Week Twenty, Psalm 91-95

Week Twenty, Psalms 91-95

Day 93: Psalm 91

Author: Not stated. There is no proof, but some Jewish traditions attribute it to Moses, like the previous one.

Time/Occasion: Not known. This is about our life with God. It contrasts with Psalm 90, which is about the first death.

A Messianic Psalm, this is a faith-strengthening testimony to the security enjoyed by those who faithfully trust in God. It is quite intricately organized into two halves of eight verses each. Three voices speak: First, the composer of the psalm in V. 2 gives His personal testimony. In V. 3-4 the second voice, assures the composer of God's protection from many threats, speaking in the third person. In V. 5-8 God responds in the second person that "you" will be safe. Then the pattern is repeated. The faithful are safe from four threats (first half) and four menacing animals (second half), at any and all times (V. 5).

The whole Psalm, (especially the second half), is a prophecy of Christ. God the Father speaks with His ultimate authority in V. 14-16, declaring His promises of personal protection to Christ. He also gives the reason: "Because he has known my name," the opposite of "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23). The personal relationship is always paramount.

This psalm perfectly pictures Christ in that only He trusted in God perfectly. Satan knew this was a prophecy of Christ. He quoted V. 11-12 at the Temptation, conveniently leaving out the "inconvenient" phrase "to keep thee in all thy ways" (Mt. 4:6; Luke 4:10-11).

Main theme: Security and protection in God -- stated succinctly in V. 1.

Hymnal: N/A.

Personal application: This applies to all who put their trust in God. We have the same amazing promises of God's personal attention and protection. The two voices (possibly Levitical singers) picturing saints, assure each other of God's faithful protection. This answers to many NT instructions to exhort and encourage each other. Compare the prophecy of the end-time remnant speaking often with each other in Malachi 3:16ff. In both stanzas God completes the discussion with His absolute assurance. This pictures our spiritual fellowship, which is spiritually supported by God's promise to intervene and build our faith when we obey His instruction. This is explained in Romans 10:17: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Fellowship builds faith!

Christ was saved from Herod, from the mobs, and from the religious leaders many times, but He was also allowed to be hurt and tortured and die. Was His promise of protection broken? This question is very meaningful to us. Just as Jesus set us the example, we do have the full attention and protection of God. But He promises trials for our strengthening and growth. We may even die prematurely or face other hard trials without relief in this life. God's promise is absolute, but He has not guaranteed that He will answer all of His promises in this life. Does this diminish or build faith? This depends on our deliberate decision to "dwell in the shelter" (NIV) of God, referring to His throne or His "courts" in the spiritual temple. In other words, prayer is our starting point. Consistent contact with God through daily prayer and Bible study is the foundation of our lives. As always, we demonstrate our faith by our consistent decisions to choose the right -- our works (James 2:17, 29). In the end, those who choose to live their lives with God, obeying His will (not their own) in His presence, enjoy perfect protection in this life.

Day 94: Psalm 92

Author: Not stated.

Time/Occasion: Not known. The song looks forward to the prophetic Sabbath Rest -- the millennium. Several connections with the Sabbath have been noted, but the Sabbath isn't specifically referenced. A song of praises naturally comes after a Messianic one. The Sabbath was made for man to praise God and build that relationship.

Main theme: A Sabbath Hymn.

This reads like a list of major life lessons that would be taught on the Sabbath throughout one's life.

V. 7 and 13 describe a major contrast, reemphasizing the first basic theme in the Psalter (Psalm 1).

Hymnal: #49 How Good It Is to Thank the Lord ; #50 Sabbath Song ; #51 >It Is Good to Sing Thy Praises .

Personal application: V. 1. A simple, profound statement: It is good... So many good things flow from choosing an attitude of thankfulness, which is ultimately directed to God. He honors that attitude and gives us understanding, wisdom and success in general.

V. 4-5. What makes us glad and provides satisfaction? Being called to the Work of God and seeing the greatness of God's deep spiritual thoughts -- His principles and laws, which we study on the Sabbath.

V. 6. Our wonder and appreciation is magnified when we see how few understand "the truth."

V. 10-11 read like the author may have been one of the kings. This being a millennial prophecy makes it a Sabbath instruction for those in training for kingship in the coming world.

Day 95: Psalm 93

Author: Not stated.

Time/Occasion: Not known for sure, but considered pre-exilic (before the captivity to Babylon).

The millennial theme is shared by seven Psalms: 47, 93, 95-99, and was used especially on Holy Days. Called "A psalm of unabashed praise because Christ the King is ruling.

Main theme: A hymn to the sovereign King ruling the Kingdom of God on earth -- victorious, invincible, glorious, eternally sovereign.

Hymnal: #48 O God, Our Help in Ages Past.

Personal application: We should take time to meditate on how great Christ the King is in so many ways and express our unabashed joy at the promise we have to be with Him in His Kingdom!

Day 96: Psalm 94

Author: Not known.

Time/Occasion: Not known. This is a contrast to the others in this series, 92-100, which are about the coming Kingdom. This is about troubles in this world.

Main theme: An appeal to God the Judge for redress of unfair treatment by the arrogant rulers who are in power in this world's established structures of governmental authority.

V. 3-7. The arrogant persecutors who afflict the people are indicted.

V. 7-11, 23. God hears, sees and knows everything, so, despite their smugness, the foolish, will be punished.

V. 14-19, 22. God corrects His people for their learning and benefit, resulting in comfort. He won't forget them.

V. 13. An almost unnoticed reference to the millennial rest.

Hymnal: N/A.

Personal application: Many of our prayers deal with our troubles. We must expect adversity in this world but still not take vengeance. God will correct us (V. 12), a huge blessing (Hebrews 12:6). Our trials are for our benefit, otherwise, God wouldn't allow them. We have to keep His thoughts (V. 19) as our main desire and goal, rely on Him as our defense (V. 22) and leave any vengeance or punishment of evildoers to Him. These attitudes and requirements frame our prayers, and shape our character into a godly mold.

Day 97: Psalm 95

Author: Not known.

Time/Occasion: Not known. A millennial psalm.

Main theme: A call to worship for any holy convocation. The reason is given in verse 3: Because God is the Great God and the Great King above all other gods. V. 7-11 are quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11 and connect this psalm with the Sabbath. So both Psalm 92 and 95 are Sabbath psalms in this section of millennial psalms.

Hymnal: #53 O Come and Let Us Worship Him; #53 O Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord.

Related content in: #127 We Will Glorify; #129 How Great Thou Art; #162 We Praise Thee, Our Redeemer .

Personal application: Hebrews 3:7 declares that these are the words of the Holy Spirit. This then, is a call to all the people of God in all places and times to spiritual worship of the true God (John 4:23-24). The word "Today" in V. 7 and the word "rest" in V. 11 refer to the Sabbath and connote the spiritual rest of the millennium and of conversion, which are pictured by the regular seventh-day Sabbath we keep. The Sabbath is a special day to pray, and Psalm 95 is an excellent prayer for the Sabbath.