Psalm 69
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David.
1Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
2I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
3I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
5O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
6Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
7Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
8I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.
9For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
10When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
11I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
12They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
13But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
14Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
15Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.
16Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
17And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
18Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
19Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
20Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
21They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
24Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
25Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
26For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.
27Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
28Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
29But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.
30I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
32The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
33For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
34Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
35For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
36The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein.
Psalm 70
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
1MAKE HASTE, O GOD, TO DELIVER ME; MAKE HASTE TO HELP ME, O LORD.
2Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
3Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
4Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
5But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
Psalm 71
1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
2Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
3Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
4Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
5For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
6By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
7I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
8Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
9Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
10For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
11Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
12O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
13Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
16I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
18Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
20Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
22I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
23My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
24My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
Psalm 72
A Psalm for Solomon.
1Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.
2He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
7In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
13He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
15And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.
16There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
17His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.
18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.
19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
20The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Psalm 73
A Psalm of Asaph.
1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalm 74
Maschil of Asaph.
1O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?
2Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
3Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
4Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs.
5A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees.
6But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers.
7They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
8They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.
9We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
10O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
11Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.
12For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.
13Thou didst divide the sea by thy strength: thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters.
14Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.
15Thou didst cleave the fountain and the flood: thou driedst up mighty rivers.
16The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun.
17Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter.
18Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.
19O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
20Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.
21O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.
22Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
23Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.
Chapter 69
The first two verses remind me of my darkest moment, mostly because I did cry out to God to save me and I did feel as if I was stuck in mire and the only way I could get out was with God's help, which I think is kinda where verse 3 comes in. Matthew Henry seems to have an interesting insight on verse 4, "David was hated wrongfully, but the words far more fully apply to Christ." Yeah...Christ took all that hate for me and I can't say that I deal with as nearly as many people that hate me as He did. I've dealt with people that have hated me before, such as that guy in my math class, and that's nothing compared to what Christ went through. In a way, it's a reminder that Jesus loved me enough to go through all that He went through for me and I thank Him for that. Sinning is done out of foolishness (v. 5) and God sees it. To expand on verse 5, it's as if God is saying, "If one wants to be foolish, he or she can do so by sinning. However, one can only make up for it if he or she repents." And since my sins are not hid from God, I think that makes me accountable for them and gives me reason to ask Him for forgiveness. So I think the fact that sin can't be hidden from God is a good thing because since He knows when I commit it, it's an invitation to ask for forgiveness and not feel like I have to carry a burden on my shoulders. Henry's comments on verses 6-8, "David complains of the unkindness of friends and relations. This was fulfilled in Christ, whose brethren did not believe on him, and who was forsaken by his disciples. Christ made satisfaction for us, not only by putting off the honours due to God, but by submitting to the greatest dishonours that could be done to any man." What I have to add to that is I am thankful that He took it all for me as well as another parallel between David and Jesus, such as the one in verse 4. My love for God consumes me (v. 9) and those who offend God also offend me. It reminds me of that guy from my math class and the times when he would say offensive things to me. I don't think the guy ever insulted me for being a Christian, but I am reminded of what Christ had to deal with when He was insulted for being dead to the world. Henry puts it like this, "We need not be discouraged if our zeal for the truths, precepts, and worship of God, should provoke some, and cause others to mock our godly sorrow and deadness to the world." I can't say I've ever been mocked for those things, but Henry's observation is encouraging either way and I'd say that verse 9 comforts because it's basically David's expression of being persecuted for his love for God and if I'm persecuted for my love -- my walk with God -- even to the point of being killed for it, I will be able to experience God's sovereignty in that since I'll be in heaven with Him since I will have lived for Him and accepted His Son into my life. I can't say I've ever fasted from food (v. 10), but I know what can happen to me if I decide to -- no pun intended -- starve the flesh for a period of time. And even though I may persecuted for fasting, I shouldn't let that discourage me from having a relationship with God. In fact, it should let me desire Him more, as fasting could do. I kinda wanna fast for a day to see what it's like since doing so is one of the things to do grow closer to God. I can't relate to verses 11-12, but I will say that if I am a subject of gossip and non-believers, I should let God worry about let and hold them accountable for their actions when that time comes. I like Henry's thoughts on verses 13-14, "Whatever deep waters of affliction or temptation we sink into, whatever floods of trouble or ungodly men seem ready to overwhelm us, let us persevere in prayer to our Lord to save us. The tokens of God's favour to us are enough to keep our spirits from sinking in the deepest outward troubles." I will admit that sometimes temptation can be easy to give into, but with God's strength, I can overcome it. At the moment, I don't struggle with sin, but in case I do, I will put it in prayer and talk to God about it. I have no desire find myself in deep mire (v. 14) and I know that God can deliver me from it in case I do, as He did during my darkest moment. I cried out Him to be saved from Satan's lies, which was the deep I did not want to be swallowed by (v. 15). I knew only God could save me from that and that relying lovingkindness was the right decision on my part (v. 16). God didn't hide from me when He helped me (v. 17) and He drew near to me and deliver me from the enemy's influence (v. 18). I haven't dealt with enemies on the level David has, as described in verses 19-20, but I am reminded that I can find comfort in Him if I have insults tossed at me and need His love to lift me up. I thought I'd include Henry's thought on verse 21, "The sufferings of Christ were here particularly foretold, which proves the Scripture to be the word of God; and how exactly these predictions were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which proves him to be the true Messiah. The vinegar and the gall given to him, were a faint emblem of that bitter cup which he drank up, that we might drink the cup of salvation. We cannot expect too little from men, miserable comforters are they all; nor can we expect too much from the God of all comfort and consolation." I am thankful that He provided the cup of salvation for me.
Although I can't personally relate to verses 22-28, I know that they do describe what happens to those who don't accept the truth. Henry's thoughts on it, "Their sin was, that they would not see, but shut their eyes against the light, loving darkness rather; their punishment was, that they should not see, but should be given up to their own hearts' lusts which hardened them. Those who reject God's great salvation proffered to them, may justly fear that his indignation will be poured out upon them." God's gonna have His wrath, in other words, which I'll let Him worry about (vv. 24-25) since it's His business, not mine. I try not to play God, which isn't a hard thing to do. Verse 26, I believe is talking about Christ and since I'm on God's side, I'm not among those who talk bad about Him or His Son. I can't personally relate to verses 27-28, but I know that I can trust in His salvation and saving power (v. 29) and that it what protects me in times of trouble, such as my darkest moment.
I thank Him for all the good things He's done in my life (v. 30) and I'm glad I don't have to make sacrifices to Him to express that (v. 31). Henry's thought on verse 32, "The humble shall look to him, and be glad; those that seek him through Christ shall live and be comforted." What I have to add to that would be that there are probably people that look up to me and see how God is working and me and want that in their lives. He heard me when I poor or helpless (v. 33), during my darkest moment. I am thankful that He didn't ignore, which I imagine was because of the fact that I live for Him. I praise Him in church (v. 34), which I think I talked about before. I am thankful for His saving power (v. 35) and that since His is my inheritance and I'm part of His Kingdom, I can abide in it forever (v. 36). I don't plan on leaving His Kingdom since it's a wonderful thing to be a part of and since I know I have a role in it.
Chapter 70
I think I will reflect on this a bit even though, according to Matthew Henry, "This psalm is almost the same as the last five verses of Psalm 40." I asked God to deliver me during my darkest moment (v. 1) and the enemy was turned backward (v. 2) by Him. The enemy truned back because of his shame (v. 3) and I rejoiced and praised Him for His deliverance (v. 4). God didn't delay or tarry (v. 5) when when I felt poor or needy when I needed His help. I imagine that He started helping me out as soon as I called upon Him. I like Henry's thought on this psalm, which I think pretty much speaks for itself, "While here we behold Jesus Christ set forth in poverty and distress, we also see him denouncing just and fearful punishment on his Jewish, heathen, and antichristian enemies; and pleading for the joy and happiness of his friends, to his Father's honour. Let us apply these things to our own troubled circumstances, and in a believing manner bring them, and the sinful causes thereof, to our remembrance."
Chapter 71
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety." In verse 1, I am reminded to not be ahsamed of my faith. There are times when I try to hide the fact that I'm wearing a shirt with Christian imagery on it, but what good will that do? That verse makes me want to display my love for God on a much larger scale. I put my faith in Him during my darkest moment and He delivered me in His righteousness (v. 2). He is my strong habitation or rock (v. 3) and I go to Him whenever I need Him, such as when I did during my darkest moment. It's a reminder that He's always there for me and that He wants me to come to Him whenever I'm having problems in life besides my regular interaction with Him. He delivered me from the enemy (v. 4), which made me realize that it's a good to idea to (continue to) hope in Him (v. 5). And since I was young, I trusted Him -- I just needed an experience to rock and test me. "By thee have I been holden up from the womb" (v. 6) means to me God was at work when I was being born and had an influence on me coming out me my mother's womb when I was born. He knew I was gonna live for Him and I thank Him that He created me and (probably) helped my mom in order for me to emerge from her womb. I'm not sure how to comment on verse 7 at the moment, but verse 8 means to me is when I've gone to Christian music concerts in the past and I've basically praied Him all day cuz He's so good. Henry's comment on verse 9, "The faithful servants of God may be assured that he will not cast them off in old age, nor forsake them when their strength fails." I am thankful that God will always be with me, even in old age. I think that if I see old age, my walk with God can encourage other people and give them wisdom, which would be awesome things to provide to those who need them. Satan really tried to deceive me during my darkest moment, similar to which is described in verses 10-11. However, I cried out to Him from help since I knew He was near and since I knew He could help me quickly (v. 12). The enemy was probably "confounded and consumed" and "reproached with dishonour" (v. 13) after I cried out to God. I see verse 14 as a reiteration as of verse 6, mostly just where it says, "my praise shall be continually of thee." Verse 15 seems to be a reiteration of verse 8, so just look at my comment on that. When I praise Him, I mention only His righteousness (v. 16), which is reminder that He should get all the credit for all the good things in my life. I guess I could also say that I praise Him for His blessings, which I praise Him for even to this day (v. 17). Verse 18 is a reiteration of verse 9, so just see what I had to say about that. I like verse 19 because what it means to me is that God's righteousness is unmatched and no man can try and imitate Him. I thank Him for His righteous works, such as when He delivered me from darkest moment. And since no one is like Him, He was the only One Who could help me out that time because there was no man that could help me, which I think I talked about before. Even though I faced troubles and continue to (v. 20), I am thankful that He quickens me or makes me alive as a result. I think through that, I grow spiritual strength-wise, which resulted from my darkest moment. I'd say that I came out of my darkest moment, when it was all said and done, He increased my greatness or honor, and comforted me (v. 21) by toucing me, which I've talked about before. I praise Him for His deliverance (vv. 22-23) and since I see verse 24 as a reiteration of verses 15 and 8, so I don't have much to say about it.
Chapter 72
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses, "The best we can ask of God for our children is, that God would give them wisdom and grace to know and to do their duty. This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his reign, there were troubles and unrighteousness. The kingdom here spoken of is to last as long as the sun, but Solomon's was soon at an end." If I ever have kids, I'm gonna ask God to give them wisdom or help them to make just decisions (v. 1) so they don't mess up as a result of relying on their own wisdom. I've tried relying on my own wisdom before, which didn't work out so well. I remember taking a math test at San Jose City for a remedial class two semester ago and I thought I could pass out without relying on God even though I didn't study much for it. I was ticked at myself for not doing what I should I have done even though I had other things going on. I like the fact that God's gonna judge me with righteousness (v. 2), which reminds of the verses I've discussed before that talk about one being judged according to his or her righteousness. It's as if God will judge me according to my devotion to Him and even though I'm not perfect, I try to devote myself to Him as best I can. I typically honor what He wants me to do, which I assume would (also) have to do with my righteousness to Him. I can't personally relate to verse 3, but I think it's cool His peace or properity will be shown through montians and hills. I suspect that will be an interesting and exciting thing to witness and I look forward to it. He's also gonna work with the poor and the children of the needy (v. 4), which includes me. "He shall judge the poor of the people" means that He will defend those who are poor from the oppressor. He did that during that my darkest moment and I imagine when He does it during when that time comes, it will be on a much larger scale since it seems to have all His people in mind. "And shall break in pieces the oppressor" means that Christ will make it so the enemy (Satan) will no longer be able to have an influence on His people since He will have crushed or destroyed Him, which reminds me of Christ being the demon crusher, which reminds me of this. I'm not sure how I'd realte to verse 5, but verse 6 describes Christ's presence on earth for His people. Knowing that it will "come down like rain upon the mown grass" means that it will be something to watch for, perhaps a sign. I'm glad God has provided what to look for and what it will be like when Christ shows up on earth. I look forward to being part of the righteous that will flourish (v. 7) as well as an abundance of peace because I know that God's gonna provide those things as He sees fit. His rule will reach from end to end, or from sea to sea (v. 8), which means to me that there's no follower of His that won't be under His rule. I look forward to His Kingdom here on earth and enjoying that experience. It will be a great thing to bow before Him with others (v. 9). I think when Christ's Kingdom is established on earth, some of my most intense worship expereinces will take place. It will quite to thing to see God at work during that time, especially since His people will be with Him, not just me. I'm not sure if I have to say much about verse 10, but it will an interesting thing to see kings bow down before Him (v. 11), which sort of relates to verse 9, so just look at my comments on that.
I see verses 12-13 as a reiteration of verse 4, so just look at my comments on that. I will save, however, that He has saved me from death, which is what "and shall save the souls of the needy" (v. 13) means to me. So since I accepted Christ into my life, I have been saved from eternity from hell, which I thank Him for. He's gonna redeem or save me from violence and deceit (v. 14). I'm not completely sure if that verse pertains to Christ establishing His Kingdom on earth, but if it is, I will be thankful for His protection. I believe I will be on earth during the tribulation, which God will protect me from. Perhaps I will go into detail about that at another time. I'm not sure what to say about verse 15, but here's Henry's thought on it, "Those that have the wealth of this world, must serve Christ with it, do good with it. Prayer shall be made through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father, should be in his name." I don't have the wealth of the would, but I would serve Him with it if I did. He continues, "Praises shall be offered to him: we are under the highest obligations to him." I praise Him every day, even for the little things such as being able to see an breathe. Verse 17 seems to be a reiteration of verse 5, so just look at my comments on that. I thank and praise Him for all the good things (v. 18) and I look forward to when the earth is filled with His glory (v. 19). Henry's comments, "May we, like David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel."
Chapter 73
Since I am pure or of a clean heart (v. 1), I experience God's goodness. He knew His people in Israel were good and loyal to Him, so He blessed them. I do things which glorify God, such as worship hosting. During communion time, I'll sometimes expereince His presence in the stillness, which is always a blessing. I try not to slip, which is what the psalmist is talking about in verse 2. I guess there was a moment I slipped, which lead up to my darkest moment since I gave into the enemy's lies. Matthew Henry's comments on verses 3-6, "The psalmist was strongly tempted to envy the prosperity of the wicked; a common temptation, which has tried the graces of many saints. But he lays down the great principle by which he resolved to abide. It is the goodness of God. This is a truth which cannot be shaken. Good thoughts of God will fortify against Satan's temptations." Although I can't say I've ever envied the foolish o arrogant (v. 3), I know that nothing will come out of doing so if I choose to do so. It'd basically be worrying about something that wouldn't warrant worrying about since it's better to be focused on God and His plan for my life. Sure, in my math class, if someone got a higher score than me on a test, they'd rub it in, but I didn't envy them because in terms of eternity, it's not gonna matter whether or not I passed on a math test. I remember after posting how God worked in my darkest moment on deviantART, there were some people that thought I was a wuss for relying on God. I suppose verse 4 does somewhat tie into that because those who judged me probably did have firm strength. However, I saw no need to envy because that wouldn't have benefitted me in any way and it would've made me worse than they were. I'm not judging those who judged me -- I'm just relating the verses to what I experienced, which I think I mentioned somewhere before. I suppose they weren't troubled (v. 5) and I remember them acting prideful (v. 6) by saying that I was a wimp or what have you since I relied on God to helped me out. I think, though, that God helped me more than any man could have and it was a good a idea to trust in Him because it brought me closer to Him and I also experienced victory in Christ Jesus, which was an awesome thing. I'm not sure if verse 7 relates, but I figure they did speak wickedly (v. 8) when they said that I was a wimp to have relied on God. I don't remember them setting their mouths against the heavens (v. 9), but I do like Henry's thoughts on verses 9-11, "Because the wicked are so very daring, therefore his people return hither; they know not what to say to it, and the rather, because they drink deep of the bitter cup of affliction. He spoke feelingly when he spoke of his own troubles; there is no disputing against sense, except by faith." I don't have much to add to that, but I will say that it's a good thing to turn to Him if the wicked ever give me problems. That's what I did during my darkest moment -- I turned to God since the enemy was giving me problems.
I can't say I've dealt with anyone who has prospered in the world (v. 12), but in case I ever do, I can remind myself of 13. It's a reminder that I have been washed in His Son's blood and that my life found in Him is better than worldly riches. I'm not sure how I would relate to verse 14, but here are Matthew Henry'c comments on verses 15-16, "The psalmist having shown the progress of his temptation, shows how faith and grace prevailed. He kept up respect for God's people, and with that he restrained himself from speaking what he had thought amiss." It's as if whenever I'm tempeted, I can rely on God to help me to not give into it. I haven't been swearing as much even though I've been tempted to in some cases, so maybe God's helping me to deal with that. Here's Henry's comments on verse 17-18, " The sanctuary must be the resort of a tempted soul. The righteous man's afflictions end in peace, therefore he is happy; the wicked man's enjoyments end in destruction, therefore he is miserable." I was thankful to God when my darkest moment ended, which I am reminded of. I know that He will deal with those who have been brought into desolation (v. 19) and He will see their image (v. 20). I suppose that was how He dealt with the enemy during my darkest moment. I was against God when I gave into the enemy's lies (v. 22), but I did end up coming back to Him (v. 23). I enjoy being guided by His counsel (v. 24) since His teaches me from His Word and I learn from it. If His Word didn't instruct me properly, I'd be lost and would have nothing to live for. The cool thing is I'll end up being in heaven, which will be a great thing since He'll be there (v. 25). I only desire Him -- I live for Him and enjoy His presence and His blessings. Since He's awesome and good, there is no one like Him and no other being who is worth living for. I don't have to worry about my flesh body physically wearing away since my inheritance is in Him (v. 26). I'm reminded of the gift of eternal life because if I were to die, say of heart failure, I'd end up in heaven with God due to accepting His Son as my Lord and Savior and having a relationship with Him. If God were to have me killed a week from now or whatever, that'd be OK becuase I'd be with Him. Verse 27 doesn't relate to me, but I will say that I try and draw near to Him on a daily basis by reading His Word (v. 28) and spending time with Him. I put my trust in Him, even for the little things, such as passing a test and letting others know that I praise Him for helping me to get a passing grade.
Chapter 74
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "This psalm appears to describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans. The deplorable case of the people of God, at the time, is spread before the Lord, and left with him. They plead the great things God had done for them." I can't say I've ever felt that God has cast me off (v. 1), except for my darkest moment. I think it's a great thing if God's people feel as if they've been cut off from Him, He can remember them (v. 2), as Asaph stressed. I can't speak for my church to say we've ever been cut off from God as a church family or what have you yet if we were, I know He would welcome us with open arms, which would be an expression of His love for us. I also know that if my church was oppressed, we would trust in Him to take care of it (v. 3). In a way, I'm glad my church hasn't dealt with oppression, at least on the level Jerrusalem did, because it would take a while to put things back together. I am thankful that this psalm could encourage my church in case we ever do face oppression (from the enemy) as a church family. Henry's comments on verses 4-11 by stating the following, "Infidels and persecutors may silence faithful ministers, and shut up places of worship, and say they will destroy the people of God and their religion together. For a long time they may prosper in these attempts, and God's oppressed servants may see no prospect of deliverance; but there is a remnant of believers, the seed of a future harvest, and the despised church has survived those who once triumphed over her. When the power of enemies is most threatening, it is comfortable to flee to the power of God by earnest prayer." Yeah, I think Henry pretty much hit the nail on the head. I do have some things to add to that, though. For one thing, I see oppression as God's way of saying that He wants His people to depend on Him My church, as long as I've been going there, hasn't faced a spititual warfare-type deal between God and Satan, but there was a time when the church wasn't doing so wellfinancially -- which, in a roundabout way, was a form of opposition. I remember that some people didn't take the news so well and I think part of it had to do with the elders not trusting in God with the finances and whatnot. I'm not sure if that was the enemy trying to attack God's people, but I know that the elders did submit to God so He could be in charge of the finances.
Henry's thought on verse 12, " The church silences her own complaints. What God had done for his people, as their King of old, encouraged them to depend on him. It was the Lord's doing, none besides could do it. This providence was food to faith and hope, to support and encourage in difficulties." That basically describes how God worked when my church was facing financial hardships, which I don't have much to add to. Verses 13-15 (metphorically) apply here because even though my church didn't face literal dragons (v. 13), God still freed the elders from any hinderances by breaking any leviathans (v. 14). Henry's comments on verses 16-17, "The God of Israel is the God of nature. He that is faithful to his covenant about the day and the night, will never cast off those whom he has chosen. We have as much reason to expect affliction, as to expect night and winter. But we have no more reason to despair of the return of comfort, than to despair of day and summer. And in the world above we shall have no more changes." I can talk to God any time during the day, which is a great thing since He's always there for me and always wants to hear from me. And since He's faithful to the covenant, I don't have to worry about Him changing His mind about something in regards to it, which is great because it's not Empire Strikes Back-type thing where Darth Vader kept altering the deal. Yeah, I just contrasted the fact that Christ died on the cross for our sins with Star Wars. How awesome is that? I guess Star Wars has been on my mind here and there and it was the perfect opportunity to mention it. Anyway, here's Henry's comments on verse 18, "The psalmist begs that God would appear for the church against their enemies. The folly of such as revile his gospel and his servants will be plain to all." I'm gonna let God deal with the enemies when the time comes, which verse 19 also kind of talks about. And I'm glad that God's gonna remember me and I'm gonna be with Him since I will have made the right choice by choosing to live for Him. Henry's comment on verses 20-21, "Let us call upon our God to enlighten the dark nations of the earth; and to rescue his people, that the poor and needy may praise his name." He will remember the covenant I've made with Him, which was what He did when I called upon Him during my darkest moment. He took that cruelty and darkness away and I returned to Him in a way that did not express shame and I praised Him for helping me out (v. 21). I'll let God deal with the foolish (v. 22) since it's His concern and since He will not forget those that oppress His people (v. 23).
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 69". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=069>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 70". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=070>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 71". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=071>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 72". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=072>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 73". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=073>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 74". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=074>.
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