In Today's Email:
Psalm 65 Notes
This psalm is written by David and given to the chief musician for use in the Temple. It is described as both a psalm and a song. It is a celebration of God’s goodness.
vs. 1-4 – An outburst of praise to the God who hears prayer, purges sin and allows us to worship Him.
vs. 5-8 – The power of God in responding to the call of righteous.
vs. 9-13 – Recognition of God’s blessing the earth and the harvest.
Psalm 66 Notes
No author is given for this psalm, but it was given to the chief musician for use in the Temple. It is described as both a psalm and a song. This is a song of praise to God.
vs. 1-4 – A call for all to join in worshipping the Almighty God.
vs. 5-7 – A call to witness the power of God, as illustrated in the Red Sea crossing.
vs. 8-12 – An acknowledgement that God works all things for good.
vs. 13-15 – A commitment to worship God in the Temple.
vs. 16-20 – A testimony of God answering prayer.
Psalm 67 Notes
No author is given for this psalm, but it was given to the chief musician for use in the Temple accompanied by stringed instrument (Neginoth). It is described as both a psalm and a song. It is
vs. 1 – A cry for God to be bless His people.
vs. 2 – Through the testimony of His blessing, the goodness of God is a witness to the world.
vs. 3 – Seeing the goodness of God, all people are to respond in worship.
vs. 4 – The joy of those that serve God and are in His service.
vs. 5 – A repetition of vs. 3’s call to praise.
vs. 6 – The blessing of God seen through His blessing of the harvest.
vs. 7 – A declaration of the sureness of God’s blessing and its witness to the world.
Psalm 68 Notes
This psalm is written by David and given to the chief musician for use in the Temple. It is described as both a psalm and a song. This psalm is believed to have been written to sing as the Ark was moved to Jerusalem.
vs. 1-4 – Praise to the God who destroys His enemies.
vs. 5-10 – The goodness of God is illustrated through His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and placement of them in the Promised Land.
vs. 11-14 – The victory of God described as His enemies flee and the righteous spoil them.
vs. 15-18 – The hill of God is described and compared to Sinai. As God’s presence had been seen at Sinai, David looked forward to it in the Temple at Jerusalem. In vs. 18 we see the spoils of war after God’s victory. This verse is quoted in Ephesians 4:8 as a prophecy of Christ’s ascension and the gifts He left for the church.
vs. 19-20 – The God who blesses and delivers us from death.
vs. 21-23 – God will destroy His enemies. His people will be restored and will rejoice.
vs. 24-27 – The enemies of God have witnessed the triumphal procession of the Ark being moved and the celebration surrounding it. We could broaden this to mean the progress of God’s work and the praises of His saints.
vs. 28-31 – The greatness of God seen as the nations of the world submit to Him or are destroyed. This was the hope of the Temple era but will be realized in the Millennial Kingdom.
vs. 32-35 – Praise to the Almighty God.
Closing Thoughts
How big is your God? So often we fail to properly consider the infinite power and majesty of God. If we did, it would change how we live in act. So often we think, or at least act like, God is too small for our problems. We may know His greatness in our head, but getting it into our heart is another matter. We should seek to be in awe of God.
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “The Lord Ascendeth Up on High”, published in 1851 by Arthur T. Russell. It is in part inspired by 68:18.
The Lord ascendeth up on high,
The Lord hath triumphed gloriously,
In power and might excelling;
The grave and hell are captive led,
Lo! He returns, our glorious Head,
To His eternal dwelling.
The heavens with joy receive their Lord,
By saints, by angel hosts adored,
O day of exultation!
O earth, adore thy glorious King!
His rising, His ascension sing
With grateful adoration!
Our great High Priest hath gone before,
Now on His Church His grace to pour,
And still His love He giveth;
O may our hearts to Him ascend;
May all within us upward tend
To Him who ever liveth!