Week 32, Psalm 141-145

About the authors and dating of the Psalms -- using superscriptions and internal evidence.

Superscriptions are the titles at the top of a psalm. They aren't part of the psalm. They are the instruction and identifying notes of the choirmasters and Levitical musicians who arranged and organized them for temple worship. Examples are A Psalm of David" or "A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah." Most of the superscriptions are clear enough, but some of them aren't the same in different ancient sources. For example, the Septuagint Version (Greek language translation of the OT from 250 years before Christ) sometimes adds additional comments to the superscriptions that the standard Hebrew translations don't include. One instance already mentioned is at the top of Psalm 138 where the Septuagint adds "of Haggai and Zechariah." It's not known for sure, but scholars guess that it refers to possible re-editing or being composed in the "Davidic style of Psalmody" in the times of those prophets. Like almost everything else this old, there are some things that we are not quite sure of.

The language within these psalms contains changes made in the latter stages of Judah's history (Aramaisms -- the use of Aramaic terms, phrases, etc.), quotations from other psalms, and historical references, which place them well after David's life. Several Psalms that have superscriptions that contain "... of David" are simply understood as modeled after "the Davidic style or the Davidic school of Psalmists" (Soncino). There are, however, those who disregard this evidence and assume David was the composer and that they were merely updated in a later style.

In general, much information can be drawn from the superscriptions and from internal evidence. On the other hand to balance our understanding, we should keep in mind that many questions remain about the authors and exact dates that many of the Psalms were written. In the end, it is not possible to answer these questions with certainty.

It is good to remember that the inspired words are the Psalms themselves, not the editorial notes of the musicians who organized them. The technical organization of the Psalter doesn't affect our use of them for our own prayers.

Psalms 138-145 is a collection of eight "Davidic" Psalms leading up to the final five-psalm conclusion. They were not necessarily composed by David but deal with similar issues to his early psalms. Some were likely Davidic psalms rewritten from an earlier time, and others were later (even post-exilic) ones composed in the style of David's early poems.

Psalm 140-143 form a distinctive group (Soncino) with similar literary style and content: generally, the trials and tribulations of God's people. They are sometimes characterized as "Psalms in Times of Trouble."

Psalm 141

Author: David is named in the superscription, but the notes above apply.

Time/Occasion: Not known. See the notes above.

Main theme: An urgent prayer for deliverance from sinners.

Hymnal: N/A.

Personal application: The danger of this trial is not bodily harm as in many Psalms. Rather, it is being drawn into sin out of retaliation, temptation, frustration, vengeance, etc. Verses 3-4 and 9-10 show a worshipper who is fighting temptation to sin. This would fit any situation where we were being tempted to follow the crowd and join in due to peer pressure (as in Proverbs 1:10ff). The problem is well understood by overcomers who endure great stress in fighting their own carnal natures and resisting the devil's temptations. Hebrews 12:4 talks of "resisting unto blood, striving against sin." This Psalm puts into personal words James' instruction to "resist the devil and he will flee from you." Use it when you're fighting, especially when you're not winning.

Psalm 142

Author: David is named in the superscription, but the notes above apply.

Time/Occasion: Not known. Incidents are recorded at caves in Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1ff) and Engedi (1 Samuel 24:1-3ff). Both situations would fit this psalm. See the notes above.

Main theme: A passionate plea for help against persecutors.

Hymnal: N/A.

Personal application: Notice verse 2: I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my trouble. He prayed like Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:14-19. As Hezekiah spread out the threatening letter of Sennacherib "before the Lord," so should we lay out our lives before God and Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord (Lamentations 2:19; Psalm 62:8). This is the way we should strive to pray -- honest, open, direct.

This is another prayer of an overcomer for use by those who have the insight to see the spiritual meaning. He is feeling overwhelmed knowing that he is dealing with deadly enemies who plan in secret (they're invisible) to trap and murder him. And he knows they are more powerful than he is, and they surround him. What prison is he in? It is the same as in the previous psalm -- the bondage of sin and human nature. Who are the enemies? They are the "wicked spirits in high places" described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12. The petition in V. 6-7 ends with the positive statement of trust that he will be delivered by the One who is more powerful than the enemies. There are times when this is the perfect psalm to help lift you up and get you back on track.

Psalm 143

Author: David is named in the superscription, but the notes above apply.

Time/Occasion: Not known. See the notes above. This is the final of a set of four and matches the tone and themes of the others.

Main theme: Another call for God's help, His guidance, and restoration.

This is the seventh and final "penitential" Psalm (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143).

V. 2 is a memory scripture on justification, which only comes through forgiveness and grace.

The last half of the poem is a collection of notable quotes from earlier psalms.

Personal application: David appeals to God on the basis of His faithfulness and righteousness. John instructs us to do the exact same thing in 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just [righteous] to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This psalm expresses the experience of the Firstfruits struggling against spiritual enemies. The author is again feeling overwhelmed, feeling like he is failing -- and falling into a pit. The word for pit implies a dungeon. He reaffirms that God is his only hope. In V. 8 he expresses hope for a renewal -- "in the morning" -- following the present darkness. The Firstfruits experience major changes in circumstances throughout their lives. It's part of the curriculum. "Glory days" are followed by periods of obscurity and trial. But God is near at all times, and always ready to help when we "stretch forth [our] hands unto" Him.

Psalm 144

Author: David is named in the superscription, but the notes above apply.

Time/Occasion: Not known. See the notes above. This Psalm was put together with 15+ quotations from other psalms.

Main theme: Joy in God's protection and resulting blessings.

It is also sometimes characterized as a battle hymn sung as the army was preparing to march to war because of the references to God's help in training for war in V. 1.

As physical Israel would see it:

V. 1-2 are the words of a king expressing victory in God. .

V. 3 and 4 repeat of statements in Psalm 8 and 102 about the insignificance of man.

V. 5-8. A prayer for deliverance.

V. 9-11. God's assurance.

12-15. Prosperity is the result of God's protection.

Secondary theme: A prophecy of the Millennium.

V. 5ff. Call for God's intervention in world affairs. Refers to the second advent.

Also cf. Isaiah 64:1-2 -- God will rend the heavens.

V. 9-15. Prophecy of the ideal millennial homestead/community with blessings in all areas of life.

V. 14. "Complaining" or "outcry." Notice the contrast with this world's current street riots.

Hymnal: N/A.

Personal application: The psalmist asks for all-round thorough blessing of every aspect of national life -- a type of the prayers of the Firstfruits. A blessing and praise to God, for teaching us how to overcome and live this life and for giving us success in every area of our lives, is followed in V. 3-4 with an understanding of the state and nature of man. The famous quote, "What is man that thou art mindful of him" is from Psalm 8:4-6, which is also quoted in Hebrews 2:6-8. The answer is known by the Firstfruits and gives us the knowledge of God's plan.

From verse 7 on, the physical blessings requested have their spiritual meanings to the Firstfruits. For example, full garners (granary or place for storage or safekeeping) and strong oxen typify abundant resources and power for doing God's work both personal and as the Church team. We have the opportunity and the assurance of success so we should put our heart into using whatever blessings we have for God's purposes. Those, whose God is the True Lord, are truly settled and happy.

Psalm 145

Author: David is named in the superscription, but the notes above apply.

Time/Occasion: Not known. See the notes above. This Psalm is largely composed of quotations from other psalms, but they are harmoniously woven together and blended to create a new psalm, like 144. It's like a "best of" collection from other Psalms, and is considered by many to be one of the most inspiring in the Psalter.

Main theme: Glorious Praise Be to God

This is a Psalm of pure, unabashed, joyous worship of God -- of knowing Him well by His character and sharing your knowledge -- proclaiming this great news. The introduction (V. 1-2) states the purpose: "Every day I will give the highest honor to God with enthusiasm."

Three great aspects of God's nature and character are praised and expounded in order. In Hebrew the three introductory announcements match in form:

V. 3-7. His greatness: Great is the LORD!

V. 8-16. His graciousness: Gracious and merciful is the LORD!

V. 17-20. His righteousness: Just (Righteous) is the LORD!

Verses from other Psalms are quoted to form a unified Psalm of pure worship in three sections. More than ample evidence is given in each section.

V. 20. The conclusion reiterates the introduction and carries it to the level of a prophecy for universal worship in the Millennium.

Hymnal: #83 O Lord, Thou Art My God and King!; #95 From all Who Dwell Below the Skies; #134 Glory to Thy Name; #137 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.

Personal application: This Psalm of straightforward praise of the Great, Gracious, and Righteous God is excellent for giving one's self a huge spiritual boost when needed. Several memory verses are taken from this Psalm because this is a collection of notable quotes from other Psalms: V. 1, 3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15-16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

This is an alphabetical or acrostic Psalm with one letter left out -- the 14^th, nun. Many have wondered why. A possible answer is that man's praise is incomplete because of our limitations of 1) being fleshly and 2) our human nature (combination of good and evil). The Holy Spirit must assist our communications with God even to offer a proper prayer (Romans 8:26-27). Being so limited, we look forward to the resurrection when for the first time, the ability to give complete, unfettered, perfect praise to God will be available to us. The choir prophesied here is made up of "all flesh" during the Millennial rule of Christ (V. 21).

We will all sing in the Firstfruits choir when we are resurrected to glorious spiritual life. This is described in Revelation, beginning where the 144,000 (the Firstfruits who were redeemed -- 14:3-4), are the only ones who can learn a particular new song. In 15:3-4 they sing before God's throne: And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4. Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested.''

There will be a lot of singing of praises by the Firstfruits as the Kingdom gets started. Notice it continues at the Marriage of the Lamb's Wedding Supper (Revelation 19:1ff):

1. After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God! 2. "For true and righteous are His judgments... , because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.'' 6. And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7. "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.''

These are new Psalms composed for the occasion and spoken (or sung) in unison by the Firstfruits Choir! There are also angelic choirs that will have their parts in this glorious celebration.

We will for the first time be able to escape our human limitations and praise God (pray) with complete, uninhibited, perfect praise at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb! In the mean time, we should use Psalm 145 and others to learn to praise and pray. We should read, study, and use them in our own prayers and make these thoughts our own second nature. They are just a tiny foretaste -- training for our glorious future!