Week Twenty-one, Psalm 96-100

Day 98: Psalm 96

Author: Not Known.

Time/Occasion: Not known. This psalm has several connections to others here in the Book of Praises and other books. It appears in 1 Chronicles16:23-33 in a slightly altered form, indicating that it was written in David’s lifetime, possibly by him. But V. 1 appears to be a quote from Isaiah 42:10, which would place it during Isaiah’s ministry and Hezekiah’s reign close to 300 years later when the Psalter was expanded. Scholars are divided in opinion. One possibility is that, like many others, this psalm was placed in a new section of the Psalter many years after it was written. Psalms 96 and 98 are similar in theme, with V. 11-13 closely paralleling 98:7-9. There is a Jewish exhortation to read this with Psalm 87.

Main theme: The Second Advent and Day of Judgment and resulting joy throughout the world.

Secondary theme: All peoples called to worship as the government of God is set up. This naturally follows the call of Psalm 95 for Israel to worship.

V. 3, 10, 13. The prophecy is worldwide in scope: Righteous judgment is a major reason that Christ is returning.

V. 4, 5. Idolatry referenced because it will be stamped out at this time.

V. 11-13. Joy is universal.

Hymnal: #127 We Will Glorify; #130 To God Be the Glory.

Personal application:

V. 1. The new song is mentioned in 98:1. Revelation 14:1-5 also speaks of a new song sung by the Firstfruits at this same time. The song has been called, “The Song of the Redeemed,” harking back to the prophetic “Song of the Redeemed” in Exodus 15. This song that only the Firstfruits can learn is symbolic of all that Christ exclusively shares with the Firstfruits at the first resurrection, as not only our Savior, Lord, Captain, etc., but as our friend (John 15:14-15). We should constantly remind ourselves of the unfathomable value of our calling.

V. 2. Day to day means in our daily lives. This psalm is specifically for use by the Firstfruits preparing for the Kingdom of God.

V. 8. The Psalms show us how to pray. This verse gives us the attitude that every prayer should start with.

Day 99: Psalm 97

Author: Not Known.

Time/Occasion: With the same basic theme as Psalm 96, this follows as another Psalm fitting into the whole section from 93-100, which are about the Millennium. (Psalm 94 is somewhat of an exception, looking back to the time beforehand with a call for God’s intervention against the wicked but is still a part of the series of eight.)

Scholars also note that Psalms 90 – 100 can also be considered a cohesive group of eleven.

Psalm 97 develops the idea of the last verse of the previous psalm. Most of the verses are borrowed or restated from other psalms. This and others in this section were probably written for specific services and occasions in the temple services.

Main theme: The Second Advent and Day of Judgment, Judgment and Joy.

V. 2. Clouds and darkness are also described in other prophecies as accompanying Christ’s return: Joel 2:2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:15; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 1:7; 14:14ff.

V. 7, 9. Translated from Elohim, “gods” refers to not only false gods, but judges, magistrates, angels—any authority in the earth, specifically those who have been running things in the previous world order.

Hymnal: #54 The Lord Eternal Reigns!

Personal application: We have to look forward to the second coming of Christ with mixed feelings, praying “Thy Kingdom come,” yet dreading the extreme trials that precede it. We can’t get around this emotional contradiction, but we can cope with it from a position of strength by emphasizing the positive message of hope that is prophesied. Our spiritual strength and mental health is directed by what we focus and think on. Paul gives us this prescription for mental health: Dwell on these things—things that are true, honest, etc. Philippians 4:8 is a description of the spirit of the Kingdom of God. Listed first is truth as the foundation that we must build on that will produce strength and good character. The Psalms are loaded with the positive things we should dwell on.

V. 8-12. Joy and safety is promised for the Firstfruits. We are promised a hard life with trials but a good result in the end and personal help with inspiration and power throughout our lives.

Day 100: Psalm 98

Author: Not Known.

Time/Occasion: Similar to Psalm 96. V. 7-9 are parallel to 96:11-13. The four psalms, 96-99 form a cluster within a cluster—four on the same theme. Some put 96 with 98, and 97 with 99 as the two pairs; others put 96 with 97 and 98 with 99. Here’s a challenge: How would you organize them? This is a good exercise to help understand Hebrew poetry. The “rhymes” aren’t by sounds but by ideas. Here is another challenge: What is the logical thematic (subject matter) progression of the eleven Psalms from 90 through 100? What’s the story flow? How do they logically fit together?

Main theme: A call to celebrate with Joy the reign of Christ.

God’s truth has been made known (V. 2) in all the earth (V. 3-4), and all nations will be keeping the Holy Days and singing the Psalms to praise God.

V. 4-6 are allusions to the Feast of Trumpets and the second coming of Christ.

V. 7-9. Joy of the peoples of the world and even joy expressed in nature.

Hymnal: #55 O Sing a New Song to the Lord; #56 Sing Praises and Rejoice!

Personal application: This expresses why we are so dedicated to God’s way of life—God’s promises of the future are sure. Christ will come back to judge and rule, producing joy throughout the world. This also reminds us that we even now have the knowledge and the rule of God in our own minds through the Holy Spirit if we submit to His will rather than our own.

Here’s a suggestion for prayer: Pray this Psalm (and others) as a personal prayer by changing the subjects and objects to “me” or “I” or your name. Let’s say your name is Bill or Mary.

For example:

1. O sing unto the Lord a new song, Bill; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

V. 2. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shown in the MY sight of the heathen.

V. 3. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward ME the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth I have seen the salvation of our God. [How thankful I am!]

4. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, Bill all the earth: Mary, make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

5. Sing unto the Lord with the harp [piano]; with the harp [piano], and the voice of a psalm [hymn], Mary.

6. With trumpets and sound of cornet I will make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.

7. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and especially ME, that dwells therein.

8. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

9. Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

This technique works amazingly well. It’s a powerful way to get your own focus on what’s right, and it will give depth to your prayer.

Day 101: Psalm 99

Author: Not Known.

Time/Occasion: This series— Psalm 93, 96, 97, and 99 repeat a phrase that gives us the timing and occasion for the whole series. “The LORD reigns” speaks of the time when Christ will have established His sovereignty in Jerusalem and commenced His rule on earth. A historic look is taken of the service of Moses, Aaron and Samuel, all associated with the Presence of God at the Tabernacle of the Wilderness and communicating directly with God through the cloudy pillar of light.

Main theme: The call to worship is renewed. The theme of Psalms 93 and 97 is revisited.

V. 3, 5, 9. Of many reasons to worship God the one offered here is that He is Holy.

Hymnal: #57 Holy, Mighty Majesty!

Personal application: Same as above. The cloudy pillar symbolizes the Presence of God in our lives through the Holy Spirit—the Comforter. And, as the Psalmist records God’s fellowship with ancient Israel, so it is with us. God speaks “Today” with us in the Cloudy Pillar whenever we ask.

Day 102: Psalm 100

Author: Not Known.

Time/Occasion: This short five-verse summary is a fitting climax to the group that started with Psalm 93. The eight are sometimes referred to as the “accession group” because they describe the LORD acceding to His rightful throne and taking over the rule of the world. It is considered a doxology.

Definition of “doxology”: An expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service. There are many in the scriptures. One example is Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Main theme: Summary of the worship and prayer of God’s people, specifically of the Firstfruits at the time of the establishment of Christ as the King of the new world.

Hymnal: #58 Sing to the Lord With Cheerful Voice; #59 Come Before His Presence; #114 May Your Blessing Be Upon Us; #133 We Are God’s People.

Personal application: The themes of the previous psalms in this group are recapped, and they serve to remind us of the great high calling we have been given and to exhort us to use and develop it.

• Coming to worship God with an attitude of praise and joy—His deserved worship and joyful
  appreciation. Coming to His throne in prayer with thanksgiving and praise—not with reluctance or
  lack of enthusiasm or personal glory in mind.

• Understanding that we worship and have spiritual contact with the One true God, the Creator.

• Understanding that we are His people, and we are included in His Family—and the Work of His
  Family, and that we are responsible for using all His blessings, as His Firstfruits.

• Understanding God’s unfathomable goodness and unending mercy.

• Loving His eternal truth.

• We live our lives before God for His purposes and will, not our own.

• The reward is going to be fantastically and amazingly glorious!