DBG - June 20 - Psalms 21-25

This psalm is by David and given for use in public worship.  It is a fit companion to the preceding psalm.  It is song of victory.

vs. 1-2 – We see the king mentioned as in the closing of Psalm 20.  We could be seen as either the earthly king such as David or the coming Messiah.

vs. 3-7 – The king only prospers and succeeds through the power of the Lord.

vs. 8-12 – The king is delivered and victory won through the power of the Lord.

vs. 13 – God’s might is celebrated in the victory.

This psalm is by David and for public worship in the Temple.  It is to be performed “upon Aijeleth Shahar”.  This is yet another Hebrew term of debated meaning.  It literally means “the hind/doe of the dawn”.  Many assume this is the name of a tune but as I have already stated that is not how Hebrew music worked.  More likely it refers to the spirit in which the psalm was to be presented.  It is a song of distress and hope.  It also has a prophetic interpretation because it is intrinsically linked to the Crucifixion as Christ quotes from the first verse while on the cross.  We may then interpret it as a glimpse into the suffering of our Savior.

vs. 1-2 – A desperate cry for aid that God seems to be ignoring.  The opening words of verse 1 are quoted by Christ in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 while on the cross.  This is the cry of a despairing heart that feels such terror though the head may know it cannot be so that God ignores His children.

vs. 3-5 –  I must point out that vs. 3 is one of the most misinterpreted Scriptures today.  It was taken by some Pentecostal/Charismatics to meant that God dwells in the praises we offer, so if we praise God, He will be present, often with miraculous signs.  That is not what the meaning of this verse.  It is a contrast built on the low point of the speaker in vs. 1-2.  He is saying that God is so far away from his danger, specifically in where the praises of God (the opposite of the lament just offered), that is, the Tabernacle/Temple.  There is nothing prescriptive in this descriptive verse.  To that God who seems so far away and who had aided men in the past the psalmist now cries.

vs. 6-8 – The plight of David is described.  He is a laughingstock and is used to dishonor God.

vs. 9-11 – A cry that the God who gave him life would be near to hear and answer his prayer.

vs. 12-13 – The danger of David is described.  He is surrounded as if by wild and dangerous beasts.  This is also a picture of Christ’s agony on the cross.

vs. 14-15 – How desperate was the hour?  The body has failed and death is near.  Prophetically, this is a graphic description of Christ’s agony on the cross.  It is said to be very accurate to what one being crucified would endure.

vs. 16-18 – The setting of his terror is described.  He is wounded, surrounded, reviled, and his possessions are stolen .  We have here two clear prophecies of the Crucifixion.  First, the piercing of hands and feet in vs. 16.  Second, the parting of the garments and gambling for them in vs. 18.  Overall, these verses artistically and accurately describe the scene at Calvary.

vs. 19-21 – Where is hope in such a terrible, hopeless place?  Only through God. 

vs. 22-25 – Now that salvation is realized, praises flow toward the mighty God who delivers His own.

vs. 26-28 – Through the deliverance of the speaker, the undisputed rule of God over all men is revealed.  This leads many to serve and praise God.  We see here prophetically a glimpse of the effects of the Gospel and of the coming of His Kingdom.

vs. 29-31 – We began in lonely despair.  We conclude in choruses of praise from all men and from generations to come.

This psalm was written by David and is one of the most beloved portions of Scripture.  It is a tender expression of God’s care for us illustrated through the relationship of a shepherd and his sheep. 

vs. 1 – God cares for us in all things and there is nothing we will lack.  All we need is supplied by His grace.

vs. 2 – This is the tender care of shepherd.  It is not just an idyllic setting but also a place where the sheep may be nourished and prosper.  Not every day is spent here, but the Lord will bring you here when needed.

vs. 3 – This is an overview of the work of our Great Shepherd.  He cares not only for the mortal body but also nourishes our true and eternal being, our soul.  It is for His glory that He so diligently cares for us in guiding us in the way that He has declared the righteous should go.

vs. 4 – Not every place the Shepherd leads is delightful.  Sometimes it is in the midst of danger and peril that He leads us.  We may rest peacefully in His care when He does.  At all times He guides us with His rod and protects us with His staff.

vs. 5 – Blessings are poured out on believers, even in the midst of evil.  The descriptions here go beyond the necessities of life.  This describes the bountiful goodness of God heaped upon us.

vs. 6 -  The best life is the blessed life living as the righteous under God’s care.  Then when this life is over, we have the promise that we will dwell with Him forevermore.

This psalm is by David.  It is a song of victory of the King of Glory. 

vs. 1-2 – God’s ownership of the earth is established.  He made all things and therefore owns all things.  No spot in this universe may claim exception from His rule.

vs. 3-6 – The pinnacle of God’s Creation is mankind, but these fell into sin.  How may men be reconciled to God?  Holiness is necessary, which we do not possess on our own.  Therefore, He grants us His righteousness to make us holy.  It is those that seek the Lord for salvation - confessing their sins and trusting on Him – that find salvation.  We then, being made holy in the sight of God, should strive to live in the way of righteousness.

vs. 7-10 – The still seems barred for the righteous man in the preceding verses.  The gates (of Heaven?  of access to God?) are closed shut.  They do not open at the call of a mortal.  But here comes the King of Glory, fresh from battle and leading His host of followers.  We see pictured here the work of Christ in bringing men into God’s presence.  

This psalm is written by David.  Lost is in translation is the fact that psalm is in an acrostic form.  It has some variation from following the traditional order of the 22 Hebrew letters, which I will spare you the technicalities of.  It is a prayer of David, the righteous but imperfect king.

vs. 1 – David is lifting his heart up to God.

vs. 2-3 – David calls on God to be his refuge and deliver him for his enemies.

vs. 4-5 – David trusts in the Lord’s instruction and leading.  Because of his enemies and his own sinfulness, he calls on God to lead him.

vs. 6-7 – As I have reiterated multiple times, the righteous that we have seen since Psalm 1 are not perfect.  It is not their righteousness that matters.  They trust in the Lord and He grants them forgiveness and His righteousness. In great humility David asks forgiveness again for his many failures.  He prays for both mercy and grace from God.

vs. 8-9 – God does not leave man to find truth and right on his own.  He reveals to us His ways and teaches us what is good and what is evil.  We must submit in humility to His direction and not trust in our own judgment.

vs. 10-11 – It is to God’s eternal glory that it is an intrinsic part of His character to forgive the sins of mankind. 

vs. 12-13 – Those that seek God find Him and He reveals His will to them.  Through obedience to Him we find peace and blessing.

vs. 14-15 – The covenant spoken of here is not one of the historic covenants we have seen so far, such as those made with Noah or Abraham.  This is something greater.  It is the salvation the He offers mankind and its effects.  Because David knew he was counted among the righteous, he knew that he need not fear man.  God would be his deliverance.

vs. 16-19 – David calls to God for deliverance.  He is in a troublesome place through his own failures. 

vs. 20-21 – David declares his trust in the Lord and prays that it is not in vain.

vs. 22 – There is an intrinsic link between the spiritual state of a ruler and his nation.  David has sinned and needs deliverance.  By extension, it appears that His kingdom is also in trouble.  Historically, this seems to fit with the time of Absalom’s rebellion.  David knew his sin with Bathsheba and subsequent error had led to him having to flee his palace for safety.  His nation and his family were divided.  He prays here for his people, knowing he is the cause of their grief.

Psalms 22, 23, and 24 are some of the most famous psalms that deal with the coming Messiah.  In 22, we saw His suffering.  In 23, we saw His care for His own.  In 24, we saw His victory.  Take time to carefully meditate on the psalms and also to see how they are quoted in the New Testament.  Many have multiple interpretations that are correct, such as we have seen in 22 as David’s prayer for deliverance being also a prophecy of the suffering of Christ.  This adds to the beauty and depth of this amazing book.

“O Sacred Head Now Wounded” is one of the oldest hymns still in use today.  It was originally a Latin poem attributed to Bernard of Clarivaux and the English translation is thanks to James Alexander. I think it pairs will with the word of Psalm 22 that describe Christ’s agony on the cross.

O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered,
was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor,
vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee,
Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee
and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish
that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished
their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished
the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor,
hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor,
Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion,
Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression
which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee,
wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee;
Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow
to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever,
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to Thee.

My shepherd, now receive me;
my guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me,
O source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me
with words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me
to heavenly joys above.

Here I will stand beside Thee,
from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me!
When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish
in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish,
Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken,
above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken
I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of life, desiring
Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring,
I’d breathe my soul to Thee.

My Savior, be Thou near me
when death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me,
forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish
by virtue of Thine own!

Be Thou my consolation,
my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion
when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well.