Author Archives: Joseph Malekani

Psalm 64 Commentary The very fact that this psalm exists is proof that the psalmist thinks of God as the ultimate authority. He is just. Therefore, he can intervene. Prayerlessness could be evidence that an individual feels they can make it all by themselves. It projects a society where God is distant and uninterested. ButContinueContinue reading “Psalm 64 Commentary”

Psalms 63 Commentary David is in the Desert of Judah. Water is the most important commodity in the desert. What water is in the desert is what God is to David. The graphics used in this psalm draw us to dependence on the LORD. The abundance of water in the city doesn’t diminish its criticalContinueContinue reading “Psalm 63 Commentary”

Psalm 62 Commentary In times of adversity, the saint learns that only God can be trusted. He alone protects and saves the saint. There is exclusivity to the claim. This Psalm uses different terms to describe God: Protector, Savior, Defender, Shelter, Refuge, and loving. These qualities flow from the saint’s needs: protection, salvation, security, shelter,ContinueContinue reading “Psalm 62 Commentary”

Psalm 61 Commentary Verse 2 gives us the picture of a distant David praying for God’s intervention. The ‘ends of the earth’ statement may be a reference to the distance between David and God. Of course, the LORD God is ever with the saint. But we do feel the distance from time to time. ItContinueContinue reading “Psalm 61 Commentary”

Psalm 60 Commentary. You probably want to start this psalm from the introductory notes. David is sitting on Israel’s throne. And he has mounted a successful military campaign that includes Joab’s victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Yet the color of the psalm is more complaining than praise! The tone seems to dwellContinueContinue reading “Psalm 60 Commentary”

Psalm 59 Commentary This time around, David is the innocent one. There is always an understanding within the saint’s heart that innocence must always lead to a prosperous life. But not for David. He is a hunted man, and so for no offense of his. It is always a difficult position when the innocent experienceContinueContinue reading “Psalm 59 Commentary”

Psalm 58 Commentary The psalmist describes his world. It isn’t different from ours. It is dog-eat-dog out there. There is injustice and violence. The term ruler may refer to anyone having authority or some form of power over others. Could be parents, older siblings, superiors at work, church, in the community, or even at someContinueContinue reading “Psalm 58 Commentary”

Psalm 57 Commentary Another hunting expedition. It’s King Saul on the hunt. David is the hunted. Another petition. Another deliverance. Another praise song. In the historical record of the first volume of Samuel, we don’t have the details we have here. These songs were written in real-time. They are raw and flow from a troubledContinueContinue reading “Psalm 57 Commentary”

Psalm 56 Commentary “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Then he is no longer afraid. Then he declares, “What can mere mortals do to me?” The picture is that of a bully pursuing his victim all day. He is self-confident. He trusts his prowess. He boasts about it. He is sure ofContinueContinue reading “Psalm 56 Commentary”

Psalm 55 Commentary David is afraid. Several terms are used to describe his feelings and condition: trouble, distraught, suffering, anguish, fear, trembling, and overwhelmed. He is in danger. The danger is real and present. We always hear things. The things we hear can be a source of many problems. David responds by turning to theContinueContinue reading “Psalm 55 Commentary”