Author Archives: Joseph Malekani

Psalm 43 Commentary The psalmist uses legal language where a lawyer pleads a case for the accused. Let God stand on the side of the psalmist against the oppressor. Of course, we are tempted to think of a world without oppressors as a good world. We can easily forget that oppression or injustice is anContinueContinue reading “Psalm 43 Commentary”

Psalm 42 Commentary Water is life. A deer panting for water is panting for dear life. It’s a picture of life outside of God’s presence. It’s picture of how the psalmist longs for God. It’s nostalgia that the psalmist talks about the old days when he went to God’s house to worship. Of course. ButContinueContinue reading “Psalm 42 Commentary”

Psalm 41 Commentary This chapter leaves the New Testament saint feeling uncomfortable. For the strong thoughts of revenge, the saint remembers the word of the LORD that vengeance is of the LORD. For the direct connection between sickness and righteousness, the New Testament saint knows the equation doesn’t always balance that way. And when theContinueContinue reading “Psalm 41 Commentary”

Psalm 40 Commentary “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.” Totally agreed. And this very psalm is one of them! When you read the Book of Hebrews and hear what the Spirit says about this psalm, then you realize our own understanding of much of what we read inContinueContinue reading “Psalm 40 Commentary”

Psalm 39 Commentary The psalmist will do his best to keep away from evil. He keeps quiet to ensure his mouth doesn’t breed trouble. But from his position of apparent “innocence”, more questions swell up within his heart.“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting myContinueContinue reading “Psalm 39 Commentary”

Psalm 38 Commentary The psalmist feels guilty and groans inside his heart. But he also feels sick and experiences physical pain. This is interesting! What kind of sin makes the sinner feel physical pain? This kind of sickness and mental condition cannot be cured by human medical processes. David knows the problem. He has sinned.ContinueContinue reading “Psalm 38 Commentary”

Psalm 37 Commentary A perfect fit for the Book of Proverbs, and supremely enriched by the personal experiences of David, Psalm 37 is a timeless treasure for the household of faith. It is home to a couple of poster verses that have blessed generations of believers down the ages. “Take delight in the Lord, and he willContinueContinue reading “Psalm 37 Commentary”

Psalm 36 Commentary The psalmist simulates the human heart. The first simulation involves the heart of the wicked man. Zero fear of God. Flattery. Deception. Deception eats both at others and at the self. The bad heart deceives itself by claiming that God won’t do anything. Of course, it’s a lack of wisdom. God isContinueContinue reading “Psalm 36 Commentary”

Psalm 35 Commentary The psalmist assumes there is a God who defends the poor against the strong. This prayer works only if, indeed, a God exists who isn’t happy with injustice. The basis for this prayer is yet another assumption that God hates it when individuals pay evil for good. He steps in to correctContinueContinue reading “Psalm 35 Commentary”

Psalm 34 Commentary The psalmist makes bold claims about the LORD, his God. He prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered him. He freed him from all his fears. Further, the oppressed look to Him and are never disappointed. Indeed, these are bold claims. So he invites his audience to “Find out for yourselfContinueContinue reading “Psalm 34 Commentary”