainbow in the sky is not seen by everyone, so the judgment to come exists if one looks for it.

David examines his enemies’ contemptuous self-confidence while he prays to God for deliverance. and in doing so he defines many who are against Jesus and many in my age. Verse 5, “They encourage each other in an evil plan; they talk about hiding traps and say, ‘Who will see them (and us)?’” (HCSB) In Psalm 35:7 he wrote, “They hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,” In Psalm 140:5 and 141:9 David wrote, “Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.” “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers.”

Verse 6 David wrote, “They devise crimes and say, ‘We have perfected a secret plan.’ The inner man and the heart are mysterious.” (HCSB) In Psalm 83:3 he wrote, “With cunning, they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.” “Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed,” (Psalm 21:11)

The gospel writers were quick to comment so the readers would understand that David was prophesying about Jesus’s day’s religious and social leaders. Jesus said, “They do this to me, so they will do it to you.” Yet, he did not say, “Strike back at them.” Instead, he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45)

With so many physical battles that David fought against enemy nations and enemies within Israel, I would think that David would have written Psalms about physical battles. Perhaps he would write about the fear of the battle or the fear of losing the battle. Perhaps he would write about his anger toward God for allowing the enemy to attack with swords and arrows again and again. Perhaps he would brag about victories as so many other rulers of his age. Yet, very few Davidic psalms concern physical battles. No, David does not write many psalms about physical battles.

Instead, the majority of Davidic Psalms are about asking God for salvation from noisy crowds with lying tongues and wicked mouths (2). Battles with sharp tongues and whispered conspiracies are what many of David’s psalms concern (2-3). Behind the conspiracy plots and ambush shots at an innocent are hearts that hate and envy (4). Those who want more with unsettled minds and hearts invent reasons to destroy and kill with poisonous words. Others are just angry. Hate and anger shoot off their mouths without fear (4). Jesus experienced the exact same use of clever false words to impair the Truth.

I have been the victim and portrayer of a wicked tongue. Jesus warns me, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14) Jesus said this to the man he healed by the Bethesda pool in Jerusalem. The healed man’s mouth was getting him in trouble. Lord, cleanse my heart’s tongue and make me new with strength to fight the tongue within.

David states that those seeking his life will get what they deserve. He knows this because the Lord God is a just God. David quickly fled Jerusalem to the desert of Judah, and those who supported him fled, too. The wicked used their mouths to spread lies, while all who love and fear God used their mouths to spread God’s glory and honor. God judges the hearts of men. From the heart, the mouth speaks.

Speaking of his authority to Jesus said, “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (John 5:20-30)

David was in a desiccated barren land because his son was attempting to take not only the throne the Lord God set him on but also his life. (2 Samuel 15:23-28, 16:2,14, 17:16, 29) What thoughts consume as dusk chilled arid winds float desert beast’s howls? What inhabits a dusted desert mind? Self-pity, fear, and doubt? Perhaps, woe for the accompanying family and friends? Or anger and bewilderment towards the Lord? Not so with David.

David remembered the Lord through the watches of the night? His mind’s sky twinkled with what he had seen and experienced in the sanctuary (2)., the power and glory of the Lord God showed brilliant a thousand million ways. David sang in the shadows of the Lord’s wings as desert owls housed their chirping chicks. His soul clings to the Lord tighter than dowel feathers to their parents’ mighty wings. He was too young to fly and just old enough to stand. So the Lord propped David up.

The title of this short implicit prayer (like 62) states that King David (11) wrote this psalm in the Desert of Judah, a vast north-south desert east of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, south of Jericho, and west of the Jordan River and the Salt Sea. After leaving Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives is a desert stretching through Jericho to the Jordan River. Perhaps David wanted to appear to make his way to the Transjordan, east of the Jordan before heading south into the Desert of Judah.

The occasion therefore would have been when Absalom, his eldest son at that time tried to take the throne from David. (2 Samuel 15:23-28, 16:2,14, 17:16, 29) The trip through the desert would have been hard and slow, especially for the children, and especially since the exit out of Jerusalem was too quick to prepare water, food, and clothing. David purposely left the Ark of the Covenant where he visited with God in Jerusalem (2, 2 Samuel 15:25)

David compares his desire for God to his thirst for water in a dry and weary land where there is no water (1). David exclaims that God’s love is better than life (3). David is not stating that he wanted to die nor that he didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead. Rather, he thirsts for God because of God’s loving kindness. God’s love is more durable, comfortable, and satisfying than the present life. What better reason to hope for the future because God with his unending love is in it? David was hungry physically and in his soul (5). Yet, he knew that God would satisfy his soul with the richest of food (5).

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

How much does a breath weigh? If one were to exhale on a scale, would the needle move? In David’s day, scales were used to determine the value of precious metals by placing them on one side and common weights on the other. When the sides balanced, the metal’s value was determined. Whether of low or high social status, all people are like a breath on the scales: impotent and ineffective. They do not even move the needle.

The last stanza (9-12) picks up on the fact stated in the previous (5-8). Trust in God for in him and only him is rest and hope for no man or woman should be trusted. Though my riches increase I should not set my heart on them.

Since this is true I should not even trust in myself. If I were to be tempted to extortion or thievery, I should not trust in the wealth they will bring for what is achieved one day is the fall of the next.

God is the only one worthy of trust. Surely he will reward each person according to what he has done. (12). Jesus taught, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:10-13)

God is the focus of this middle stanza. Find rest in him. Hope and expectation come from him. He is one’s rock, salvation, refuge, and fortress. In God, I am not shaken when trouble comes. Salvation and honor depend on God. David’s counsel is to trust in him at all times and to pour out my heart to him for God is our refuge.

Antonin Dvorak, a Czech classical composer, wrote “Biblical Songs”, a ten-song cycle whose text is from the Psalms. It has been suggested that he was prompted to write them with news of his father’s death. Dvorak experienced Jesus, the Rock in a most personal way when trouble entered his soul. He expresses self-counsel prayer through melody meter.

The theme of each of the ten songs is:

1st, Psalm 97, “Darkness and thunderclouds are round about Him.”

2nd, Psalm 119, “Lord my shield, my refuge and hope.”

3rd, Psalm 55, “Hear, oh hear my prayer.”

4th, Psalm 23, “Oh, my shepherd is the Lord.”

5th, Psalms 144 & 145, “Songs of gladness will I sing Thee.”

6th, Psalms 61 & 63, “Hear, oh Lord, my bitter cry.”

7th, Psalm 137, “By the shore of the river Babylon.”

8th, Psalm 25, “Oh, Lord, have mercy and turn Thou Thy face to me.”

9th, Psalm 121, “My eyes will I to the hills lift up.”

10th, Psalms 98 & 96, “Oh sing unto the Lord a joyful song.”

What possesses a soul that wants to assault and topple another? Why delight in taking down someone weak and unhealthy? Why have so much more than others and crave for someone else’s crums? Why house ill thoughts in the heart? (3-4)

Do you know that this person whom your heart curses finds rest in God? (1) Look and see, if you dare, that their salvation is in Jesus, the rock. (1-2) He is their fortress. (2) Though you may succeed in destroying the faithless, this man of faith can be killed, only to be resurrected in power and glory. “I will never be shaken”. (2)

Many have gone out into the gospel mission field on the prayers and support of the church. Not enough said, “Here I am, send me,” (Isaiah 6:8) to the great commission. So God is bringing multitudes across the border to our cities, towns, and villages.

Some are sinners intent on prospering through oppression and crime; a punishment for our unfaithful Messianic testimony. Others are desperate. Some have become victims of evil. All need to hear the gospel of Jesus and witness the love of Christ.

Corruption looking for votes has supplied the possibility of revival. “The harvest is plentiful. But the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2) “Here I am. Send me, your worker into the harvest field.”

David’s faith in God is his assurance that God listens, accepts vows, and gives those who fear God an inheritance. David believes in eternal life. David believes in the Messiah who will come and live for generations and dwell in God’s presence forever. Jesus said, “I and the Father are One.” (John 10:30) And, “No one has seen the Father except the Son who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.” (John 6:46-47) God’s love and faithfulness protect a man of faith such as this.

The circumstances for this short psalm are not given though some scholars link it to Psalms 42 and 43 (one psalm split in two). Others point out that since a king’s long life is asked in verse 6 it may refer to David’s emotional and mental state when his son Absalom attempted to gain the throne through David’s murder (2 Samuel 17:21-29). Later Jewish interpretations applied this psalm, especially considering verses 2 and 6 to the Messiah, and many in the church point out that this psalm is fulfilled in Jesus, David’s great Son.

David, the author states that with a faint heart, he is crying out to God from “the ends of the earth”. He may be at a cliff edge on the heights of Mount Hermon (Mount Mizar) as mentioned in Psalm 42:6. Poetically David envisions himself at the edge of Hades, the existence of the dead in the depths of the earth (63:9). His heart is so faint that it will stop beating. The heart in the Bible is the center of the human spirit, from which spring emotions, thoughts, motivations, courage, and action. The wellspring of life (4:7, 23). David is at the end of his life trek.

David asks God to miraculously take him higher, to a high rock. God is most commonly referred to as a rock of refuge in the Psalms (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 18:2, 31:2; 71:3). For David, heaven is like the tent of meeting that he put The Ark of the Covenant in. David wants to be taken to God’s lodging, where he can be forever. That would happen later because David had faith in the Lord Jesus.

When I am driven either physically or metaphorically to the ends of the earth I need to turn to Jesus who is my rock of salvation and hope of deliverance. One day I will be with him forever. Until that day my hope is in the eternal divine presence to come. “He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18:10)

The fact that this psalm is a corporal lesson to be learned and used by future generations of God’s people is in the use of “us” and “your people” throughout the psalm. What is another lesson the people who have angered God and repented because they fear him are to learn?

David and later future kings of God’s people asked the rhetorical questions for the people and before the congregation of Israel, “Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?” Kings normally lead the soldiers to the battlefield. However, David teaches through the answers that follow the questions that the Lord leads the army of men who fear the Lord. God is the banner they follow into battle (4), not the nation’s banner. Later the Lord Almighty told the prophet Zechariah to tell King Zerubbabel, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Jesus taught a seldom mention truth that parallel’s this lession. “There were some present (while he was teaching) at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them–do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'”
“Then Jesus told this parable: ‘”‘A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”

David prayed (5) and then confidently spoke of the Lord his God and the God of Israel’s victories (6-8). He knew that God would deliver his people because the Lord purposely and precisely told him of the results of the coming victories against neighboring enemy nations. David was reassured by the word of the Lord Jesus. Jesus’ words recorded in the Bible are a reassurance to me. Though attacked, victory is definitely on the way.

The play on the names of cities and territories is significant to David. I read of them, but will not go into detail now. For example, some were once the holds of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul. Now they are David’s who returned them to the rightful owners according to Moses and Joshua. The places named were on both sides of the Jordan River given again to the rightful tribes. Jacob landed in and settled in Shechem when he returned to the promised land after having many children (Genesis 33:17-18). Now Israel reclaims the land from other nations because of assured victories at the right hand of God.

The first teaching is thus the Lord God gives, takes away, and then returns. He always keeps his promise. Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21)

The psalm’s title states that this was written as a teaching tool. Israel was attacked and lost the battles. The eventual victories are recorded in the parallel historical accounts 2 Samuel 8:3-14 and 1 Chronicles 18:3-12 (perhaps also 2 Samuel 10). However, the victory is not how this teaching psalm begins. Actually, only the title states that they won the battles. This teaching psalm never states they won. It only ends with the hope of victory through the Lord God.

Rather, than being an account of victory, the psalm teaches that the Lord their God was angry with Israel. The exact reason he was angry is not indicated because it is unimportant to the lesson. The main teaching point is that the Lord was angry with them and yet, his covenant bond with them was not broken. God rejected them momentarily. Desperate times came. Defeat is interpreted as a sign of God’s anger. Yet, as a good loving parent can be angry with their child’s misbehavior, so the Lord Israel’s God was angry with his child Israel.

Psalm 30:4-5 states, “Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” And as Jesus taught, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4) When rebuked by my loving God I need to morn and pray. Those who fear God will see his banner of hope (4).

David wrote in verses 9-10a, “O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” Then in verse 17, “O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.” The only different words are “watch” and “sing”; “shamar” to “zamar” in Hebrew. He was playing with words, perhaps to emphasize faith that brings the deliverance and salvation of his God.

Jesus often praised people’s faith. “Your faith has healed you,” was often repeated (Matthew 9:22; Mark 5:34, 10:52; Luke 8:48, 18:42). The first definition of faith in the AHD is, “Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing.” Hebrews 11:1-2 defines it this way, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Then the rest of the chapter gives many examples.

My faith in Jesus is not a crutch or a scapegoat. Rather, it is a strength that makes me well. Faith in Jesus is what gives me eternal life. I am sure that Jesus is the Creator Word who came in the flesh as Immanuel God, died for the forgiveness of my sins, rose from death on the third day, and ascended to heaven where he sits at the right hand of God. I believe he will come again, transform my body to be like him to be with him for eternity in eternal bliss. Jesus is my fortress and my loving God. He is my strength that delivers me from my enemies, the dogs that prowl about the city outside my home every evening howling unsatisfied.

Can the evildoers and bloodthirsty be witnesses to the truth and Jesus? Anything is possible with God. Perhaps they will submit to the grace and truth of Jesus with a confession of faith, like Saul, who became Apostle Paul, or Peter who fell before Jesus after the great catch of fish. “Go away from me Lord for I am a sinful man,” Peter prayed (Luke 5:8).

David believed that even if they did not repent, all the earth could know that God ruled over Jacob because of what would happen to the unrepentant if his prayer was answered. (13) He prayed that they would not be killed, but rather wander homelessly about the earth becoming a reluctant witness to God’s faithfulness to his people. (11) Either way David asks God not to allow the enemies to escape the full consequences of their malice (12-13).

The choice is mine. Will I submit to the grace and truth of Christ? Or will I become a wandering homeless man? Will I speak words of kindness and truth? Or will I be a blaspheming liar and gossip? Hosea 9:17 says, “My God will reject them because they have not obeyed him; they will be wanderers among the nations.”

One final mighty thrust and the First came through the door. The increased moonlight entering the cabin illuminated splinters flying in the air. The rush of fresh oxygen made the coals in the fireplace flash bright enough to make it hard for the First to see. He paused at the threshold to allow his eyes to focus.

The pause in the action allowed me to see one of the wolves that haunted me night after night and day after day like I had never seen them before. In the past I only caught glimpses of them; their teeth, their shiny fur, their muscular legs and sharp claws, their glowing eyes and their flaming nostrils, the pointy ears that crown their triangular heads, and the stank damp breath that came from their mouths. How I hated, feared, and revered the wolves.

As I sat there cowering in my corner I marveled at something that I had never seen before. The four legs of the First were attached to a board and his body was as stiff as the board. I shouted out loud in fits of self rage and excitement, “The wolves were taxidermies and the boards that they are mounted on are held by two large hands!”

My shout caught the wolves’ attention. The First quickly turned toward me. I panicked as I grabbed my rifle. I used this rifle every time the wolves came. It was the lamest rifle one could imagine. Its barrel was made of coiled leather and it contained no stock. If I wasn’t careful the barrel would go limp and fold down. The only way to make it stiff again was to snap it like a whip.

I snapped it and shouted, “Bang, bang! Crack, crack!” There was no need to load it because it fired imaginary harmless bullets. My only weapon against the wolves for all this time was a fake rifle, imaginary bullets and a loud cry, “Bang, bang! Crack, crack!”

My rifle and bullets did no harm to the wolves. It only scared them away. I knew the truth. My weapon was useless. So, the fear I had most was that one day the wolves would learn my defenselessness and kill me for the deception.

Yet, now I had just learned, the wolves had a deception of their own. They were not real. Sure, they were real in the sense that they could be sensed and feared. But they were not real wolves. Perhaps at one time they were real. But now they were dead and mounted on a piece of wood. Their only mode of transportation was someone else’s hands.

The relief I felt at the discovery was short-lived. With my cry, “Bang, bang! Crack, crack!” the First learned of my location. He turned and showed his death. In new fear and anxiety, I snapped my rifle and shouted, “Bang, bang! Crack, crack!” My deception worked again. The First turned and exited through the front door.

“Sun will be rising soon. Light will come and the wolves will go. I’ve lived to escape another night of fear.” Some relief came to me and some time to think.

“They are not real! They are not real! Why then be afraid?” A glimpse of confidence entered my heart. More confidence than my rifle and bullets gave me. “The wolves are not real! You are not real,” I shouted out with all my remaining strength.

“Crash!” Glass flew from the window before me. The wolves had broken down another barrier between me and them.

“First the door, now the window. I’m dead for sure!” The greatest fear I had ever known since the wolves started to come entered my heart. “I’m dead for sure!”

“You reek of fear and anxiety,” the one who crashed through the window sang.

Just as I was about to close my eyes fearing the worst, the new morning light coming from the rising sun blinded me.

Then came a pause, a silence, a stop in the action. When I opened eyes again the wolves were gone. The window I looked out of was different. Not only was it not broken; it was not made of wood. It was made of plastic. The next thing I noticed was that I was not sitting in the corner. I was in my bed. I was not in the cabin’s bed. I was in my house’s bed. In fact, I had no cabin at all. I had been dreaming again.

I got up to relieve myself and drink water from the bathroom sink. The dream was so vivid. My fear of the stuffed wolves was so great. How could I forget a dream and feelings like that?

When I set down the glass of water a thought was spoken into my mind, “Why do you fear and have anxiety over things that are not real? Why are you anxious when I am around? I, the Lord Jesus am your God always. You have nothing to fear, nothing to be anxious about. I am your protection. With me, the wolves are not real. Be safe. Be still. Find pleasure and comfort in me.”

I considered those words. I thought about my fears and what made me anxious. Yes, in Jesus they are not real. Sure, they are real in that they could be sensed and feared. But they are not real because in Jesus they are dead. Once they were a real threat. They could have killed me. Yet, now in Jesus, they are dead objects manipulated by the Evil One’s hands and he cannot touch me. He can only wave dead objects of fear and anxiety at me. In Jesus I am safe.

Time was unimportant until the wolves came. They made themselves a clock. They told me it was time to fear, time to fight, and time to stay awake. They disrupted my night and my day. They made havoc on my schedule – what little of one I had before they came. The wolves made it unpleasant to live in the woods. They made it unpleasant to live at all. Soon they will come and tell me the time of day, like a grandfather clock clanging against the wall.

I hate the wolves. Yet, I’ve relinquished that nothing can be done about them. Physically they come in the silence of night just before dawn. Mentally they stay with me all day long.

I hate the wolves. They control me. They take the pleasures of life from me. They threaten to end my life.

“Why don’t you leave?” you ask.

“Because I can’t. There is no way to leave; no way to escape. I do not know where to go or how to leave.

I tried to leave, several times. It is a long and winding trek out of the wilderness where the wolves live, many days and many nights. Eventually, each time I tried to escape, I was reminded of the wolves and lost my way out. No matter how hard I tried, I would eventually think about the wolves while hiking my way to freedom and revisit the fear and dread they bring. When I awoke from those awful day-mares I would discover that I was lost. The path out of the wilderness was lost.

I was lucky I suppose. Each time I tried to escape only to get lost, I found my way back to the cabin. Cabin? No, not a cabin. This place once a haven of leisure and pleasure has become a dark dank cell. Yes, I am trapped here in this wooden jail in the middle of the wilderness; just me and the wolves.

There! Do you hear it? The first sound, the first hint that they are out there, the beginning. “Who can hear us?” is how they reveal their appearance. I know the meaning. They are saying, “Neither the fearful man nor God can hear us. So we may speak and act what we think fit.” They encourage each other with their evil plans for me.

I whispered, “God I hate the wolves. Why won’t they leave me alone? Why do they keep coming? What wrong have I done? What ill did I do to deserve the wolves?”

I stood and looked out the window, shaking my fist as I shouted, “I hate you wolves! Die be damned you! Die!”

I stopped, shivered, stepped back out of the window, pressed my butt against the couch, and looked down. That was a mistake. My battle cry told them I was here and ready to fight. They love a good fight, the wolves do. I suppose that’s why they have not kill me yet. Without me, they would not have anyone to fight, to harass, to maim, and to bring fear. They love the smell of fear, and I reek of it.

Discouraged I sank to the floor and whispered, “Damn you for sweating fear.” Once again I lean against both walls, hiding in my dark dank corner.

I lowered my head scolding myself, “What have I done? I’ve given them a battle cry. Now they’re singing it with their hunting cry, ‘Sweating fear, sweating fear. Now he’s sweating fear. Still and rank. Still and rank with sweating fear.’ Damn.”

I pulled my thoughts together, searching for sounds. The First was standing alone just outside the door. I could hear him breathing. He was the bravest and the strongest, which says a lot because all of them are stronger and braver than I. I could hear him breathing the smell of my fear. The rest were pounding the ground as they were running around the cabin. They are howling, “Sweating fear, sweating fear. How he’s sweating fear. Still and rank. Still and rank with sweating fear.”

A thought came to me; a ray of hope; a cleverly devised plan. I crawled over to the door so only the First could hear me; just he and I would have words. I made sure to keep myself lower than the window. I did not want the others to see me crawling over to the First.

When I reached the door he sniffed deeply. He knew I was there. He could smell my fear and anxiety. For him it was no better place to be; an inch from me, smelling me through the thin cracks in the door.

Softly and cockily I spoke to him, the First one, “I know something about you. You are brave and strong. You love fear and you love to invoke it. If fear were meat you would live forever on it. But there’s something else I know about you. You are brave and strong because there are many of you. You always come in a pack you wolves do. If there was just one of you, then things would be different. If it was just you and me the tables would be turned. You would not be brave. You would not be strong. You would stink of fear. You would reek of anxiety. You would be hiding in this jail and I would be on the outside smelling you.”

With ferocity, the First smashed into the door. The door splintered and cracked. I slid away from the door. Then I knew I was wrong. Even if there was just one wolf and it was he, he would be on the outside and I would be on the inside sweating fear, sweating fear. Now once again I am sweating fear.

The First licked the door. I scurried into the same corner that I was in before. Banishing myself I thought, “Damn you for challenging the Wolf. He will make game of you tonight. Perhaps you will die.” Fear and anxiety poured off my brow.

The wolves control me. They are my clock. I hate the wolves.

Finale tomorrow.

I sat on a cold floor with my right shoulder against one wall and my back against another. I surveyed the surroundings. I was in a long one room log cabin. I noticed how it portrayed my circumstances.

The cabin was lit by eerie moonlight. The window to my right and in front of me was the only window that allowed the full moon’s shine to enter the room. Each wall had two windows with the exception of the wall to my right. In the place of my wall’s second window was a closed wood door. A few small slits between the door’s boards allowed a little more light into the cabin; not enough to give comfort, enough to reveal my location.

The bottom half of my window let a light breeze flow past and through sheer window dressings. The breeze carried a strong scent of pine and moss. The window’s dressings were the only motion in the room besides my rapidly pulsating chest.

The cabin was furnished with rustic furniture. To my left was a couch made of varnished logs and thick, fluffy violet cushions. The couch was paired by a chair. Between the pair was a small end table comprised of logs and an old crate. On the table sat a just-emptied kerosene lamp and a stack of misaligned hardback books that could give my mind an escape if there was no reason to stay alert.

The center half of the far end of the cabin consisted of a stone fireplace. Red coals slowly increased and decreased in luminescence. The coals shed little light on a very old rocking chair placed before the fireplace. Over the fireplace were two five-point deer antlers. I dared not expose my location by rekindling the fire.

In the left corner of the same wall that contained the fireplace, I saw the silhouette of a small unused bed. The bed was made of logs and covered with an unseen quilt and a long pillow. I longed to enjoy the bed and the comfort of sleep that it used to bring. Yet, I longed to but dared not walk to it, lay in it, and fall asleep.

Although the right corner of the opposite wall was dark I knew that it possessed a tall dresser and a small desk. I wished the desk contained a radio, a phone, or some other means to call for help. The only thing it contained was blank sheets of paper. Writing a letter for help would do no good. The closest post office was so far away I knew not where it was. I would remain alone.

The corner opposite the couch next to me contained a black iron stove, a small porcelain sink, a small wash tub, and a small wood table with two wood chairs. The silhouetted iron stove was the only item visible in that corner. It looked like a frozen soldier. Why couldn’t he come to life and fend for me? He would not. I would have to fend for myself.

The only other items in the dim room were wood shelves that lined the upper ends of all four walls. The shelves contained canned food, dishes, kerosene, rifle shells, traps, fishing gear, an ax, and other items necessary for an extended stay in the wilderness. It seemed that I had prepared for everything. I had not.

Fear, anxiety, and weariness caused me to stink of sweat. Was it the rank dampness in the breeze? “No,” I told myself. “The potent smell was fear and anticipation.”

My stench was because wolves came every night. For many months they came. They were as regular as clockwork. They became my clock. I purposely did not keep a clock in the cabin. The twenty-four hours in the day did not mean anything to me when I first arrived. I woke up when the first sunlight and the first birds rose. I ate when I was hungry. I worked when needed. I read in a chair on the porch when I wanted to relax. I fished and hunted when I wanted meat. I worked the garden and groves so I could eat vegetables and fruit. I went to sleep when the sunset.

What wrong did David do to King Saul? David did all the monarch asked and more. He was diligent at his army post. He played music for the king when asked. He kept the king’s honor and daughter in high regard. Yet, the king wanted him dead. What did David do besides what the king needed and wanted to deserve the king’s hate?

Power wakes some of the most evil tendencies in the human soul. The thoughts of the low and poor reveal that these tendencies are in their souls, too. If they had power and authority, the hidden thoughts would be put into motion. A good leader who lives in fear of God and love of neighbor is only found in Jesus. And yet he was despised. and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering… and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3) Let not the evil tendencies in my soul eliminate Jesus from my heart today.

How many enemies around me, I do not know.

How many walk beside me, with hands about to blow.

Some smile, others jeer.

They conspire against me, so I hear.

A ruler who hates drives them on.

Though left on their own, evil would not have been sown.

David wrote this psalm when Saul sent men to night watch his house, ordering his murder in the morning (superscription). The details are recorded in 1 Samuel 19. King Saul became jealous of David. His envy molting into the royal authority used for murder. This can personally apply to the innocent who long for God’s protection against unjust power.

Trusting in God when someone who has power and control over my well-being is not easy. Knowing that a demon-possessed person or at least one who is emotionally and mentally unstable swings power like a sword and finds pleasure in destroying others can depress and paralyze. This doesn’t have to be so.

Jesus taught his disciples, “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:12-19)

People who are in the right and yet are wronged by the rulers (1) in this world have a promise that they will be to rulers in the age to come. Jesus used several parables to portray the meaning of these verses; The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-52) and The Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31) are good examples.

Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

David looked forward to the day he would be avenged for the injustices perpetrated by the rulers of his day. Their lies which were like the sharp fangs of a lion, were asked to be broken and pulled out. Rather than taking justice into his own hands, David asks God that the wicked rulers and judges vanish like water that flows away and is swallowed by the earth. He asks the Lord to cause their violent plans to not be implemented to their satisfaction. David wants the Lord’s righteous plans to enable the wicked leadership to melt away like slugs moving on a hot slab of rock. David waited for God to answer his prayers though this meant he had to live in wastelands on the edges of the promised land. God eventually answered his prayer by removing every wicked opponent from the promised land.

When Jesus was falsely accused before the religious and social leaders of his day he did not say a word in defense. (Matthew 26:53, 63; Mark 14:61) He did not call down a legion of angels to avenge him. (John1 8:10-11) Rather, Jesus trusted God, his Father to judge correctly before him and his accusers. Though he had to go through intense pain and suffering he did not raise a hand or say a word to defend himself. Though this led to his crucifixion and death Jesus waited for God’s pronouncement. God, Jesus’ Father loudly proclaimed Jesus’ righteousness by raising him from the dead and placing him at his right hand.

“Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.” (Psalm 37:34)

David wrote this as a fugitive from King Saul’s injustice and abusive courts of law. Even the cities of refuge set up by the Lord through Moses in the covenant were no longer sanctuaries (Numbers 35:6-34). The rulers utilizing the power embedded in courts of law were the mouths, hands, and hearts of unrighteousness, violence, and inequity.

The psalm was applied by the early church to Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-63; John 18:12, 19-24) They took him to one high priest, then another even though the Law commanded that there be only one high priest and he was the only high priest for life. False witnesses came forward with conflicting messages. Disrespect, violence, and intimidation were used against Jesus, the falsely accused. Hate and wickedness poured disgust on the innocent accused. Power fed hate. Hate fed power. Their venomous words are like the venom of a snake.

Jesus promised, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

David began to praise God in song with accompanying musical instruments. His praise was rooted in God’s personal love for him. His praise will not be in a closet or amongst family and friends. He will praise the Lord his God amongst the nations, the world’s people. Strangers, friends, and foes will hear of God’s love in song.

The glory of God is over all the earth. David visited only two nations other than Israel that the Bible records. So, these words are for the eternal future.

God’s love for us is demonstrated in this: “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). God’s personal love for me will be seen if I choose to look for it. Every day, God’s love for me is revealed to me. Often, I do not see God’s love because I am to busy to notice it. More often, I do not praise him when I do notice it. Even fewer times do I sing of his love for me. And sadly, how much do I tell others of God’s love for me? Now is a good time to examine yesterday and this morning to find how God is demonstrating his love to me now. Then later today tell someone about it.

Praising God after praying when the soul and life circumstances are still dark pits is common in the Psalter. Here, the praise is accompanied by common musical instruments in David’s day, the harp and lyre. Miracles happen when danger and destruction loom at every corner and yet I decide to praise God in song.

A few times when my life was at its lowest I did as David and the Spirit of God gave me peace. No reasonable explanation other than the Spirit lifted me can explain what I experienced. David also experienced this. When Jesus taught, “Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7),” one way that I have found this to be true is to praise him in truth and spirit where there is no logical reason to do so. Open my heart and sing praise to the king and he will enter the saddest of hearts.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4) I will awaken the dawn. The Son will shine in.

Verse 4 uses poetry to describe the enemy. They are not wimps. They are like strong and fast lions. They are like extremely hungry beasts chasing their prey. They are a serious threat.

Verse 6 poetically describes the enemies’ plot. David and his small band of refugees were hunkered down in a low cave. With so many men in a confined area, it was hot, humid, and smelly. David was trapped in a small deep cave that was more like a pit. Saul went into the pit.

The verse between is a contrast. David praises God. “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Though hiding in a cave David knows and confesses that God is everywhere. He sings hallelujah.

On the night he was betrayed Jesus ate a last meal with his disciples. The Passover was full of praise, prayer, and teaching. A solemn occasion before suffering that Jesus knew was coming. Often the best times to praise God in in the darkest whole or before the persecution.

The title, also known as an ascription, states that David wrote this psalm when he had fled from King Saul into the cave (1 Samuel 24). King Saul had convinced himself and others that David wanted to “…cut off his descendants or wipe out his name from his father’s family” (1 Samuel 24:21), so he pursued David to kill him.

David and his small band of men fled from Saul when he heard Saul was headed his way with three thousand soldiers. David hid deep in a cave in an area that is still known to have many caves and a major oasis (the west side of the Dead Sea). King Saul happened to go into the cave to relieve himself. David could have killed him. Indeed, his men tried to convince him to do that very thing. David did not want to even hurt God’s anointed king let alone kill him. (1 Samuel 24:6) David spared King Saul’s life.

Instead of heading to his men who said, “This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'” (1 Samuel 24:4) David wrote this prayer psalm.

Using the allegory of night (4, “I lie down”) and day (8, “I will awaken the dawn”) David cried out to the Lord God Most High to have mercy on him. Fitting for being deep in a dark cave. David speaks of how the God Most High, “sends from heaven and saves him and rebukes King Saul (3).

When my life is threatened I must do four things. First, do not do what is wrong. Second, pray to God. Third, have faith while I wait for his deliverance. Fourth, praise him for delivering me.

David is so sure the Lord God will not only hear him but also grant what he is asking. So now, he considers himself in debt to pay his vow to the Lord God regarding what he would do once he is granted his request. Do I owe the Lord Jesus a debt for delivering me from death and my feet from stumbling?

Jesus gave his life freely so I could be pardoned and gain eternal life through him and in him. He said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) He also said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15) As Jesus told the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and forgiven by him, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11)

When someone in the Bible says “Word of God” what did they mean? When someone in a congregation says “Word of God” what do they mean? What is God’s Word for God? What is God’s Word for mankind? What do I think and imagine is God’s Word? David praises the Word of God.

The Bible has much to say about the word of God, and the church as a whole has a statement of belief concerning it. We know that the Word of God is written with letters and punctuation, spoken by people through the Spirit, written on our hearts, and most importantly we know and believe that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-2, 14) Jesus is the Word of God become flesh.

A good monarch in David’s time would have a scribe write a note on a scroll or wineskin to remind him of someone he must reward, help, or punish. It was a royal sticky note reminder in ancient times. David asks the Lord God to record his lament, misery, and wanderings, and allow his tears to wet the scroll in the Lord Jesus’ court. David was perhaps writing this psalm as tears let go of his cheek and wetted the scroll he was writing on.

God does notice when we cry. More than recording them on a sticky note to remember later, my tears are written on his heart.

“I know your tears. I know your hardships. I know your oppressors. They are written in my heart. I experience them with you. Are we not one? Am I now in you? In pain, we are one. You are suffering one with me. As you are buried with me. As you carry your cross and die to yourself with me, you will also rise with me. I will wipe away your tears. You shall sorrow no more.” (Exodus 33:17; Psalm 69:19; Jeremiah 29:11, 33:3; Romans 6:3-14)

David was not the only person who experienced what he wrote in these verses. Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets were also the victims of people twisting their words all day long, sinister plots, conspiracy, and blood hunger. David calls upon the Lord for redress, something he has done before.

Is gossip included in the twisting of words? Have I been the victim of gossip and the perpetrator of gossip? “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.” (Proverbs 20:19) “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (Proverbs 26:20-22)

David trusted in God when he was afraid. Fear is a strong base emotion. David’s fear was not vague; it had tangible facts that awakened the feeling. Saul had tried to pin him to the wall with a spear more than once (1 Samuel 18:11, 19:10). Now King Saul sent out groups of men throughout Israel to find him. When afraid David cried out to God and trusted him.

Some people have fears that are more imaginary than real. For example, the fear of a dark night is based on the unknown. I may hear unknown noises and assume the worst. Fear grows with imagination.

Some have “what if” fears. For example, believing that if they leave their house something terrible will happen to them. They make assumptions based on nothing tangible and so stay in their house.

No matter if fear is based on facts or assumptions and imagination, fear can be overcome. Do I trust Jesus enough to face my fear and say, “No more! You will not have power over me anymore for my God is all-powerful.” As the Lord God told Joshua who was about to go into a mighty country with the small Israeli army, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Four times the Lord said that on that occasion. Repeat and believe.

The psalm was written by David when the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Although the time and related passage (chapter and verses were added centuries later) are not listed in the title, it can be assumed to be between when David fleed King Saul and eventually became king of Judah and later all of Israel.

The passage documenting David’s initial fleeing King Saul in 1 Samuel 21:10-22:2 is the most probable because that is when he was most vulnerable. Also, later when men had begun following David, he found sanctuary with Achish, the king of Gath, and perhaps became a vassal of the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1-7). Eventually when he was king David defeated the Philistines and made Gath an Israelite town (1 Chronicles 18:1)

David’s life had suddenly changed for the worse. He was alone and captured. Men from Saul were hotly pursuing him—all day, every day. He had no place to lay his head and no safety to sleep very long. He was hungry, cold, hot, and dirty. Pride and envy fueled his enemies. His friends deserted him. His family was not safe with him.

David sought the mercy of God. He appealed to God’s character of care for the needs of his children. As the Lord said through the prophet Jeremiah, “Return, faithless Israel. I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful. I will not be angry forever.” (Jeremiah 3:12)

David has confidence that God will hear his cry for justice. He wrote, “Cast your cares (burden) on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Apostle Peter does too. He wrote, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) The concept of “cares” and “anxiety” is like me being given a very heavy load to carry that makes my body scream in pain; one that I can only carry a short distance while my muscles, back, and joints burn in pain.

Jesus invites me to cast my cares on him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Knowing this David firmly decided, “But as for me, I trust in you.”

The wicked, bloodthirsty, and deceitful will not have such comforting help as long as they hold onto their evil ways. They will die and go to the pit of corruption. They will not live eternally in paradise with Jesus as I will.

Words spoken can build up or they can tear down. David’s friend violated their covenant. Now as a crafty tongue slinger, he is using his smooth speech to wage war against David. He intends to humiliate David into exile and take the throne as his own. However, the covenant he breaks will be his destruction, not David’s for he is attacking God’s covenant with David. As Jude wrote, “These men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals–these are the very things that destroy them.” (Jude 1:10)

Among congregations and from the pulpit within congregations I sometimes hear manmade thoughts that should not be taught. I am reminded of Apostle John’s words, “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” (1 John 4:5-6)

I need to remain and be filled with the Spirit for whoever knows God listens to the truth and speaks the truth of the Spirit.

David was being harassed and undermined. Someone he considered a close friend was trying to overthrow him. A person who said nice things to him and then spoke lies about him to others. A traitor hated him for no good reason. One by one more and more people believed the betrayer’s lies till there were many against him.

David’s response was to pray. Like the prophet Daniel, David cried out to the Lord his God three times a day; evening, morning, and noon. He had full confidence that God had and will save him. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11)

The normal lifespan ends when the body can no longer keep itself in working condition (Numbers 16:29). If I eat healthy, keep my environment clean, and keep my body active, I may live a normal lifespan of seventy or eighty years. David did not want the conspirators to live a normal lifespan. He asked the Lord God for amends. He asks the Lord to send them to “Sheol” (Hebrew, similar to grave and hell).

Jesus told a parable about an unnamed rich man and a poor man named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man did not help nor care for poor Lazarus. Self and wealth were his love. He loathed Lazarus. The rich man died and went to Hades (Greek, similar to grave and hell). Lazarus went to paradise where he awaited the coming of King Jesus in comfort.

David’s enemies wanted him removed from ruling and die to see the rich man’s fate in Jesus’ parable. They maliciously sought to see that happen. David prayed for the same for these enemies. The difference is that David did not actively seek to make it happen through his hands. There is nothing wrong with praying for an enemy to repent. And if they continue to resist I can pray for relief from their malice with them ceasing to live. Some may find this countering Jesus’s teaching to turn the other cheek. Yet, David did both. Pray for them to repent and pray for them to cease to live.

The scheme and betrayal of an enemy can be endured, but those of a friend, son, or daughter will trouble the soul and bring illness to the body. One of David’s own, perhaps Absalom’s conspiracy to take the throne is such an occasion. (2 Samuel 15-17) I have had friends, coworkers, and managers turn against me for ill reason or no reason. Occasionally, their actions and words still come to mind bringing sadness and the burden of loss.

Jesus was also betrayed by one of the twelve, Judas. Jesus gave Judas distinction when he was given charge of the money purse. His heart seeking more wealth betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16, 21, 23, 27:3, 5, 9-10) Judas was Jesus’ companion for three years, a close friend. They enjoyed sweet fellowship. Judas betrayed him and Jesus knew it from the beginning. (John 13:21) Jesus knows what it is like to be betrayed by a friend.

David examines the acts of Jerusalem’s citizens. He does not like what he sees. He wants the people to stop their violence, strife, malice, abuse, threats, and lies, but he knows he cannot change the people’s hearts. Prayer is his only resolve. The Lord can confound their speech and confuse the wicked. God can put an end to the destruction. As king, David could attempt to stop the wicked in the city. However, a close friend has undermined his authority in an attempt to overthrow David.

I am just a layman. I have no authority in the congregation I attend. I am just a citizen. I have no authority in the country I live in. I am not wealthy and famous. I have a little voice in society. I too see what David sees. The resources I have to make a change are found in prayer to God and https://www.FreeBibleStudyHelp.com. I pray as David, “Confuse the wicked, O Lord Jesus, confound their speech.”

https://www.FreeBibleStudyHelp.com

When my heart is in anguish and the terrors within grip me, the compulsion to escape, suddenly fly away like a morning dove sits in my heart. David feared a sudden death. Fear and trembling hemmed in. Horror overwhelmed as when the automobile I am driving is about to crash with my children in the back seat. A quick escape to a quiet lonely desert far far away seems good to the heart at times like these. My heart’s desire is wrestling with the mind’s reason.

Responsibilities hold me in place. Others depend on me. They have fears too. They look to me for help. I look to God Jesus. He sustains. He strengthens. He plants my feet on stable ground. He is the reason to stay. He steadies my heart. The Spirit holds me together. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever– the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17) As Jeremiah the prophet wrote, “O my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.” (Jeremiah 8:18)

Times existed when I asked God for something, and it seemed like he ignored my plea, just like David here. Even now, I am asking him to hear me and answer me. By wanting an answer, David and I are saying we want him to grant us what we are asking for.

Sure, I know that he could be saying, “Wait for it,” like Abraham waited twenty-five years. I also understand that he could be saying, “No, you will not be granted what you are asking for.” Yet, like the widow before the unjust judge who neither feared God nor cared about men I am asking again and again. (Luke 18:1-8)

David’s circumstances were perhaps when Absalon’s conspiracy against the king. (2 Samual 15-17) The city is in turmoil. The enemy speaks against David. The wicked stare at him. They revile him in their anger. He calls to God and nothing changes. David remains troubled and distraught.

I am reminded of Jude’s letter, “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21)

David is not invoking a curse on the Ziphites. Actually, the imprecation in verse 5 is not that at all. Rather, it is an appeal to God to redress wrongs perpetrated against the psalmist by imposing penalties commensurate with the violence in accordance with the normal judicial procedure in human court. He wanted justice done by the hand of God. Perhaps in part because King Saul controlled the human courts. Most definitely because he lived by the word of God.

David knew that he who has been wronged is not to right that wrong by his own hand but is to leave redress to the Lord, who says, “It is mine to avenge. I will prepay”. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:19) Therefore, David appeals his case to the divine Judge. (Jeremiah 15:15) He will not be a vigilante. One person cannot be the arrestor, prosecutor, judge, sentencer, and executioner; especially for crimes upon themselves.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman congregation, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

Verse 4 is the pin on which the refrains on each side spin. It pegs the hour and minute hands to the face of the clock as they spin. Verse 4 is the meat of the three-course meal. The center is the confession of hope. The center is the confession of confidence in the Most High God. “Elohim azar” (Hebrew) opens David’s conviction. God is my help.

When trouble spins me like a tornado does a tree, where do I find my anchor? Do I trust in myself for help? Do I look to another? Is my wealth, power, weapons, or creations what I believe will save me?

The Canaanite woman whose daughter suffered terribly from demon possession went to Jesus for help for he had come near where she lived. When Jesus did not answer a word, she kept on trusting in him. She did not give up asking.

The disciples were annoyed and wanted him to send her away. When Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” the woman came and knelt before him, “Lord, help me!” she exclaimed. When he still resisted doing anything she kept her faith in him. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Jesus replied, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Matthew 15:25)

David also eventually saw the Lord deliver him. So he confesses, “The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.”

David was a wanted fugitive for no crime other than having more success than the king. David hid in the vicinity of Ziph, a small city in Judah. (Joshua 15:24; 1 Chronicles 2:42, 4:16, 23:14-15, 26:2) “The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, ‘Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for handing him over to the king.'” (The psalm’s title and 1 Samuel 23:19-20)

David regarded the Ziphites as strangers and ruthless men who sought his life. (3) They did not care that David was innocent and the victim of a king’s jealousy. If they knew David had been anointed to be the next king of Israel, they did not care. They only saw a possible advantage for themselves. Their actions show that their selfishness put them against God’s will.

When David learned of this plot he went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of Moan. Saul followed. (1 Samuel 23:19) David, though an advanced and well-skilled warrior did not fight the king and his men. Instead, he wrote this prayer psalm during the chase. “Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.” (1)

David and his men were on one side of the mountain and Saul and his army were on the other. (1 Samuel 23:26) The Lord heard David’s prayer. He sent the Philistines to raid Israel. The Philistines saw Saul’s insistent fixation on killing David as an opportunity for plunder. This too was the work of God on behalf of David. Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. (1 Samuel 23:19) Always pray. Do not give up. Leave if I must, but always pray and Jesus will hear and answer. He works in ways I cannot.

The straightforward truth is that David confesses that he is like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God while an innocent yet condemned fugitive. When King Saul ordered Doeg to kill all the priests at the Tent of Meeting, Abiathar the high priest’s son who was killed for helping David fled to David for help. (1 Samuel 22:20-23)

Abiathar brought with him the priestly ephod. (1 Samuel 23:6) The ephod was part of a priest’s garment with a breastplate worn over it. The Lord instructed Moses to have it made of precious stones. The ephod was worn when the Lord’s people inquired him. (Exodus 28:6-14; 1 Samuel 23:9-12, 30:7-8) David flourished in hiding because he sought the Lord for guidance. Evil Doeg dwindled as his failing age because he trusted in himself.

The Lord promised, “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him. For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

Trust and hope are similar. The boastful tongue that waggled harmful deceitful words did not make God his stronghold. A stronghold here is one that a person trusts in. Doeg the Edomite revealed that David had fled to the house of Ahimelech the high priest. This led to the death of Ahimelech, his family, and all the priests serving the Lord God at Nog. Doeg grew strong by betraying the priests of the Lord to jealous King Saul. Misplaced trust can lead to destruction.

Every day I live in trust of many things. I trust that my car will start. Otherwise, I would not put my keys in the ignition or press the ignition button to start it. I trust that crossover traffic will stop at their red light. Otherwise, I would stop at every green light I come to. I trust that the food before me is tasty and will not harm me. Otherwise, I would not eat it. Trust is a part of a healthy active life.

Beyond the average daily trusts, it is important to consider where and who I trust for eternal, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. Trust in these will affect my being more than the average daily trusts. Trust in the Lord God is one of the most common themes of the Psalter.

“Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 4:5) “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10) “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)

David speaks an implicit prayer; a prophetic prayer concerning the destruction of a deceitful tongue by the mighty hand of judge Jesus. David without doubts or reservations states what he has learned from studying the Bible. Those who love every harmful word they and others speak will go down to everlasting ruin.

Speaking my mind is not always good for the mind harbors intent for both the bad and good. Controlling my tongue is good. Even better is putting on the new self which is being renewed every day in knowledge in the image of my Creator. (Colossians 3:10) Then my new self will guide the tongue to speak good.

If I am commanded to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind” in Romans 12:2 then surely there is something to do on my part. The first part is to believe followed quickly by opening my soul to Christ Jesus. If I obey, then better for me. But if I do not obey then this implicit prayer will be fulfilled in my destiny. I will be snatched from the land of the living.

David wrote a psalm about corrupt Doeg the Edomite. Doeg was at the house of Ahimelech the priest who was serving before the Lord at the tent of meeting in Nob. Doeg noticed that David was there and saw an opportunity for advancement and self-gain. He reported fugitive David’s location to King Saul and killed all the priests and their families at Nog.

“Then David said to Abiathar the only priest to escape Doag: ‘That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your father’s whole family. Stay with me; don’t be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me.'” (1 Samuel 22:22-23)

Doeg probably believed that life was getting better for him. Perhaps he even thought that his god was blessing him. However, what was happening to him was an opportunity for him to do the right thing. He did not. The momentary advancement would lead to his fall.

Doeg was a disgrace in the eyes of God. Though a mighty man, he was evil. He boasts about his good fortunes and cunning wit. Yet, he was a fool who loved evil rather than good.

Good fortune is not a good measure if I am doing the right thing. Just because things seem to be going the way I want them to, I cannot let that be a measure of my soul. The best measure is the word of God, the Holy Spirt, and a good conscience.

The psalm concludes with a request to God to build up Zion and make it prosper for his good pleasure. Then because of the great mercy of God pleasing sacrifices will be made. David started the psalm confessing his sin and asking for mercy. He concludes by saying that the whole city will present praise sacrifices once restored.

The author of the letter to the congregation in Rome wrote, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Because of God’s mercy through Jesus, I can praise God by living holy and pleasing to God.

Broken heart I have,

pieces of despondency.

Contrite heart I am,

tears of sincerity.

What loathsome acts I committed,

all the result of complacency.

Dig deeper,

build higher,

to hide with shadows of dishonesty.

Sacrifice not I,

God does not desire them.

No burnt offering,

these no pleasure God finds.

.

Broken heart I have,

pieces of despondency.

Contrite heart I am,

tears of sincerity.

These my God look to pleasingly,

guilt before his Excellency.

Forgive me,

pardon please,

in the grave bury all iniquity.

Sacrifice for me,

God did place on the tree.

No more love has he,

then to sacrifice himself for me.

David, the author is asking for not only forgiveness but restoration. He is asking for his will to do what is right made better than before. He does not want to repeat this error. He promises that once the Lord does this he will teach other transgressors of the covenant the Lord God’s ways. He will be a mentor to the young fool. He will help sinners turn back to God.

Apostle Paul wrote the congregation in Colossae, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15-17)

David sinned. David experienced the weight of guilt. David’s sin was exposed. David lost a steadfast spirit. David lost joy and a willing spirit. Sin devastates a believer in Jesus. The consequences of sin should not be ignored.

David asked God to create a pure heart in him. “Create” is “bara” in the original Hebrew. David wants God to make something new that cannot emerge from what now is and which only God can fashion. He sees the flaw of the current heart, which is prone to sin. A heart that is now unclean. David is asking for a pure heart. A pure heart that experienced the delights of the Holy Spirit.

David personally knows what happened to Saul when the Holy Spirit left him because of sin. He saw the degradation and decadence that turned evil towards everyone he loved and loved him. He saw an evil spirit replace the Holy Spirit in Saul’s soul. (1 Samuel 16:1, 12; 2 Samuel 7:15) The essence of the Holy Spirit is everything to Jesus people. As Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11)

Asking for forgiveness can be hard because admitting I need forgiveness is not. Needing forgiveness from another is hard because it means I have to accept and confess that I committed wrong towards the casualty. Saying, “I am sorry. Please forgive me,” can be the hardest five words because of pride. Dependence on God’s grace is as worldwide as pride and guilt.

David, a man who had been called “A man after God’s heart” is asking for God’s pardon. He wants absolution for a series of covenant violations. He wants to be restored to how it was before.

The forgiveness of sin in the Bible is the removal of guilt and the result of covenant violations against God. Forgiveness of sin is only possible because of the grace and mercy of God. The Most High God sent his one and only son to pay everyone else’s penalty for their sin. As Apostle Peter said at Pentecost, “Jesus Christ of Nazareth… Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

There is a nature within that possesses, controls, and destroys the self. All have it and all deal with it differently. First this way; then that. We stare at it, then we look away. We laugh with it, then we cry with it. We always are repulsed by it and so we hate it. We do not understand it and seldom own it as our own, the wicked companion I own from when I came forth from my mother’s womb.

When we realize its ever existence in the hidden places of the soul, we react differently to it. Sometimes denying its existence. Other times ignoring it. Sometimes trying to subdue and control it. Other times embracing it to sink ever deeper into despair and ruin. Is this not what happened to David starting from when he decided to stay home from war and saw the naked beauty bathing on the roof?

David had been seeking the heart of God for many years. The relationship he had with the Lord God was significant to him. He had practically expressed his faith in God many times in his life. Then he broke the covenant with God in several ways. He tried to cover up his sins. But the Lord God sent the prophet Nathan to expose David’s sins publicly. Night and day David thought about his sin. Guilt burned his conscience showing true the statement, “God is true and every human a liar.” (Romans 3:4)

Conscience is a reality that cannot be accounted for in science without God. Conscience is the awareness of a moral and ethical aspect of my conduct. I take my action and compare it to a standard known in my heart. All souls created bear the elements of right and wrong, truth and lie, righteousness and sin. David’s conscience witnessed to him, even before Nathan publically exposed that David had sinned against God.

Apostle John wrote, “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:19-20) When sensitive and active in judging past acts, the conscience is said to be “good”. The author of Hebrews asks for believers to pray for him so that he may keep a “clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” (Hebrew 13:18) For by continuing in rebellion to God through sin we can burn the consciousness till nothing is left but ashes. The Lord God through prayer, meditation, forgiveness, and living in fear of God through practical application of the word restores life to a dead conscience that I may life righteously.

The quality of life and the quantity of living is at risk. A negotiation has commenced. Some envision this as a court of law where two adversaries stand before a judge. The prosecutor presented his case and the judge determined the accused guilty beyond any reason of doubt for the accused admitted their guilt. The law is clear. Now the court listens to a plea before sentencing. However, I am regarding this psalm as two lovers sitting next to each other discussing the one’s violation of their marriage covenant.

King David committed adultery and arranged the death of the adulteress’ husband to hide his sin from his family, peers, and the nation. (2 Samual 11:1-12:25) David violated the covenant with the Lord God who had called him to be king of Israel while he was a boy serving as the family shepherd. David violated five of the covenant’s ten commandments the Lord had with Israel. (Exodus 20:1-20; Deuteronomy 5) Moses warned, “Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33) David did not walk in the ways of the Lord his God. The quality of his life and the quantity of living is at risk. Their covenant agreement is clear.

God’s love is the one binding thread David is holding on to save him. David is asking for a complete and absolute pardon. “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (2) How will the lover that he violated with five sins of their covenant respond? David’s quality of life and quantity of living is in the power of the Lord God.

God gives the people who forget him an ultimatum. Forgetting God means a person is aware that other people are religious and they give the impression that they are religious. However, God is not in their heart nor a consideration in their plans and interactions. God is telling such people to consider what he is saying in this conclusion or they will meet a terrible end. If they do not change their hearts they will be like the ship that runs against a rocky shore. They will be torn to pieces. I consider Jesus’ warning similar to that in Matthew 11:20-24.

The ultimatum is in verse 23. Verse 23 is similar to verses 14 and 15, except it gives a promise. “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” If I express gratitude and honor to God in tangible ways I also prepare the way for God to show me his salvation. I will get to know Jesus the Messiah whom God raised from the dead. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The Most High God addresses the wicked just as Jesus addressed his day’s religious and social leaders. Every generation experiences the powerful and swift flow of hypocrisy and mundane Christianity. I need to become alert and swim to the firm shore of reverent thankful faith lest I be swept and forever lost into the sea of the forgotten where I will remain isolated forever sinking ever farther into deep lonely depression.

If I hate the Lord Jesus’ instruction, casting his words behind me as I move toward the dark sea I become the company of thieves and adulters who rob what is good and right. What right do the beds of thieves and adulters have claiming the covenant of Jesus’ blood? I cannot have the one and the other at the same time.

If I call Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what he says, does this not mean that I am the wicked hypocrite in this psalm? If I do not love as Jesus loved, then am I one with him? What do I harbor in my heart as mundane Christianity pulls me ever closer to the salty waves of the vast sea? Is the person who moved next to me an invader or a possible lost soul I can witness to the love of Christ? Has a thief and adultery moved next door because I am one too? Will Jesus rebuke me to my face as he did the mundane religious leader of his day? The time has arrived when I must begin swimming.

The Most High God presents three acts that are expected of Israel. These acts are not hard. They are not an intense labyrinth or maze that transpires. They are not some deep mystery to discover with intense study of the Bible in its original language or some other ancient rare script. These acts are not the mystic rights of some secret cult or social group. What does the Most High God ask? Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows, and call upon him in the day of trouble.

A thank offering is giving something to the Lord God that expresses thankfulness and gratitude. (Leviticus 7:12) I consider all that Jesus has done for me; the work of his hands in my day-to-day life, the redemption of my soul, the blessings upon blessings. They are many, not few. They are right and good. They are only for my benefit. They are an expression of his love for me. I am grateful. Thank you should be expressed as he expresses his love toward me.

The vow for Israel was expressed at Mount Sinai under the covenant they made with the Lord God. A vow for me is the covenant of the blood of the Lamb. Jesus often taught that the new covenant was like the covenant of marriage. I am betrothed to Jesus. I am awaiting the return of the king-bridegroom. I am to keep my lamp lit with love, faith, hope, and expectation as I live the life he has prescribed in the gospels and letters of the apostles.

Calling on the Lord God in the day of trouble seems so easy it is natural. However, is it natural for me to actively rely on him with prayer and petition? It seems to me it is more natural to turn prayer time into habitual mindless and heartless action. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7)

God has come to Mount Zion in splendor to make his case against Israel. He will now testify against them.

Yes, they were sacrificing animals as prescribed in the covenant law given through Moses. The covenant the Lord God had with Israel was two-sided. He would be their God and they would live according to the good way people were originally designed to live. This is the sum of the covenant. Their part included offering sacrifices to him. This they were doing.

However, their intent was wrong. The reason they offered was wrong. They began believing that God needed the animals they were sacrificing. The Israelites believed the Lord God needed to eat animals for sustenance. This was a wrong concept and understanding of God and the reason they were to present offerings to him. The animal sacrifice system was not for God’s benefit but for their benefit. Mankind has a deep need to offer to God. It is good and it is right.

Sacrifice and offering are the physical elements that worshipers bring to God to express devotion, thanksgiving, and the need for forgiveness to God. Tithing is an offering that was before, during, and after the sacrifice system presented through Moses was given as part of the covenant Israel had with the Lord God. Noah made an offering. Abraham, Issac, and Jacob made offerings.

Jesus’ teachings included offering. The cleansing of the Temple (John 2) came about because people were selling animals and birds for the various sacrifices within the Temple precincts. These people had allowed the “business” of sacrifice to overwhelm the spiritual nature of the offerings.

God sacrifices too. He sacrificed his Son, Jesus for the redemption of my soul. In fact, all the human sacrifices in the law given through Moses point to God sacrificing his one and only Son. In this is the deep need for sacrifice. Sacrifice is part of a loving relationship with another.

The Might One, God, the LORD has come to judge his people. He is dressed in white for the occasion, full of splendor. When Moses presented Israel the covenant the LORD made between him and them on Mount Sinai, Moses called the heavens and the earth to be the witness of the covenant. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 31:28) Now on Mount Zion the Lord is about to judge his people to see if they kept the covenant. God will not be silent during the judgment. He will speak his case. The Lord does as Moses did. He summons the heavens and the earth to be the witness. (4)

Covenants are a central, unifying theme in Scripture. (Genesis 9:8-17, 15:9-21, 17, Exodus 19-24, Numbers 25:10-13, 2 Samueal 7:5-16, Jeremiah 31:31-34, etc.) God establishes covenants with individuals, the nation Israel, and the new covenant established by Jesus the Messiah. Covenants are similar to human treaties and commitments in human economics, politics, and relationships.

Jesus’ new covenant is a one-way special contract. The covenant was sealed in his blood and body spent on the cross. During the Last Supper, “he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:27-29)

Now, “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (Corinthians 11:26) And he will come, stand on Mount Zion as the psalm prophesies and examine the people of his church to see if they kept themselves pure.

Asaph, the author of this psalm was the Levite musician King David appointed to serve in the Tabernacle until the Temple was completed. (1 Chronicles 6:39) He was the father of the clan of Temple musicians who served throughout the history of the Temple – Solomon’s and the rebuild. (1 Chronicles 9:1, 15, 15:19, 16:7, 37) Musical service including writing psalms is considered prophesying. (1 Chronicles 15:1-7) Prophesying is being carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21) The entire book of the Psalms derives from the intervention and leading of the Holy Spirit upon unique individuals.

Asaph’s first psalm to appear in the book is noteworthy because it uses seven names for God, three of which are in verse 1. God having several names is no different than me. I have a first, middle, and last name. My family and friends call me by a shortened version of my first name. I even have a secret confirmation name.

The Hebrew “El” is the first name of God to appear in this psalm. El is a simple base noun for deity in the Old Testament Hebrew (238 times), in Aramaic, Arabic, and used for the high god in Canaanite culture. El implies majesty and power. El is a synonym for the more frequent noun for God: “Elohim”. The English noun God is used similarly.

The Hebrew “Elohim” is the second name of God to appear in this psalm. Elohim is the first name for God to appear in the Bible with the phrase, “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1) Elohim is an interesting Hebrew noun for the “im” at the end implies plural. Yet, the sentence structure of Genesis 1:1 makes it a singular noun implying three-in-one. Indeed, Genesis chapter 1:2 mentions the Spirit of God, Genesis 1:26 has God speaking to himself saying, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…”, and Genesis 2:4 has YHWH (LORD in some English translations).

The Hebrew “YHWH” is the third name to appear in this psalm. YHWH is the covenant name of the God of Israel used more than 6,000 times in the Old Testament. The four letters are only consonants. Reverence for the divine name led to the practice of not writing the vowels because of the Commandments found in Exodus 20:7 and Leviticus 24:16. This led to the practice of not even pronouncing his name at all. Instead, the Israelites began using “Adonai” (Lord in most English translations). YHWH vowels were forgotten millenniums ago. In the Middle Ages Jewish scholars began using the vowels from “Adonai” in between the consonants to help them remember not to pronounce “YHWH”. “Jehovah” is a Latinized form never used by the Jews to this day and wasn’t even a real word in Latin when someone invented it. The true spelling for YHWH is believed to be “Yahweh”, but no one knows for sure.

The action ascribed to God in verse one is that he speaks to and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. In other words, the whole earth.

The author, The Sons of Korah sums it all up, “A man with valuable possessions but without understanding is like the animals that perish.” Solomon adds more insight, “As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal.” (Ecclesiastes 3:18-19) Jesus then warns, “For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37 )

Many spend their time and energy seeking to gain wealth, power, prestige, and more, more, and more for self. Jesus tells me, his follower to spend my time and energy seeking him and advancing the gospel. Compared to the people who seek for self it is equivalent to losing my life.

How can I do this; give up a life for self? With faith that Jesus will keep his promise to me. Do I believe that Jesus will give me eternal life? Do I believe that he knows my needs and will supply them? Do I value him more than the things of this world? Do I understand this law of the spiritual world and believe? Or is my goal in life to gain valuable possessions and life with no understanding of this divine principle?

How can a person know if when they die they will descend below as their body lays decaying in the grave or if they will rise from the dead and eternally see the light of day? These verses give unexpected answers to some preconceived illusions.

If I am born rich and die rich, is this an indication that I am right with the judge of my soul and thus will rise from the dead? No. If I am born poor and die rich, is this an indication that I am right with the judge of my soul and thus will rise from the dead? No. “Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.” (16-17) Whether I prosper or degrade monetarily is not an indication of my destiny after my body ceases to function. Consider the apostles and the prophets.

If I consider myself blessed and am praised by others because I am successful an indication that I am right with the judge of my soul and thus will rise from the dead? No. If I consider myself forsaken and shunned by others for whatever reason an indication that I am right with the judge of my soul and thus will rise from the dead? No. “Though while he lived he counted himself blessed– and men praise you when you prosper– he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.” (18-19)

The grave (Sheol in Hebrew) is personified as a predator, perhaps a lion or wolf. The rich, who were the wicked in previous verses (5-6, 12) are being guided by the predator Grave to itself where it will feed on them for eternity. Like sheep, they do not know that they are led to the grave while they feed in rich lands. They do not contemplate their destiny for they trust in themselves and the riches they acquire.

The wicked rich’s bodies will remain buried while the upright rule over them in Jesus’ kingdom starting at the resurrection of the dead. Jesus promised, “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations– ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’– just as I have received authority from my Father.” (Revelation 2:26-27)

The author in verse 15 makes a personal confession that is common to all the saints. “God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.” Though oppressed by the wicked and do not have great wealth the righteous do have a firm belief that they will be redeemed. As the prophet Daniel recorded, “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:2-3) Do not lose hope.

Death is sure. As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west a person comes forth to breathe the first breath and goes down when they breathe their last. Even if in between the first and last breath the person exhibits wisdom, has great riches, lives as a fool, and makes senseless life choices they die and leave their accomplishments and blunders to someone else. The tomb is an escape room that a person will not find a way out of even if they build an elaborate sepulcher.

Trusting in myself to elude death and find a way out of death’s iron grip is a rich man’s folly. News media reports the beliefs and sayings of the rich and famous. People approve of their words because they believe their success is evidence they are wise. Yet, though their idle owns much grasslands, mountains, and valleys those who ascribe to the rich man’s sayings also die.

The body dies. There is hope for the soul and spirit. Trust in Jesus, the maker and sustainer of life. Believe in Jesus and he will open the door of the grave’s inescapable room.

The price of human life is high. The human soul is precious, each unique and fearfully made. When born all of Adam are slaves of sin and are thus owned by death. All born of Adam sin and thus die. (Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:22) No one is perfect, not even one. Benjamin Franklin and Roy Rogers said, “Nothing is certain in this world except death and taxes.”

Even the richest person ever to have lived does not have enough wealth to redeem themselves from sin and death. Riches cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God that he should live on forever and not see decay though many have tried.

Yet, hope exists for the sinful. Jesus gave himself as a ransom to set free from sins those who are called by God. (Hebrews 9:15; 1 Timothy 2:6) What riches could not do, Jesus did with himself. Jesus proclaimed, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Wealth has the capacity to empower. The empowerment that wealth obtains is mostly used for self at others’ peril. The natural tendency is to place self before others. This shared human nature grows in the hearts of any who entertains it, burning away compassion and love. When given the chance to overpower others most will do so because of fear of loss. The wealthy pride of a fearful soul selfishly distains and destroys others. Evil days come.

People of little means or power are also afraid. Yet, because they do not have wealth’s capacity they are subjective to those who do, those who have little or no compassion and love. Those of little means tend to fear those who do them wrong. Though they do not have wealth means, they do attempt to use means that destroy societies. Evil days come.

The righteous refrain both the ways of the wealthy and the ways of those of little means. Fear is a temptation for the righteous. Yet, because they have faith in an all-powerful God who loves them enough to die for them they refrain from evil ways. So now I ask the question of the writer of this proverb psalm, “Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me– those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?” The answer to this question is in the coming BDBD.

Psalm 49 is like none before it. This is a proverb psalm; wisdom set to music.

Jesus was known to say, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8, 14:35) The prophets also used similar phrases that basically mean, “This is real important. Pay attention. Accept it and live accordingly or else…” (1 Kings 22:28; Isaiah 34:1; Micah 1:2)

Not everything I hear today will be wisdom. Some will be misleading and deceptive. Others will be vicious and poisonous. May my words be sweet wisdom to others.

Verse 4 is the psalter telling themselves that they will turn their ears to wisdom. For me to speak wisdom, I need to listen and follow Jesus’ wisdom. Jesus taught, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33) All true wisdom comes from God. If I reject Jesus’ words how can my words be delicious wisdom?

The psalm ends with an instruction to the people to examine Jerusalem, the City of God, Zion, and the Holy Mountain. They are to consider the fortifications that protect the citizens, God’s chosen people. The entire psalm interchanges images of the city and the God who dwells in and protects the city. The fortifications built into the city are how they can visibly see some of God’s protective measures. However, the mechanism that actually protects them is their God. The Lord Jesus protects for ever and ever. The protection is not inanimate. God guides them in an interactive personal love.

The possessions I have are not to be where my security lies. Money, power, skill, intelligence, wisdom, family, friends, physique, and riches are gifts God gives to enable me to do righteous acts. They are not my protection and security. Later the prophet Isaiah wrote, “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” (Isaiah 49:10) And he wrote, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

Continuing the thought that in the present age the people of God, the church is the temple of God I am reminded to meditate on the Lord God’s unfailing love. The quiet of the morning is a time I have set aside to contemplate the past day and pray to be in his will in the new day. I have slipped from the steps I take during meditation; ask God through the Spirit to guide my thoughts, experience his presence, meditate on his love, his righteousness as displayed in the past twenty-four hours, and his judgment and his leading throughout the past day. This I do after BDBD.

The Israelites went to the temple in Jerusalem to meditate on his unfailing love. Now, with the Spirit of God within I do not need a building. Now, I need a time set assigned and the willingness to commune with God. As David wrote in 26:3, “for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.” And Psalm 113:3 says, “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

When people tell me something is amazing to behold it is not the same as personally witnessing it myself. I often heard of the splendor of the Grand Canyon in my youth. Having never seen a canyon before I did not have much of a desire to go to see it myself. Then when I finally witnessed the Grand Canyon’s splendor I was truly amazed. Before the visit, I had seen the horizon from a mountain and a beach and was impressed. After I stood on the crest of the Grand Canyon during a winter’s morning sunrise I understood and appreciated the beauty of the depth perception it displayed as never before.

The Israelites had heard that Jerusalem, the city of David had been made secure by the Lord God. Their parents and grandparents had told them so. Then when they visited it themselves they could see the thick stone walls and towering citadels. The fortress withstood many attacks until the Lord sent the Babylonians to besiege and attack Jerusalem. The city fell because of the continued sins of his people. So it was proven that the Lord himself had made it secure, not the thick stone blocks. Once he removed his protection the city’s strength was no more.

Yesterday I may have been healthy and strong. It is the Lord who made that possible. Tomorrow I may be sickly and weak. It is the Lord that could make that possible if I do not love and fear him today.

The previous verses reminded me that I am the temple of God for Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within and with my soul. I dwell in God and God dwells within me. He is my fortress as the Lord in the temple in Jerusalem was its fortress protector. When I am weak he is strong. When I am strong he is my strength. (Psalm 142:3-5)

Forces assault me every day. Some are people, some are evil spirits, some are insects, and some are inanimate gimcracks annoying the senses. They can join forces with the intent to drain life and joy from the temple of God.

The Holy Spirit can stifle the assaults for the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Since I live by the Spirit, I will keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26) Full of the Holy Spirit, look up the heaven and see the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. (Acts 7:55) The force of the Spirit is within. The counter-assault will tremble-seize the robbing forces. The Lord destroys them like the ships of Tarshish shattered by an east wind. They will leave and I will live in peace. The Lord Jesus is my fortress within.

The previous psalm has the Lord, the Great Most High God entering his temple on Mount Zion. Beneath the temple is the City of David where the people of Jerusalem lived. The Lord God is praised and worshiped in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem. Though God dwells in heaven and his presence is in all the earth, Jerusalem was the place the Lord chose to meet with his people. It is beautiful because of the Lord. Though Jerusalem is a fortified city with citadels, the Lord is the true fortress.

Since the Lord Jesus died, rose from death, ascended to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in his people, I am the temple of God. Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation in Corinth, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:9) I am scared. I am beautiful. God is my fortification.