The Lord God is on the move. During the time of Moses, the Lord God moved from Mount Sinai to the promised land, leading his people all the way. During the time of David, the Lord God moved from the household of Obed-Edom to a tent David had pitched in the City of David (2 Samuel 6:12, 17). During the time of Solomon, the Lord God moved from the tent to the newly constructed temple (1 Kings 6:19, 8:3-7, 21). During the time of the Apostles, the Lord God moved from the temple to his people’s souls with signs of a wind and tongues of fire resting on their heads (Acts 2:1-4).
People’s reactions depended on what they believed. The enemies scattered. Using poetic description, David says they were like smoke blown away by the wind and wax that melts before the fire. They were no more, no matter how powerful they were. There was much mourning and weeping when they saw the glory of the Lord and the kingdom of God, and they were not welcome.
The righteous were glad at the Lord’s moving. They rejoiced before God. They were happy. For them, it was a good day. They were treated like orphans and widows, the lowest of society in those days. They were lonely and prisoners for his namesake. They were persecuted, mistreated, and killed by the enemies of God. The Lord is arising to set the captives free.
The psalm is also foretelling a scene when Jesus will come again. The same two reactions will happen again. Jesus will arise and come with righteousness in his hand and judgment on his lips. The enemies of God will blow away like smoke in the wind. They will melt like wax before a fire. While the righteous will be glad and rejoice. Their master, king, and bridegroom is coming to establish his kingdom. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. What will your reaction be
