Psalm Reading Program
INSD Churches January 1, 2012
Week Six, Psalms 26-30
Day 26: Psalm 26
Author: David (superscription).
Time: Not known. Circumstance is that he is surrounded by evil that cannot be controlled. He instinctively turns to God for strength and support.
Main theme: A simple prayer for aid at a time of insecurity and threat. He appeals to God on the basis of His steadfastness and loyalty and asks for vindication by God's merciful judgment. Not that he claims to be righteous of himself -- but he is "still standing" in the congregation (V. 12.)
*Uses the three verbs of 1:1 -- walk, sit, stand.
*V. 8. Expresses his devotion to and love for the temple here and in Psalm 27 and 28.
Personal application: This also is a prayer for the Firstfruits. Being sinners in need of redemption, we aren't deserving of ourselves. However, we have been given standing in the "congregation of the mighty" (V. 12, 82:1) through Christ's sacrifice. Therefore, we have the right to go to the judgment seat of the Father because we are in His Ekklesia of called out ones and petition Him for mercy and aid. Since the critical factor is a repentant attitude, we ask God to test our hearts and cleanse us. We always affirm our honesty/integrity when we repent, recognizing that God sees the heart.
*V. 8, 12 and 23:6. We should express to God our love for His Church and gratitude for the stability and blessings that being in the Church provides.
Day 27: Psalm 27
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Septuagint adds "before he was anointed" (1 Samuel 16: 12-13) to the superscription, dating this to his teenage years. The reference to an army encamped preparing to attack in V. 13 would fit in this general period but right after the anointing when Goliath taunted the army (1 Samuel 17). However, V. 13 may reference the promises of God's "Davidic Covenant" many years later.
Main theme: Fearless trust in God to always continue His support and protection -- never leave.
*V. 1-6. Statement of confidence.
*V. 7-12. His confident prayer for deliverance from the will (desire or fury) of enemies.
*V. 12-13. Confidence that he will receive God's promises and exhortation to courage and strength.
Personal application: Our ability to succeed in any and every part of our lives comes from God. V. 4-6 connects safety and protection with enthusiastic involvement in the Church, especially prayer. Christ said His intention was to give us abundant, successful, productive lives. Keep on keeping on. He will give me success!
Day 28: Psalm 28
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Not known. Produced in yet another crisis in a stormy life, suggested by some to be the time of Absalom's rebellion, but it's just a guess. There's no evidence. It's just that it fits the circumstances.
Main theme: Testimony to answered prayer: A distressed prayer for deliverance from a deadly threat by the wicked who were plotting followed by thanks for its answer.
*V. 4-5. Not usually listed as an imprecatory (calling for punishment) Psalm, but has that element here.
*V. 7-8. God uses his power to save His anointed.
*V. 9. Concludes by expanding his prayer to include all the people of God.
Personal application: Verses 7-9 describes the Church praying in the spirit or mind of Christ: they desire personal help but not selfishly. Their attitude is concern for all God's people.
Day 29: Psalm 29
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Time not known. The occasion is a violent thunderstorm rolling in from the Mediterranean Sea (V. 3-many or mighty waters) west to east as it sweeps up over the Lebanon Range and across to Sirion (Mt. Hermon) in the northeast to the Wilderness of Kadesh in the southeast. This is like saying "from Maine to Mexico." In other words, it was a huge, powerful weather system covering the entire nation.
Main theme: Praise to the King of Creation whose power and glory is demonstrated in a storm by the seven "voices" of the Creator. Praise is given to Him in Ps. 19 through the heavenly bodies of space and in Ps. 104 by the earth with its systems for sustaining life. A storm is a much smaller illustration but still dwarfs man, so it serves as an excellent illustration of the Creator's power.
*V. 2. It is our duty to worship God because He deserves it -- "due His Name."
Personal application: A Jewish interpretation is that the concluding picture of peace with the King of Peace sitting King forever serves as a fitting picture of the Sabbath calm after a stormy week of everyday life and conflict.
The beauty of holiness (V. 2). refers to the attire of priests while serving (Exodus 28:2). Best translated as "in holy adornment," this shows that those who serve the true Creator God must be clothed suitably to honor Him, which types righteousness/conversion (Revelation 19:8).
*V. 10-11. It's not just that God HAS all power. The purpose for His great power and how He uses it is the lesson. He wants us to trust Him to use it for our good, then learn to use power that we are given for the same reason -- not to exercise control and lord it over others, but to serve and give: the "Give Way."
Day 30: Psalm 30
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Not known for sure, but it was "chosen for the dedication of the second temple and subsequently at its rededication by the Maccabees" (Soncino).
*V. 1-3. David had been so sick that he thought he was on his way to the grave. This taught him a major life lesson: We are dependent on God at all times whether strong or weak in good or bad times (V. 6-7).
Main theme: V. 5. God's favor is "for a lifetime" (Jewish Trans.) and beyond.
*V. 9. Shows a childlike intimacy and communion with God: "If I die, you would miss my prayers."
Personal application:
This gives us insight into what it means to be "close to God." Not only do we miss God if we begin to drift away, but He misses our communion. The model is human parents missing a child.
*V. 12. Contrast with V. 9: The dust that I would turn back into won't praise you, but I will if I'm alive! When we do well, God is praised. Our success (glory) is His success. He says, "I was/am/will always be with you."
*V. 5b. A separate but related lesson in clear thinking. Weeping or sorrow... is literally: comes in at evening to lodge in Hebrew. This pictures a guest who comes to stay only overnight. This teaches a great lesson on endurance through trials. Be patient, your world isn't breaking apart. This too shall pass. Don't go to pieces and become a Chicken Little.
Henny Penny, also known as Chicken Little, is a fable about a chicken who believes the world is coming to an end. The phrase The sky is falling! features prominently in the story and has passed into the English language as a common idiom indicating a hysterical or mistaken belief that disaster is imminent.
We should be sober and circumspect about the prophetic events of the end time and seriousness of our own lives before God, but keep even "fiery" trials in perspective.
Week Seven, Psalms 31-35
Day 31: Psalm 31
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: Not known for sure. Some connect it to 1 Samuel 23:25. Quite a few Psalms derive from the period when Saul was chasing David.
Main theme: An expression of sturdy trust in God in a time of such great distress that David's friends had abandoned him (V. 11) and he feared for his life (V. 13). Urgent cries for deliverance from enemies alternate with confidence and a sense of peace as David works through his fears and doubts in view of God's promises. David finally concludes his prayer with faith, courage and strength.
*V. 5. Jesus chose to use David's statement here (Luke 23:46) as His last statement on the cross.
*V. 16. He asks for the basic blessing God gives to Israel/His saints: divine favor. Compare the Aaronic Benediction, Numbers 6:25.
V*. 19-24. The last six verses are not only a general enjoinder but can be taken as an end-time prophecy of protection.
Hymnal: # 120 , V. 2.
Personal application: This is a Prayer of the Firstfruits in any age, and a cry for protection in the end times when the followers of Christ will be targeted for opposition and finally outright persecution. We should understand this lesson well in advance of the time when we will need it -- and each of us will surely come through times when we will (2 Timothy 3:12). Each Psalm Is like an arrow in a Christian's quiver, and this one is one of the more important ones.
*V. 4, 8, 11, 13, 15. God's people have real enemies. We do well to remember the identity of our main spiritual enemy.
*V. 15, 23. It always comes down to this: Put God first and be loyal to Him in all situations, as He is always faithful to His saints.
Psalm 32 and 33 go together and form a pair. They are identified with the prayers and worship of the Firstfruits.
Day 32: Psalm 32
Author: David (superscription). The term Maschil means instructional or didactic.
Time/occasion: Generally believed to be after David's sin with Bathsheba when he was rebuked by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 11 and 12).
Main theme: The joy and relief of the forgiven. At first he was in denial and procrastinated, not repenting. This went on until his conscience was killing him and life was a burden. When he finally confessed and repented, God restored the relationship, and David once again had a clear conscience -- he was relieved of the guilt and was "blessed."
Hymnal: # 20 : They Are Blest Who Are Forgiven
Personal application: Don't put off repentance. Face up to yourself as soon as you know you have sinned. Use this Psalm to meditate on the joy and relief of having your sins and guilt removed -- how good it feels. Then let that motivate you to go to God quickly, restoring unity between yourself and God.
V.11. The upright in heart are the forgiven or redeemed who now have no fault before God. This identifies this exhortation to repentance with the Firstfruits ( Revelation 14:1-5).
Day 33: Psalm 33 Date read:
Author: An "orphan Psalm," (as Ps. 10) assumed to be one of David's early works by its placement in Book 1.
Time/occasion: Not specified and cannot be determined -- Soncino. The wording implies a national victory rather than a personal one, therefore, the times of Jehoshaphat (1 Chron. 20) and Hezekiah (2 Kings 19) are considered likely.
Main theme: A song of joyful deliverance. Takes up and answers the concluding verse of the previous Psalm, to rejoice and shout for joy. The upright in heart of Ps. 32:11 are the righteous and upright here in 33:1.
Hymnal: # 21 : Blessed Is the Nation God Is For; # 91 : Stand Up and Bless the Lord
Personal application:
There are several connections with the prophecies of the Firstfruits or Bride of Christ in Revelation 5:9-10 and 14:1-5. Forgiven with sins covered, blameless (no iniquity imputed by God) in Ps. 32:1-2; A new song -- vocal and instrumental music, the righteous and upright of Ps. 33:1-3 are examples. Do you see other parallels that tie these two Psalms together with the NT prophecies?
*V. 12, 18. The nation whose God is the Lord is spiritual -- the Church -- as these verses show! They are His chosen people for an inheritance who are in a covenant relationship of fear (love) and trust.
So, Psalm 32 tells of an individual going through the traumas of repenting and being converted being told to rejoice in praise of God. Psalm 33 describes all the saints joining together in a great hymn of triumph. The scene is a Sabbath or holy day when the saints come to God to worship.
Day 34: Psalm 34
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: The story of 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1 is referenced in the superscription. The king's name was Achish (of Gath), not Abimelech, which was apparently a royal title or dynastic name like the Pharaohs in Egypt or Agag, a title of the Amalakites. David had escaped from Gath to Adullam by pretending to be crazy.
Main theme: Thankful praise of a servant of God -- for all times, good or bad. Three sections can be recognized:
V. 1-10. Thankful praise for deliverance.
V. 11-14. Thankful praise for instruction.
V. 15-22. Thankful praise for redemption.
The prophecy in verse 20 was fulfilled at the crucifixion (John 19:36).
Hymnal: # 22 : I Will Bless the Lord at All Times; # 23 : Turn Thou From Evil.
Personal application: This is one of the most loved and cherished Psalms for its assurance, encouragement, strength and comfort. (Ps. 37 is similar in this regard and the two complement each other.) Several verses are excellent stand-alone quotes or memory verses: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22a.
Written with words and concepts so intimate and personal, it is served up ready to apply without further explanation. This is a prayer for the members of the Church at Philadelphia in Revelation 3 -- a prayer of the called-out-ones (ekklesia), the Redeemed, the Firstfruits -- in all ages.
Day 35: Psalm 35
Author: David (superscription).
Time/occasion: When Saul was chasing David.
Main theme: Prayer of the godly in persecution.
Hymnal: # 127 has related content, P. 201.
Personal application: How should we pray for enemies who hurt the work of God and His people? Our prayers should be balanced as are God's words. We should pray for mercy for them but for their eventual good. If they continue to do evil, it is a good and a godly thing that they should be stopped in their tracks -- that they should fail and have no success in their evil deeds and plans.
*V. 13. Memory verse -- "humbled my soul with fasting."
*V. 18. Reference to worshipping within and as a part of the Church.
Comment on praying for curses (imprecations) instead of blessings on certain people: There are several imprecatory Psalms: 35, 52, 58, 59, 69, 109 and 137. In addition, many Psalms include the thought, as in Ps. 28:4-5.
Definition: An imprecation is a call for justice through punishment of the enemies of God who attack His servants and His work. The Holy Spirit directs the prayers of the godly for the destruction of the wicked as due punishment and their only hope of repentance. These prayers express human distress, attitudes and reactions to contemporary situations that are used to reflect God's holy judgment and His will.
We should understand the holiness of God, which demands judgment when His grace is rejected. Using a "Western" movie for an example, it is a good thing for the bad guy to be caught and punished and for the good guy to win over adversity and win the heart of the girl. Why? Because justice is served and truth is maintained. When the bad guy hurts others and gets away with it, crime pays and so does society. The hurt is multiplied when it isn't stopped cold. The imprecations describe the trials of the saints when they were originally offered as fervent prayers. But in the main they were answered only partially. The prophetic fulfillment looks forward to the Day of the Lord when the cup of the wicked will be full, and vengeance will finally be exacted by the Just and equitable God on all the unfairness and persecution of his people through the ages. The world will finally confront the "severity of God" in its fullness when it has completely used up His longsuffering goodness without repenting.
We must strive for God's attitude of loving our enemies as God does but also keep His standards of holiness and pray for justice. Sometimes this includes punishment, the only chance for repentance, peace and conversion for ‘the wicked." Our attitude toward others should be the same as God's -- love and truth. In other words, a balance of realistic justice tempered with mercy: "the goodness and severity of God."
Week Eight, Psalms 36-40
Day 36: Psalm 36
Author: David (superscription).
Time/Occasion: Not known.
Main theme: Human nature contrasted with the character and attributes of God. Following man's way brings iniquity and grief (Proverbs 14:12). Following God's way brings preservation of life, protection, provision, satisfaction, and continuing growth and enlightenment.
Hymnal: # 138 has related content, P. 201.
Personal application: This short prayer reviews the first major theme of the Psalter (Ps. 1 and 2): A contrast of the two alternatives we humans have. As we pray through Psalm 36, we remind ourselves of this overarching principle that challenges us each day.
Day 37: Psalm 37
Author: David (superscription).
Time/Occasion: Not known.
Main theme: Continues the theme of the previous Psalm: contrasting the wicked and the righteous . The problem is the seeming blessing of the wicked and triumph of evil. The same question is taken up in Ps. 73: Why do the wicked prosper? The bad guys ignore the rules and truth in general and get ahead, but I try to do right and have trials for my trouble. David works through the problem here and in the process assures us that in His own time God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. The theme is developed in V. 1-11, with further elaboration following.
*V. 1-2. The basic warning or lesson: the problem of envy and jealousy.
*V. 3-6. Precious, invaluable promises to the saints.
*. V. 11a. Christ chose this statement for one of the beatitudes (beautiful attitudes) of the sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:5).
Hymnal: # 24 : Wait and Hope and Look for God.
Blest and Happy Is the Man cpwPersonal application: Every follower of Christ must face and personally answer this question. It is part of our character development. Overall effect: Psalm 37 is a faith builder. The conclusion: God will reward the faith of the saints by saving them.
*V. 7-11. The prophet's exhortation to the saints: Keep on keeping on. Live right and be patient. The meek shall inherit the earth. In the end -- WE WIN!
Psalm 34 and 37 complement each other. The Soncino (Jewish) Commentary observes: This should be read or studied with Psalm 73 and the Book of Job.
Day 38: Psalm 38
Author: David (superscription).
Time/Occasion: Not known. Apparently David is afflicted with a physical disease that led him to examine his heart. It may have been used in the temple liturgy for others who were desperately ill.
Main theme: An urgent appeal for relief from a severe illness. David considered it a result of sin he had committed. Misery is the result of sin, whether physical or spiritual (V. 3-4).
Personal application: The metaphoric blending of the physical (V. 5-11) and spiritual illness -- and the inclusion of the concept that enemies are "vigorously" (V. 19) at work teaches that physical sickness and healing symbolize spiritual sin, forgiveness and overcoming. Conversion is equal to spiritual healing.
*V.1, 15, 22. We should "make haste" to go to God asking for forgiveness because we have hope in Him.
Day 39: Psalm 39
Author: David (superscription). An elegy or memorial or petition. Likely refers to use in a sacrifice ceremony.
Time/Occasion: Not known. Very similar to the previous Psalm.
Main theme: The frailty of man and how short life is.
*V. 4. He wants to know how long he has to live.
*V. 5b and 6a are memory scriptures.
Personal application: No matter what our age or health, life is short, but we are aware of it more as we get older and our "(strength and) beauty consume[s] away" (V. 11) through the aging process. Without God man is like a phantom (vain show or image-V. 6) and vanity or temporary (V. 5, 11). Like David, we should pray for help to live circumspectly in the short life we have on earth.
Psalms 40 and 41 finish Book One with a pair of "Blessed is the man who" statements (40:3 and 41:1) that match Psalm 1:1 and 2:12 with which the Psalter begins.
Day 40: Psalm 40
Author: David (superscription).
Time/Occasion: Suited to the time of David fleeing from Saul, but it may have been written just after Saul's death. This would explain the contrasting moods: Exuberance for a great deliverance, enthusiasm to spread God's truth to others, dedication to complete obedience, being overwhelmed by his own sins, complete dependence on God, a desperate plea for help in upcoming challenges and responsibilities (of being the new king).
Interesting note: Psalm 70 is a repeat of V. 13-17 of this Psalm slightly revised.
Main theme: This is one of the Messianic Psalms. David's experience prefigures that of Christ.
The preface (V. 1-3) has been called the Redeemer's resurrection song -- the "new song."
Paul applies V. 6-8 to Christ in Hebrews 10:5-10.
The ear being pierced in V. 6 refers to His complete submission unto death (Exodus 21:6). What God desires from us isn't physical sacrifices or gifts but happy obedience without reservation.
In V. 9-10 Christ teaches in the Church.
Verse 12 does not apply to Christ except for the brief time when He took our sins on Himself and was overwhelmed in death.
Hymnal: # 127 has related content, P. 201.
Personal application: Following Christ's example: Each of these points has instruction for us personally. For example, we profoundly thank God for His deliverance from a "horrible pit," meaning eternal death caused by our own sins, which should result in dedicated obedience and great enthusiasm to serve in the work of His Church in spreading the gospel. Verse 12 applies directly to each of us. We are poor and needy at all times, and depend totally on God's support.
Week Nine, Psalms 41-45
Day 41: Psalm 41
Author: David (superscription).
Time/Occasion: Possibly Absalom's rebellion. If so, the faithless friend who turned traitorous probably was Ahithophel (2Samuel 15:12).
Main theme: God's faithful assurance when fellow man abuses, betrays, hurts us.
V. 13 is not actually part of the psalm but the doxology that closes Book One.
Personal application: How many times have we made wrong decisions or allowed a wrong attitude safe harbor for a time? And how many times could that have led to our spiritual overthrow? David explains (V. 11) that the fact we are still standing, having not been overcome by our spiritual enemies, is proof that God has called us, chosen us, and has been faithfully at our side ALL the time. When you're deathly ill, your good friends have forsaken or betrayed you, everything looks dark and foreboding, and you're tempted to lose hope and give up... DON'T! Get your mind off yourself and on to others. Pray for others' welfare (V. 1), and don't allow yourself the selfish luxury of self-pity. Concern yourself with others and leave yourself in God's caring hands. Look to God, and He will lift you up!
Day 42: Psalm 42
Author: Not known. It was one of the songs that the sons of Korah (temple singers) sang in certain circumstances, probably including Holy Day services (V. 4). Some scholars speculate that it was written by a temple singer, who was taken as a prisoner of war by Syrian forces, which would explain his being unable to go to the temple.
Time/Occasion: Probably much later than the collection in Book 1 (David's lifetime).
Main theme: "Lament of an exile." Yearning for contact with God at His temple, keeping the Holy Days.
Hymnal: # 121 : As the Deer.
Personal application: The picture is of a saint or Christian who, for whatever reason, has drifted from God. It highlights the strong connection that God builds with us so that when we wander or are distracted, we feel the loss of closeness to God. There's an old saying, "You don't appreciate something (or someone) until you lose it." Second to that is a close call. There are invaluable lessons we can learn from our negligence or distractions that cause us to lapse. When this happens, take warning! Let the desire for closeness to God motivate you to action before it slips away. Meditate on the value of the fellowship we have with God -- and don't forget the value of our opportunities to attend regular church services and holy days! We have so many blessings that can be taken for granted. This Psalm helps us meditate on the potential loss of fellowship and offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving to God.
Day 43: Psalm 43
Author: Not known. It was one of the songs sung by the sons of Korah (temple singers).
Time/Occasion: Ps. 43 continues Ps. 42, so it's fitting that there is no title or superscription. They form one poem -- may have been written as one and later divided for liturgical use (for certain worship services). The prayer follows the lament.
Main theme: "Prayer of an Exile." In the prayer, starting with his plea for vindication, the composer works through the issue of his own attitude with God.
Hymnal: # 25 : Righteous Judge.
Personal application: Both Ps. 42 and 43 deal with depression (Why art thou cast down, O my soul -- 42:5. 6. 11; 43:5). The saints go to God for help with every difficulty in life. The baffling circumstances are still present, but he addresses his attitude. Starting with a mood of plaintive regret, he moves to direct confrontation of his doubt (why God seems far away and doesn't seem to be helping now), and ends with confidence in God, his faith restored. The problem had been his attitude all along, though the trial was real. God, of course, is ever faithful and will come through as always. He will be saved, supported, strengthened and accepted again. It had been a test that God allowed for the purpose of strengthening his faith and relationship with God. Faith conquers doubt! We need to know these two Psalms so we can use them when the need arises.
Day 44: Psalm 44
Author: Not known. It was one of the songs sung by the sons of Korah (temple singers).
Time/Occasion: A time of national distress, possibly after a devastating military defeat.
Main theme: The distressing circumstances followed by the prayer for help.
V. 1-8. Review of God's help in the past.
V. 9-21. Remaining faithful in persecution.
V. 22-26. Prayer for redemption.
Hymnal: # 26 : O God, We Have Heard.
Personal application: Hymn #26 is an excellent summary of this Psalm. The middle section (V. 9-21) doesn't really fit Israel's history, as Psalm 78 shows, detailing her un-faithfulness through the centuries. The main force of this psalm is prophetic of the Church during the tribulation. The Israel of God (Galatians 6:16) must endure persecution at times, and specifically at the end of this age. We should apply this to ourselves: our history as individuals and as a community (circle of fellow saints with whom we have fellowshipped over the years). Remember and meditate on the miracles God has done for each of us, for His Church and for His work. These memories form the precedent for the future and will increase in importance as we go along. As with many other hymns, we should sing this one heartily with great understanding!
Day 45: Psalm 45
Author: Not known. It was one of the songs sung by the sons of Korah (temple singers).
Time/Occasion: The royal marriage song of a king of Israel, not identified.
Main theme: The great royal anthem to King Messiah and His advent to earth in glory to marry the Church.
V. 1-8. Praise to the King: His glory, beauty, perfect character, authority, wisdom, and permanence. He is anointed as the legitimate heir to the throne forever.
B. 9-17. Praise for His bride, the Church, and her character. She is glorious within, possessing golden character (V. 11, and see Revelation 19:7-8).
Hymnal: # 127 has related content, P. 201.
Personal application: The warning in V. 11, Because He is your Lord, worship Him is given to the Church as the Bride of Christ with the promise of His love and devotion forever (V. 17). This prophesies Christ's marriage vows at the Wedding Supper (Revelation 19:4-10) -- the reward of the Firstfruits!