******************************************************************************************

Psalms 101-106. While some have seen only Jewish history in this cluster of six Psalms, they have deeper meaning as a prophetic series about Jesus Christ the righteous Savior and King in humiliation and glory: The King of Righteousness (101), the suffering Servant's humiliation in rejection (102), unmixed praise for all of His benefits (103), and for His creation and satisfying provision (104), praise for fulfilling His promises to Abraham in delivering Israel from Egypt -- symbolic of delivering the Firstfruits from the world (105), and praise for remembering His covenant with His people in the wilderness and beyond -- symbolic of guidance through this life in Satan's world (106).

Psalm 105 and 106. Together these two historical Psalms give us a grand overview of Israel's history from a particular standpoint: A contrast of God's steadfast faithfulness to Israel and Israel's constant disloyalty to Him. They have the same theme as Psalm 78. Both are used as part of 1 Chronicles 16. It is possible that the first part was composed by David and was expanded later in post-exilic times to these two longer Psalms for major presentations at Holy Days and/or state occasions. This would explain Ezra's comment in 1 Chronicles 16:7 that David was the source for the first 15 verses of 105. At that time (after returning from the 70-year Babylonian captivity under Nehemiah and Ezra) the nation (especially the priesthood) was intent on never again being thrown out of their land, so there was a great emphasis on the lesson that their welfare would be determined by their obedience or disobedience to God.

Psalm 105

Author: David. There is no superscription, but V. 1-15 are incorporated into 1 Chronicles 16:8-22.

Time/Occasion: V. 7 of 1 Chronicles 16 states that on the day that the ark was placed in the tent at Jerusalem David delivered the Psalm to Asaph and his associates, but it probably only refer to the first 15 verses that are quoted.

Main Theme: God has remembered His covenant with Abraham. Praise for fulfilling it in delivering Israel from Egypt and blessing the nation. It begins with Abraham and follows his descendants through their taking possession of the Promised Land.

Key Verses:

V. 8, 42. God remembers His covenant and holy promise.

V. 15. "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."

The following sections give a historical summary.

V. 7ff The covenant made and remembered

V. 9-16 The wandering and experiences (including protection) of the patriarchs

V. 17-25 Joseph and Jacob's stories

V. 26-36 The ten plagues

V. 37ff Their needs provided

Secondary Theme: Symbolic of delivering the Firstfruits from the world through baptism and conversion.

V. 1 His deeds are His Work throughout the ages.

V. 3 Cause of real joy

V. 1-5 Instructions for actions that will cause joyfulness (work in God's Work).

V. 7-9 Synopsis of the end-time message to the nations of modern Israel -- The key is that there is an ancient covenant that God made with them, and He will remember and keep it.

Hymnal:
#64 O Give Thanks and Praise the Eternal!
#130 To God be the Glory.

Personal Application: This whole psalm is a prophetic instruction for God's Church -- the workers in His harvest. Beginning with instructions for ordering our lives so that the fruits of His Spirit are produced in our lives, the basic message to his people is stated (V. 7-9): Because God remembers His covenant, they did succeed. This early fulfillment serves to assure us that He will always remember, and the Church will also succeed in fulfilling His will. Examples from the patriarchs through the exodus are offered to prove the point. The final lesson is taught that God provides all His people's needs in doing His work with an abbreviated list of needs (V. 37-45) that God provided: money, strength, protection, light, food, water, inheritance. Verse 6 addresses the Firstfruits directly showing that this psalm is for the Church. (Note Galatians 3:7, 29. Converted Christians are to inherit God's promises to Abraham.) Several parallels between the ancient nation's experiences and that of the Firstfruits in this age are:

V. 10. Permanent commitment and covenant

V. 12. Small in number

V. 14ff Protection

V. 24 Increase, prosperity (success in God's work, not necessarily numbers of baptisms).

Many miracles

All needs fulfilled.

V. 45. All on the foundation of God's laws

Use this psalm to pray for God's work and your part in it. Ask God to bring to remembrance His "deeds" -- His interventions on behalf of the Work in your lifetime and in your own life. He has been working diligently and productively in each of us. Let the history and prophecy here recorded give you insight into His many serious deliverances, bale-outs, and even little assists in your own life as well as the Church in general. Seeing these faithful and good gifts by a tender, caring Father draws us closer to Him.

******************************************************************************************

Day 109-110: Psalm 106

Author: Not known. This is the last Psalm of Book 4.

V. 1, 47, and 48 are included in 1 Chronicles 16:34-36, along with the 15 verses from 105. Verse 47 backs up the idea that the later and greatest parts of the two psalms were composed after the return from Babylon when the majority of citizens still remained in other lands. (Only 70,000 had returned initially. Then others followed, but most of the population never returned).

Time/Occasion: Not known for sure. It is obviously the sequel to the previous psalm. God is praised for remembering His covenant with His people in the wilderness and through the history of the nation. Whereas 105 emphasizes the Exodus, 106 begins there and goes further in their history emphasizing the trials in the wilderness.

Main Theme: The constant disloyalty and unfaithfulness of Israel.

The five-verse introduction of praise with a prayer for acceptance and success. As in 105, God's faithfulness is stated but in the context of Israel's unfaithfulness.

V. 8, 43-45. Note the use of the word, "nevertheless."

V. 7, 13, 21, 25. Israel always forgot, then turned to lawlessness, the corruption of abominable practices.

Secondary Theme: Symbolic of deliverance in guiding His Firstfruits through this life in Satan's world.

Hymnal: N/A

Personal Application: This being a sequel, the lessons of 105 and 106 are the same. Lessons of the OT Church many times serve as warnings for us on a personal level (1 Corinthians 10:11). Some specifics are:

V. 7 When we fail to seek to understand God's miracles in our lives -- or don't even see them -- we make bad decisions and bring grief upon ourselves.

V. 24-26, 33, 40. It is possible to push God so far that His Spirit is provoked to allow severe punishment. Israel paid by delaying receipt of their inheritance for a whole generation.

V. 43. We ignore the study of God's ways at our own risk. Our own actions can bring us down.

V. 45ff. God will be merciful and help us when we are paying penalties for bad decisions (sins) and even soften the blows, but we still reap the consequences of our actions. It's the law of natural cause and effect.

******************************************************************************

Day 110-111: (Week 23) Psalm 107

Author: David (superscription). This is the first of the 44 Psalms of Book Five. It fits in theme after 106 and is considered part of the same group even though it is the introduction to Book Five. It seems to be written by the same author as 105 and 106 by style, theme, and vocabulary.

Time/Occasion: Not known but is usually considered to be post-exilic.

Main Theme: The regathering and restoration of Israel: God is Good.

V. 1. Both 106 and 107 begin with the assertion that, "God is Good." Five illustrations of God's mercy and goodness are given followed by a concluding lesson:

V. 2-9. His care of lost travelers

V. 10-16. His care of captives

V. 17-22. God heals those smitten with sickness

V. 33-38. God's management of man's environment

V. 39-42. He defends His people from attackers.

V. 8, 15, 21, 31A refrain (used for the hymn) is repeated four times setting up the logical conclusion.

V. 43. Conclusion: Coming full circle from stating "God is Good," the composer strengthens it by explaining a spiritual lesson: Those who are wise and study God working in the affairs of men will discover that God is love (translated mercies, loving kindness, great love, faithful love, etc.)

Hymnal:
#65 O Praise the Lord, for He Is Good
#66 O That Men Would Praise Their God!.

Personal Application: Despite what people are taught and think they believe, man really believes God is against him in many circumstances (Romans 8:7). In the end, it will be up to those called (John 6:44) to worship Him in deed and truth who learn the truth that God really is good and that He is love. Then they will be able to teach that by example and speech in their responsibilities in the Kingdom.

We have the opportunity to learn firsthand of God's providence and guidance through the wilderness of this life, of His pardon in delivering us from the slavery of our personal character flaws in Satan's world, of His protection as He fights our battles and dissolves problems, and of His power that He uses to delight and bless His people. This intimate knowing of God is one of the basic things that prepares God's Firstfruits for their reward of leadership and service in His Kingdom. There is also a specific instruction here in the refrain. When we are low on spiritual power, the answer is to turn back to God, study His many acts of great love to His people (and mankind in general), and praise Him for those deeds of love for man. This draws man closer to God, and He then gives more inspiration and spiritual power.