Psalm 54 Commentary Chapter 23 of the first volume of Samuel provides context for this psalm. David is in the Desert of Ziph, while on the run from King Saul. The Ziphites have just blown David’s cover, and he is nearly captured by King Saul. The LORD saves David by creating an emergency somewhere thatContinueContinue reading “Psalm 54 Commentary”
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Psalm 53 Commentary
Psalm 53 Commentary It all starts with the rejection of the existence of God. At this point, you cannot do anything right. It is all evil; “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” It is all corruption and injustice, though having an appearance of goodness or righteousness. Sin is the rejection of the existence ofContinueContinue reading “Psalm 53 Commentary”
Psalm 52 Commentary
Psalm 52 Commentary Chapters 21 and 22 of the Book of First Samuel provide context for this psalm. Interestingly, there is very little evidence in this psalm of David’s real trouble and danger during this time. As a consequence of David’s visit to Ahimelech at Nob, King Saul murdered the entire town on suspicion thatContinueContinue reading “Psalm 52 Commentary”
Psalm 51 Commentary
Psalm 51 CommentaryChapter 11 of the second volume of Samuel comes up first. David has sinned, and he has tried everything possible to cover up his sin. Then the prophet Nathan shows up. We know David has many big sins leading up to this point. We also know the prophet’s message to David. But whatContinueContinue reading “Psalm 51 Commentary”
Psalm 50 Commentary
Psalm 50 Commentary Another courtroom session. The saint goes in first. The ungodly will have their own turn. But first, we have introductory remarks from the Judge.His name is the Mighty One, God, and the LORD. His name is described at length. It relates to the task at hand, judging the people. He summons theContinueContinue reading “Psalm 50 Commentary”
Psalm 49 Commentary
Psalm 49 Commentary Death is one of life’s most troubling riddles. We all experience it. Low or high; rich or poor; foolish or wise. The psalmist will use the harp to ponder this timeless puzzle. Let everyone pay attention. Even the wise die, as well as the foolish and stupid. Verse 10. The psalmist underlinesContinueContinue reading “Psalm 49 Commentary”
Psalm 48 Commentary
Psalm 48 Commentary Save for what Zion stands for, this psalm would be a difficult fit for our hearing. Many saints today have little appreciation of what it meant to have a mountain as a dwelling place. In the days when the mighty ruled and when physical security meant everything, the mountain provided security. FromContinueContinue reading “Psalm 48 Commentary”
Psalm 47 Commentary
Psalm 47 Commentary The psalmist uses different elements of worship in praising the Great King. Clapping of hands, shouting, blowing of trumpets, and singing praises to God. What’s the occasion? What explains the psalmist’s behavior? The LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. It is an acknowledgment of the ruleContinueContinue reading “Psalm 47 Commentary”
Psalm 46 Commentary
Psalm 46 Commentary God is our Refuge: A refuge is a physical place to which you run and seek protection. Protection against the surging seas is available, but only when the individual escapes and becomes God’s refugee. God is our Strength: We can fight off our enemies with the unlimited strength of the LORD. GodContinueContinue reading “Psalm 46 Commentary”
Psalm 45 Commentary
Psalm 45 Commentary It’s not strange to have superlatives used for mortals. “O king, live forever,” is a common superlative frequently used for human kings in the Old Testament. Yes, it’s flattery at best, as no mortal is expected to live forever! But look at it again and see how superlatives reflect a deep-seated humanContinueContinue reading “Psalm 45 Commentary”