Psalms

Psalms

Five Books
Book 1, Ps 1 -41; Book 2, Ps 42 -72; Book 3, Ps 73 -89; Book 4, Ps 90 -106; Book 5, Ps 107 -150.
Royal Psalms
2, 18, 20, 21, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 144. They anticipate Christ as King.
Alphabetic Psalms
9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145. They employ some arrangement based on the Hebrew alphabet.
Penitential Psalms
6,25, 32, 38, 39, 40, 51, 102, 130. These psalms breathe deep contrition for sin committed.
Messianic Psalms
2, 8, 16, 22, 45k 69, 72, 89, 110, 118, 132. They preview the person and work of the coming Messiah.
Imprecatory Psalms
52, 58, 59, 109, 140. All these implore God’s vindication of His own against godless persecutors.
Hallelujah Psalms
111 -113, 115 - 117, 146 - 150. These psalms employ the term Hallelujah, meaning ‘Praise Jah (Jehovah)’.
Elohistic Psalms
42 -83. They employ the name Elohim for God. Others use the name of Jehovah.
Ascent Psalms
120 -134. They were recited or sung as the pilgrims went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts

General Comments

Psalms are classed among the five books of poetry, with meter and style different from what we are accustomed. They were written to be accompanied by musical instruments. Many of the descriptive terms show an agricultural or military background. They are written in a way that we can feel what the writer felt. Some were written by David, some by Moses, some as late as the 6th century BC, some unknown.
Many of us have read Psalms for the general blessings or the specific comforts. Some of them stir us to praise and thanksgiving. Some speak prophetically of Christ. He frequently quoted from them Himself. Others correlate with and give added details to portions which appear earlier in the Bible. There are many good commentaries on the Psalms which can give much more detail than the few highlights I will present.
Book 1 (Psalm 1-41)

Psalm 01

Volumes have been written on Psalms, so my comments are brief. It may be that each book section has been organized to have an introductory and doxology Psalm. Psalm One is introductory to the entire book and summarizes the two ways of mankind, the righteous and the wicked.

v 1. From high school days I have seen a direct comparison with known students. As they left the school to walk up town, some gravitated to the less desirable students, and walked with them. After a time, instead of going directly home, they began to stand around outside the drugstore with the company that was not the best. Finally, they sat down in cars or in the drugstore in full fellowship with those who were a bad influence.
This is seen dramatically in the choices of Lot after he left Abraham.
Gen. 13:12 he pitched his tent toward Sodom, walking in their way.
Gen, 14 ge dwelt in Sodom, actually standing around among them.
Gen. 19:1 he sat in the gate, in fellowship with wicked companions.

v 2. The righteous person is not influenced by the undesirable people in verse 1, but instead, he enjoys reading and meditating on God’s Word.

v 3. The righteous are stable like a tree and bring forth timely, appropriate fruit.

v 4. What can be more unstable than chaff?

v 5. The righteous and sinners will be judged and separated as wheat from tares.

v 6. The Lord knows who have put their trust in Him and those who have not.

Psalm 02

This is one of the Messianic Psalms.

V 1-3 Indicate the rebellion of the nations against the Lord.

V 4-6 Show how God responds to those wicked ones.

V 7-10 The Lord makes a declaration concerning Christ as king.

V 11,12 Exhort believers to serve the Lord with fear and they will be blessed

Psalm 03

This is a Psalm of David when he was fleeing Absalom. Thousands of people who followed Absalom were seeking to destroy David, but he cried unto the Lord, v 4, and was given confidence, v 5, to sleep in peace. When he awoke, he gave the Lord all the credit.

Psalm 04

This Psalm of David is closely related to Psalm 3, and perhaps followed up the same occasion. Again he calls upon God. The use of the word “Selah” may have indicated a rest, or change for the musicians. When we read it, that is a good time to say, “Think of that!” In verse 3, David has confidence that the Lord will hear him, so in v 8, he can lay down in peace, confident he is under the Lord’s protection.
“Leasing”, v 2 and 5:6 is lying or deceit.

Psalm 05

v 1-3 This Psalm of David seems to be a morning prayer.

v 4-7 David has confidence in God’s dealing with the wicked, but looks to Him for mercy in his own behalf.

v 8-12. David asks for God’s guidance, and His judgment on the wicked. He calls upon the righteous to rejoice, knowing God will bless and protect them.

Psalm 06

v 1-3. This is one of David’s penitential Psalms, as he recognizes his sins and asks the Lord for mercy.

v 4,5. He asks for deliverance because he cannot praise God in the grave.

v 6,7. David is grieving over a very serious illness.

v 8-10. Apparently his enemies have taken advantage of his weak condition and he rebukes them while having confidence God will hear him.

Psalm 07

v 1, 2. Cush the Benjamite may have been one of those slandering David, and he again asks God for deliverance.

v 3-9. David maintains his innocence and asks vindication from the Lord.

v 10-17. God will defend David and cause his enemies to fall into their own pit, but David will sing praises to the Lord.

Psalm 08

v 1,2. David extols the excellency of God and His strength.

v 3-8. He acknowledges God’s creation, and is amazed that God placed it under the dominion of man.

v 9. David closes as he began, extolling the excellency of God.

Psalm 09

v 1-6. David is singing whole hearted praise to the Lord for vindication and victory over his enemies.

v 7-12. The eternal Lord will judge righteously, so the righteous can find rest in Him. Therefore they should praise Him and tell others about Him.

v 13-20. Either in remembrance or in another danger of dying, David calls upon God for mercy. He again mentions the wicked falling into their own pit, v 15. David has confidence in the destiny of the wicked, v 17. He closes with prayer that will indeed judge the wicked and put fear of Him into them, even in this life.

Psalm 10

v 1. This is a prayer asking God not to delay caring for those who are afflicted.

v 2-11. David describes the evil characteristics of the wicked, and since God has delayed to help the afflicted, they think God does not care for them.

v 12-15. He reminds God that the wicked think they are getting away with it, so he calls upon God to punish them.

v 16-18. David closes with confidence that God has heard his prayer and will not only help the needy, but cause the oppressors to perish.

Psalm 11

v 1. David is discouraged and tempted to flee from troubles, cp 55:6.

v 2. Satan would destroy believers

v 3. David’s concern is ours as we see the approaching condition of our country.

v 4-10. The Lord reigns and knows what is going on. The righteous are being tested, but the wicked will be are doomed to terrible judgment.

Psalm 12

v 1-4. David laments that people who are truly godly seem to have disappeared leaving only hypocrites, and he asks God to destroy them.

v 5. The Lord in some manner assured him that He would rise up and deliver the poor from their oppressors.

v 6-8. David had confidence that the Word of the Lord was totally true, and that God would preserve the needy from the wicked who surrounded them.

Psalm 13

v 1,2. David feels God is ignoring him and allowing the enemy to triumph. This entire Psalm is one which can cause every believer to take heart.

v 3,4. David urges the Lord to rescue him before he dies, which would cause his enemies to rejoice.

v 5,6. David trusts that his prayer had been heard, so he will sing unto the Lord.

Psalm 14

v 1. All who say there is no God are fools, consequently they live corrupt lives.

v 2,3. As the Lord looked down He could see that mankind had become filthy.

v 4-6. The wicked have consistently despised the Jews and believers and think they will never be brought to justice for it. Some think they do God service Jn. 16:2.

v 7. David is longing for the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Psalm 15

v 1. David asks the question, “Who can abide in God’s presence?”

v 2-5. The general answer is, the righteous. He follows with some characteristics of the righteous. v2, They walk uprightly and speak the truth. They don’t slander, harm or discredit others. He shuns evil but honor those who fear God. He keeps his word no matter what. He doesn’t extort (Jews couldn’t charge interest to fellow Jews) or take bribes. These have some comparison to the 10 commandments, which do not save a person, but show where they fail. Salvation is only by faith.

Psalm 16

v 1-8. Verse 1 is a key verse and summarizes that the Lord had kept David safe, so he had come to know and trust in the Lord.

v 9-11. David was confident God would preserve his life and not allow him to decay in the grave yet and God would even show him the path of life and fellowship with the Lord. (we can claim v 11) More important, this part of the Psalm is a prediction of the resurrection of Christ. We have promise of resurrection also.

Psalm 17

v 1-5. In this beginning portion of David’s prayer he asks God to take into account that it is a righteous person who is praying.

v 6-12. In chapter 16, David was confident that the Lord would keep him safe. Now the situation is more desperate, and David is calling out with urgency for the Lord’s protection. The figurative speech in v 8 is impressive, the most unique being the apple of the eye. The eye, and the pupil of it, is one of the most protected parts of our body, and the part we protect most diligently.

v 13-15. Contrary to some who think David was referring to blessing in this life, I believe he is perhaps prophetically anticipating resurrection in the presence of the Lord as we know it from New Testament revelation.

Chapter 18

v 1-3. The superscription of this Psalm informs us that it was written by David after God delivered him from his enemies including Saul. He uses many terms to describe the character of God, and asserts God is worthy of praise.

v 4-29. David reports how the Lord delivered him. In v 6 David called out in distress and God heard. God used earthquake, clouds, hail, lightning, thunder, and floods, and David was rescued by God as though he were drowning, v 16. David had lived uprightly and God had blessed him, as he would others who did.

v 30-50. David is giving praise for God’s character, especially that God’s way is perfect. He stresses that all his deliverance is due to the Lord and His mercy.

Psalm 019

v 1-6. David recognizes God as creator and specifically, the heavens declare clearly day and night to all the world that they are His natural revelation.

v 7-11. David observes that the scriptures are also the revelation of God. This group of verses we sometimes sing with verse 11 as the chorus.

v 12-14. David realized the need of perfect cleansing to be in a right relationship with God. We need to be cleansed of sin before we can approach God in prayer. There was no ceremonial sacrifice for presumptuous sin, sinning willfully. Not only actions, but words and meditations must be acceptable to God.

Psalm 020

v 1-5. It is possible that David stopped at the sanctuary to join the people in prayer before going into battle.

v 6-8. David had assurance that the Lord would enable them to be victorious. He wasn’t trusting in military might but in the Lord.

v 9. The other worshipers pray in unison that God will bring the king back safely.

Psalm 021

v 1-7. This has similarity to the preceding Psalm, but here, David is praising the Lord for victory in the battle. He delighted in the Lord and his desire had been granted according to Ps. 37:3. The reason was that his trust was in the Lord.

v 8-12. The people now address the king as they look for further blessing.

v 13. They acknowledge the victory is from the Lord and sing praise to Him.

Psalm 022 .

v 1-18. Verse 8, trust can be “roll onto” or lean on. David used poetic words to express his emotions, which first was feeling forsaken, then being scorned. The Holy Spirit gave him the words which speak in typology of Christ and his crucifixion. Note the similarities prominent in verses 1: 6-11:13-18.

v 19-21. David petitions God to spare him from death.

v 22-31. David praised the Lord for deliverance, but asked the congregation to praise Him. David will praise and pay his vows, and expects the world to turn to God. Typology here changed to Christ’s resurrection, Jn. 20;17, declare God to the brethren.

Psalm 023

This beautiful Psalm declares how the Lord, the Divine Shepherd looks after his sheep. These descriptions would not fit modern husbandry, but perfectly describe how sheep in old time were dependent and constantly under the Shepherd’s care. God gives this detailed care to every believer. We can take great comfort in this chapter.

Psalm 024

This Psalm of David is preparation for entrance of the “King of glory”, v 7-10. Those who ascend to His holy place must have clean hands and a pure heart, v 3,4. This probably refers to the occasion of David returning the ark of the covenant to the temple in Jerusalem or the return from some victory in battle.

Psalm 025

This Psalm of David is an acrostic, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is a petition for defense from his enemies, guidance and pardon for sins of his youth and later, because of God’s mercy to Israel. We have sung much of it as a song with verses 1, 3, 4, 14, 21 repeated as verses, and verse 2 the chorus after each verse.

Psalm 026

In this Psalm David prays that the Lord will recognize his integrity. He declares that he has kept separate from sinners and has loved and identified himself with the worship of the Lord at the temple. On this basis he asks not to be dealt with as sinners.

Psalm 027

This Psalm of David is of triumphant faith and trust in the Lord in spite of a host of enemies who were seeking his life. He pledges his faith especially in verses 4, 8 and 14. In the midst of this he prays that the Lord will not forsake him, and has a grand assurance in verse 10, that God will be even more true to him than his own parents.

Psalm 028

David prays that he will be kept separate from the wicked, and starting in verses 6 and 7, he gives testimony that the Lord has answered his prayer. Then he prays that the Lord will also care for His people.

Psalm 029

David had apparently witnessed God’s mighty power in a big thunderstorm, and he calls upon even the angels, v 1, to give glory to the Lord. This is contrary to belief of pagans round about who believed false gods controlled storms. Verse 9 is thought by some to mean that hinds calved early in fear, but as a livestock breeder for years, it has long been my observation that if a strong storm system is passing through, there will be a lot more babies born to any of the animals than in normal mild weather. I do not know if this is due to changes in barometric pressure or some other cause, and there may not be a scientific explanation, but many of we farmers have witnessed it.

Psalm 019

v 1-6. David recognizes God as creator and specifically, the heavens declare clearly day and night to all the world that they are His natural revelation.

v 7-11. David observes that the scriptures are also the revelation of God. This group of verses we sometimes sing with verse 11 as the chorus.

Psalm 020

v 1-5. It is possible that David stopped at the sanctuary to join the people in prayer before going into battle.

v 6-8. David had assurance that the Lord would enable them to be victorious. He wasn’t trusting in military might but in the Lord.

v 9. The other worshipers pray in unison that God will bring the king back safely.

Psalm 021

v 8-12. The people now address the king as they look for further blessing.

v 13. They acknowledge the victory is from the Lord and sing praise to Him.

Psalm 022 .

v 19-21. David petitions God to spare him from death.

Psalm 023

Psalm 024

Psalm 025

Psalm 026

Psalm 027

Psalm 028

Psalm 029

Psalm 030

The superscription reads that this is a Psalm of dedication of the house of David, that is, the temple. It is to be sung by all the saints, v 4. God’s anger is momentary, but His love is permanent. Because of this, God’s actions are contrasted in 7 a, where the Lord strengthened David, with 7 b, where He his His face and David was troubled. This would possibly refer to the time David numbered the people through pride and 70,000 of them died, 1 Chron 21:2 and 8, before God extended His mercy. In that case this would be the dedication which followed that.

Psalm 031

This Psalm of David is a plea for protection in one of the many times David was being persecuted. In the opening verses his plea is with confidence, and in v 5, he places himself in God’s hands. He proceeds to mention his many troubles, but in v 15, he expresses turning it all over to God, “My times are in thy hands”. When impatient or even facing death, that should be our resolve. He continues his plea that he be kept from shame, but his enemies with lying lips should be ashamed. He concludes in by encouraging other saints to have courage and to hope in the Lord.

Psalm 032

This Psalm of David though not in that order, is possibly a follow up or companion to chapter 51, when he begs forgiveness for his sin with Bathsheba. He expresses the blessedness of forgiveness in 1, 2, and 7. Verses 3 and 4 express the chastening he went through during the year he refused to acknowledge his sin. Beginning with v 8, he counsels others as though he were God speaking. (He was, by inspiration.)

Psalm 033

This Psalm of joy is believed to be by David, and he calls for believers to praise the Lord for He is right and His works are done in truth, v 6. Breath in that verse means Spirit. Then he goes ahead and tells how the Lord spoke and creation took place. (The word uni is one and verse is word, so universe is one word from God.) Verse 7 speaks of the storehouses which God released in, Gen. 7:6. Verse 12 is inscribed high on the wall in the Missouri state capitol building in Jefferson City. Armies of human strength or horses can not procure the deliverance which the Lord does. Verses 18 -22 are a beautiful reaffirmation of the Lord’s deliverance for those who trust in Him.

Psalm 034

David gave this Psalm of praise upon his deliverance from Abimelech after he pretended insanity, 1 Sam. 21:11. He urges the people to praise the Lord with him, and infers guardian angels, v 7. Then he instructs how to live to expect the Lord’s deliverance. Many precious verses in this chapter.

Psalm 035

This Psalm is a threefold prayer of opposition against David’s enemies.
V 1-10 are a prayer for deliverance from them.

V 11-18 are a lament over their unjust hatred and hypocritical behavior.

V 19-28 are a plea for justice, shame to his enemies, favor to his friends.

Psalm 036

This Psalm of David has three principle divisions.
V 1-4 are a revelation concerning the nature of unbelievers.

V 5-9 show appreciation for the nature of God, note verse 9.

V 10-12 are a prayer for the continuation of God’s kindness and that David’s integrity would not be destroyed by pride.

Psalm 037

This Psalm of David is a reminder not to be frustrated by the prosperity of the wicked, and are similar to Psalms 49, 73, and the book of Job.

V 1-8 urge us to trust and not fret. I claimed verses 3-5 specifically as my promise as I contemplated the possibility of the one who eventually became my bride. A friend facetiously or wrongfully inferred error in this, pointing out that Samson also desired a woman, but she was not good for him. The key to anyone claiming these verses for any reason are in three words, Trust, Delight, and Commit. Samson did not delight himself in doing what was pleasing to the Lord.

V 9-22 point out that the wicked will be justly punished.

V 23-31 in contrast show God’s love and blessing upon the righteous. It should be pointed out that “his way” is not his own selfish way, but he delights in God’s way. The law of God is in his heart, v 31.

V 32-40 show the conflict between good and evil, good overcoming v 39.

Psalm 038

This is a Psalm of David to bring to remembrance Godly sorrow for his sin. David prays for relief from God’s severe discipline upon him. He was experiencing both physical pain and emotional unrest, v 3. Some say that verse 7 implies inflammation of the kidneys. Others feel that verses 5-7 and 11 speak more clearly of diseases brought about by his foolishness, v 5 involving immorality. More important for all of us, he had sinned and was being disciplined by the Lord.

V 13-23 make it clear that his hope is in the Lord, with the last two verse a plea for the Lord to stay near him and help him.

Psalm 039

David has apparently been critically ill for some time and in v 1-6 is speaking of the brevity of life to his chief musician, Jeduthun. He realizes God is disciplining him, and he wants to avoid sinning by his words, but in v 3 he has to speak.
in verses 7-13 David realizes his affliction is due to his sins, so he throws himself wholly on the Lord, because He is his only hope.

Psalm 040

This Psalm in the series to David’s chief musician is a Messianic Psalm. David tells the congregation of his deliverance as though he had been in a slimy pit and now has a new song. Verses 1-10 are basically thanksgiving, and 11-17 are petition. The Messianic aspect is well explained in Schofield notes.

V 1, 2 speak of the joy of Christ in resurrection, as he has been brought up from the horrible pit of the grave.

V 3-5 are Christ’s resurrection testimony, His new song.

V 6-9 are retrospective. Sacrifice and offering had become abominable because of the wickedness of the people (Isa. 1:10-15), so the obedient servant came to make the pure offering (v 7-17: Heb. 10:5-17).
In verse 6, ears being opened, refers to the ceremony in which a servant who could be freed chose to be a bond slave forever, an awl was pierced through his ear into the door or doorpost, Ex. 21:6.

V 10, Christ had fully declared salvation.

Psalm 041

This Psalm of David to his chief musician also has Messianic reference. David encourages the congregation to help those who are in need. He implies to them in v 1-3 that the merciful will obtain mercy. Then in following verses David tells the others how he prayed for healing after he confessed his sin. His betrayer in v 9 may have been Ahithophel who betrayed him, then hanged himself, 2 Sam. 16:20-17:3: 23.
V 9 is Messianic, referring to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, as He foretold in John 13:18, and took place shortly thereafter.

V 12 David indicates that God delivered him because of his integrity. The 13th verse is a doxology which concludes Section 1 of the Book of Psalms.

Book 2 (Psalm 42-72)

Psalm 042

PSALM 42-49 ARE ADDRESSED TO THE SONS OF KORH TO PERFORM.

V 1-5 show intense longing for the living God. Ordinarily deer etc. will not go near a water hole if predatory animals are present. In times of severe drouth, craving for water is so great that they have been known to risk death by going to a water hole while their enemies are lying there. We need such intense longing for God. When David was a fugitive he could only remember the times when he went to the temple with a host of others, and anticipate doing so again.

V 6-11 David feels overwhelmed by his enemies to the extent that he feels God has forgotten him. However, in verse 11 he encourages himself to have hope in God. This refrain repeats verse 5 and is found again in 43:5.

Psalm 043

This Psalm actually completes Psalm 42, as seen by the refrain repeated in v 5, and some Hebrew manuscripts list them as one Psalm. David pleads for vindication from his enemies, then closes with that refrain of hope. In 42:5,6,11 and 43:5, : Cast down is a shepherds term when a sheep gets on it’s back and is helpless to right itself.

Psalm 044

V 1-8 are an assertion of confidence in the Lord because of what He has done in the past, yet in verses 9-16 they have experienced humiliating defeat.

V 17- 22 they are perplexed why the Lord had let them down, because at this time they were obeying Him. They felt God would know that because he knew the secrets of the heart. Perhaps defeat was just to draw them closer to Him.

V 23-26 are a call for God to wake up and help, as they still trusted Him.

Psalm 045

This is called “A Song of loves”, and is a song celebrating the wedding of a mighty king in all his splendor. In verses 10-15, instructions are given to the bride, and the last two verses are a benediction on the wedding with prediction of progeny.
This is a Messianic Psalm and illustrates Christ in glory. (See Schofield notes)

v 1, 2 express the supreme beauty of the king.

v 3-5 speak of the coming of the King in glory (compare Rev. 19:11-21.

v 6-8 tell of the Deity of the King and character of His reign. Isa. 11:1-5: Heb. 1:8,9.

v 9-13 presents the queen, obviously the Church, or Bride of Christ.

v 14,15, the virgin companions of the queen are possibly the Jewish remnant.

V 16,17 speak of the earthy fame of the King.

Psalm 046

Verses 1-3 were precious to the saints of that day, and yet today, with God our refuge, strength and present help in time of trouble. May be considered Messianic.
In the following verses, God’s presence in Zion makes her safe from enemies.
Verse 10 calls them and us to take time to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 047

GOD REIGNS PSALMS 47 , 48 God is King This God is our God Forever. Zion is the City of God God is on the Throne. Let the Earth Rejoice.

This Psalm is a song about the Lord, the great King. David called all people of the earth to worship God, which makes this a great Messianic Psalm. During the 1000 year period after the Tribulation, Christ will be present and ruling over all the earth.

Psalm 048

This Psalm speaks of the king in Zion, with the northern part of Jerusalem high and beautiful. It was a strong citadel, indomitable as long as the Lord was with them. The sides of the north also speak of the throne of God in heaven, Isa. 14:13, Lev. 11:1. Eternal Christ will reign over all the world from this earthly Zion in the Millennium, and every knee shall bow before Him, Phil. 2:9-11.

Psalm 049

PSALMS 49, 50. VANITY OF RICHES: Vanity of life. Death comes to all, similar to Psalm 39. In giving to God we are returning what is already God's. God already owns the Earth and all that is therein.

This is a Psalm of wisdom and deals with the prosperity of the wicked. He points out that their riches cannot redeem them, even though they may think they can live on forever without a day of judgment. They may have their name over their property, v 11, but that will not keep them from the grave. In contrast, the Psalmist has the assurance that God will redeem and receive him, v 15, implying resurrection. The closing verses continue the thought that it is foolish to envy the rich who know not God.

Psalm 050

This Psalm by Asaph speaks of God the mighty judge, v 6. In v 7-15 God does not reprove them for offering the many sacrifices, though it was mere formalism and He didn’t need them. What He wanted was their true praise in thank offerings.

IN VERSES 16-23 GOD REBUKES THEIR HYPOCRISY IN APPEARING RIGHTEOUS, BUT TAKING PART IN OR TOLERATING EVIL. HE URGES THEM TO CHANGE THEIR WAYS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. HE WANTED THEM TO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. Jn. 4:24.

Psalm 051

PSALM 51 PRAYER FOR MERCY: Aftermath of David's Sin with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11, 12) A Penitenrial Psalm Create in me a clean heart.

This is a Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. With Psalm 32:3, 4 we see his agony while delaying confession.

v 1,2. David’s prayer for mercy recognizes he does not deserve forgiveness. To blot out was better than to erase. He also wanted washing and cleansing.

v 3,4. The more David thought upon the wrong he had done to others, the more he realized that his ultimate sin was against God.

v 5,6. Because we are born in sin, we are condemned till we receive Christ, Jn. 3:18. Infants who die are excepted, 2 Sam. 12:23.

v 7-9. Hyssop was the small shrub used to put blood around the door, Ex. 12:22 and other cases of ceremonial cleansing. He also wanted to be washed. In case of leprosy, both blood and water were used. This is a type of the sinner who is saved by the blood and washed from daily defilement, even as Jesus washed the disciples feet, Jn. 13:10, or the priests at the laver after the altar.

v 10. Only God can create, and only God can make a heart clean. This is a good verse so use as we confess our sins to God before going to Him in prayer.

v 11. The Holy Spirit will not be taken away from believers under Grace, but He may be quenched and the believer become ineffective.

v 12. David had not lost his salvation, but had certainly lost the joy of salvation.

v 13-15. After he is cleansed, David can properly teach others and sing praises.

v 16-19. Truly God is interested in the broken and contrite heart. Only after that are other sacrifices pleasing to Him.

Psalm 052

PSALM 52 DAVID'S TRUST IN GOD: Confident that he would be delivered, contrasted with the wicked Boastfulness of his enemy Doeg ( I Samuel 21: 7; 22:9)

This Psalm of David is when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul that David was come to Ahimelech, causing the death of 85 priests, 1 Sam. 22:18. The first seven verses are a condemnation of treacherous Doeg. In v 8,9 David contrasts himself as a flourishing tree, because he trusted in God’s unfailing love.

Psalm 053

PSALM 53 UNIVERSAL SINFULNESS OF MAN

A Meditative Poem, A Melancholy Tune Psalm 14, Quoted in Romans 3: 10-12

This Psalm of David is another version of Psalm 14

v 1. All who say there is no God are fools, consequently they live corrupt lives.

v 2,3. As the Lord looked down He could see that mankind had become filthy.

v 4-5. The wicked have consistently despised the Jews and believers and think they will never be brought to justice for it. Some think they do God service Jn. 16:2.

v 6. David is longing for the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Psalm 054

PSALM 54 DAVID'S CRY TO GOD

Ziphites told Saul where David was hiding. ( I Samuel 26 ) Other Psalms composed while David was running from Saul. 34, 52, 54, 56, 59, 63, 142

This Psalm of David was when the Ziphites came and told Saul, “Doth not David hide himself with us?”

VERSES 1-3 ARE AN URGENT PRAYER FOR HELP, because men who had no regard for God were seeking to destroy him, probably for some political advantage.

VERSES 4-7 SHOW DAVID TRUSTING IN THE LORD AND EXPECTING THAT GOD WOULD REQUITE THE ENEMIES FOR THEIR ACTIONS. In his confidence, David promises to sacrifice to God.

Psalm 055

BETRAYED BY FRIENDS: It seems to belong to the time of Absalom's Rebellion like Psalm 41 and specifically to refer to Ahithophel (12-14, II Samuel 15:12, 13 ) David trusts in God.

v 1-8. In this Psalm of David is praying to be relieved of the oppression from betrayal by Ahithophel or some other friend. He is tempted to flee from troubles

v 9-15. David wished for confusion and even sudden death upon these enemies for other wickedness they were also doing. The worst of it, in David’s, mind was that it was not an enemy but a trusted friend he had even worshiped with.

v 16-23. Better solution than fleeing is to call upon the Lord 3X a day etc. David is confident in the Lord and will continue to worship and call upon Him. He remembers past deliverances but grieves over the broken covenant and mentions again their deceitful words. His own comfort has been a comfort for many, cast thy burden on the Lord ...v 22. Compare 1 Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalm 056

PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE PSALM 56: Psalm 34 is his Song of Thanks for Escape. Even feigning himself to be insane, From Philistines, like Psam 34, I Samuel 21:10-15. David used his own resources to the limit. But he always prayed and trusted in God for the results.

1-7. This Psalm of David is when the Philistines took him in Gath. He shamefully acted like a crazy man to escape them, but his Jewish enemies were daily twisting his words, constantly in pursuit and laying wait for him. He asked God to cast them down.
v 8. There was a custom of catching tears in a bottle to be placed on the tomb of loved ones. He believes God is taking account of every tear.
v 9-12. Verse 10 is practically a repeat of v 4, and one we can claim when people are accusing or belittling us, “what man can do unto me”. He is confident that as God has delivered him, he will continue to, so he vows to give God praise or thank offering.

Psalm 057

DAVID'S PRAYER PSALM 57: While hiding from Saul in the cave of Adullam ( 1 Samuel 22:1; 24:1 ; 26:1 ) David's heart was fixed in trusting God (7)

This Psalm of David is when he fled from Saul in the cave of Adullam. In verse 1 David prayed for the destruction of his enemies, then he ended with a song of triumph, notice verse 9. The Psalm is divided into two sections with the refrain being the same in verses 6 and 11, that God would be exalted above heaven and earth.

Psalm 058

DESTRUCTION OF THE WICKED PSALM 58 WHAT DAVID SAID IN HIS TIME IS STILL TRUE TODAY. DAVID COMPLAINED MUCH ABOUT THE PREVALENCE OF WICKEDNESS. THEIR DAY OF RETRIBUTION IS SURE. HE REPEATED OVER AND OVER THAT IT DOES NOT PAY.

Verses 1-5. In this Psalm David renounces unjust judges.
Verses 6-9 David calls upon God to bring swift destruction upon them.
Verses 10,11 David encourages the righteous that they will be rewarded and God will judge the earth, including the unjust judges.

Psalm 059

ANOTHER OF DAVID'S PRAYERS PSALM 59: DAVID TRUSTED IN GOD WHEN SAUL SENT SOLDIERS TO ENTRAP HIM AT HOME ( 1 SAMUEL 19:10- 17)

This Psalm was on the occasion when Saul had the house watched to kill him.
Verses 1-7 David prays for deliverance from bloodthirsty men who are like vicious dogs that go about the city at night.
Verses 8-10 David anticipates God will give victory over the enemies.
Verses 11-13 David asks that they not merely die, but that they be consumed in such a manner that people will know that God is ruling.
Verses 14-17. Again David compared his enemies to dogs, but he anticipates victory to the extent that in the last two verses he praises and relies upon God.

Psalm 060

A PSALM OF DISCOURAGEMENT PSALM 60: DIFFERENT PSALMS IN TIME OF NATIONAL REVERSE ARE 44, 74, 79, 108. AT TIME OF REVERSES IN WAR WITH SYRIANS AND EDOMITES ( ii SAMUEL 8: 3-14) DAVID'S PRAYER WAS AGAIN ANSWERED ( II SAMUEL 8:14 )

David had been waging war in one area when Edom invaded from the south. He sent Joab who slew 12,000 of them, but 18,000 total were killed, see 1 Chr. 18:12.
Verse 1-5 David’s army had been suffering defeat, but since God had brought the people to war, (raised a banner, v 4) he calls upon God for victory.
Verses 6-8 He quotes God’s own words that He would bring victory over enemies
Verses 9-12 Therefore David is confident that though God had allowed defeat, He would still bring victory.

Psalm 061

A Hymn of Confidence Psalm 61: David was on some distant expedition or just away from home, or at the time of Absalom's Rebellion

V 1,2 David’s feeling of being overwhelmed lends the thought that this was a time he was escaping from enemies among the rocks, but he looks to God the Rock.

V 3-7 David longs to dwell in God’s tents, or to have the assurance he is in God’s presence. He was King, so he was probably fleeing from Absalom.

V 8 When daily was finally delivered he would pay his vows and praise the Lord.

Psalm 062

A Poem of Fervid Devotion: David had a lot of trouble, but David never failed to trust in God, David had a unwavering Trust in God.

V 1,2 David is expressing confidence in the Lord in spite of opposition. His enemies may shake him, but not move him.

V 3-6 His confidence has grown, so that with God as his Rock he will not be moved at all.

V 7-10 We must continually trust in God and not men. Some trust in power, dishonesty or increased wealth, and many upright people are turned aside by riches.

V 11,12 David recognizes the power of God, and that He will justly reward.

Psalm 063

A Hymn of the Wilderness Psalm 63: The period when David was in the wilderness of Engedi ( 1 Samuel 24) in flight from Absalom, confident of Restoration. David's Thirst for God.

V 1,2 David’s faith had been building in the last two Psalms, and now, as he is cut off in the wilderness from the ark and place of worship, he longs for God as he would thirst where there is no water. He is probably fleeing from Absalom.

V 3-8 Though he is separated from the tabernacle, David would keep on praising and trusting in God. The word for bed, v 6, in Hebrew is beds. There were three night watches, so whenever and wherever David awoke, he thought upon God.

V 9-11 David closes with confidence he will rejoice in victory over enemies.

Psalm 064

Prayer for Protection Psalm 64: David is confident that through God he will triumph from plots of secret enemies.

V 1,2 David is calling out to God for protection of a group of insurrectionists.

V 3-6 He describes their malicious schemes and how they encourage each other in their cunning devices. They sound like politicians digging up dirt on someone.

V 7-10 God will turn their own wicked devices against themselves in divine judgment, but the righteous will rejoice and give honor to the Lord.

Psalm 065

A Song of the Sea and the Harvest Psalm 65: The earth shouts for Joy, with its Abundant crops as God crowns the year with goodness.

The earth shouts for joy, with its abundant crops. God crowns the earth with goodness.

Verses 1-4 David’s song of harvest blessing may have been sung at the annual Feast of First fruits, Lev. 23:9-14. With sins confessed they could come with satisfaction and blessing into the courts of the Lord at the temple.

Verses 5-8 He declares how awesome is God’s power to create mountains, still the seas and quiet the fears of the people.

Verses 9-13. Because God has cared for the land with abundant showers, they have had abundant harvest. Not only the people but even nature rejoices in bounty.

Psalm 066

Verses 1-9 This Psalm of thanksgiving was probably for some festive occasion similar to Psalm 65. The unnamed Psalmist sounds like David. As a nation he calls upon all the nations to praise God for His great power, His works, and His protection.

Verses 10-12 Now the nation acknowledges God’s testing, care and provision.

Verses 13-15 In these verses the Psalmist speaks in the first person, as he addresses God. He is going to bring sacrifices and pay the vow he made in distress.

Verses 16-20 He addresses the congregation to praise God for answering when he called. If he had not confessed his sin, v 18, God would not have answered. He had so God did answer, v 19, a strong lesson for us yet today.

Psalm 067

This Psalm is probably by the same one as Psalm 66. In the first two verses he calls upon God for mercy and blessing. In the remainder he calls upon the people to praise God so He will continue to bless them. This will cause all the earth to fear Him.

Psalm 068

This Psalm of David was sung at some triumphal entry into Jerusalem and was probably used on similar entrances. It is Messianic, with verse 18 quoted in Eph. 4:7-16 as Christ’s ascension ministry. Verses 21-23 may be prophetic of the regathering of Israel and the Messianic kingdom.
Verses 1-6 This encourages praise for God’s effective triumph over enemies, and His care for those in great need of family. Poetically He rides upon the clouds, v 4, a claim the heathen make for Baal.
Verses 7-18 These trace God’s triumphal movement of Israel from Egypt to Zion. First we see the march, but in v 11, the battle. When the Lord had them sound the trumpet alarm, women ran from tent to tent to make sure all men heard. The Lord has given us the gospel, and great is the company that proclaim it. High hills leaping in v 16 is not mere poetic language, but a reference to other nations that leap to action with their horses and chariots, but in contrast the chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels. This is a similar situation as when the law was given on Sinai. Verse 18 refers in the short term to the continuance of God’s leadership till the ark was finally brought to the summit of Zion. However, as stated at the start, it is Messianic.
Verses 19-31 express the effect of God’s victory. He bore their burdens, saved from death, protects and delivers from enemies and brought them through the Red Sea. Starting v 25, entrance to Jerusalem is again mentioned with southern and northern tribes represented, v 27. Verses 28-31 are other nations humbled before God.
Verses 32-35. All the nations of the earth are called to sing praise to God in recognition of His awesome strength and the strength and power given to Israel.

Psalm 069

This Psalm of David is a plea for rescue because he bore the reproach and rejection of his brethren for the Lord’s sake, but it goes beyond that and is Messianic. Verses 4, 7, 8, 10-12 speak of Christ’s humiliation and rejection. Verses 14-20 tell of His experience in Gethsemane, Mt. 26:36-45. Verse 21 is a direct reference to the cross. The imprecatory prayer of verses 22-28 is referred to in Rom. 11:9,10, and refers to the present judicial blindness of Israel. Verse 25 has special reference to Judas, Acts 1:20 and is typical to those of his generation who shared his guilt.
Verses 1-4 show David’s grief while his enemies hated him without cause.
Verses 5-12 speak of his zeal for the house of the Lord, going in sack cloth, with even his brethren and judges in the gate reproaching him.
Verses 13-28 are a prayer to be saved from imminent death. He knows that God is aware of his reproach and how he is given food, v 21, of a mourner in hypocrisy. In verses 23-28 he prays his enemies be blotted out of the book of life, cp Rev. 20:15. 69:28 The Lord is a good book keeper, and the book referred to in verses Ex. 32:32, 33 is the same mentioned in 69:28, the book of the living. Wording indicates that every one who ever lived is written in this book, but the wicked will be blotted out, leaving only the names of the righteous. This would be the same book as in Daniel 12:1.

Verses 29-33 David knows thanksgiving is more pleasing to God than sacrifice, and the humble will be glad when they see God’s response to him, because the Lord will hear them, though poor and in prison.
Verses 34-36. David calls for universal praise to God for anticipated deliverance. Don’t forget, much of this is Messianic as stated in the opening paragraph.

Psalm 70

David considers himself poor and needy, and urgently calls to God for quick help for deliverance, that the enemies be turned to shame, and the righteous magnify God.

Psalm 71

Verses 1-4 This Psalm is the prayer of an unnamed older person, v 18. He will continue to trust the Lord, but asks that he not be a laughing stock to any, and that he will be delivered out of the hand of enemies.
Verses 5-8. He has trusted fully in the Lord from as young as he can remember. Though some have wondered at him, he would continue to trust in God as his refuge.
Verses 9-13 He asks God not to forsake him in his old age, because there were some who thought He had, and they could persecute him. So he urges God to hurry to his aid and put them to shame.
Verses 14-24 This aged Psalmist had trusted God all his life and intends to continue to do so and to tell others about Him. He declares in v 17, 18 that he has been declaring God’s wondrous works and wants to continue to do so to the current generation. He emphasizes again the greatness of God and his determination to keep on praising Him and telling others about :Him.

Psalm 072

It has been suggested that this Psalm was the prayer of David and the Psalm of Solomon. It is fitting to use the Schofield note to bring out the Messianic character:
The 72nd Psalm forms a complete vision of Messiah’s kingdom insofar as the OT revelation extended. David’s prayers will find their fruition in the kingdom (v 20; 2 Sam. 23:1-4). Verse 1 refers to the investiture of the King’s Son with the kingdom, the formal description of which is given in Dan. 7:13,14; Rev. 5:5-10. Verses 2-7, 12-14 give the character of the kingdom (cp. Isa. 11:3-9). The emphatic word is “righteousness.” Verses 8-19 speak of the universality of the kingdom. It is through restored Israel that the kingdom is to be extended over the earth (Zech. 8:13, 20-23).

Verses 1-7 The king prays for divine ability to judge righteously, and that he would judge on behalf of the needy and afflicted. When the king judges righteously, the people refreshed like a refreshing rain. The Messianic longevity is brought out in verses 5 and 7 by the enduring aspect of the sun and moon.
Verses 8- 11 The king anticipated an extended kingdom that would reach beyond the Euphrates and around the world. Gifts would be brought, in our terms, from Spain, southwestern Arabia, and upper Egypt. The extent is Messianic.
v 12--14. The king was worthy of his dominion because he would deliver the poor and needy from deceit and violence. It will be considered a kingdom of righteousness. The Messiah is worthy of His dominion.
v 15-17 People would bring the king gifts because of his righteous reign. They will praise him daily for the flourishing land, whether in the country or city. Messianic aspect is especially brought out in verse 17, both for the longevity, like the sun, and for the blessing and praise of all nations.
v 18-20. This second doxology ends the second book of Psalms from 41-72. It is full of praise for the Lord and a request that his glory be recognized worldwide.
Eighteen other Psalms of David appear later, so Solomon, or whoever compiled these, simply meant that this section of the prayers of David were ended.

Psalm 073

Eleven of the 17 Psalms in this section are attributed to Asaph and only one to David. This Psalm deals with Asaph’s envy regarding the unfairness of life and how it hurt, v 16. He admits the foolishness of that feeling,v 22 and how he overcame it, v 28.
Verses 1-14 deal with his concern about the prosperity of the wicked.
Verses 1-3 he knew that God required a clean heart, but admits he almost slipped when he became envious of the prosperity of the wicked. (Solution v 17)
These verses can have another application in our lives. Once I was counseling a teenage girl who had been tempted morally. I happened to use these verses to show that if we allow uncleanness to enter our hearts, we may slip. “She responded with emphasis, “That’s me exactly. My feet had almost slipped.”
Verses 4-12. Asaph noticed the wicked didn’t seem to suffer like others, yet they are proud and violent. They speak corruptly and seem to think God doesn’t know about their sin, so they live on in prosperity.
Verses 13-20 Though Asaph had cleansed his heart, the Lord chastened him. It was all a painful thing to him until he went into the temple and spent time with God. Then he gained understanding, v 17, and realized the wicked were on a slippery place and would have sudden ultimate destruction. He had failed to look at the big picture.
Verses 21-26. Asaph admits that he was foolish to be envious of the prosperous wicked. Now, even though flesh may fail him, he looks only to God as his guide and strength. “Afterward”, we also have the hope of glory, Col. 1:27; Christ in us at present, us with Him in the future.
Verses 27,28. Unbelievers to be destroyed, believers to be safe.

Psalm 074

Verses 1,2 Asaph asks God to withhold His anger and remember His people.
Verses 3-9 The reason? Enemies had destroyed and desecrated the sanctuary. They had smashed carved furnishings with axes and set some on fire. They had burned other synagogues, and there was no prophet to give spiritual counsel. Synagogue means “congregation or place of meeting”. There were no pre-exile synagogues, so these were probably just places where people far from the temple met to receive Informal instruction. Jehoshaphat sent people through the land to teach the Law, 1 Chr. 17:7-9. Persecutors try to prevent assemblies of people except with them.
Verses 10. How long will the enemy triumph? Hundreds of believers prayed this for the Burnhams held in captivity by terrorists for over a year. (Only this morning, we heard of the shoot out in which Mr. Burnham was killed and she was shot, but escaped with the Philippine rescuers.)
Verses 11-17 Asaph urges the Lord to act, recounting the power of God to part the sea and destroyed Egyptians, parted Jordan, and controls weather and seasons.
Verses 18-23 Therefore, God should remember the blasphemous enemies and care for the need of His own poor, needy, distressed people.

Psalm 075

Verses 1-3 God’s works declare Him, cp. Ps. 19:1. God will judge, He causes earthquakes, but also sustains it, Col. 1:17.
Verses 4-10. God warns the wicked not to defy Him for He will judge when he chooses. Wicked shall drink the last drop to their destruction, but righteous exalted. It should be noted in v 6 that promotion would refer to judgment, and it comes out of the north, the place of heaven. Sides of the north, Isa. 14:13; empty place, Job 26:7.

Psalm 076

Verses 1-3 God’s judgment is known by destroying Israel’s enemies.
Verses 4-10 God’s judgment is just because His majesty is greater than the mountains. His judgment is so drastic that believers praise Him, and the wicked are deterred from some of their sin.
Verses 11,12 God’s judgment is fearful and He can cut off princes and kings.

Psalm 077

Verses 1-9 Asaph called to the Lord in the night, but could not find comfort and felt overwhelmed. God kept him awake remembering better times when he could rejoice in the night, but now he feels God is angry and has abandoned him.
Verses 10-14 Asaph decided that the solution of his problem was to remember and meditate on the wonderful works and His greatness and strength.
Verses 15-20 Then he begins to recall all the mighty things God did in delivering Israel by the hand of Moses and Aaron. The Red Sea crossing was made It is not stated, but the implication is, that while God had seemed not to answer, these mighty works were evidence that He would yet.

Psalm 078

This Psalm continues the thought of how God worked in Israel’s history. The giving of the Law, v 7; Ephraim, ie all Israel, failed to go into the promised land, v 9; their rebellion, dividing the Red Sea, the pillar of cloud or fire, and in v 15,16 water from the rock like a river; provision of food, Moses smiting the rock, v 20,21; manna, 24; quail,26. The impact of this is important as we pray to God today, as we find in v 29 the result of God giving their desire,106:15 and 81:12. He continues with their rebellion and reminds of the plagues and deliverance from Egypt, 43-54. Then he speaks of more rebellion and problems during the times of judges, capture of the ark, 61; rejection of northern tribes and choice of Judah and of David the shepherd boy to be king. Verse 72 summarizes God’s care for His people. This rich chapter can be meditated on as well verse by verse as giving detailed comments here.

Psalm 079

Verse 1-4 Asaph laments that the country has been invaded, many people are slaughtered and Israel has become a reproach to the neighbors.
Verse 5-12 He pleads with God not to be angry with Israel, but to use wrath against the enemies for what they have done to them. He asks that Israel’s sins be purged, and that the Lord would preserve Israelites who are prisoners and bring seven fold judgment on the enemies who reproach Him.
Verse 13. Then they would give eternal thanks and praise Him forever.

Psalm 080

Verses 1-3. Asaph pleads for the Lord to restore favor on Israel, which is a refrain he uses in verses 3, 7 and 19. V 2, “thy strength” the ark 78:61. It went immediately before these three tribes on the march.
Verses 4-7 As in many other Psalms, he cries out “how long” will the Lord ignore their prayer and allow the enemy to scoff. He repeats the refrain for restoration.
Verses 8-14 The Lord had planted Israel in the land like a vine, but he allowed the hedges it created to be broken so that animals can get through. (cp 2 Cor. 2:11; S of S 2:15) He calls the enemies boars and calls on God to protect the vine.
Verses 15-19. Asaph continues to speak of Israel as God’s vine which has been cut down, and asks that it be revived. Then he promises obedience and closes with the refrain asking to be restored.

Psalm 081

Verses 1-5 Asaph calls the people to come celebrate deliverance at the Feast of Tabernacles.
Verses 6-13. He mentions the burden in Egypt, the secret place of thunder which was the pillar of cloud or fire, the testing at bitter waters of Meribah, and speaks of giving them up to their heart’s desire as in 78:29.
Verses 14-16 From v 6 Asaph is speaking as the voice of God. Here He promises to subdue their enemies and give them abundant food, if they would just obey Him.

Psalm 082

Verse 1 Asaph speaks of God as judge.
Verses 2-7 God indicts the judges for judging unjustly and not defending those who are truly in need. The wicked judges walk in moral darkness and they will perish. Verse 6, quoted in John 10:34, need not be confusing. The judges are called gods because they are authorized by God to do what is right in His sight. The officers have many times abused this office, so He continues in verse 7, “But ye shall die like men”.
Verse 8 Asaph calls on God to judge the earth, because all people are His.

Psalm 083

Verses 1-8. Asaph is requesting God’s response to take action against their and His enemies listed because they have become confederate together to destroy Israel.
Verses 9-18 He wants God to overcome them as he did the others listed here. He wants God to make them like windblown chaff and devour them like a forest fire or a tempestuous storm. If they are filled with shame, some of them may turn to God. He repeats the request that the enemy be ashamed so they may know God is Lord.

Psalm 084

Verses 1-4 This song was to be sung by the sons of Korah, but the Psalmist is not known. It is similar to Psalms 42 and 43 in regard to the intense longing for God. The writer is not even offended over the mess the sparrow or swallow make to be there.
Verses 5-7 Those who make the pilgrimage to the temple were even blessed by the rain the Lord sent to supply them water on the way.
Verses 8-12 The pilgrim first prays for the king who is the anointed shield. This one is so pleased that he would rather serve one day in the house of the Lord than a thousand among wickedness. The Lord is the greater shield. It is what is good in God’s sight that He will not withhold from the righteous.

Psalm 085

Verses 1-7 This Psalm begins with a prayer of thanks that God has restored them from some captivity. He asks for God to withdraw His anger, and in His mercy, grant complete restoration.
Verses 8-13 He will listen to the Lord’s promise of peace and manifestation of His presence. He is confident that the Lord will provide peace and prosperity for Israel.

Psalm 086

Verses 1-5. David prays earnestly that God will be merciful to him because he trusts in God and calls on Him daily. He is confident of God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Verses 6-10 Again he prays that God will hear him because he is in trouble, and he is confident He will answer. People from all nations will come to God because there is no God like Him.
Verses 11-13 David prays for further instruction that he might walk even closer to God and glorify Him. He acknowledges that God’s mercy has saved him from death.
Verses 14-17 Proud, violent men have sought David, so he prays for strength from God with the high attributes in v 15. He also asks for a sign of his deliverance so that the enemies will see it and be ashamed. God has been a great comfort to him.

Psalm 087

Verses 1-3 God has chosen Zion as His dwelling place above all others, and many glorious things have happened there. Selah - think of that!
Verses 4-6 In the future all nations will gather there under the blessing of God.
Verse 7 All nations will rejoice there and God’s presence will be there, the fountain of every blessing.

Psalm 088

Verses 1-9a This sorrowful Psalm was written by Heman the Ezrahite, who was first mentioned as one of the singers in 1 Chr. 15:19. He has prayed day and night for deliverance because he feels he is at death’s door. He believes God has laid this affliction upon him, and it was so infectious or defiling that no friends came near.
Verses 9b-12 Heman has continued to call upon the Lord daily, and pleads that he can glorify the Lord to others better if he is living than if he is dead.
Verses 13-18 He has faith to continue his daily supplication even though he is afflicted severely. Like Job, he feels the affliction and alienation from friends is from God, but he will continue to trust Him.

Psalm 089

Our family sings verse 1 as a chorus honoring God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Verses 1-4 This Psalm is by Ethan another Ezrahite, a Levite and singer, 1 Chr. 15:17-19, and a very wise man, 1 Kings 4:31. It is after some military defeat, but in his belief that the Lord is faithful, he reminds Him of His covenant with David.
Verses 5-14 He praises God for His remarkable attributes and works: Who in the heavens can compare to Him, He is greatly feared by all, who is so strong and faithful, He rules over the seas and Rahab (the gods of Egypt). He created the heavens and the earth, the north and south poles, and Tabor and Hermon are felt to mean east and west. In other words, all the earth will praise Him.
Verses 15-18 In view of all the above things, all who trust Him will be blessed.
Verses 19-37 Ethan reminds God that He anointed David, v 19,20; that He had promised to love and strengthen David and extend his influence from Mediterranean to Jordan, 21-25; David’s line and throne would last forever, 26-29; If the people sinned they would be punished, but His kindness, faithfulness and covenant were forever.
Verses 38-45 God permitted enemies to defeat the king and shame the throne.
Verses 46-51 Ethan petitioned the Lord to hasten to answer because his time to die was approaching. He was bearing the reproach of the enemy and knew the Lord was his only hope, to act as He had in former times.
Verse 52 is a short doxology that ends the book 3 of the Psalms, 73-89.

Psalm 090

In Section 4 of the Psalms, Psalm 90 was written by Moses (so it is the oldest of the Psalms), Psalms 101 and 103 by David, and the rest of the 17 are anonymous.
Verses 1-6 In addition to God being eternal, Ps. 145:3 adds He is unsearchable. Some foolishly use 1000 years as 1 day to explain length of creation, which is foolish because it make plants live 1000 years without sunshine. Man’s life span compared to eternity is even less than a withering plant after it is cut off.
Verses 7-12 God knows even our secret sins, so we spend all our years under His wrath, not like was originally planned for Adam. Since we only have 70 years +or-, so we need wisdom in making our time count for the Lord, v 12.
Verses 13-17 Moses pleads for compassion from the Lord so that His people can live rejoicing daily. V 17 means a request that we might have a meaningful life.

Psalm 091

Verses 1,2 indicate that we can have security in God.
Verses 3-13 Feathers and wings are a figure of safety which Jesus also used, Matt. 23:37. Gideon, David’s mighty men and others have experienced victory over great numbers. God has assigned angels (not just one guardian angel) to protect us, but we should not tempt God in this as Satan did Jesus. This is not a suggestion we should be snake charmers etc. However, many of us have experienced this care even when we have done foolishly, and how many other times, we may not know.
Verse 14-16. God Himself promises protection and long life. He may allow harm to come and life be cut short, but he will “satisfy” us in that if we trust in Him.

Psalm 092

Verse 1-7 It is good, fitting, to praise God for His greatness, whether by instrument or by mouth. Compare the flourishing of the wicked to be destroyed, v 7 with the flourishing of the righteous in v 12-14.
Verses 8-11. If we exalt the Lord, He will exalt us. The word desire in v 11 has been incorrectly added. We have confidence in their eventual destruction, but we may not see or hear it.

Psalm 093

Verses 1,2. The Psalmist recognized the total greatness of God, the earths orbit is even controlled by Him, and His eternal throne.
Verses 3,4. He who created the seas is mightier than the seas.
Verse 5 Holiness sets God apart from all others, & He is our pattern, 1 Pet. 1:16.

Psalm 094

Verses 1-7. The Psalmist knew that vengeance belongs to God, Deut. 32:35. He asks God to act on the basis of,how long the wicked are going to be able to get by with their wicked deeds? They destroy the innocent thinking God pays no attention to them.
Verses 8-11 The Psalmist calls on the wicked to understand that the One who created their ear and eye and gave knowledge can certainly hear, see and know. He even knows our thoughts.
Verses 12-15 When we are chastened of the Lord, we can take comfort it is for our learning, and there will be eventual rest from the wicked. He was confident, God will not cast off His people.
Verses 16-19 He was confident that the Lord would stand in his defense. The Lord had held him up when he slipped, and he took comfort in that.
Verses 20-23. We see many cases today where legislators frame mischief by the laws they pass. Also how liberal judges frame mischief by misinterpreting the laws. If we can’t change the situation, take heart, God will someday make them accountable.

Psalm 095

Verses 1,2 This is a call for the congregation to come and sing joyfully to God.
Verses 3-5 He is worthy to be praised because He is the creator of everything.
Verses 6-7a He is due worship, pictured as a shepherd who cares for his sheep.
Verses 7b-11 Speaking for God he warns the people against such unbelief as Israel displayed 40 years in the wilderness, not being able to enter into rest in the land because of their unbelief. Believers are given this same warning in Heb. 3:7-11, not that they would lose salvation, but lose fellowship and blessing.

Psalm 096

Verses 1-3. Jews were to be missionaries to the rest of the world, and here others are invited to lay aside former allegiances and sing a new song with them to the Lord.
Verses 4-6 The heathen gods were but idols, while the Lord is creator. Therefore He is great and worthy to be honored and praised.
Verses 7-10 Again all nations are called to worship God because it is due Him. The heathen are to told that the Lord is the righteous judge of all,
Verses 1-13. The Psalmist even calls on nature to rejoice in the Lord. Now, Rom 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. After God judges and reigns, creation will not groan but rejoice, or flourish.

Psalm 097

Verses 1-2. Isles refer to any place that could be reached from Israel with ships. These verses describe the coming of the Lord.
Verses 3-6 This is the effect of His coming on the earth. Fire, lightning and melt down of hills are certainly supernatural phenomena. The heavens also show glory.
Verses 7-9 Show the effect of His coming on people The heathen will be confounded, but Israel and believers will rejoice.
Verses 10-12 The last portion exhorts holiness, hate evil. It also encourages joy, rejoicing and thanksgiving on the part of believers.

Psalm 098

Verses 1-3 This is an invitation to sing another new song unto the Lord because He has come (prophetically) and shown His salvation to all the world.
Verses 4-9 All people are called to praise the Lord in song and harp because He is coming to judge the world with righteousness. Even nature will applaud Him.

Psalm 099

Verses 1-5 All people are to show fear and reverence to God because of His greatness and holiness. His footstool would be the ark in the temple, place of worship.
Verses 6-9 . Moses Aaron and Samuel called on God, and he forgave their misdeeds and answered them. So God should be worshiped because He is merciful as well as holy.

Psalm 100

Verses 1-3. In this thanksgiving Psalm, people are to sing and serve Him with gladness because we are His possession.
Verses 4,5. They are to enter the temple courts with their thank offerings, praising Him for goodness, love and faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 101

Verses 1-3 David sang of the Lord’s mercy and justice, and tried to rule the same way, not always successful. Despite the errors he had made, or perhaps because of them, he was determined to live with pure life and heart, even in the privacy of his home. This is important to us as we set TV, magazines etc. before our eyes.
Verses 4-8. To live pure, he would not tolerate vile, slanderous or proud people in his service. He would cut off wicked, deceitful ones as much as he could throughout the land, giving preference to those who were faithful.

Psalm 102

The night of my heart attack I skimmed through many Psalms and I could certainly relate to verses 1, 2. I prayed, “Yes Lord, I am in trouble and do need a quick answer”. As verses 23, 24b, indicated, it appeared that He was indeed going to shorten my days. However I had peace as I read verse 28. If I were taken from this life, my children and grandchildren would take my place and continue to serve Him.
Verses 1,2 In distress, the Psalmist cries earnestly for a quick answer. As we view the remainder of the Psalm, we see it is Messianic. Verses 25-27 are similar to Heb. 1-10-12, indicating preceding verses refer to Christ’s humiliation and rejection.
Verses 3-11. The Psalmist was afflicted, lonely and reproached by enemies. He sat grieving in ashes and felt that because of God’s wrath, his life was about over.
Verses 12-22. In a sudden shift of emphasis, he is confident that the Lord will answer their prayers and not forsake them, and as a result, they will praise Him.
Verses 23-28. The Psalmist prays that he will not have a premature death. God’s creation would perish, but God is eternal, and would continue care to all generations.

Psalm 103

Verses 1-5. All the verses in this Psalm of David are special, but some are super special, like verses 1-3. He is praising God for His benefits and abundant mercies.
Verses 6-19 He speaks of God’s compassions and everlasting mercies, not rewarding us after our sins, v 10, 11, and removing our sins an infinity away, v 12.
Verses 20-22 He calls on all angels, and all creation to bless the Lord and ends the Psalm as he began, “Bless the Lord, O my soul”.

Psalm 104

Verses 1-23 This Psalm is not labeled, but it opens and closes with the same words as Psalm 103 and expands on it, so surely must be a Psalm of David. Also the Septuagint counts it to be. In 103 he praises God for his compassion to His people, this Psalm praises Him for His power, wisdom and goodness to all Creation. He ascribes every act of creation unto the great majestic God. Verses 7-9 sound like Noah’s flood, but the context shows it to be a part of the original creation when He separated the water from the land. He continues about springs, rains, trees, and animals created by God. In verses 19 , 20 day and night are easily understood, but the “moon for seasons” definitely does not mean gauging our activities by the “sign” of the moon. Seasons are the basis for the Jewish calendar and ceremonies.
Verses 24-32 Here is praise for the Lord’s dominion over many creatures and all Creation, earthquakes and volcanoes, v 32. See my notes on leviathan in Job 41.
Verses 33-35 David vows to praise the Lord with song and pleasant meditation as long as he lived. Sinners are out of place in God’s wonderful creation and should be destroyed, which they will be eventually.

Psalm 105

Verses 1-6 The Psalmist’s call for Israel to praise, rejoice, seek the Lord and proclaim Him to all people is a direct challenge to us today.
Psalm 7-11. He praises the Lord for keeping His covenant with Abraham.
Psalm 12-41 Then he traced the history of Israel from the time of insignificant Abraham through deliverance from famine by Joseph, Egyptian bondage, deliverance by Moses accompanied by the plagues, and God’s provision in the wilderness. Notice it was not a trickle from the rock, but a river, Num. 20:11; Ps. 78:15; 114:8; Isa. 48:21.
Joseph’s part, 17-22. His feet were uncomfortable in fetters, v 18, but the greater thought is the shame of humility it brought. “He was laid in iron” or his soul entered into the iron. Until his prophecy to his cruel brothers came true, he was tested by the Lord. It was through this process he developed back bone and strength of character instead of the prideful attitude that may have gone along with his original prophecies.
Verses 42-45 This fulfills the promise to Abraham as the people are brought into their possession, which other people had cultivated and prepared for them. The whole purpose of this was that they might obey the Lord there, and he closes with praise.

Psalm 106

Verses 1-5. The Psalmist praises the Lord for His mercy and goodness to Israel, and asks the Lord to remember him, personally.
Verses 6-12. God had been faithful to Israel, but most of the remainder of this Psalm is confession of their unfaithfulness to Him. First mention is their sin at the Red Sea, but how they believed after they were delivered.
Verses 13-33 Their next sin was their lust for food and God granting their request to their hurt, v 15, 78:29 and 81:12. Next were sins concerning Dathan and Abiram, the golden calf, rebellion, failure to enter the land, sins and immorality at Baalpeor, Moses striking instead of speaking to the rock.
Verses 34-46. After entering they failed to destroy the nations but served their idols and sacrificed their children to heathen gods. They continued in spiritual harlotry so the Lord repeatedly gave them into the hands of their enemies, but he delivered them whenever they cried to Him. He remembered His covenant and even caused their enemies to take pity on them at times.
Verses 47,48. After recounting their sins, the Psalmists asks for deliverance, which would indicate they were in some captivity at this time. This fourth section of Psalms concludes with the doxology in verse 48.

Psalm 107

BOOK FIVE: 44 Psalms, 15 are by David, 1 by Solomon, 28 others anonymous.

Verses 1-3 The Psalmist praised God for His goodness and mercy to believers. We should be ready with ready witness for what God has done, v 2.
Verses 4-32 The Psalmist gives four examples of the Lord’s deliverance of his people. As a refrain the people’s cry unto the Lord is given in 6, 13, 19, and 28. The praise for deliverance is given in 8, 15, 21,l and 31. Verses 4-9 concern deliverance from hunger and thirst. Vs 10-16 deliverance from bondage. Vs 17-22 deliverance from death. Vs 23-32 deliverance from trouble at sea.
Verses 33-43 The Psalmist praised God for His dominion over the earth. He has power over nature in 39-38 and power over people’s experiences in 39-43. The wise will consider this whole chapter, recognizing God’s love.

Psalm 108

Verses 1-6 David sang this song of steadfast praise for the Lord’s faithfulness, expressing desire for continued deliverance.
Verses 7-13 David expresses confidence in victory over his enemies. Symbolism in v 9 is interesting. Slaves wash one’s feet, but Moab would become like the wash pot itself. Edom would be merely the floor on which he tossed his dirty sandals.

Psalm 109

Verses 1-5 David cried to God because of deceitful men who had returned evil for the good he had done for them.
Verses 6-20 David prayed for severe retribution against his enemies in 6-15, then explains the reasons why in 16-20. Let us remember Rom. 12:19, vengeance is God’s.
Verses 21-25 David plead for help because he was poor, needy, a reproach and weak through fasting.
Verses 26-31 His prayer was based on the desire that the enemies would know it was God who vindicated him, and his own praise for deliverance.

Psalm 110

Verses 1,2 This Psalm of David is Messianic. Some feel this speaks of the ascension of Christ. Instead of a vision, David heard heavenly conversation between the LORD God the Father and David’s Lord, the Messiah. Christ is bid to sit at the Father’s right hand, and Christ quotes David on this, Mt. 22:44. See also Mt. 26:64; Mr. 12:36; 14:62; 16:19; Lk 20:42; 22:69; Ac. 2:25; 2:33, 34; 5:31; 7:55, 56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb, 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22, leaving no doubt that Christ at the right hand of God will reign over His enemies.
Verse 3 Purified believers in heaven will accompany Christ in the coming battle. Some think this also speaks prophetically of the conversion of Israel as well as the judgment upon Gentile world powers.
Verse 4 The Aaronic priesthood will be ended and Christ will rule as both King and Priest, the anti type of Melchizedek, Heb. 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21.
Verses 5-7 David is probably repeating what he heard, only partially realizing, if at all, what we know from the New Testament, that saints will accompany Christ to judge the world and set up His kingdom, and He will be exalted.

Psalm 111

Verses 1-3 The Psalmist vows to praise the Lord whole heartedly in the assembly
Verses 4-9 He enumerates some of God’s works and redemption provided by faithfully keeping His covenant.
Verse 10 Fear of God gives wisdom, Prov. 1:7, and obedience, understanding.

Psalm 112

Verses 1 This builds on 111:10, blessing from fearing and obeying the Lord.
Verses 2-9 Some blessings to those who fear the Lord: Physical and material prosperity, v 2,3; Discernment, v 4; Exalted for his generosity to poor, v 5, 9; Firm establishment in his faith without fear of man, v 6-8
Verse 10 In contrast wicked will have anxieties and die unfulfilled.

Psalm 113

Psalms 113-118 comprise the “Hallel” sung at festivals. Ps. 113 and 114 were sung before Passover meal, 115-118 after.
Verses 1-3 These are a call to continual praise to the Lord.
Verses 4-9 The Lord is high and glorious, yet He humbles Himself to intervene in human affairs. He exalts the poor to an equal portion in the highest. Believers shall reign with Christ, 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6. God does mighty deeds to all in need or distressed, and barren women (of the Bible) are used as an example.

Psalm 114

Verses 1-4 This Psalm praising the Exodus was to be sung at the Passover, which was established at that time. Mention is made of the parting of the waters at the Red Sea and Jordan. Ex. 19:18 and Ps. 68:8 tells how Sinai was all a smoke and the whole mountain shaking in an earthquake.
Verses 5-8 The Psalmist asks the mountain and sea why they behaved as they did, then instructs them to continue to do so in the presence of God, because He was mighty enough to split the rock and bring forth water. See my note on Ps. 105:41.

Psalm 115

V 1,2 This is a call for God to vindicate Himself from Idolaters who ask believers where there God is. People after today’s catastrophes, “Where was God?”
V 3-8 Contrasted is the helplessness of idols and those who trust in them.
V 9-15 Everyone in Israel is urged to trust in the Lord and He will bless.
V 16-18 Heaven is God’s, earth is for man, inferring no life on other planets.

Psalm 116

V 1-6 The Psalmist personally praised the Lord for deliverance from death.
V 7-14 He uses his deliverance and vows to encourage others to trust God.
V 15 God cares for His people and does not let them die for no reason.
V 16-19 The Psalmist will vow and praise publicly as a testimony to others.

Psalm 117

This short Psalm is a call to all people to praise God for His love and faithfulness.

Psalm 118

V 1-4 This Messianic Psalm, the last of the Hallel, extol the Lord’s mercy.

V 5-21 The Psalmist summarizes how the Lord delivered him when he was surrounded by enemies, and had confidence he would go to the sanctuary to praise the Lord. Verse 8 is the middle verse of the Bible, placing confidence in God, not man.

V 22-24 Christ is the stone which the Jews rejected, but He will be the cap stone, like on a pyramid, over all nations. Verse 24 is not limited to the Sabbath, but rejoice in each day no matter if it seems to be going good or bad.

V 25-29. Originally this spoke of the king or people coming to the temple in the name of the Lord, but the people of Jesus’ day knew it spoke of Him, and sang this at the time of His triumphal entry, Matt. 21:9 and others. “Cords” carries the thought of wreaths or boughs, and may have influenced the people at the triumphal entry. Verse 27 furthermore is proof that the horns of the altar were used to hold the animal at time of sacrifice, but the love of Christ constrains us, 2 Cor. 5:14. This psalm begins and ends with the same words of praise, possibly answered by the congregation in unison.

Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is an acrostic with each of the 22 eight verse sections corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The eight verses in each section begin with the same letter in proper sequence of the alphabet as designated at the head of each section beginning with Aleph and ending with Tav. This seems strange until we realize we are used to Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
There are several designations for God’s Word which have a slightly different emphasis. They are Law, instruction or teaching; Word (words), is a general term for God’s revelation; Ordinances and Judgments are translations of the same Hebrew word and refer to legal orders and rules for divine administration; Commandments are authoritative orders regarding religious principles; Precepts are injunctions related to man’s moral obligations as ordered by God; Testimonies a declaration of the will of God; Statutes refer to civil and religious decrees of the Mosaic law, and “Way” is the pattern of life described in the law and is used as a synonym for all of those terms. For our purpose we consider all of them somewhat synonymous with the “Word of God”.
Someone has described various ways the Psalmist looked at God’s Word. In v 9 it was Corrective; v 10 Protective; v 18 Reflective; v 105 Directive; v 165 Objective.
Several things are repeated throughout the Psalm. His enemies are persistent and numerous, and he is sorely afflicted, but God’s Word is his hope. He loves to meditate upon it, allow it to be his guide, and trust and obey God all the more.

v 1-8 Those who obey God’s Laws are blessed.

v 9-16 A person is cleansed by keeping God’s Word. Learn God’s word, v 11.

v 17-24 The Psalmist trusted God’s Word and asked for further instruction.

v 25-32 He asks for reviving, understanding and strength, and he would obey.

v 33-40 Similar to last section plus wanting to turn from covetousness and vanity.

v 41-48 He would have salvation through God’s Word, love it , witness to others.

v 49- 56 Though scorned for it, he had hope in God’s Word and sang about it.

v 57-64 He would obey God in the midst of enemies. His friends were believers.

v 65-72 He was slandered and afflicted, but it only increased his trust in God.

v 73-80 In faithfulness God afflicted him, but he had hope and delight in the Law.

v 81-88 He knows God is faithful and asks for vindication over his enemies.

v 89-96 God’s Word is sure and boundless, and sustained him during affliction.

v 97- 104 God’s Word is sweet, gave him superior wisdom and kept him pure.

v 105-112 God’s Word is a light for his path, so he will joyfully follow it.

v 113-120 He rebukes the wickedness he hates, but loves, stands in awe of God.

v 121-128 He again asks for vindication over enemies, loves Word but hates evil.

v 129-136 He delighted in God’s wonderful Word that gives light and wanted it to direct him. He wept profusely as he saw the evil doing of the disobedient.

v 137-144 The Lord and His Word are righteous and he had great zeal for it.

v 145 -152 He asks for deliverance. The enemies are near but God is nearer.

v 153-160 He repeatedly asks to be revived, and loves God’s mercy and Word.

v 161-168 All who love God’s Word will have peace in the midst of trouble.

v 169-176 Through God’s Word he expected deliverance, even though he had gone astray. He would praise God and tell His Word to others.

Psalm 120

Fifteen Psalms, beginning with this one, are called Psalms of degrees, meaning Psalms of ascents. There are numerous views as to the meaning of this, but I hold to the traditional one that these are Psalms which the pilgrims sang as ascended up to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. This type thing was common practice.

v 1,2 The psalmist prays for deliverance from liars.

v 3,4 The pilgrim poses a question and believes that liars will be destroyed.

v 5-7 The pilgrim loves peace and laments dwelling among those who do not.

Psalm 121

v 1,2 As the pilgrim traveled toward Mt Moriah, where the temple was located, he knew the presence of the Lord was there and he could find help. His help was from the Lord, not the hills. This is proven in Jer. 3:23 where help is from God , not gods of hills.

v 3-8 The pilgrim was confident the Lord would watch over and protect him day and night and forever. In that area of the country the sun is intense and even sleeping in moonlight without the head being covered causes damage to the eyes and even to the brain. So we can be smitten, but the Lord preserves us to the extent of His will.

Psalm 122

v 1,2 David is the pilgrim who is expressing joy, fellowship and unity as he enters the gates to worship.

v 3-5 He honors Jerusalem, packed with pilgrims coming to the center of worship.

v 6-9 We need to still pray for the peace of Jerusalem in the midst of her troubles. Woe to nations that shun or seek her harm. He is seeking the good of Jerusalem in v 9.

Psalm 123

v 1,2 The psalmist looks to God in the same dependence as a slave to it’s master.

v 3,4. He has been scoffed at by others and asks for mercy and release from God. I was told I would get used to foul talk at the group home, but I prayed I never would.

Psalm 124

v 1-5 David realized as we should, that if the Lord is not on our side, we would be completely overwhelmed by those who oppose God.

v 6-8 He reaffirms that his help is from the Lord.

Psalm 125

v 1-3 Those who trust in the Lord will be as unshakable as a mountain, and the Lord will not allow them to be tested above what they are able, 1 Cor. 10:13.

v 4,5 The pilgrim prayed for blessing on the upright, but warned that those who turned from God, He would give up to their vile affections, Rom. 1:26.

Psalm 126

v 1-3 Those who had returned from captivity were full of joy and laughter, and even other nations acknowledged the Lord had done great things for Israel.

v 4 He prays for complete restoration from captivity, that others might come.

v 5,6 Returning from captivity, they would have tears as they tried to till the heavy sod, but they would have joy when they harvested the crop. Believers may have tears of concern or difficulty in witnessing to the unsaved, but they will rejoice for those who are saved. We do not drum up these tears, they are from the outflowing of our heart.

Psalm 127

v 1,2 We need to be diligent, but without the Lord, we fail in business or church.

v 3-5 A large family, especially in their agricultural and military situation was a blessing and a big help in national or domestic defense, no specific number is implied.

Psalm 128

v 1-4 Those who love God are generally blessed in prosperity and fruitfulness.

v 5.6 The Psalmist also prays for longevity for them. (This is all by the will of God.)

Psalm 129

v 1-4 Testimony of the Lord’s deliverance from persecutors is encouraged.

v 5-8 He prays for punishment on those who hate Zion; urges not to bless them.

Psalm 130

v 1-4 He urgently prays for mercy but is confident the Lord will greatly forgive.

v 5-8 He eagerly waited for not just superficial forgiveness, but full redemption.

Psalm 131

v 1,2 David claims lack of pride or lofty ambitions, but is content in the Lord.

v 3 He urges the rest of Israel to take that position also.

Psalm 132

v 1-5 The people to ask God to remember His covenant with David and his urgent desire to build the temple.

v 6-10 These returnees from captivity remember the temporary abode of the ark and David’s desire to establish it at Zion, and they pray for the priests, Heb. 13:7,17.

v 11-18 Earlier promises to David are remembered. He had sworn with an oath that David’s throne would be forever, that Zion was the chosen center of worship and He would bless it, and that He would send the Messiah, v 17,18.

Psalm 133

v 1-3 It is still a great blessing for brethren to dwell in unity. David symbolized that to the anointing oil over the shoulders and breastplate uniting Israel. (and much dew)

Psalm 134

v 1-3 The pilgrims urge the priests and Levites on night duty to praise the Lord. Then they prayed for blessing from God, thus ending the Psalms of ascents.

Psalm 135

v 1-3 Similar to Psalm 135, priests are urged to praise the Lord for His goodness.

v 4-7 Two reasons for praise, first, God chose Israel, and second, He is greater than pagan gods because He has absolute control of the weather.

v 8-12 Third, He was sovereign from deliverance from Egypt to entering the land.

v 13,14 Fourth, He is sovereign in what He will do for Israel in the future.

v 15-18 God is so superior to idols who have no senses and cannot save.

v 19-21 He closes with a plea for all Israel to bless the Lord.

Psalm 136

v 1-3 This psalm has a refrain for every verse, so part of the people probably said the verse and others the refrain. This is a call to thank the Lord for His enduring mercy.

v 4-9 Thanks for His great works in creation.

v 10-25 Thanks for everything from the death of the firstborn in Egypt to departure to the Red Sea, wilderness, battles, at last redemption into the land and finally, He provides food for every creature.

v 26 He concludes with a magnificent title for God, “God of heaven”, for His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 137

v 1. Babylonians ran low on supplies and each man had one wife and one servant, all other wives and children were killed. Israelites went to the river for solitude, and Darius eventually took the city by way of the river.

v 2. Willows from there eventually ended up in our own country.

v 3. Their captors came to the river to make fun of them, asking them to sing sons of their homeland, much as Philistines taunted Samson to make sport for them.

v 4. They wouldn’t dishonor God by doing that.

v 5,6. They would not make light of Jerusalem, but they would remember it.

v 7-9. They call for God’s vengeance on Edom and their captors. Edomites had ignored what Israel had done for them and rejoiced while Israel was being destroyed, much as some Muslims cheer over the harm they have done in America in spite of all the good we have done for them. Babylon deserved to have their little ones killed as they had killed Jewish little ones.

Psalm 138

v 1-3 David praised God with his whole heart for previous answers to prayer.

v 4,5 He expected all kings should praise God when they heard more of Him.

v 6-8 God judges fairly, not by human standards, and David had confidence in His deliverance. We are each being perfected to be more like Christ, Eph. 4:13.

Psalm 139

v 1-6 David is amazed at the Omniscience of God, who knew even his thoughts. It seemed even confining, and he knew it was beyond human comprehension.

v 7-12 Aware that God knows everything, his thought was to hide, but there was no place at all to hide because of God’s Omnipresence, He was every where.

v 13-18 This brought to mind God’s Omnipotence, Amazing that God created a tiny body in the womb, and not mere fetal tissue as abortionists lie. God” thoughts of us indicate He planned minute details of our lives before we were even born.

v 19-24. In the last of these six verse groups, David declares his loyalty to God. As he prayed verses 23 and 24, we should pray them daily, confessing sin and following.

Psalm 140

v 1-8 David petitioned God for deliverance from wicked who would destroy him.

v 9-11 He voiced imprecations against these violent as severe as on Sodom.

v 12,13. He was confident that the Lord would care for the poor and needy, and that they would thank Him and eventually dwell in His presence.

Psalm 141

v 1,2 David wants his prayer to be as effective as the 3:00 PM evening sacrifice.

v 3-7 We should all learn and heed v 3, to watch what we say. He continues to ask for sanctification and counsel of the righteous, 2 Tim. 4:2, Heb. 3:13.

v 8-10 He prayed for God’s protection by allowing wicked to fall in their own traps.

Psalm 142

v 1-4 David called out to the Lord when he was in a cave fleeing from Saul. He had no other to turn to and felt completely overwhelmed, cp. 61:2; 77:2, 3 but he knew God knew his plight. Cp. Hezekiah spreading the letter before God. Isa. 37:14-20.

v 5-7 He cried out to God as though he were in prison, but was sure of answer.

Psalm 143

v 1-6 David complained that he was in deep gloom and overwhelmed because of his enemies, but he his confidence was renewed when he remembered God’s works in the past. You can’t understand this deep spiritual thirst unless you have physically been in a situation where you could “spit cotton” and longed for a drink.

v 7-12 David feels he may be overwhelmed almost to the point of death. He asks first of all for God to lead him, and hopes for it by morning. In a time when I was under tremendous pressure and was finding support in Ps. 143 and 143, the Lord gave me 30:5 b, joy comes in the morning and Isa. 40:31 .....mount up on wings as eagles ..... He then wanted rescue from enemies, guidance of the Spirit and destruction of enemies.

Psalm 144

v 1,2 The Lord taught David how to fight, and he places full trust in Him.

v 3-11 Now David asks God to intervene by the forces of tempestuous weather and give him victory in future battles. David is so confident he will sing a new song.

v 12-15 God’s deliverance would result in personal and national prosperity and peace. This would result in happiness for people who trust in the Lord.

Psalm 145

v 1-7 In this part of David’s psalm of praise, he praised God for His mighty acts.

v 8-16 He praises God’s everlasting kingdom for gracious compassion, patience and mercy. He is faithful, upholds believers and supplies their food and other desires.

v 17-21 The Lord is righteous, near to His people, fulfills their desires and will deliver them, but the enemies He will destroy. David will praise and ask others to praise the Lord continually.

Psalm 146

v 1-4 The Psalmist vows to praise the Lord all his life and asks the other to trust.

v 5,6 Those who trust in God the creator will be happy.

v 7-10 God can be praised for justice, providing food, releasing prisoners, curing the blind, raises up the defeated, cares for strangers, widows and orphans, overthrows the wicked and reigns forever.

Psalm 147

v 1-6 It is fitting to praise the Lord for building Jerusalem, healing the broken hearted, lifts up the meek and even numbers the stars and has them named.

v 7-11 God should be praised musically for His control of weather and for not taking pleasure in strength of man or beast, but in those who fear Him.

v 12-20 He should be praised for providing peace, food, and again control of weather. Best of all He has given his Word to Israel more than to any other nation.

Psalm 148

v 1-6. The angels and all God’s creation above the earth should praise Him because He created them. Scientifically, notice stores of water above the heavens, v 4.

v 7-14 Earthly hosts of all His creation praise Him, again with mention of weather. This includes all people of every class, especially Israel and saints.

Psalm 149

v 1-3 All the assembly are called to praise God in new song, music and dance.

v 4,5 God takes pleasure in His people so they should praise Him even in bed.

v 6-9 Israel should praise Him with their mouths and at the same time wield swords in their hands to execute judgment upon heathen as originally commanded.

Psalm 150

v 1 This is the last of six Psalms of praise. The Psalmist calls for praise to God in the sanctuary on earth and in His own dwelling place in heaven.

v 2 Praise is due because of His excellent greatness.

v 3-6 He is to be praised with all sorts of musical instruments and dance. As a grand finale, everything that has breath is to praise the Lord.