Psalm 4 - Having a King who Prays

One link between this psalm and the previous one is the enjoyment of sleep even in demanding situations (3:5 and 4:8). In verse 1 of this psalm, David speaks to God, in verses 2-5 he speaks to powerful men opposing him, and in verses 6-8 he speaks to God again. The divisions in the outline of the psalm show how such enjoyment comes. It is always best to follow this order when speaking – first to God about the matter, second to men about the matter, and third to God again about the matter.

The title of the psalm is the first that mentions the chief musician, the individual who oversaw the public and communal praise offered to God. Not every psalm has this instruction in its heading, and while the reason for that inclusion or omission is not clear, yet what is clear is that this psalm was suitable for public expression of worship.

In verse 1, David prays about his unpleasant circumstances caused by opposition of ungodly men. Some commentators suggest the circumstances are the same as those behind Psalm 3 while others suggest Psalm 4 refers to a different time in David’s life.

What makes David confident as he prays? He gives three reasons, and all believers can and should use them.

First, David has a personal relationship with the Lord, a relationship marked by righteousness, a unique title of God (God of my righteousness) used only here in the Bible. David could have in mind his own God-produced righteous obedience to the Lord’s requirements, or to the righteousness of David’s God-given position as a divinely chosen king, or to the righteousness of Jesus given to believers by God as their standing in his presence (a standing David rejoiced in, as we can see from other psalms). Each way shows that the Lord loves righteousness, and mentioning it is always appropriate when praising of God.

Second, the Lord had heard and answered earlier prayers by David for divine help, and reference to such personal experience is a wise choice for believers to make when praying again about themselves. Perhaps that is why this psalm comes right after Psalm 3, since the earlier psalm describes a great divine deliverance that David experienced from the rebellion of Absalom.

Third, David knew that the Lord acted graciously when answering prayers of his people, a reminder that even the prayers of devout believers are not answered because they have some degree of merit with God because of their dedication. It is remarkable that David can appeal to God’s righteousness and God’s grace simultaneously.

In verses 2-5, David addresses his powerful opponents. Did he address them in his mind only? The verses do not hint that he used his words in that way. He was king, so his words could have been a royal announcement, and I would say that they were. His announcement is different from what we usually hear from rulers. In his words, David reveals the desires of his heart, the desires of a godly ruler chosen by God.

The opposition had focussed on David as ruler of Israel. His glory and status belonged to the position God had given him and which they now opposed (v. 2). Their discussions and announcements concerned his removal from his position, but that would not occur because the Lord had placed him there. The word for godly in verse 3 is singular and could refer to David himself as the one set apart by God as his chosen king. Moreover, David knew that the Lord listened to his prayers for deliverance from his opponents.

David’s counsel to his opponents was that they should be careful and self-controlled. He knew that they may have had cause for anger, but in their anger, they had to be careful not to sin. There is a short distance between anger and wrong actions. A better response than immediate fury is contemplation about the situation. Such contemplation brings the right perspective and gives calmness and rest of mind because it brings thoughts of God into the situation (v. 4).

In addition, such personal concern will bring desire for participation in divine worship. Without such preparation, participation in worship can turn into a sham. David knew that there was hope for his opponents provided they took the Lord’s will about himself as the chosen king into account (v. 5). They then could trust in their covenant God and doing so would prevent rebellion against his chosen king.

In verses 6-8 David resumes speaking to the Lord. He mentions that some of his supporters had a negative view of divine providence. The troubles that David prayed about had caused them to doubt the Lord’s care of them. It is often the case that believers can bring negatives assessments into the thoughts of other believers. David knew that the answer for their dilemma was repeated fulfilment by the Lord of the Aaronic blessing pronouncing divine favour.

His personal experience of the Lord’s joy at that time of trouble was greater than the happiest occasions of earthly joy known at harvest time. The joy he had was a personal gift from his God, and since he received it during a challenging time we can see once again that the joy of the Lord is our strength. David’s experience is a reminder that we can know the Lord’s joy and peace in such times.

It is not difficult to see how the experience of a godly earthly king would have a greater fulfilment in the experience of the sinless King when he found himself in difficulties from those opposed to him. We read incidents in the life of Jesus when he as the divinely appointed King prayed about difficult circumstances and instructed his opponents to consider their ways. There were also occasions when he encouraged his disciples by giving joy and peace to them, his joy, and his peace. Knowing that he rules from the highest throne gives us joy whatever opposition to his reign arises.

Psalm 3 - Victory of the Rejected King

The heading of the psalm links it with the brief period in David’s reign when he had to leave Jerusalem because of the rebellion led by his son Absalom. Maybe the psalm reveals David’s meditations as each day of the rebellion passed, or perhaps David composed the psalm shortly after the rebellion was over.

It is clear from verses 1 and 2 that the rebellion had popular support, making it necessary for David to flee from the city for safety. Obviously, he faced a crisis allowed in divine providence by his God. The psalm tells us his response to an unexpected situation.

What did David do? There was no thought of him at that time of abdicating from the position that the Lord had given him as king over God’s people. Instead, he spoke to the Lord about his new circumstances. Bringing circumstances to God is a basic response of a troubled believer, and David shows us how to respond in such times. We must carry on with our calling even when unpopular and seemingly about to disappear.

First, David did not forget the special name of God revealed to his people Israel. He is always Yahweh, the unchangeable God of the covenant, whom David mentions six times in the psalm, but not in a manner of pointless repetition. Moreover, we as Christians know that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the unchangeable God of the covenant. Adoring and loving mention of the divine name gives strength to one’s heart especially when some may question his faithfulness to his servants.

Second, David told God about the situation, giving his assessment of the numbers opposing him and detailing the words used in their assessment of him (vv. 1-2). They imagined that there was strength in a considerable number of followers, but David knew that was to lean on very fragile support. Still, he realised that he could and should tell his God about them. It is the same with us. We inform him not because he is ignorant but because he is interested.

Third, in his prayer David recounted to God what he was sensing the Lord was doing for him (v. 3). Normally, one can only hold a shield in one direction, but here David sees himself as surrounded by God acting as a shield from attacks from all directions, reminding us that God can deal with enemies that we cannot see, no matter from what direction they are coming at us, including from behind. The Lord was also David’s glory, the One on whom he depended, and he knew that the Lord would restore him to his throne. As David Dickson wrote, ‘God is a counter comfort in all calamity, our shield in danger, our glory in shame, the lifter up of our head in dejection.’

Fourth, David did not whisper his petitions. Instead, he cried them very loudly, not because God is deaf, but maybe because David wanted to drown out other voices from his mind. And since they were loud cries, he knew that others with him would also hear them.

Fifth, the loud cry ‘is, as always, followed, if not by an immediate answer, by immediate hearing, and that “out of His holy hill”, from between the cherubim. The answer may be delayed – for reasons connected with His Providence or our sanctification; but the “hearing” is immediate, and the assurance of this is like the Master's “Peace, be still,” on the storm-tossed sea of Galilee’ (Edersheim).

David prayed until he realised that the Lord had heard him, although the restoring to his throne had not yet occurred (v. 4). He does not say how he knew that was the case, but he does say that he knew it was the case. His experience is like Alexander Moody Stuart’s advice on prayer – ‘pray until you pray and pray until you know you are heard.’

David looked towards Mount Zion as he prayed because that was where God’s dwelling place was in Jerusalem (v. 4). He knew that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139), but he also knew that the Lord reveals himself graciously in special places. The outcome was that David had a relaxing sleep. His response must have encouraged the few followers with him. Where is our Mount Zion? In heaven, where the ascended Christ reigns, and we look there for him to answer our prayers here. When he does, we can rest in him and so become an encouragement for others who need strengthening.

Sixth, after his rest, David resumed his prayer (v. 5). He had not lost his confidence in God by sleeping. Indeed, he regarded his slumber as evidence of God looking after him, giving him rest. Having rested in the Almighty, he could calmly view the massed ranks of his opponents without fear even although they had surrounded him to destroy him (v. 6). In his prayer, he asked for divine intervention, and verse 7 suggests that God dealt quickly and decisively with the opponents.

Seventh, having experienced divine deliverance from the rebellion, David resumed his place as king over God’s people (v. 8). The desire of his heart longed for them to have ongoing divine blessing. One of the consequences of his restoration would be the spiritual prosperity of God’s people. What had seemed to be a tragedy had led to a period of spiritual prosperity through his prayers. David did suffer a heavy personal loss in the death of rebellious Absalom, but he recognised that God had worked out his plan for his people.

Since the days of the early church, many writers have regarded Psalm 3 as revealing the mind of Jesus at the time of his arrest. Rejected by his opponents as the Messiah, he only had a few followers. Yet strengthened by communion with God in Gethsemane he went ahead to the cross determined to overcome the united opposition to his kingdom. After suffering there and completing the task of deliverance, clearly displayed in his resurrection, he went to the place of glory from where he blesses his people.

Deliverance at the Last Minute (Psalm 124)

It is common for countries to be attacked by enemies. Sometimes the attacks are repelled, at other times the country is overcome. If the attack is repelled, the subsequent conversation of those attacked will consider the number of the enemy army, the nature of the attack, and the means by which the attack was resisted. And they may compose songs about what happened.

The Israelites suffered such attacks as well and they also engaged in a similar kind of conversation. In verses 1-4, we can see that the number of the attackers was large, that the nature of their attack was fierce, and that the goal of the attack was complete removal of the Israelites. The attack is likened to the earth opening up and swallowing people standing in such a location or to a river in flood sweeping away everything in its path. The question is now, why were the Israelites not defeated?

The psalm was written by David, the greatest of the warrior-kings of Israel. We know that he led an army that won many victories. Yet he does not even hint that his personal skills or the abilities of his soldiers were the cause of victory. Instead, the reason for every victory was the Lord, the One who had promised to help them. 

At what stage in the attack did the Lord give victory to them? In verses 6 and 7, David uses two illustrations to show that deliverance came at the last moment. The Israelites were like prey about to be devoured by a wild animal and like birds in a trap that had to be broken. Of course, if they had been delivered earlier, it would have been possible to take some credit for the deliverance and write a different song. But a victim about to be eaten and a bird caught in a trap cannot take any credit for their deliverance.

There was only one conclusion that they could make. Deliverance came from the Lord alone. So they praised him and referred to the greatest of his actions. After all, what was their deliverance in comparison to him being able to create the universe? It was almost like saying after the deliverance that even if things had been worse the powerful Creator would still have been able to deliver them. In fact, there was no situation out of which he could not deliver them.

What does this psalm say to us in our world far removed from the kind of battles and attacks that then took place? First, behind the attacks was a more powerful opponent, the devil, and he would use what was best at the time. Those weapons were no match for God. Today, the devil will use the best of tools from the contemporary world, but they also will be no match for God.

Second, are we in danger of looking for deliverance too soon from any onslaughts that we face? After all, if deliverance does not come to the last minute, we may have to wait. If it is sent too early, we could be prone to find all kinds of reasons for the deliverance whereas God will send it at the time when he alone will have all the glory. 

Third, when we are in need of deliverance, we should think of God’s mighty acts. David thought about the divine activity he knew most about – the creation. We too can think of God’s power revealed in that divine action, but we can also think of what he did when Jesus provided salvation. Surely, after providing such an incredible deliverance at the cross, all smaller rescues should be straightforward for him to achieve at his chosen moment.

Prayer When Disdained (Psalm 123)

This anonymous psalm speaks powerfully and personally to Christians living in a period when the gospel is despised and when the reign of Christ and his kingdom are regarded as fantasy. The psalm is obviously suitable for the present time since we know that Jesus and his salvation are ignored by the vast majority. Most people regard the Bible as having nothing relevant or worthwhile to say. The church is not just marginalised, it is ignored. One can be pushed to the margins, and pushing requires some degree of effort, but to be ignored indicates that those ignoring the claims of the gospel don’t think it is worth the effort to push it to the margins. 

What are we to do in such a time? 

We are to look to the right place, and then we wait expectantly to be called into service. That is what the author says in verses 1 and 2. The place to which we are to look is the throne in heaven. We know that is the place of real power. In comparison to the power of Christ, all other powers are less than nothing. He has not lost authority over any inch in the universe; he has complete control over all things always. Indeed, Psalm 2 reminds us that he reigns even in the middle of his enemies.

As we come to God in our need, we remind ourselves that he is sovereign, and we confess it with our lips. We worship him because he is the high and holy One. The dilemmas of earth should not take away from us our sense of the dignity of heaven’s king and the delight his servants have in his presence. In dark times, the place to look is the brightest place of all, the centre of heaven, the throne of God.

What posture are we to have at such a time? 

We are to be alert, waiting for the signal from the throne that the King is about to answer our prayers. The method of prayer is not like that of a postman who delivers a letter and then walks away. Instead, the male and female servants of Christ present their requests and then wait for the answer. In the ancient world, the master or mistress indicated their will by waving their hands – their servants never took their eyes of the hands in case they missed doing what the master or mistress wanted. Obviously, the servants had to be focussed, but they also had to be patient. They had to be at their post and could not leave it, because the hand signal might be given.

What are we to pray for? 

The answer is mercy. We no longer want the kingdom of God to be despised and small. Rather, we want it to increase, and the only way in which it will increase is when the Lord shows mercy. The mercy is shown to a weak church when the King brings into it those who once despised it, and he brings them in as humbled sinners desiring to be forgiven.

What will happen then? 

The King will fulfil what is illustrated by a master or mistress giving hand signals. Those who are ready to do his bidding will have no problem knowing what to do. They will be directed by him in his providence. And when the time of his mercy comes, those who have prayed for it are expected to participate in dealing with the demands that will arise. Those who once were mockers will need to be comforted by those they once mocked. Instead of prayers of complaint, there will be songs of praise for answered prayer in the form of divine mercy.

God’s City is My City (Psalm 122)

This psalm was written by David as an expression of the joy he experienced when he joined with others in the worship of God in Jerusalem. No doubt, in the case of David and his friends, the joy was great because he had been used by God to capture it from the Jebusites, and that capture indicated to them that the cause of God was making progress. There have been many progressions in God’s kingdom since then, and no doubt many more are yet to come. Each progression should give joy to God’s people.

The psalm was also included in this collection of psalms put together after the exile as a suitable one for travellers to the annual feasts in Jerusalem to use as expressions of their happiness at being there once again. In that usage, we have a picture for us as travellers through life. The Zion we visit is not the earthly city of Jerusalem, but the heavenly one, and we visit it far more often than a few times a year.

Delight at the privilege (vv. 1-2)

We can see from verse I that it is very important to give verbal encouragements that focus on the unity enjoyed by those visiting Zion – all were invited to go together. When David heard the announcement to move further into the city and go to the tabernacle, he was gladdened. It is hard for silence to communicate words that bring joy to others. 

The travellers had stepped inside the city gates, and no doubt there was much to see. But what they wanted to see first was the signs of the presence of God and they were located in the tabernacle. There, they would see something unique and wonderful about God, which was that he was both holy and merciful. The tabernacle highlighted those attributes of God; because he is holy, he could only be approached through a sacrifice; because he is merciful, he could be approached through a sacrifice. 

We know that through Jesus we can approach the holy and merciful God in the place where we worship. Going there to address him should fill us with delight. 

Discovering the city (vv. 3-4)

David records what he saw in the city. He noticed that its structures were very suitable for what went on within it. It was secure, spacious, and submissive. We know that the design of a city is crucial for its defences. The psalmist observed that it would be difficult for an enemy to knock it down because the buildings were firmly attached. Moreover, it was a spacious city, with plenty rooms for the numerous worshippers to find accommodation. And he noticed that the city was ruled by the royal line who governed according to God’s decrees.

Of course, the earthly city failed to live up to its privileges and potential. But it is a picture of the New Testament city of God. It is very secure because God preserves it. It contains plenty spaces for accommodation – eventually it will be inhabited by a number no-one can count. And the laws of the church are given by God himself. It is the case that every time we explore the city we find its security provided by God, its spaciousness for those who want to worship him, and its submission to the will of its King.

Desire to pray for peace (vv. 6-8)

The effect on David of being in the city was that he realised it would be attacked. Therefore, he urges others to pray for its peace. In his day, the enemy would be hostile tribes who did not like the Israelites, and who would try and destroy it. Eventually, because people forgot to pray for divine peace the city was destroyed by its enemies.

Our duty regarding the New Testament city is to pray for its peace. The church’s enemies are not armies with weapons because we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. Their aim is to bring about situations that will remove the enjoyment of peace within the city of God on earth. We must acknowledge that sadly they have managed at times to do so, but it is likely that such occasions were caused by a failure to pray for peace.

What stimulates such prayer? David mentions three features. First, peace is only given to those who love the city (v. 6). Second, peace is given to those who have the right security measures in place (v. 7); we must follow the instructions laid out in God’s Word for the provision of peace, such as the word from God through Isaiah, ‘O, that you had listened to my commandments. Then your peace would have been like a river.’ Third, peace comes to those who are family members and who are recognised as such by the persons praying (v. 8). After all, when we pray, we are told to say, ‘Our Father.’

Dedication (v. 9)

David closes his meditation with a statement of personal dedication: ‘For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.’ He would do it at his level in society, as the king. He wanted to be, and he realised he had to be, a good example for the rest of God’s people at that time. But then, is that not the case with all of us? We cannot ask anything more of someone who is seeking the good of the city of God. This should be our response each time we have the privilege of visiting the city.

Psalm 121 - On the Move

This psalm may have been the first psalm that we memorised as children in Sunday School. Did our teachers chose it because they knew we were starting a journey, the journey of life, and that we needed God to take us safely through all the experiences we would face? I am glad that I was taught it, although now I cannot recall the first time I could recite it by heart. More importantly, its words are still there.

The psalm describes a traveller making his way with others along a dangerous route. As they journey, they look at the surrounding mountains and regard them as a source of possible danger. Perhaps they saw pagan temples located on the top of those hills and knew that worshippers there would not show friendship to those travelling to worship the true God in Jerusalem. Or maybe they thought that bandits could hide in the hills and from there come and attack them; if not dangers from human marauders, there could be sudden attacks by wild animals. Whatever the type of danger, they knew that their God was able to protect them. He had power to do so, the power that he showed when he made the heavens and the earth (vv. 1-2).

In what ways could the Lord help them? The psalmist speaks to his fellow travellers and reminds them that the Lord is aware of every step that they take on the journey. This divine awareness is constant because the Lord never sleeps. Indeed, his awareness is not limited to the psalmist and those with him. In addition, he knows where all his people Israel are constantly. What amazing comfort for travellers to heaven to have! (vv. 3-4)

In verses 5 and 6, the traveller uses another example to illustrate the keeping power of God. Travellers in hot countries faced the dangers of sunstroke and moonstroke. Perhaps the idea here is that God protects them when they are resting. Literally, they would rest when the sun was hottest, and they also would rest during the night. Of course, these illustrations point to the presence of God with them. Again, the psalmist encourages his friends about the constant care and protection of God. He looks after his people through the day and throughout the night (vv. 5-6). 

The psalmist moves on from their current circumstances to remind his friends that their covenant Lord will protect them from every danger that they could possibly face. This verse has a similar meaning to what Paul expressed in Romans 8:38-39: ‘For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

The idea of regarding the Christian life as a journey is a common one. We are familiar with how John Bunyan used it in his Pilgrim’s Progress to describe how Christian travelled from the City of Destruction to Mount Zion. The imagery occurs in other places in the Bible, such as Isaiah 35. It is also an obvious inference in the invitation of Jesus to follow him.

The psalm was a favourite one for David Livingstone. No doubt, we can see why he would have liked it because he became a famous traveller and missionary. 

We are where we are on our journey through this world. Around us are spiritual enemies and physical dangers. Who can and who should we depend on? The answer is obvious – the Lord who knows our every footstep and who is our shelter when we need spiritual rest.

A Traveller’s Perspective on Life (Psalm 120)

Psalms 120 to 134 were put together for use by pilgrims attending the annual feasts of Israel. They did so because they pictured the journey they would make. Jesus would have sung these psalms as he travelled to Jerusalem for the feasts he attended.

Often since then, these psalms have been considered very suitable for reflection on the Christian life as a journey from this world to heaven. They contain details that we can use for own situations. So what details can be found in Psalm 120?

The first detail is that a traveller journeying to heaven is a person who prays (v.1). A reason why he prays is because he is in covenant with God. We can see that is the case from the name he uses for God – he is Yahweh, the covenant keeping God. When does our covenant with God begin? It begins when we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus. Because he is the covenant God, he answers prayer.

The second detail is that the traveller to heaven is distressed by the people he lives among. In verse 2, the psalmist says that they do not tell the truth, and in verses 6 and 7 he says that they don’t want to live peacefully. He finds that a real burden on his heart.

A third detail is that the traveller to heaven realises that life in this world is far away from God. That is brought out in verse 5 when the psalmist mentions Meshech and Kedar. It was impossible to dwell in both these places at the same time – Meshech is in modern-day Turkey and Kedar is in modern-day Saudi Arabia. He is using those distant places to illustrate that the people he lives among have no wish to travel to meet with God.

The fourth detail that we can see is that the traveller to heaven knows that God will judge those who live ungodly lives. The author mentions that in verses 3 and 4. They will find themselves up against a real Warrior who will deal with them for their sins.

The fifth detail that we can consider is how the traveller to heaven defines himself. He is for peace (v.7), but when he speaks about it, those listening to him don’t like what they hear, and they reveal their opposition to his message of peace. Don’t we experience the same when we speak about the gospel of peace? When we tell people that there is a way for them to be reconciled to God they don’t want to hear the gospel of peace.

What is the message of this psalm? Surely it is that there are two kinds of people in the world and they are very different from one another. The differences are shown in their speech and in their longing for true peace. For Christians, this psalm tells them that this world is not their home. 

Psalm 5 – Prayer of a godly king

Psalm 5 is a lament by David connected to problem people in his kingdom. Some of the important people in authority were conspiring against him. What could he do about them? He could pray to God and tell him all about it.

David describes his prayer (vv. 1-2)

David is specific in what he wants the Lord to do about the situation. The words that he uses are ‘listen’, ‘consider’ and ‘hear’. Obviously he wants God to pay attention to his cry. He also uses three words for God – Lord, king and God – that stress his covenant faithfulness, his divine authority and his great power. And David uses the pronoun ‘my’ – ‘my’ prayer to ‘my’ God. Prayer involves feeling (lament), urgency (cry), sense of need (help), thought (words) and a relationship with God.

David draws near to God (vv. 3-7)

David gives priority to prayer – he engages in it in the morning. When he prays, he acts like a royal servant would do for him as a king – he lays out the agenda for the day before the Lord. A servant would bring the matters to David and expect him to deal with them as soon as he could and as best as he could. David does the same when he approaches the Lord – he is expectant because he knows that God will act.

The concern David has is connected to evil people. He knows that they will not get divine help. They are self-confident, sinful, untruthful, cruel and deceitful. They were in positions of power and he had to watch them and listen to them. The one thing they did not do was to approach God for help. David knew that they would not be heard, even if they tried.  The Lord does not show favour to the wicked, although he may use them to get favourable results for his kingdom.

Because David knew the character of God, he knew that he was welcome in the divine presence. He was aware of God’s great love for him and for his people Israel, revealed in the way that the Lord had placed his sanctuary among them. Yet he knew that any approach to the Lord had to be marked by reverence and respect. God is the sovereign, he is holy, he is far above all creatures, even kings. David loved to draw near to this great God.

David’s prayer about the ungodly (vv. 8-10)

David knew that all Israelites did not welcome his rule. What did he do about it? He mentioned that fact to God. Maybe he as king could not remove those wicked people – his personal power was limited. But he knew One who could, whose power is unlimited. He asked God to judge them and remove them from influence. The reason why he wanted that to happen was because they had rebelled primarily against God, although they showed that rebellion by scheming against David. 

David knew that the Lord could act in providence. His actions would help David and overturn the plans of his opponents. God governs all things simultaneously, and the fact that he continually does means we have confidence in his providence. Prayer is not outside his providence – he stimulates it, he hears it, he answers it. He can deal with David’s request immediately or he can delay an answer for reasons known to him. Yet, if the matter is a burden, we can discern if it has come from him and pray about it with confidence, anticipating his answer.

Prayer for God’s people (vv. 11-12)

David knew that he also should pray for the devout in Israel. He knew that spiritual blessings should be their experience. The blessing he has in mind is divine protection, probably from the enemies of David. Joyful and glad praise will come from those whom God shields. They will discover that he is able to provide refuge in the most difficult of times. Both David the king and his pious subjects know that the Lord will bless those who love his name, even in the darkest of days.

What should we do? We can pray confidently and earnestly because we know God’s character and promises. In prayer, we can mention the ungodly to God and ask him to stop their plans. We can thank him that he constantly works in providence. And we can ask him to bless his people and enable them to rejoice in his salvation.

Psalm 3 - Providence and prayer

Sometimes very unexpected events occur in our lives. This must have been the case for David when his son Absalom rebelled against his father and caused him to take refuge away from Jerusalem. We know that the situation was resolved, that Absalom was killed by David’s men, and that David resumed his place in Jerusalem. But David did not know the outcome when he prayed the words of this psalm.

Tells God the problem (vv. 1-2)

David brings his concern to the Lord and mentions the number and the opinions of his many opponents. They had assumed that God was no longer his protector because they were misreading providence. In times of trouble, it is very likely that we will misread providence. The appropriate response should be to pray rather than to listen to those who imagine that God has turned against us. David knew that his God would be faithful to him, and he is faithful to all his people.

Affirms his confidence in God (vv. 3-4)

David expressed his trust in the Lord. He stated that God was his protector (shield), his superior (glory) and his exalter (lifter of his head). The psalmist did not only acknowledge that God had been so in the past. Rather he knew that God was fulfilling those roles in the present. Maybe David’s head had been literally down because of sadness at the rebellion. Who else but God could lift such gloom! But he did. And David was able to express his confidence in loud cries to God and he received answers from heaven that strengthened him even although he was still exiled from Jerusalem. Prayer had given him a new perspective on providence.

Peace sent from heaven (vv. 5-6)

In the middle of the storm, David enjoyed a good night’s sleep. This sense of peaceful security came from the Lord. After all, his providence is as much at work while we sleep as it is when we are awake. And when he awoke, David discovered that he now possessed God-given confidence and could see no reason why he should be afraid of the thousands of enemies who had gathered against him. What was their wisdom and strength in comparison to the wisdom and power of God!

Asks God to work (vv. 7-8)

The revolt led by Absalom had shown to David that there were many in his kingdom who were not on the side of God. If they had been, they would not have been disloyal to David because he had been placed on the throne by God. Of course, those enemies could say that they were being loyal to David’s son, but they did not know if Absalom was the son that the Lord wanted to succeed David. And they soon discovered that Absalom was not God’s choice. Yet David knew that it would be appropriate for the Lord to remove those opponents, so he asked God to do so. After all, the future of God’s kingdom was under threat from them.

Requests future blessing (v. 9)

From the place of difficulty and what seemed like the end for him, David discovered that the Lord was his deliverer. Soon he would be back in Jerusalem and there he would enjoy, with others, the divine blessing. The circumstances of divine providence would change soon. God’s kingdom would continue, and his blessings would be experienced.

What should we do? We should remember that adversity is not a sign that God is against his people. We should recall that difficulties are going to happen because God’s people are facing powerful opponents in the spiritual battle in which they are engaged. We should pray for a correct understanding of providence and wait for God to give his peace. And we should recognise that God will keep his kingdom going no matter what takes place.

Psalm 2 - Jesus reigns

Psalm 2 may have initially reflected some pointless opposition to David by rulers of the surrounding nations. The New Testament is clear, however, that the psalm is about Jesus and what happened to him at the time of his death, resurrection and exaltation. We are given details from the point of view of God in heaven about the opposition to Jesus that was expressed when he was arrested, condemned, and crucified. The opposition continued after his resurrection and instalment as King by his Father. We can read about some of it in the Book of Acts.

The opposition rebel (vv. 1-3)

The rebellion involved more than one nation and more than one ruler. They had their reasons for opposing Jesus, but God in heaven knew the real reason. They did not want God to rule over them and therefore refused to acknowledge Jesus as King. Here, he is described as God’s Anointed; he is called this title because he is the Messiah and he was anointed with the Holy Spirit when he ascended to heaven. 

The Father’s response (vv. 4-6)

Although human estimation would assume that there was strong opposition to Jesus, the estimation in heaven is one of contempt. They were not able to prevent the exaltation of Jesus.  While it is good for Christians to be told that the Father has crowned his Son, the same message is one of divine wrath against those who refuse to acknowledge what has happened. Indeed, stating this truth will terrify those who oppose King Jesus. He has been crowned in Zion, which is a way of describing the heavenly location of his throne.

The Son speaks (vv. 7-9)

In verse 7, the Son speaks and refers to his resurrection. This verse is stated twice in the New Testament as describing what happened when Jesus rose from the dead. It was a moment when his divine Sonship was affirmed. It was also the moment when he was given a wonderful promise from the Father. When he asked for it, he would be given dominion over the earth despite all the attempts of earthly rulers and peoples to oppose him. This divine decree cannot be reversed by any combination of hostile powers against him.

The message to the opposition (vv. 10-12)

It is not clear who speaks in these verses. It may be God or it could be the psalmist. The point is the same, whoever the speaker. Rulers are urged to serve the divine Son who is Lord of all. If they don’t embrace him, they will quickly perish because he will not tolerate opposition for long. Rulers have a responsibility to acknowledge that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.

The benediction (v. 12)

The place of blessing is for those who take refuge in him. In him alone is their safety. Those finding refuge may be kings and rulers who repent or they may be those who repent in spite of what their rulers do. The point is that we have to remember that Jesus is the divinely appointed Saviour and the divinely appointed Judge.

What should we do? We can rejoice that Jesus has been highly exalted. We can rejoice that all the opposition against him will not remove him from his place of power. We can flee to him continually for refuge in all the troubling situations of life, even when his kingdom is attacked more than at other times. We can spread the information that he is and will remain King.

Psalm 1 - The One who is Blessed

No doubt, this psalm serves as an introduction to the Psalter and describes the person who can draw near to God. It may even be a picture of the Saviour because he exemplified perfectly how to delight in the law of the Lord, and he experienced the consequential consistency of character. Moreover, since the blessed man is likened to a fruitful tree, Jesus was a shade from trouble and a supply of suitable food for his disciples. And it was always the case that he prospered in all that he did. It is good to think about the perfection of the human nature of the Saviour and pray for grace to imitate him.

The psalm contrasts two types of people, indeed the only types of people that there are on earth – the righteous and the wicked (v. 1). There are several kinds of unrighteous people – in the psalm they are called wicked, sinners and scoffers. They were sinners in Israel who went against the way of the Lord and despised his law. So they spoke against and behaved contrary to his desires and instructions. They thought they were wiser that the Lord, but in reality they were fools. Such are found everywhere now, whether on TV programmes or in pub conversations. They do not know, nor do they desire, the way of blessing.

In contrast, the blessed man focuses on the law of the Lord (v. 2). The law is more than the ten commandments; it describes the scriptures. We do not know the extent of the Old Testament that existed when the psalm was written, but what the man had was sufficient to make him like a strong tree, able to withstand storms, as well as to provide protection and spiritual food for others (v. 3). The Bible is a living word that has living effects in those who use it correctly, and it can be used continually to bring about the character of the blessed man. The correct way to use it is by meditation, which means that the blessed man speaks to himself about what is contained in the Bible. We have much more Scripture than the psalmist had, and we know much more about God and his salvation than the psalmist would have known. So there is no excuse for not being like a strong, evergreen tree. The scriptures are streams of water that refreshen, revive, recover and rejoice the believers who meditate on them.

The wicked, because they ignore the word of the Lord, will not be able to stand when a storm comes (v. 4). There are similar passages elsewhere in the Bible, such as the parable Jesus told about the man who built his house on a rock and the man who built his house on sand. The winds of divine providence will show who has prepared for them when they blow strongly.

The Scriptures remind us that in addition to there being two types of people there are two very different destinies (v. 5). On Judgement Day, the wicked will fall; they will know then that they were foolish in going against the Lord and his Word. Sadly, they will be outside the congregation of the righteous. In calling the righteous by the name of congregation, the psalmist is teaching that heaven is a gathering of eternal worshippers who had discovered in this life who the Lord is from his Word and who lived according to his instructions. They were blessed in this life and they will be blessed in the next.

The psalmist closes with another contrast between the righteous and the wicked (v. 6). As far as the righteous are concerned, the Lord knows their way. This is not a reference to his omniscience, but to his delight in and approval of their conformity to his Word. He knows their way because he is with them along the journey of life. He observes with pleasure the effects of his grace conveyed to them through one of his means of grace – the Scriptures. In contrast, the opinions and the practices of the wicked will soon be forgotten, even by the wicked who come after them who will devise their own way of ignoring God’s Word.

What should we pray about? We should ask for determination to read the Bible, for delight in what we find, for dedication to obey its requirements, and for appreciation of the wonderful future provided by God for his people. We should also pray that wicked people should be changed. And we should rejoice in the perfect life of Jesus and imitate how he used the Bible.

Brotherly Encouragement (Psalm 91:3-10)

It looks as if a second speaker responses to the words of the speaker in verse 2. We can call him Speaker B. He wants to encourage his fellow believer (Speaker A) in his commitment to God, which is a very good and important aspect of godly living.

Speaker B focuses on divine protection from unseen and uncontrollable dangers. They are only unseen and uncontrollable to humans, but not to God. The speaker mentions several dangers. A fowler is seeking to trap believers (who can this be but the devil?). They cannot see his next plan of attack, but the Lord does. No doubt, the trap will be designed for believers in a personal way, which makes it more dangerous. While they may not see it, their faithful God is fully aware of it and can deliver them from it, perhaps even without them realising it was there.

Speaker B also mentions the danger of deadly pestilence, a sudden plague that threatens all within reach. Today, because we live in a society which does not often face such a danger, we cannot imagine the terror that a sudden outbreak of disease would cause in a community. It was something beyond their control, and usually there was nowhere to hide from its reach. 

Where does Speaker B think safety is to be found? In God. He likens the Lord to a bird and to a soldier (v. 4). His friend, he says, will find refuge in God similar to how chicks find safety below the wings of the mother bird. He also will find safety behind the shield and buckler that God holds, which is his faithfulness. The point of both illustrations is that God comes between the believer and the danger. Speaker A is assured by his friend that he will be safe in God (which is way of saying that our safety is in Christ). 

Because that is the case, Speaker B points out that his friend need not fear what may happen at any time (vv. 5-6), whether during the daylight or during the darkness. Even when he takes a rest, as people often did at noon, he would be safe. Nor would he succumb to dangers that took others away in large numbers (v. 7).

Speaker B then urges his friend to look ahead to the final deliverance that God will give, which will be in contrast to what he will give to the wicked who would cause the dangers that his friend would face. The deliverance was not connected to any particular skill possessed by Speaker A, but only to the fact that he had chosen the Lord as his place of safety. Speaker B also points out that the Lord is his refuge as well.

Is the psalmist suggesting that it is possible to live a trouble-free life? No, but he is saying that it is possible to avoid certain expressions of evil. One suggestion is that the dangers described here are those that faithless Israelites would face from breaking the Mosaic covenant. There is a similarity between the list of curses in Deuteronomy 28 and the ones mentioned in the psalm. The speakers here, in contrast, are faithful to God.

How can Speaker B say that no evil or plague will affect Speaker A? The answer is the place of protection. He is in a special tent – his shelter is the Lord. His God will protect him from all the dangers that could destroy him. After all, he is the faithful God who will be faithful to those who are faithful to him.

Prayer in times of trouble (Psalm 3)

The psalm describes an experience that David had when his kingdom was under threat from the rebellion led by his son Absalom. In a sense, we can say that David had an insight into what he had described in the previous psalm when he mentioned how God’s future King would be opposed by powerful enemies.

Psalm 3 is an example of what to do when troubles come our way. In verses 1 and 2, David tells God what his situation was and mentions the number of his opponents and what they were saying about him and their assumption that God could not help him. We might not face the same number against us, but we can tell God what they are saying or suggesting about his faithfulness.

In addition to repeating what his opponents said about God David also mentioned what God had promised to be for him – his protector, his rewarder and his exalter (v. 3). Instead of estimating the divine promises by providence, he estimated providence by the promises of God. The One who controlled providence was doing so to fulfil his promises in the life of David. And the same is happening for all his people.

David also shows us how to pray in such circumstances – he prayed loudly to God (v. 4). This may be a reason for us to find a secret place to pray and to speak to the Lord with earnestness. Sometimes, our longing for his help is expressed by the energy of crying in a loud voice. After all, Paul says in Romans 8 and Galatians 4 that the call, ‘Abba, Father,’ is a very strong one.

David realised that his voice was heard faraway, in the presence of God. The king may have had in mind the place in Jerusalem where the tabernacle was located, where God made himself known in a special, gracious and holy way. Our voices are heard also in God’s presence, although the place where they reach is heaven itself. Whatever may be thought of our prayers down here, they are welcome up there, in the true holy hill, and are answered by the God of grace.

It is a great privilege to draw near to such a powerful God with the knowledge that he wants to help us. As Matthew Henry says about God: ‘he has power to save, be the danger ever so great; it is his prerogative to save, when all other helps and succours fail; it is his pleasure, it is his property, it is his promise to those that are his, whose salvation is not of themselves, but of the Lord.’

What was the outcome for David? He mentions two aspects (vv. 5-7). First, his fear of his opponents was gone, shown in how he slept that night and in how he felt the following day even although he was still surrounded by them. Second, he asked the Lord to give him victory as well as a sense of security. He applied his knowledge of God in a prayer for comprehensive victory and deliverance.

David wanted his readers to know that the Saviour God can deliver his people. His own experience of deliverance led him to pray for similar divine blessing to be known by all believers. His faith had been enlarged so to embrace not only what the Lord could do for him but also what he could and does do for all his people. Troubles can bring us many profitable lessons.

Who is the King (Psalm 2)?

This psalm focuses on the conflict between earthly rulers and God’s King. We know from the New Testament that God’s King is Jesus, and Peter refers to this psalm when describing the conflict between Jesus and his opponents (Acts 4:25-31). 

So what was originally perhaps a psalm describing the opposition that was expressed towards David as the Lord”s anointed becomes a psalm with a higher message about a greater King. It enables us to get a view of what heaven thinks about the response that was made to Jesus by the authorities and rulers.

We can see from the first passage (vv. 1–3) that the opposition of the rulers was not only against Jesus, but was also against the Father. They may not have realised that was what they were doing, and that their hostility was against God and his plan of salvation. Still, their attempt to get rid of Jesus was bound to fail because the plan of God will succeed.

In verses 4-6, the psalmist describes the response of the Father to the actions of the rulers. It does not matter how many were against him and what they devised. His response was one of contempt and determination - contempt for their efforts and anger at their rebellion. The way he terrified them was by stating that Jesus is enthroned in heaven. What was their response to the gospel announcement that Jesus is King? They did not repent at the information, even although they were aware of what had occurred to Jesus, the one they crucified.

Then in verses 7-9, the King speaks and repeats what his Father had said to him when exalting him to the throne of heaven. He was told of his special relationship as his Son and invited to possess his global inheritance. And he received authority to judge the world. That is where things stand today.

Nevertheless, we can see from verses 10-12 that an invitation was extended to those rulers, and any others, to make things right with the King. They could be his delighted and dedicated servants. The way to do so would be exemplified by a kiss of submission to the great Ruler. Failure to do so will lead to experiencing his wrath. Therefore they should do this quickly because his judgement may come soon.

The final sentence informs all that the place of safety is Jesus the King. He is the fortress we need for eternal safety. In him, we find what divine security provides - endless blessings for all who trust in him.

Paul, when mentioning psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, says that Jesus wants his people to use this coronation psalm to edify one another and to speak to one another about his kingdom, its successes and benefits.