Psalm 46
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalm 47
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
1O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Psalm 48
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.
1Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
2Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
3God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
4For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
5They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
6Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
7Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.
9We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.
10According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.
12Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.
13Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Chapter 46
Verse 1 is a verse that gives me confidence since it’s something that I go back whenever I’m dealing with crap in life and need God’s guidance and direction to deal with it. And I looked to God during my darkest moment, which I talked about before. Matthew Henry comments on verses 2-3 by stating the following: “Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters, who build their confidence on a floating foundation; but let not those be alarmed who are led to the Rock, and there find firm footing.” Even though there was so much going on around me -- which affected my spirit -- I looked to God and established my foundation so I wouldn’t fall. I like to think of the descriptions of the disasters on earth in verses 2-3 as metaphors for hardships that I may deal with in my spiritual life. Every day, there is the possibility that hardships will come my way, which God can use for me to grow closer to Him as well as to strengthen me. Matthew Henry comments on verses 4-5 in the following: “The river alludes to the graces and consolations of the Holy Spirit, which flow through every part of the church, and through God's sacred ordinances, gladdening the heart of every believer. It is promised that the church shall not be moved.” I think it’s cool that Henry observed that the river is an allusion to the Holy Spirit because now that I think about, to be near a river can be a pleasurable experience. Taking that into account, having the Holy Spirit in my life makes me glad because I am reminded that after I face a trial, God’s Spirit comforts me and usually reveals to me what it is to be learned after facing a trial as well as why God allowed that trial. Since the church shall not be moved, as Henry states, that reminds that I’m not gonna drift away from God during times of trouble. Matthew Henry comments on verses 6-8 in the following: “Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. This shows the perfect security of the church, and is an assurance of lasting peace.” I’m glad that since live for Him, I won’t have to experience the judgments He pours out (v. 6). Verse 7 is a reminder that God is with me, even during the most devastating times of tribulation. I don’t really much to say about it, but I will be observant of God’s work during the final days (v. 8). If I’m not, I could find myself in a bad position. Verse 9, I believe, speaks of the final days, which I trust God with since He knows how it’s all gonna work out. In the midst of troubles, I will “be still” (v. 10). or not worry, since I know that God’s gonna take care of them. That verse means to me that if I do my part, God’ll do His part. It’s kind of how a relationship with God functions, especially during the midst of trials. That’s what I had to do during my darkest moment: be still, and know that He is God. I’ll also be doing that during the final days since God knows how it’s all gonna pan out. Verse 11 is a reminder that wherever I am and whatever I’m going through, God’s always there.
Chapter 47
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following: “The God with whom we have to do, is a God of awful majesty. The universal and absolute sovereignty of a holy God would be too terrible for us even to think of, were it not exercised by his Son from a mercy-seat; but now it is only terrible to the workers of iniquity.” Yeah…quite an observation there. Sometimes I just praise for the fact that He does little things in my life which reflect His goodness and faithfulness (v. 1). On Thursday, I had my history teacher look over my rough draft of my term paper, which she said was at UC level. Even though that remark may seem like something small, I am thankful that God helped to me achieve that and that He guided and directed me in putting my rough draft together. I think that’s something I’ll continually praise Him for and think of once in a while to reflect on His faithfulness in my life. “Terrible” (v. 2) means to be reverenced. That verse reminds me that I am one of His people and that since He is King over all the earth, since He observes it and creates sustains life on it, I can praise Him for those things. Matthew Henry comments on verse 4 in the following: “Jesus Christ shall subdue the Gentiles; he shall bring them as sheep into the fold, not for slaughter, but for preservation. He shall subdue their affections, and make them a willing people in the day of his power.” I thought I’d post that insight to prevent any misunderstandings of that verse. What that verse means to me, though, is that God strengthens me till the day Christ returns. As I’ve said before, I don’t going along with traditional eschatology, or should I say, premillennialism. I’m not gonna get into that right now, but I know that I will have my Christianity sorted out when Christ returns, which I think is what I’m really trying to get at. In verse 4, I am reminded that God is my inheritance, as I’ve mentioned in a previous reflection. I feel that since is my inheritance, I can express His love to others and meet their needs as He does mine. If someone needs food or clothes, for example, I’d see that as a great opportunity to express God’s love to that person and maybe even tell ‘em about Christ. He is also my inheritance because He knows His plan for my life, which I choose to follow. Matthew Henry puts it like this: “The Lord shall choose my inheritance for me; he knows what is good for me better than I do.” “Gone up” (v. 5) means that God is exalted. What that means to me is that by praising God and giving Him all the credit for something such as my term paper rough draft, I put God higher than me since He’s perfect and I’m not. What I’m mean by that is I’m imperfect because I sin. Sometimes I feel like praising God just for the sake of it (v. 6), which can choke me up. I see verse 7 as a reiteration of verse 2, so just see my comments on that. “God reigneth over the heathen” means to me that even though nations rebel against Him, He still lives those nations and gives ’em another chance, every day, to repent and turn to Him. That’s a reminder of His grace and mercy and the fact that no man could show that grace and mercy to a nation who constantly chooses to rebel. It’s cool that God shows that kind of love to non-believers because it’s a model to me of the kind of love I should show to non-believers. I can’t really relate to verse 9, so I don’t have much to say about it.
Chapter 48
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, “Jerusalem is the city of our God: none on earth render him due honour except the citizens of the spiritual Jerusalem. Happy the kingdom, the city, the family, the heart, in which God is great, in which he is all. There God is known.” I imagine that Jerusalem or Zion is a place that is one to remain holy since it seems to be a reflection of God’s holiness (v. 1). And since Jerusalem is referred to as the holy city, I wonder what’d be like to go there these days. In God’s eyes, mount Zion is a beautiful place (v. 2). I imagine that He looks down upon it with admiration when things are working out according to His plan for Zion. And even though those in Zion may sin, I see God’s glory in that in the fact that He forgives them. It’s as if God isn’t willing to give up on Zion as much as He isn’t willing to give up on those who rebel against Him. So I guess I see a parallel and I reminded of God’s sovereignty over His land as well as His people, mostly because of the fact that it’s “the city of the great King” (v. 2). As God is a refuge to Zion (v. 3), He is also a refuge to me. Again, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty and the fact that He protects me when I need it. Matthew Henry comments on verses 4-7 by stating the following: “Nothing in nature can more fitly represent the overthrow of heathenism by the Spirit of the gospel, than the wreck of a fleet in a storm. Both are by the mighty power of the Lord.” If I was living in the time where heathenism was overthrow, I could see myself turning to God. And I’m thankful that I didn’t live a heathen lifestyle before coming to Christ because I imagine that would’ve been a lot for me to give up. With Christ’s strength, thought, I don’t suppose I’d have much of a problem giving it up. I see verse 8 as a reiteration of God’s sovereignty, so I don’t have much to say about it. However, I know that whenever I’m in God’s presence, I will think of His loving character (v. 9). Sometimes I’ll be so involved in prayer that I’ll feel His touch, His presence, which I think is His way of saying that He knows when I draw near to Him. I could get off on some tangent about experiences with God in regards to verse 9, but perhaps I’ll save that for some other time. Verse 10 is describing God’s name and His praise as being “to the ends of the earth.” What that means to mean is that God is endless and so is praise for Him. Since He’s eternal, His praise never stops. It reminds of times in the past when I just wanted to praise God, aloud, for 10-15 minutes. I think doing that challenged me to think of the good things God’s done in my life and made me dig deeply to think about those things. I can’t really relate to verses 11-12 except for the fact that if I were to apply them to myself, I would be grateful for God’s judgments (v. 11). What that means is that since God will have a good, favorable judgment on me, He will judge me according to me righteousness. I will tell of God’s goodness to other generations (v. 13) and I know that even when I die, God will be with me (v. 14). My flesh will die, yes, but I won’t have to worry about my soul dying since I will lived in a way which pleased God.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 46". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=046>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 47". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=047>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 48". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=048>.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 45
Psalm 45
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Machil, A Song of loves.
1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
13The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Chapter 45
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in any creature." I like how Henry pointed out the comparison between the psalmist's tongue and the hand of a writer. I can kind of see a connection between God's guidance of my tongue and the words He provides me with and the ready writer myself. As God writes the words, they're there so He can use them when I need His wisdom. And I want Him to (continue to) use my tongue in such that its obedient so it can utilize the words He reveals to me. And I know when I depend on Him for the words I need for whatever situation I'm dealing with, He's not gonna let me down. In fact, the results which are produced for depending on Him could far exceed my expectations. That kind of goes back to the Christian saying that one shouldn't put God in a box, because if one does, he or she will most likely end up with so-so results. I know I don't deserve His blessings (v. 2), but because I am "fairer than the children of men, " God thinks of me as someone who is special because of the fact that I live for Him. I think it's cool that since God has been so graceful and merciful to me, I will always have His blessings to enjoy. Otherwise, it'd be like this: no acknowledgement of the fact that I've sinned, not blessings. I am a sinner saved by grace through faith and by His grace, I am forgiven, which I don't think I can praise Him for that enough. I think I'll include Matthew Henry's comments on verses 3-5: "The psalmist joyfully foretells the progress and success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion." I'm not sure if I have much to add to that, but I am thankful that Jesus rode "prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness" (v. 4) because by doing that, I feel that He opened my minded to truth, meekness, and righteousness without my even knowing it until I had a strong relationship with Him. It's as if His victory had His followers in mind and I am thankful that He thought of me while up on that cross. I'd say He even lived a life which reflected truth, meekness, and righteousness as a model for me to live by. If His life didn't reflect those things, I dunno what kind of life I'd be living. If God wasn't eternal, then His throne wouldn't be (v. 6). I imagine His throne being a sacred, special seat where He sits while being revered by those who are already spending eternity with Him. What an expereince it would be to be with Him and see Him sitted at His throne. It makes me wonder about those who are with Him and what it's like to be there and spend time with Him. I continue to display righteousness before God (v. 7) by not falunting my righteousness (Matthew 6:1). I also continue to display righteouness before God by not misleading others in terms of teaching them God's Word. I'm sure there's more ways in which I display righteousness before God, but I don't wanna get off on some tangent. I know that if I continue to display righteousness Him, I will experience joy which exceeds that of non-believers, which is implied by, "therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." It's a reminder that my righteousness to Him has its rewards. I imagine that the verse appeals to Jesus as well because Jesus set Himself above His friends by living a righteous life. I can use that as a model and live a life which is pleasing to God, which God notices since He desires my devotion to Him and not to worldly things. I thought Matthew Henry's note about that verse was interesting: "The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in carrying on his undertakings. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening gifts influences of the Comforter." I think that pretty much speaks for itself, but I think I have something to say about his thoughts on verses 8-9 in conjunction with the verses: "The excellences of the Messiah, the suitableness of his offices, and the sufficiency of his grace, seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom, by an everlasting covenant, the Lord Jesus has betrothed to himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are compared to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe our adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God." Yeah, I never thought of verse 8 as Matthew Henry did. But since Christ's garments have a good fragrance, I think it's cool that I can (metaphorically) smell them and be satisfied. They even remind of the goodness of His character and His love for me. I suppose I (metaphorically) smell His garments when He blesses me and express thanks for that. I dunno -- maybe it's even a prayer thing because I see myself smelling His garments by spending time with Him and feeling satisfied afterwards due to the fact that I've grown in Him and/or learned more about Him as a result of spending time in His Word and in prayer. Taking Henry's comment about verse 9 into consideration, I am reminded that I am a Bride of Christ and that His love for me is dear.
Now I think I'll conclude with verses 10-17. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following: "If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to Christ's word. We must forget our carnal and sinful attachments and pursuits." Daily, I read His Word (v. 10) and listen as best I can. Some passages, though, can be hard to understand. If I incline my ear, I am opening my mind up to what His Word says to me while being free from any distractions that may interfere with my learning, which I see as being implied where it says, "forget also thine own people, and thy father's house." While reading His Word in the morning, sometimes I'll get distracted by other things, but I typically don't ignore the fact that I'm up early to spend time with God. If I am wrong about that verse 10, feel free to correct me. Matthew Henry comments on verse 11 by stating the follwoing, "There is nothing glorious in the old man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon the soul, every thing is glorious." That is why God thinks of me as being beautiful: because of the fact that I have a heart for Him. And since I have a heart for Him, I will continue to worship Him and live for Him. However, if I didn't have a heart for Him, I wouldn't be living for Him, which wouldn't be good. So I don't think verse 11 is talking about a physical beauty. I do think, though, that God likes it when I get up in the morning and prepare so I can spend time with Him. It's as if my heart for Him is reflected in my actions and the fact that I wanna spend time with Him and learn from His Word. I could talk about other things which reflect my heart for Him, but I don't wanna go off on too much of a tangent. If you're curious, ask me. I can't really relate to verse 12, but I do know that since I am a Bride of Christ, He will look upon me, when the time comes, with much adoration (vv. 13-14). I will be glad to enter His palace (v. 15), which I very much look forward to. If I have kids, I'm gonna raise up in a godly fashion, which is implied where it says, "whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." I think I'll conclude with Matthew Henry's comment about verse 17, which says: "In the believing hope of our everlasting happiness in the other world, let us always keep up the remembrance of Christ, as our only way thither; and transmit the remembrance of him to succeeding generations, that his name may endure for ever." It's as my rememberance of Christ encourages others to come to Him, which is something that I'm glad to be a part of.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 45". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=045>.
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Machil, A Song of loves.
1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
13The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Chapter 45
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in any creature." I like how Henry pointed out the comparison between the psalmist's tongue and the hand of a writer. I can kind of see a connection between God's guidance of my tongue and the words He provides me with and the ready writer myself. As God writes the words, they're there so He can use them when I need His wisdom. And I want Him to (continue to) use my tongue in such that its obedient so it can utilize the words He reveals to me. And I know when I depend on Him for the words I need for whatever situation I'm dealing with, He's not gonna let me down. In fact, the results which are produced for depending on Him could far exceed my expectations. That kind of goes back to the Christian saying that one shouldn't put God in a box, because if one does, he or she will most likely end up with so-so results. I know I don't deserve His blessings (v. 2), but because I am "fairer than the children of men, " God thinks of me as someone who is special because of the fact that I live for Him. I think it's cool that since God has been so graceful and merciful to me, I will always have His blessings to enjoy. Otherwise, it'd be like this: no acknowledgement of the fact that I've sinned, not blessings. I am a sinner saved by grace through faith and by His grace, I am forgiven, which I don't think I can praise Him for that enough. I think I'll include Matthew Henry's comments on verses 3-5: "The psalmist joyfully foretells the progress and success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion." I'm not sure if I have much to add to that, but I am thankful that Jesus rode "prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness" (v. 4) because by doing that, I feel that He opened my minded to truth, meekness, and righteousness without my even knowing it until I had a strong relationship with Him. It's as if His victory had His followers in mind and I am thankful that He thought of me while up on that cross. I'd say He even lived a life which reflected truth, meekness, and righteousness as a model for me to live by. If His life didn't reflect those things, I dunno what kind of life I'd be living. If God wasn't eternal, then His throne wouldn't be (v. 6). I imagine His throne being a sacred, special seat where He sits while being revered by those who are already spending eternity with Him. What an expereince it would be to be with Him and see Him sitted at His throne. It makes me wonder about those who are with Him and what it's like to be there and spend time with Him. I continue to display righteousness before God (v. 7) by not falunting my righteousness (Matthew 6:1). I also continue to display righteouness before God by not misleading others in terms of teaching them God's Word. I'm sure there's more ways in which I display righteousness before God, but I don't wanna get off on some tangent. I know that if I continue to display righteousness Him, I will experience joy which exceeds that of non-believers, which is implied by, "therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." It's a reminder that my righteousness to Him has its rewards. I imagine that the verse appeals to Jesus as well because Jesus set Himself above His friends by living a righteous life. I can use that as a model and live a life which is pleasing to God, which God notices since He desires my devotion to Him and not to worldly things. I thought Matthew Henry's note about that verse was interesting: "The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in carrying on his undertakings. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening gifts influences of the Comforter." I think that pretty much speaks for itself, but I think I have something to say about his thoughts on verses 8-9 in conjunction with the verses: "The excellences of the Messiah, the suitableness of his offices, and the sufficiency of his grace, seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom, by an everlasting covenant, the Lord Jesus has betrothed to himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are compared to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe our adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God." Yeah, I never thought of verse 8 as Matthew Henry did. But since Christ's garments have a good fragrance, I think it's cool that I can (metaphorically) smell them and be satisfied. They even remind of the goodness of His character and His love for me. I suppose I (metaphorically) smell His garments when He blesses me and express thanks for that. I dunno -- maybe it's even a prayer thing because I see myself smelling His garments by spending time with Him and feeling satisfied afterwards due to the fact that I've grown in Him and/or learned more about Him as a result of spending time in His Word and in prayer. Taking Henry's comment about verse 9 into consideration, I am reminded that I am a Bride of Christ and that His love for me is dear.
Now I think I'll conclude with verses 10-17. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following: "If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to Christ's word. We must forget our carnal and sinful attachments and pursuits." Daily, I read His Word (v. 10) and listen as best I can. Some passages, though, can be hard to understand. If I incline my ear, I am opening my mind up to what His Word says to me while being free from any distractions that may interfere with my learning, which I see as being implied where it says, "forget also thine own people, and thy father's house." While reading His Word in the morning, sometimes I'll get distracted by other things, but I typically don't ignore the fact that I'm up early to spend time with God. If I am wrong about that verse 10, feel free to correct me. Matthew Henry comments on verse 11 by stating the follwoing, "There is nothing glorious in the old man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon the soul, every thing is glorious." That is why God thinks of me as being beautiful: because of the fact that I have a heart for Him. And since I have a heart for Him, I will continue to worship Him and live for Him. However, if I didn't have a heart for Him, I wouldn't be living for Him, which wouldn't be good. So I don't think verse 11 is talking about a physical beauty. I do think, though, that God likes it when I get up in the morning and prepare so I can spend time with Him. It's as if my heart for Him is reflected in my actions and the fact that I wanna spend time with Him and learn from His Word. I could talk about other things which reflect my heart for Him, but I don't wanna go off on too much of a tangent. If you're curious, ask me. I can't really relate to verse 12, but I do know that since I am a Bride of Christ, He will look upon me, when the time comes, with much adoration (vv. 13-14). I will be glad to enter His palace (v. 15), which I very much look forward to. If I have kids, I'm gonna raise up in a godly fashion, which is implied where it says, "whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth." I think I'll conclude with Matthew Henry's comment about verse 17, which says: "In the believing hope of our everlasting happiness in the other world, let us always keep up the remembrance of Christ, as our only way thither; and transmit the remembrance of him to succeeding generations, that his name may endure for ever." It's as my rememberance of Christ encourages others to come to Him, which is something that I'm glad to be a part of.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 45". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=045>.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapter 44
Psalm 44
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.
1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
2How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
4Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.
5Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
6For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
7But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.
8In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
9But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
10Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
11Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.
12Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
13Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
14Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.
15My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
16For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.
17All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
18Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
19Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.
20If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
23Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.
24Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
25For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
26Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.
Chapter 44
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain." With that being said, I can learn from people such as Moses and Joshua (vv. 1-3) and their faith in action. It's as if God uses those guys as examples for me to learn from so I can see what they did right as well as what they did wrong, which I imagine can be of encouragement either way. Henry's commentary also works because both Moses and Joshua -- who were two men that came to mind when I read verses 1-3 -- were involved in Israel and her relatonship with God. I think that's kind of an interesting connection and I'm gald that verses 1-3 emphasize learning from the faith of those who lived during Old Testament because I think it gives me more reason to (continue to) read the Old Testament. Even though it may be hard to understand at times, I know that I can depend on God to help me understand it. As God commanded deliverances or victories for Jacob (v. 4), I can ask for victory from Him when I know I'm gonna need it. I am reminded of the fact that I've passed all my tests and quizzes in my algebra class thus far and I think part of that has to do with asjing God for victory. And by achieving victory in Him, I see that as a deliverance of what could otherwise be failure. He also delivers me from my enemies (v. 5), which I find great comfort in. I think that by doing that, He is expressing is love to me by saying that I can maintain my realtionship with Him if I don't get involved with my enemies to the point where they have an advantage over me. I can't put my trust in material things to deal with my enemies (v. 6) because material things, such as a bow or a sword, don't last forever and they can easily break down. Furthermore, if I did use material things to deal with my enemies, I'd be having vengeance upon them, which is God's place, as I've talked about before. I am reminded to let God deal with my enemies (v. 7) and I know that doing so takes the burden off my shoulders to where I am not required to deal with my enemies on my own. I know and trust that God will deal with them as He sees fit. I will be thankful for the fact that He has delivered me from my enemies (v. 8) by continaully praising Him for it. I can't say I've dealt with many enemies, but there is always the possibily that I will and that I can trust in God to help me out.
Now I think I'll cover verses 9-16. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above." I can relate to the passage mostly because of my darkest moment, which I've talked about before. I felt that God had cast me away from Him (v. 9) and gave me over to Satan (v. 10). I didn't think God cared about during my tribulation period but that was just the evil one trying to get me to believe his lies. I remember feeling a sheep left for slaughter (v. 11) because I had no way of protecting myself and since Christ is my Shepherd, I felt like one of His sheep that had wandered off since I was experiencing a sense of abandonment. I did end up coming back to Him, though. I'm not sure if verse 12 really applies to me, but I do imagine that some of my neghbors didn't want to be around me (v. 13). I don't particularly remember that, though, so I'm not sure if verse 14 really fits. However, I do remember feelings of shame (v. 15) and confusion because I hard time figuring out what God was trying to tell me while giving into Satan's lies. I was ashamed of the fact that I had given into the enemy's lies (v. 16) when God revealed the truth to me. I think that happened during the end of my tribulation period. By growing closer to God, I was able to had been lying to me, which I wished I figured out sooner.
Now I think I'll about verses 17-26. Even though I went through a period of tribulation, I didn't quit and give up on God (v. 17). If I did, I would've never made it through my darkest moment. "Neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant" means to me that I didn't give up on the fact that I made an agreement with God by accepting His Son as my Lord and Savior even though I could have during my darkest moment. It's as if nothing has happened in my life to where I wanted to give up on God because doing so would've been a cop out. I didn't leave God (v. 18) nor do I plan on doing so. I can't really relate to verse 19, so I'm not gonna force myself to. However, I will talk about verses 20-26. If I were to give into idol worship (v. 20), it's not like God wouldn't know about it (v. 21). He knows the desires of my heart and since He knows that, He can free me from idol worship because I seek to worhsip Him and live for Him. It's as if God me from that kind of thing and bring me back to Him, which is kinda cool. Verse 22, to me, is talking about persecution, especially where is says, "Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long." I can't say I've faced serious persecution to the point of having death threats mentioned to me for being a Christian, but I probably have been persecuted, in small ways, for being a Christian. I imgaine that if someone wanted to kill me for being a Christian, I'd feel rather discouraged and question where God is (vv. 23-24). I know that God would help me out in that time, though (vv. 25-26) and if I was killed for being a Christian, I'd end up in a better place and wouldn't have to worry or doubt if God would be sure of that. I feel that is expressed in verses 25-26 because even if I was killed for being a Christian, I'd be redeemed by spending eternity with God.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 44". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=044>.
To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil.
1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
2How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
4Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.
5Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
6For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
7But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.
8In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
9But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.
10Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.
11Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen.
12Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
13Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
14Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.
15My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
16For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.
17All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
18Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;
19Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.
20If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
23Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever.
24Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
25For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
26Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.
Chapter 44
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "Former experiences of God's power and goodness are strong supports to faith, and powerful pleas in prayer under present calamities. The many victories Israel obtained, were not by their own strength or merit, but by God's favour and free grace. The less praise this allows us, the more comfort it affords, that we may see all as coming from the favour of God. He fought for Israel, else they had fought in vain." With that being said, I can learn from people such as Moses and Joshua (vv. 1-3) and their faith in action. It's as if God uses those guys as examples for me to learn from so I can see what they did right as well as what they did wrong, which I imagine can be of encouragement either way. Henry's commentary also works because both Moses and Joshua -- who were two men that came to mind when I read verses 1-3 -- were involved in Israel and her relatonship with God. I think that's kind of an interesting connection and I'm gald that verses 1-3 emphasize learning from the faith of those who lived during Old Testament because I think it gives me more reason to (continue to) read the Old Testament. Even though it may be hard to understand at times, I know that I can depend on God to help me understand it. As God commanded deliverances or victories for Jacob (v. 4), I can ask for victory from Him when I know I'm gonna need it. I am reminded of the fact that I've passed all my tests and quizzes in my algebra class thus far and I think part of that has to do with asjing God for victory. And by achieving victory in Him, I see that as a deliverance of what could otherwise be failure. He also delivers me from my enemies (v. 5), which I find great comfort in. I think that by doing that, He is expressing is love to me by saying that I can maintain my realtionship with Him if I don't get involved with my enemies to the point where they have an advantage over me. I can't put my trust in material things to deal with my enemies (v. 6) because material things, such as a bow or a sword, don't last forever and they can easily break down. Furthermore, if I did use material things to deal with my enemies, I'd be having vengeance upon them, which is God's place, as I've talked about before. I am reminded to let God deal with my enemies (v. 7) and I know that doing so takes the burden off my shoulders to where I am not required to deal with my enemies on my own. I know and trust that God will deal with them as He sees fit. I will be thankful for the fact that He has delivered me from my enemies (v. 8) by continaully praising Him for it. I can't say I've dealt with many enemies, but there is always the possibily that I will and that I can trust in God to help me out.
Now I think I'll cover verses 9-16. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The believer must have times of temptation, affliction, and discouragement; the church must have seasons of persecution. At such times the people of God will be ready to fear that he has cast them off, and that his name and truth will be dishonoured. But they should look above the instruments of their trouble, to God, well knowing that their worst enemies have no power against them, but what is permitted from above." I can relate to the passage mostly because of my darkest moment, which I've talked about before. I felt that God had cast me away from Him (v. 9) and gave me over to Satan (v. 10). I didn't think God cared about during my tribulation period but that was just the evil one trying to get me to believe his lies. I remember feeling a sheep left for slaughter (v. 11) because I had no way of protecting myself and since Christ is my Shepherd, I felt like one of His sheep that had wandered off since I was experiencing a sense of abandonment. I did end up coming back to Him, though. I'm not sure if verse 12 really applies to me, but I do imagine that some of my neghbors didn't want to be around me (v. 13). I don't particularly remember that, though, so I'm not sure if verse 14 really fits. However, I do remember feelings of shame (v. 15) and confusion because I hard time figuring out what God was trying to tell me while giving into Satan's lies. I was ashamed of the fact that I had given into the enemy's lies (v. 16) when God revealed the truth to me. I think that happened during the end of my tribulation period. By growing closer to God, I was able to had been lying to me, which I wished I figured out sooner.
Now I think I'll about verses 17-26. Even though I went through a period of tribulation, I didn't quit and give up on God (v. 17). If I did, I would've never made it through my darkest moment. "Neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant" means to me that I didn't give up on the fact that I made an agreement with God by accepting His Son as my Lord and Savior even though I could have during my darkest moment. It's as if nothing has happened in my life to where I wanted to give up on God because doing so would've been a cop out. I didn't leave God (v. 18) nor do I plan on doing so. I can't really relate to verse 19, so I'm not gonna force myself to. However, I will talk about verses 20-26. If I were to give into idol worship (v. 20), it's not like God wouldn't know about it (v. 21). He knows the desires of my heart and since He knows that, He can free me from idol worship because I seek to worhsip Him and live for Him. It's as if God me from that kind of thing and bring me back to Him, which is kinda cool. Verse 22, to me, is talking about persecution, especially where is says, "Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long." I can't say I've faced serious persecution to the point of having death threats mentioned to me for being a Christian, but I probably have been persecuted, in small ways, for being a Christian. I imgaine that if someone wanted to kill me for being a Christian, I'd feel rather discouraged and question where God is (vv. 23-24). I know that God would help me out in that time, though (vv. 25-26) and if I was killed for being a Christian, I'd end up in a better place and wouldn't have to worry or doubt if God would be sure of that. I feel that is expressed in verses 25-26 because even if I was killed for being a Christian, I'd be redeemed by spending eternity with God.
Source used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 44". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=044>.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 41-43
Psalm 41
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
4I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
5Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
6And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
7All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.
8An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
10But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
11By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 42
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 43
1Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
2For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Chapter 41
In verse 1, I am reminded of the times I've helped out at CityTeam. I considered the poor -- or less fortunate -- by putting together food boxes for them. And even though I didn't directly give the food to them, I still glorified God in what I did and still met a basic need. It was a humbling experience that made me feel good about the fact that I can do something so small for someone that has a big impact. In verse 2, "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive" means to me that God will never protecting me, especially because He expresses that by delivering me from trouble (v. 1). Whenever I've dealt with enemies in life, I can't say that God's ever made me fall victim to 'em (v. 2). Sure, they may have given me a hard time, but God made darn well sure they didn't hurt me. I've been sick before and I can say that God's healed me from it (v. 3). I haven't had any illnesses that were life-threatening and I'm overall pretty healthy. There have been times, though, where I was coughing and had a runny noise and wanted God to relieve me from that as soon as He could. It's never fun to be sick and I thank the Lord for all the times He has relieved me from a sickness. Sometimes I feel so bad about sinning against God (v. 4), but I don't end up guilt tripping about it. I am thankful for His mercy and the fact that He cleanses me daily if I come Him and ask for forgiveness. Matthew Henry comments on verses 5-9 by stating the following, "We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends." I can think of a time back when I started using the internet and there was one guy I started talking to since we shared similar interests. He and I got along pretty well until one day he called me a name and I guess also said he didn't want to talk to me again. I'm not sure what caused that and I guess he thought I was no longer worth his time for some reason. It kinda sucks that that had to happen because I don't remember doing anything to him to insult me. Maybe his heart gathered iniquity ti itself and he told others not to talk me? (v. 6) Who knows? I'm not sure if verses 6-9 are a reflection of that guy, but whatever he's up to these days, I pray that God is providing for him. I do not plan on having revenge on that guy (v. 10) because that's up to God. That verse also means to that if God keeps in me line, I won't have to desire to repay or requite my enemies with what they deserve. Instead, I should show grace to them, which isn't always an easy thing to do. Since I let God deal with my enemies, I know that I please Him by letting Him be the One who is responsible for vengence upon my enemies (Romans 12:19). It's as if I please God by not doing something because if I tried to take vengeance upon my enemies myself, I'd imagine that'd be a lot like playing God, which God wouldn't like. God likes integrity or honesty (v. 12) and if I don't cheat on, say, a math test, I know that He's gonna help me out if I trust in Him. I imagine I won't stop thanking Him for my victories in my math class once the semester ends (v. 13).
Chapter 42
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The psalmist looked to the Lord as his chief good, and set his heart upon him accordingly; casting anchor thus at first, he rides out the storm. A gracious soul can take little satisfaction in God's courts, if it do not meet with God himself there. Living souls never can take up their rest any where short of a living God." That last reminds of the fact that one finds utter satisfaction in God. Although one man try to find satisfaction in man, he or she will not be able to since man isn't perfect and since man can't provide one's needs. I myself have a longing for God (vv. 1-2). The more I read His Word, the more I learn about Him. And the more I learn about Him, the closer I grow to Him. And the closer I grow to Him, the more I realize that He's the only One who provides all my needs. I suppose another reason I long for Him is because He's always faithful and I wanna stay on His path for my life so I can find out what He has in store for me as He reveals it to me. Verse 3, I notice a since of desperation on David's part, mostly because it implies he's weeping. Henry comments on that part by saying, "It was not the remembrance of the pleasures of his court that afflicted David; but the remembrance of the free access he formerly had to God's house, and his pleasure in attending there." I imagine if I no longer had free access to God's house, I'd weep because I'd feel as if I was missing out on something. The second part, his enemies are questioning where his God is. That verse, along with verse 4, illustrate how I should react in a situation similar to David's. David ended up going to the house of God anyway (v. 4). Although my soul may be at conflict with itself inside of me, I shouldn't let that keep me from prasing God because of the fact that He helps me out (v. 5). David seems to expressing an uncomfortable feeling in the first part of that verse, like maybe he's not worthy, yet he doesn't let that discourage him. What that means to me is that if I have crap going on in my life, I shouldn't let that keep from praising God. I have to remember to praise God in the midst of trials, which is David was doing, because I can thank Him for the fact that He'll use a trial so I can grow closer to Him. Matthew Henry's thought is similiar to mine, "The way to forget our miseries, is to remember the God of our mercies. David saw troubles coming from God's wrath, and that discouraged him. But if one trouble follow hard after another, if all seem to combine for our ruin, let us remember they are all appointed and overruled by the Lord." That pertains to verse 6-8. In verse 7, where is says, "all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me" means to me that God's given me a heavy load because I've decided to go off and do my own thing. That was kinda what happened during my darkest moment -- I decided to go off and do my own thing and believe things that weren't true and God used that trial -- which I assume He had something to do wtih in allowing -- to grow closer to Him. The contrast between the daytime and the night in verse 8 is interesting. It means to mean that during the day, He does great things for me and at the end of the day, I reflect and praise Him for those things. Perhaps I should spend more time praising Him for the things He does during the day at night since I don't seem to do it enough. I can't really relate to the last few verses all that much, do I imagine I felt as if God forgot me (v. 9) during my darkest moment and I imagine I talked about that aspect of it before. Verse 11 is basically a repeat of verse 5.
Chapter 43
Matthew Henry comments on the first couple verses by stating the following, "As to the quarrel God had with David for sin, he prays, Enter not into judgment with me, if Thou doest so I shall be condemned; but as to the quarrel his enemies had with him, he prays, Lord, judge me, and in thy providence appear on my behalf." Yeah, that's pretty heavy stuff. I may wonder sometimes as to why I feel cut off from God (v. 2), which I would imagine would be because of my own actions. I can depend on Him to shine His light on me, though (v. 3). He eventually did that during my darkest moment, but not in the literal sense. He did it in the sense that He helped me to deal with my trial in a way that I didn't feel as if He was far from me. I went His altar and praised Him for the fact that He delivered me. The last verse is a repeat of Psalm 42:11.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 41". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=041>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 42". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=042>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 43". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=043>.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
4I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
5Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
6And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
7All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.
8An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
10But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
11By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 42
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.
1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 43
1Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.
2For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Chapter 41
In verse 1, I am reminded of the times I've helped out at CityTeam. I considered the poor -- or less fortunate -- by putting together food boxes for them. And even though I didn't directly give the food to them, I still glorified God in what I did and still met a basic need. It was a humbling experience that made me feel good about the fact that I can do something so small for someone that has a big impact. In verse 2, "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive" means to me that God will never protecting me, especially because He expresses that by delivering me from trouble (v. 1). Whenever I've dealt with enemies in life, I can't say that God's ever made me fall victim to 'em (v. 2). Sure, they may have given me a hard time, but God made darn well sure they didn't hurt me. I've been sick before and I can say that God's healed me from it (v. 3). I haven't had any illnesses that were life-threatening and I'm overall pretty healthy. There have been times, though, where I was coughing and had a runny noise and wanted God to relieve me from that as soon as He could. It's never fun to be sick and I thank the Lord for all the times He has relieved me from a sickness. Sometimes I feel so bad about sinning against God (v. 4), but I don't end up guilt tripping about it. I am thankful for His mercy and the fact that He cleanses me daily if I come Him and ask for forgiveness. Matthew Henry comments on verses 5-9 by stating the following, "We complain, and justly, of the want of sincerity, and that there is scarcely any true friendship to be found among men; but the former days were no better. One particularly, in whom David had reposed great confidence, took part with his enemies. And let us not think it strange, if we receive evil from those we suppose to be friends." I can think of a time back when I started using the internet and there was one guy I started talking to since we shared similar interests. He and I got along pretty well until one day he called me a name and I guess also said he didn't want to talk to me again. I'm not sure what caused that and I guess he thought I was no longer worth his time for some reason. It kinda sucks that that had to happen because I don't remember doing anything to him to insult me. Maybe his heart gathered iniquity ti itself and he told others not to talk me? (v. 6) Who knows? I'm not sure if verses 6-9 are a reflection of that guy, but whatever he's up to these days, I pray that God is providing for him. I do not plan on having revenge on that guy (v. 10) because that's up to God. That verse also means to that if God keeps in me line, I won't have to desire to repay or requite my enemies with what they deserve. Instead, I should show grace to them, which isn't always an easy thing to do. Since I let God deal with my enemies, I know that I please Him by letting Him be the One who is responsible for vengence upon my enemies (Romans 12:19). It's as if I please God by not doing something because if I tried to take vengeance upon my enemies myself, I'd imagine that'd be a lot like playing God, which God wouldn't like. God likes integrity or honesty (v. 12) and if I don't cheat on, say, a math test, I know that He's gonna help me out if I trust in Him. I imagine I won't stop thanking Him for my victories in my math class once the semester ends (v. 13).
Chapter 42
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "The psalmist looked to the Lord as his chief good, and set his heart upon him accordingly; casting anchor thus at first, he rides out the storm. A gracious soul can take little satisfaction in God's courts, if it do not meet with God himself there. Living souls never can take up their rest any where short of a living God." That last reminds of the fact that one finds utter satisfaction in God. Although one man try to find satisfaction in man, he or she will not be able to since man isn't perfect and since man can't provide one's needs. I myself have a longing for God (vv. 1-2). The more I read His Word, the more I learn about Him. And the more I learn about Him, the closer I grow to Him. And the closer I grow to Him, the more I realize that He's the only One who provides all my needs. I suppose another reason I long for Him is because He's always faithful and I wanna stay on His path for my life so I can find out what He has in store for me as He reveals it to me. Verse 3, I notice a since of desperation on David's part, mostly because it implies he's weeping. Henry comments on that part by saying, "It was not the remembrance of the pleasures of his court that afflicted David; but the remembrance of the free access he formerly had to God's house, and his pleasure in attending there." I imagine if I no longer had free access to God's house, I'd weep because I'd feel as if I was missing out on something. The second part, his enemies are questioning where his God is. That verse, along with verse 4, illustrate how I should react in a situation similar to David's. David ended up going to the house of God anyway (v. 4). Although my soul may be at conflict with itself inside of me, I shouldn't let that keep me from prasing God because of the fact that He helps me out (v. 5). David seems to expressing an uncomfortable feeling in the first part of that verse, like maybe he's not worthy, yet he doesn't let that discourage him. What that means to me is that if I have crap going on in my life, I shouldn't let that keep from praising God. I have to remember to praise God in the midst of trials, which is David was doing, because I can thank Him for the fact that He'll use a trial so I can grow closer to Him. Matthew Henry's thought is similiar to mine, "The way to forget our miseries, is to remember the God of our mercies. David saw troubles coming from God's wrath, and that discouraged him. But if one trouble follow hard after another, if all seem to combine for our ruin, let us remember they are all appointed and overruled by the Lord." That pertains to verse 6-8. In verse 7, where is says, "all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me" means to me that God's given me a heavy load because I've decided to go off and do my own thing. That was kinda what happened during my darkest moment -- I decided to go off and do my own thing and believe things that weren't true and God used that trial -- which I assume He had something to do wtih in allowing -- to grow closer to Him. The contrast between the daytime and the night in verse 8 is interesting. It means to mean that during the day, He does great things for me and at the end of the day, I reflect and praise Him for those things. Perhaps I should spend more time praising Him for the things He does during the day at night since I don't seem to do it enough. I can't really relate to the last few verses all that much, do I imagine I felt as if God forgot me (v. 9) during my darkest moment and I imagine I talked about that aspect of it before. Verse 11 is basically a repeat of verse 5.
Chapter 43
Matthew Henry comments on the first couple verses by stating the following, "As to the quarrel God had with David for sin, he prays, Enter not into judgment with me, if Thou doest so I shall be condemned; but as to the quarrel his enemies had with him, he prays, Lord, judge me, and in thy providence appear on my behalf." Yeah, that's pretty heavy stuff. I may wonder sometimes as to why I feel cut off from God (v. 2), which I would imagine would be because of my own actions. I can depend on Him to shine His light on me, though (v. 3). He eventually did that during my darkest moment, but not in the literal sense. He did it in the sense that He helped me to deal with my trial in a way that I didn't feel as if He was far from me. I went His altar and praised Him for the fact that He delivered me. The last verse is a repeat of Psalm 42:11.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 41". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=041>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 42". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=042>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 43". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=043>.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Reflecting on the Psalms: Chapters 35-40
The following, reflection-wise, is what I've composed the past five days in Microsoft Works.
Psalm 35
A Psalm of David.
1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
6Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
7For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
9And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
11False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
12They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
14I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
15But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
16With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
17Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
19Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
20For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
21Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
22This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
23Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
24Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
25Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
27Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
28And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Psalm 36
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD.
1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
Psalm 37
A Psalm of David.
1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
18The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Psalm 38
A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
1O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.
3There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
4For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
5My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
6I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
7For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
9Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
10My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
17For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
20They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
21Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.
22Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
Psalm 39
To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.
1I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psalm 40
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Chapter 35
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "It is no new thing for the most righteous men, and the most righteous cause, to meet with enemies. This is a fruit of the old enmity in the seed of the serpent against the Seed of the woman. David in his afflictions, Christ in his sufferings, the church under persecution, and the Christian in the hour temptation, all beseech the Almighty to appear in their behalf, and to vindicate their cause." I like how Henry relates it to Christ and the church. If God to fight against who are against me, I can depend Him to project me while He fights. It's as if whenever I engage in spiritual battles, I can trust that with God, I will have victory. I like the imagery in verses 2-3 because I feel that it describes the process that God goes through in order to fight against one's enemies. Even if it's meant to be metaphorical, the imagery's still pretty neat. I feel that verses 4-8 pretty much speak for themselves and I haven't dealt with serious persecution or opposition in the past by another person or group of people, but I find confidence knowing that God will have His vengeance upon those who do treat me like crap and those who hurt me just to hurt me. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to take vengeance upon those who persecute me either because I figure that's already a pretty tough job for God. I will rejoice in the fact that he has delivered me from my enemies (9) and I will be amazed due to the fact that He saved from those who were stronger than me (10). I could just imagine praising God for those things because whenever I've asked Him to deliver me, He hasn't let me down and I thank Him for that. When I'm with Him in eternity, I could imagine praising Him for deliverance from my enemies since He's the only one that can do it. Sure, I may have to face problems but that doesn't mean He won't help me through 'em.
Now I think I'll cover the other half. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "Call a man ungrateful, and you can call him no worse: this was the character of David's enemies. Herein he was a type of Christ. David shows how tenderly he had behaved towards them in afflictions." In a way that last part reminds me of Matthew 5:44, where Jesus says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;." Even though my enemies may repay evil for good (v. 12), I shouldn't let that keep me from treating them as Jesus would treat 'em. That's kinda what verses 13-14 are talking about since they seem to be describing David's care for his enemies. I myself don't always show love to my enemies and I know that that's something that could God help me out with. Sometimes one I consider an enemy may do something to get me pissed at them when I could've instead not reacted so quickly. I pray that God will help me to be more mindful of my reactions and how I treat my enemies. I don't have much to sat about verses 15-16, but as a result of God's deliverance, I will thank Him for that while in a congregation or assembly (vv. 17-18). Although I haven't dealt with (many) enemies to the degree David did, I see verses 19-21 as a reminder to not be deceived by them. I wouldn't like to be deceived especially because I'd feel like a fool if I was. I think with God's wisdom discernment, though, I shouldn't have to worry about being fooled. I know that He is never far from me (v. 22) and that He will defend me when I need Him (v. 23). I look forward to God's judgment since He's gonna do it in a way in which I have been righteous to Him (v. 24). I haven't given up on Him and I find confidence in knowing that He's gonna judge me in a way that will show that I was faithful to Him. God will take care of my oppressors (vv. 25-26) and I look forward to everlasting praise and worship of Him (v. 28).
Chapter 36
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men comes. It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him. Also from the deceit they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery." I fear God, so I don't have to worry about verse 1 since it doesn't seem to apply to me, but I do have to be mindful of not being arrogant about myself cuz that could result in neglecting the fact that I do sin (v. 2). I must be careful to not get involved with those that turn me away from God (v. 3) and those that enjoy doing evil things (v. 4). I was talking with my dad earlier and he was telling me that if I get involved with those who delight in evil things, it could have a (negative) impact on my spirit. I don’t hang out with those kinds of people, but it’s good to keep myself in check and I think verses 3 and 4 take the words out of my mouth in terms of how I feel about hanging out with bad influences. I suppose I counter bad influences by enjoying God and His creation. I think the last couple verses kinda get into that, so I’m gonna say what I have to say about ‘em. The fact that His faithfulness reaches unto the clouds (v.5) and the fact that His righteousness is like the great mountains and that His judgments are a great deep(v. 6) mean to me that not only are His faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments of much significance, but they also have an impact on how I live and how I glorify Him. The way He judges me, as I see it, will be a response to whether or not I lived for Him. I put my trust under the shadow of His wings ( v.7), which means to flee to Him for refuge. Whenever I’m going through crap, like that time I gave into Satan’s lies, I can find refuge in Him because I know that doing so provides protection and comfort. I am thankful for His abundant blessings and also for the fact that He is my living water (v. 8). The “river of thy pleasures” means that He is a full stream which (metaphorically) drink from. If it wasn’t good water to drink from, I wouldn’t get to experience the abundant life. I think Jesus said something about “all who are thirsty,” so it reminds of that as well. Matthew Henry comments on verse 8 by stating the following, “Gracious souls, though still desiring more of God, never desire more than God. The gifts of Providence so far satisfy them, that they are content with such things as they have. The benefit of holy ordinances is sweet to a sanctified soul, and strengthening to the spiritual and Divine life.” I like that, especially the last part where Henry says that it’s strength to the spirit. I never really though of it that way and I think the first part’s pretty profound as well. Verse 9 kind of continues the idea of God (or Jesus) being the living water. When I drink from Him, I experience life, which is a great thing to experience. I am thankful that God’s lovingkindness never quits (v. 10) because if it did, I dunno if I’d (continue) the effort to experience a relationship with Him. And if His righteousness quit, I imagine I’d stop having an upright heart. Verses 11-12 remind me of the fact that God will protect me from those who try to drive me away from Him. Though that may not seem like something that a lot of Christians deal with, at least one who is devoted to God can find comfort in those verses in the instance that he or she is hanging around with people that would like to him or her to give up on his or her faith. It’s never a good idea for a Christian to give up on their walk because in terms of the Christian walk, it’s not about how you start but how you finish. I think that last part was something my dad said to me a while back and it resonates with me since I came across verses 11-12. Thanks, Dad, for your profound words because they’re good reminds that have a big impact on me.
Chapter 37
Matthew Henry comments on the first couple verses by stating the following, “When we look abroad we see the world full of evil-doers, that flourish and live in ease. So it was seen of old, therefore let us not marvel at the matter. We are tempted to fret at this, to think them the only happy people, and so we are prone to do like them: but this we are warned against. Outward prosperity is fading. When we look forward, with an eye of faith, we shall see no reason to envy the wicked.” I think that really puts the first few verses into perspective, especially because it means to me that I should not follow after those who do evil things. It’s a reiteration of the idea I mentioned in Psalm 36 about how I shouldn’t hang around bad influences. I think it expands on that idea, though, because it says I shouldn’t envy those who do evil things which probably result in dishonest gain. I don’t God feels too strongly about dishonest gain because it’s like saying to Him that, “Oh, I don’t need You -- I can figure out my own way of going about doing this.” When I think of dishonest gain, I think of cheating on, say, a test. While cheating is attractive in the sense that I may get a higher score if I cheat, I express to God that I didn’t trust in Him to help to succeed because I decided to cheat instead. I don’t cheat off people’s tests at school -- I just was using that as an example. If I do trust in Him (v. 3), I will not have to risk getting caught cheating on a test and my victory (in Christ) will be guaranteed. I am thankful, that in my math class so far, I haven’t failed any test or quizzes and I figure that that’s due to God’s influence and my reliance on Him. Matthew Henry comments on verse 4 by stating the following, “To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God.” Henry really hit’s the nail on the head, especially on that last part. I definitely have desire to express my love to Him as well as serve Him. I figure I can express my love to Him, or glorify Him, even in small ways. I don’t have to do something extravagant to show Him that I love Him and I think that’s a great thing because it shows that I don’t have to overwhelm myself with burdens. What I mean by, “overwhelm myself with burdens” is that I don’t have to feel like I have to do something big just to glorify Him. So far, committing my way to God (v. 5) has been beneficial to me. It showed me that God wants what’s best for me and that God’s ways are not mine. I think whenever I ask God for help on something, I can trust that He’s gonna help me out, like say if I ask Him for guidance and direction on a math test. I kinda talked about that earlier and I see committing my ways to Him by trusting Him that I’ll pass my test. I do the work by preparing and studying for it and He works in such a way to provide me with the guidance, direction, and knowledge I need to pass. I don’t have to trust in myself either and I think that if I did, I’d fail. I like the comparison in verse 6, particularly where it says, “And he shall bring fourth thy righteousness as the light.” To me, that means that when my righteousness is revealed, it will be a good thing because my righteousness, for the most part, reflects my heart and the fact that I wanna glorify Him. I’m mostly spiritual and I wanna (continue to) live in a way in which my spiritual matters are the most essential thing. Verse 7 reminds me that I should be more worried about Christ’s return than those who prosper in evil ways. If I get involved with those who prosper in evil ways, I could turn away from God and end up not spending eternity with Him. Also, I see it as a kind of motivation as to why I should continue to walk with Him. I tend not let my anger guide me (v. 8) and I suppose verse 9 kind of continues the thought of verse 7. I don’t have much to say about those verses since they pretty much speak for themselves. I am reminded of the fate of the wicked in verse 10 and I feel that I since I have been oppressed or meek, I will inherit the earth and God will deal with the wicked as He sees fit.
Moving onto verses 12-21, I see these passages as a reiteration of how God views the wicked, which I think I talked about before. I’d say those verses pretty much speak for themselves, but I will comment on the next couple verses. I think it’s cool that inheriting the earth can be thought as a blessing (v. 22). It reminds of the fact that I’m an heir in the kingdom of Christ and if I have Christ, I can be blessed in many different ways. God makes my steps firm (v. 23), which, to me, describes the nature of His guidance and direction. And when I follow His way, I delight in it because what will have resulted in that will be something good. I don’t always feel like following God’s way, but I feel that verse 23 stresses why I should. I think it’s cool that God loves me enough to help me out when I fall (v. 24). It’s God’s way of saying, “Hey, you didn’t rely on Me to get you through this the first time, but I’ll give you a second chance.” And with God, I’m never gonna fall since He won’t let me down. Matthew Henry comments on that verse by stating the following, “God will keep them from being ruined by their falls, either into sin or into trouble, though such as fall into sin will be sorely hurt. Few, if any, have known the consistent believer, or his children, reduced to abject, friendless want.” I like the way Henry puts it because I figured the verse was related to spiritual falls as well. The second part, I believe, relates to verse 25. To me, the verse means that David is saying that the Lord doesn’t give up on the righteous nor does He stop providing for them. I don’t I’d be able to rely on Him it He gave up on me. I don’t have much to say reflection-wise about verses 26-29 since they pretty much speak for themselves.
Verse 30 means to me that if I am righteous, others will benefit from what I have to say to them. It’s quite a thing to think about how I could be a blessing to others in that way. I suppose I already am, though, because of the profound/philosophical sayings I post on Facebook. If the Lord’s using that in a way to bless people, I pray that He will continue to do that. If I know His Word and spend time in it, I’m not gonna fall (v. 31). That’s what that verse means to me anyway and I am thankful that His Word provides me with that strength and confidence. Without it, I’d slide all over the place and wouldn’t know what to do with myself. Although the wicked may try to shake me (v. 32), God isn’t gonna leave me alone (v. 33). I think that’s a definite promise because if God let me fall into the hands of the wicked, He wouldn’t be God. Verses 34-36 pretty much speak for themselves, but Matthew Henry comments on verse 37 by stating the following, “None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark and cloudy, his dying day may prove comfortable, and his sun set bright; or, if it should set under a cloud, yet his future state will be everlasting peace.” I can reach a degree of spiritual perfection, which is what happens when I am with the Lord. I see how God’s timing fits into that since He knows when I will be with Him and since He knows when I will have reached that level of spiritual maturity. I’ll let God worry about the wicked (v. 38) since I do my part and have, in the past, by trusting in Him to help me out in times of trouble (v. 39). As with my darkest moment, God saved me from it because I trusted in Him (v. 40).
Chapter 38
Verse 1 is a reiteration of Psalm 6:1, so look at what I had to say about that verse. Matthew Henry comments on verses 2-4 by stating the following, “If there were not sin in our souls, there would be no pain in our bones, no illness in our bodies. The guilt of sin is a burden to the whole creation, which groans under it. It will be a burden to the sinners themselves, when they are heavy-laden under it, or a burden of ruin, when it sinks them to hell.” It’s as if David is expressing guilt for his sin. Although I can’t say I relate to David since I haven’t expressed guilt for sins to the degree that he has, I still know that God is faithful to forgive me even I commit as many sins as David did (v. 4) despite the fact that he was man after God’s own heart. Sometimes I feel so bad after committing a sin, but that doesn’t mean God loves me any less. I kinda see that in David’s case because he did things that a man would not approve of yet God knew David’s heart and saw past his sin. I think I should be more in line with that way of thinking because it’s reassuring. Even though David had much shame due to his sins (vv. 5-8), that didn’t stop him from coming to God (v. 9). The encourages me because I don’t have to feel like I can’t come to God because of some sins I committed. Sin-wise, I think David had a lot worse than I did and I can use his experience as a model. Henry continues to comment by stating the following, “David, in his troubles, was a type of Christ in his agonies, of Christ on his cross, suffering and deserted.” I can see that, specifically in verses 10-11. Again, I haven’t experienced what David did but I can still suffer in a way similar to his in the future.
Matthew Henry comments on verses 12-15 by stating the following: “Wicked men hate goodness, even when they benefit by it. David, in the complaints he makes of his enemies, seems to refer to Christ. But our enemies do us real mischief only when they drive us from God and our duty.” I haven’t faced enemies to the degree that David did, but I probably have complained about ‘em before. Whenever I wanna bring things like that to God, I know He’s gonna help me out and that He’ll answer me in regards how to deal with the situation (v. 15). Since David was ready to halt or fall (v. 17), he couldn’t deal with his sorrow and pain his own. What I get out that verse is that when I’m at my weak point due to sin, I just have to come to God and confess what I did to God (v. 18). God will help me out when I feel ashamed of my sins, which is a great thing because I don’t think I’d continue to turn to Him by asking for His forgiveness every day if He condemned me for my sin. Although my enemies may outnumber me and gang up on me (v. 19) -- both literally and metaphorically -- and try to make evil look good to me (v. 20), I know that God will always be with me in the midst of those trials (v. 21) and He won’t we be hesitant to help me (v. 22). I find comfort in particularly that last part because it reminds me that if I have God in my life, I don’t have to worry about being tricked by enemies.
Chapter 39
Verse 1 reminds me that I should be mindful of my tongue, especially in the midst of enemies. I imagine how not being mindful of my tongue in the midst of enemies could have consequences. Let’s say I insult an enemy of my mine just because he did something to me I didn’t like. Well, he could cause pain to main for insulting him. I feel that that verse also stresses self-control in the midst of trials, especially where it says, “I will keep my mouth with a bridle, when the wicked is before me.” And however I react to an enemy’s harm to me, I will be held accountable for my actions, which means to me that I should react to an enemy in a way which please God. It doesn’t help that I’m quick on my feet either because if I react to an enemy quickly -- and insult him in the process -- I will have not have taken the time to thought about how I could’ve reacted in a way which didn’t cause problems. So I think that verse also reminds of the fact that I should think about how I react to something before actually doing so. Thought I’d share Matthew Henry’s thoughts on that verse as well, “When not able to separate from wicked men, we should remember they will watch our words, and turn them, if they can, to our disadvantage. Sometimes it may be necessary to keep silence, even from good words; but in general we are wrong when backward to engage in edifying discourse.” Yeah, sometimes it’s good to not say anything, which is interesting because I guess I don’t always have to say something, whether good or bad, which could get an enemy pissed at me either way if he doesn’t want me to talk to him. I don’t have anything to say about verse 2 since I can’t really relate to it, but I figure that it’s part of verses 3 and 4. Matthew Henry comments on the verses by stating the following, “Impatience is a sin that has its cause within ourselves, and that is, musing; and its ill effects upon ourselves, and that is no less than burning. In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon. This is an undoubted truth, but we are very unwilling to believe it.” It’s as if God knows the days when I don’t feel like I’ll need Him and I’ll go off and do my own thing. As Henry stated, I see the expression of impatience in verses 3-4. I could be impatient with God and have a worry about something, which may not result in something good if I find out about what I wanna know. I see verse 5 as a continuation of verse 4 and since I’ve made a connection, those verses make me realize my own need for God because without Him, I live a vain life and my life’s just a blip on the radar screen. In this life, I have to continue to make choices which have an impact in my spending eternity with God. So I am reminded to not make choices that have no eternal significance because if they don’t have any eternal significance, why waste my time with them? I believe Henry was also referring to verse when he said, “In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon.” I have no desire to live a vain, especially as verse 6 points out because I could live for money but it would have no eternal benefit. Instead, my hope and satisfaction is in God (v. 7) and I know that He’ll keep me from living a vain life where I have a desire to sin (v. 8). The whole vanity thing reminds of the Book of Ecclesiastes, mostly because of the fact that whenever Solomon engaged in sin and the pleasures of the world, he found it vain, or meaningless. Matthew Henry comments on verses 9-11 by stating the following, “When creature-confidences fail, it is our comfort that we have a God to go to, a God to trust in. We may see a good God doing all, and ordering all events concerning us; and a good man, for that reason, says nothing against it. He desires the pardoning of his sin, and the preventing of his shame.” I should let God open my mouth as He sees fit (v. 9) because I could say things that are vain which most likely wouldn’t result in glorifying Him. I have to go to Him in time of need as Henry stresses. God could rebuke me for doing vain things (vv. 10-11), but I am thankful that if I go off on my own path, I can come back to God if I reach out to Him (v. 12) and He will spare me from punishment for doing vain things. I guess I kinda engaged in vain thoughts when I thought I wasn’t a planned child. I ended up coming back to God in that period and I’m thankful that He welcomed me back with open arms and didn’t beat me up and say I’m a worthless peace of crap.
Chapter 40
I feel that the first three verses relate to my darkest moment. I cried out to Him (v. 1) and He eventually brought me out of the pit I found myself in (v. 2). I continue to praise God (v. 3) for that because by His awesome power, I was able to overcome my depression. I know that if I trust in God, I’m not gonna lose, which makes sense of terms of the contrast of trusting in the proud as verse 4 points out. I thank You, Lord, that Your ways have results which will benefit me. I praise You for the fact, Lord, that if I trust in You, I will enjoy Your blessings. Sometimes, though, I don’t feel like trusting in You, which usually doesn’t go as planned. It’s crazy how one be so apathetic to do something so simple. And I know that when I trust in You, Lord, I don’t have to worry, since You provide all my needs. Thank You for that. It’s crazy how in verse 5 that all the things I praise God for cannot be numbered or counted. I can praise God for all the good and basic things in life, but I would imagine that there’s things He’s done in my life that I’m not aware of. I could spend so much dwelling on that stuff, which I imagine would be therapeutic. The verse starts with the word “many,” which means His works are limitless because He’s done things that I dunno about that have been beneficial to His people. I praise Him for the ways in which He has blessed others and helped them out in their lives. I don’t make sacrifices to God, but rather I listen to Him (v. 6). Verses 7-8 are actually referenced in John 19:28, which says, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” I believe those verses are Messianic sense they seem to have Christ in mind. Since they reflect that scripture was fulfilled, that means that my salvation is secure. The way I see it, Christ fulfilled the scripture by dying on the cross and I think it’s cool that verses 7-8 relate because I since I wanna do God’s will and not mine, that means He knows my heart and He sent His Son so I could attain salvation and have that desire to do His will as a result. Verses 9-10 mean to me that I myself have talked about the great things God has done in my life when I needed Him the most. I am reminded of when I was delivered from my darkest moment because I just praised God for that and I think I let others know when I was delivered from it. I think that since God’s mercy, truth, and love are eternal (v. 11), I can always depend on Him when my sins (“iniquities” in v. 12) are more than I can handle. Knowing that He’ll deliver me from that kinda thing (v. 13), I see verses 11-13 as a great promise because I could just imagine God taking that burden away from me when I feel bad for having indulged in sin. I feel that verses 14-15 pretty much speak for themselves and I don’t find myself really relating to ‘em, but I think it’s cool that God can be magnified in me (v. 16) and that when I have needs, God takes care of ‘em (v. 17). If He didn’t provide me, I dunno what I’d do. And if He’s made bigger than me, or magnified, that shows that I am humble and I don’t try to take credit for the great things He’s done in my life.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 35". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=035>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 36". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=036>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 37". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=037>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 38". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=038.>
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 39". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=039>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 40". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=040>.
Psalm 35
A Psalm of David.
1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.
2Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
3Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
4Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.
5Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.
6Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.
7For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
9And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.
10All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
11False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.
12They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul.
13But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
14I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother.
15But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
16With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
17Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
19Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause.
20For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
21Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it.
22This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.
23Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.
24Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me.
25Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
26Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me.
27Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
28And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Psalm 36
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD.
1The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
3The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.
4He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.
5Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
6Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
7How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
8They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
10O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
12There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.
Psalm 37
A Psalm of David.
1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
14The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
18The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
19They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.
33The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
35I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
36Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
38But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
39But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Psalm 38
A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
1O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.
3There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
4For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.
5My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
6I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
7For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
9Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.
10My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
13But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
14Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.
15For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
17For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
18For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.
19But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
20They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
21Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.
22Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
Psalm 39
To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.
1I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
2I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
3My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
6Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
7And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
8Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish.
9I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.
10Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.
11When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
12Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psalm 40
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Chapter 35
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "It is no new thing for the most righteous men, and the most righteous cause, to meet with enemies. This is a fruit of the old enmity in the seed of the serpent against the Seed of the woman. David in his afflictions, Christ in his sufferings, the church under persecution, and the Christian in the hour temptation, all beseech the Almighty to appear in their behalf, and to vindicate their cause." I like how Henry relates it to Christ and the church. If God to fight against who are against me, I can depend Him to project me while He fights. It's as if whenever I engage in spiritual battles, I can trust that with God, I will have victory. I like the imagery in verses 2-3 because I feel that it describes the process that God goes through in order to fight against one's enemies. Even if it's meant to be metaphorical, the imagery's still pretty neat. I feel that verses 4-8 pretty much speak for themselves and I haven't dealt with serious persecution or opposition in the past by another person or group of people, but I find confidence knowing that God will have His vengeance upon those who do treat me like crap and those who hurt me just to hurt me. I'm glad I'm not the one who has to take vengeance upon those who persecute me either because I figure that's already a pretty tough job for God. I will rejoice in the fact that he has delivered me from my enemies (9) and I will be amazed due to the fact that He saved from those who were stronger than me (10). I could just imagine praising God for those things because whenever I've asked Him to deliver me, He hasn't let me down and I thank Him for that. When I'm with Him in eternity, I could imagine praising Him for deliverance from my enemies since He's the only one that can do it. Sure, I may have to face problems but that doesn't mean He won't help me through 'em.
Now I think I'll cover the other half. Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "Call a man ungrateful, and you can call him no worse: this was the character of David's enemies. Herein he was a type of Christ. David shows how tenderly he had behaved towards them in afflictions." In a way that last part reminds me of Matthew 5:44, where Jesus says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;." Even though my enemies may repay evil for good (v. 12), I shouldn't let that keep me from treating them as Jesus would treat 'em. That's kinda what verses 13-14 are talking about since they seem to be describing David's care for his enemies. I myself don't always show love to my enemies and I know that that's something that could God help me out with. Sometimes one I consider an enemy may do something to get me pissed at them when I could've instead not reacted so quickly. I pray that God will help me to be more mindful of my reactions and how I treat my enemies. I don't have much to sat about verses 15-16, but as a result of God's deliverance, I will thank Him for that while in a congregation or assembly (vv. 17-18). Although I haven't dealt with (many) enemies to the degree David did, I see verses 19-21 as a reminder to not be deceived by them. I wouldn't like to be deceived especially because I'd feel like a fool if I was. I think with God's wisdom discernment, though, I shouldn't have to worry about being fooled. I know that He is never far from me (v. 22) and that He will defend me when I need Him (v. 23). I look forward to God's judgment since He's gonna do it in a way in which I have been righteous to Him (v. 24). I haven't given up on Him and I find confidence in knowing that He's gonna judge me in a way that will show that I was faithful to Him. God will take care of my oppressors (vv. 25-26) and I look forward to everlasting praise and worship of Him (v. 28).
Chapter 36
Matthew Henry comments on the first few verses by stating the following, "From this psalm our hearts should be duly affected with hatred of sin, and seek satisfaction in God's loving-kindness. Here is the root of bitterness, from which all the wickedness of wicked men comes. It takes rise from contempt of God, and the want of due regard to him. Also from the deceit they put upon their own souls. Let us daily beg of God to preserve us from self-flattery." I fear God, so I don't have to worry about verse 1 since it doesn't seem to apply to me, but I do have to be mindful of not being arrogant about myself cuz that could result in neglecting the fact that I do sin (v. 2). I must be careful to not get involved with those that turn me away from God (v. 3) and those that enjoy doing evil things (v. 4). I was talking with my dad earlier and he was telling me that if I get involved with those who delight in evil things, it could have a (negative) impact on my spirit. I don’t hang out with those kinds of people, but it’s good to keep myself in check and I think verses 3 and 4 take the words out of my mouth in terms of how I feel about hanging out with bad influences. I suppose I counter bad influences by enjoying God and His creation. I think the last couple verses kinda get into that, so I’m gonna say what I have to say about ‘em. The fact that His faithfulness reaches unto the clouds (v.5) and the fact that His righteousness is like the great mountains and that His judgments are a great deep(v. 6) mean to me that not only are His faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments of much significance, but they also have an impact on how I live and how I glorify Him. The way He judges me, as I see it, will be a response to whether or not I lived for Him. I put my trust under the shadow of His wings ( v.7), which means to flee to Him for refuge. Whenever I’m going through crap, like that time I gave into Satan’s lies, I can find refuge in Him because I know that doing so provides protection and comfort. I am thankful for His abundant blessings and also for the fact that He is my living water (v. 8). The “river of thy pleasures” means that He is a full stream which (metaphorically) drink from. If it wasn’t good water to drink from, I wouldn’t get to experience the abundant life. I think Jesus said something about “all who are thirsty,” so it reminds of that as well. Matthew Henry comments on verse 8 by stating the following, “Gracious souls, though still desiring more of God, never desire more than God. The gifts of Providence so far satisfy them, that they are content with such things as they have. The benefit of holy ordinances is sweet to a sanctified soul, and strengthening to the spiritual and Divine life.” I like that, especially the last part where Henry says that it’s strength to the spirit. I never really though of it that way and I think the first part’s pretty profound as well. Verse 9 kind of continues the idea of God (or Jesus) being the living water. When I drink from Him, I experience life, which is a great thing to experience. I am thankful that God’s lovingkindness never quits (v. 10) because if it did, I dunno if I’d (continue) the effort to experience a relationship with Him. And if His righteousness quit, I imagine I’d stop having an upright heart. Verses 11-12 remind me of the fact that God will protect me from those who try to drive me away from Him. Though that may not seem like something that a lot of Christians deal with, at least one who is devoted to God can find comfort in those verses in the instance that he or she is hanging around with people that would like to him or her to give up on his or her faith. It’s never a good idea for a Christian to give up on their walk because in terms of the Christian walk, it’s not about how you start but how you finish. I think that last part was something my dad said to me a while back and it resonates with me since I came across verses 11-12. Thanks, Dad, for your profound words because they’re good reminds that have a big impact on me.
Chapter 37
Matthew Henry comments on the first couple verses by stating the following, “When we look abroad we see the world full of evil-doers, that flourish and live in ease. So it was seen of old, therefore let us not marvel at the matter. We are tempted to fret at this, to think them the only happy people, and so we are prone to do like them: but this we are warned against. Outward prosperity is fading. When we look forward, with an eye of faith, we shall see no reason to envy the wicked.” I think that really puts the first few verses into perspective, especially because it means to me that I should not follow after those who do evil things. It’s a reiteration of the idea I mentioned in Psalm 36 about how I shouldn’t hang around bad influences. I think it expands on that idea, though, because it says I shouldn’t envy those who do evil things which probably result in dishonest gain. I don’t God feels too strongly about dishonest gain because it’s like saying to Him that, “Oh, I don’t need You -- I can figure out my own way of going about doing this.” When I think of dishonest gain, I think of cheating on, say, a test. While cheating is attractive in the sense that I may get a higher score if I cheat, I express to God that I didn’t trust in Him to help to succeed because I decided to cheat instead. I don’t cheat off people’s tests at school -- I just was using that as an example. If I do trust in Him (v. 3), I will not have to risk getting caught cheating on a test and my victory (in Christ) will be guaranteed. I am thankful, that in my math class so far, I haven’t failed any test or quizzes and I figure that that’s due to God’s influence and my reliance on Him. Matthew Henry comments on verse 4 by stating the following, “To delight in God is as much a privilege as a duty. He has not promised to gratify the appetites of the body, and the humours of the fancy, but the desires of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this, to know, and love, and serve God.” Henry really hit’s the nail on the head, especially on that last part. I definitely have desire to express my love to Him as well as serve Him. I figure I can express my love to Him, or glorify Him, even in small ways. I don’t have to do something extravagant to show Him that I love Him and I think that’s a great thing because it shows that I don’t have to overwhelm myself with burdens. What I mean by, “overwhelm myself with burdens” is that I don’t have to feel like I have to do something big just to glorify Him. So far, committing my way to God (v. 5) has been beneficial to me. It showed me that God wants what’s best for me and that God’s ways are not mine. I think whenever I ask God for help on something, I can trust that He’s gonna help me out, like say if I ask Him for guidance and direction on a math test. I kinda talked about that earlier and I see committing my ways to Him by trusting Him that I’ll pass my test. I do the work by preparing and studying for it and He works in such a way to provide me with the guidance, direction, and knowledge I need to pass. I don’t have to trust in myself either and I think that if I did, I’d fail. I like the comparison in verse 6, particularly where it says, “And he shall bring fourth thy righteousness as the light.” To me, that means that when my righteousness is revealed, it will be a good thing because my righteousness, for the most part, reflects my heart and the fact that I wanna glorify Him. I’m mostly spiritual and I wanna (continue to) live in a way in which my spiritual matters are the most essential thing. Verse 7 reminds me that I should be more worried about Christ’s return than those who prosper in evil ways. If I get involved with those who prosper in evil ways, I could turn away from God and end up not spending eternity with Him. Also, I see it as a kind of motivation as to why I should continue to walk with Him. I tend not let my anger guide me (v. 8) and I suppose verse 9 kind of continues the thought of verse 7. I don’t have much to say about those verses since they pretty much speak for themselves. I am reminded of the fate of the wicked in verse 10 and I feel that I since I have been oppressed or meek, I will inherit the earth and God will deal with the wicked as He sees fit.
Moving onto verses 12-21, I see these passages as a reiteration of how God views the wicked, which I think I talked about before. I’d say those verses pretty much speak for themselves, but I will comment on the next couple verses. I think it’s cool that inheriting the earth can be thought as a blessing (v. 22). It reminds of the fact that I’m an heir in the kingdom of Christ and if I have Christ, I can be blessed in many different ways. God makes my steps firm (v. 23), which, to me, describes the nature of His guidance and direction. And when I follow His way, I delight in it because what will have resulted in that will be something good. I don’t always feel like following God’s way, but I feel that verse 23 stresses why I should. I think it’s cool that God loves me enough to help me out when I fall (v. 24). It’s God’s way of saying, “Hey, you didn’t rely on Me to get you through this the first time, but I’ll give you a second chance.” And with God, I’m never gonna fall since He won’t let me down. Matthew Henry comments on that verse by stating the following, “God will keep them from being ruined by their falls, either into sin or into trouble, though such as fall into sin will be sorely hurt. Few, if any, have known the consistent believer, or his children, reduced to abject, friendless want.” I like the way Henry puts it because I figured the verse was related to spiritual falls as well. The second part, I believe, relates to verse 25. To me, the verse means that David is saying that the Lord doesn’t give up on the righteous nor does He stop providing for them. I don’t I’d be able to rely on Him it He gave up on me. I don’t have much to say reflection-wise about verses 26-29 since they pretty much speak for themselves.
Verse 30 means to me that if I am righteous, others will benefit from what I have to say to them. It’s quite a thing to think about how I could be a blessing to others in that way. I suppose I already am, though, because of the profound/philosophical sayings I post on Facebook. If the Lord’s using that in a way to bless people, I pray that He will continue to do that. If I know His Word and spend time in it, I’m not gonna fall (v. 31). That’s what that verse means to me anyway and I am thankful that His Word provides me with that strength and confidence. Without it, I’d slide all over the place and wouldn’t know what to do with myself. Although the wicked may try to shake me (v. 32), God isn’t gonna leave me alone (v. 33). I think that’s a definite promise because if God let me fall into the hands of the wicked, He wouldn’t be God. Verses 34-36 pretty much speak for themselves, but Matthew Henry comments on verse 37 by stating the following, “None are perfect in themselves, but believers are so in Christ Jesus. If all the saint's days continue dark and cloudy, his dying day may prove comfortable, and his sun set bright; or, if it should set under a cloud, yet his future state will be everlasting peace.” I can reach a degree of spiritual perfection, which is what happens when I am with the Lord. I see how God’s timing fits into that since He knows when I will be with Him and since He knows when I will have reached that level of spiritual maturity. I’ll let God worry about the wicked (v. 38) since I do my part and have, in the past, by trusting in Him to help me out in times of trouble (v. 39). As with my darkest moment, God saved me from it because I trusted in Him (v. 40).
Chapter 38
Verse 1 is a reiteration of Psalm 6:1, so look at what I had to say about that verse. Matthew Henry comments on verses 2-4 by stating the following, “If there were not sin in our souls, there would be no pain in our bones, no illness in our bodies. The guilt of sin is a burden to the whole creation, which groans under it. It will be a burden to the sinners themselves, when they are heavy-laden under it, or a burden of ruin, when it sinks them to hell.” It’s as if David is expressing guilt for his sin. Although I can’t say I relate to David since I haven’t expressed guilt for sins to the degree that he has, I still know that God is faithful to forgive me even I commit as many sins as David did (v. 4) despite the fact that he was man after God’s own heart. Sometimes I feel so bad after committing a sin, but that doesn’t mean God loves me any less. I kinda see that in David’s case because he did things that a man would not approve of yet God knew David’s heart and saw past his sin. I think I should be more in line with that way of thinking because it’s reassuring. Even though David had much shame due to his sins (vv. 5-8), that didn’t stop him from coming to God (v. 9). The encourages me because I don’t have to feel like I can’t come to God because of some sins I committed. Sin-wise, I think David had a lot worse than I did and I can use his experience as a model. Henry continues to comment by stating the following, “David, in his troubles, was a type of Christ in his agonies, of Christ on his cross, suffering and deserted.” I can see that, specifically in verses 10-11. Again, I haven’t experienced what David did but I can still suffer in a way similar to his in the future.
Matthew Henry comments on verses 12-15 by stating the following: “Wicked men hate goodness, even when they benefit by it. David, in the complaints he makes of his enemies, seems to refer to Christ. But our enemies do us real mischief only when they drive us from God and our duty.” I haven’t faced enemies to the degree that David did, but I probably have complained about ‘em before. Whenever I wanna bring things like that to God, I know He’s gonna help me out and that He’ll answer me in regards how to deal with the situation (v. 15). Since David was ready to halt or fall (v. 17), he couldn’t deal with his sorrow and pain his own. What I get out that verse is that when I’m at my weak point due to sin, I just have to come to God and confess what I did to God (v. 18). God will help me out when I feel ashamed of my sins, which is a great thing because I don’t think I’d continue to turn to Him by asking for His forgiveness every day if He condemned me for my sin. Although my enemies may outnumber me and gang up on me (v. 19) -- both literally and metaphorically -- and try to make evil look good to me (v. 20), I know that God will always be with me in the midst of those trials (v. 21) and He won’t we be hesitant to help me (v. 22). I find comfort in particularly that last part because it reminds me that if I have God in my life, I don’t have to worry about being tricked by enemies.
Chapter 39
Verse 1 reminds me that I should be mindful of my tongue, especially in the midst of enemies. I imagine how not being mindful of my tongue in the midst of enemies could have consequences. Let’s say I insult an enemy of my mine just because he did something to me I didn’t like. Well, he could cause pain to main for insulting him. I feel that that verse also stresses self-control in the midst of trials, especially where it says, “I will keep my mouth with a bridle, when the wicked is before me.” And however I react to an enemy’s harm to me, I will be held accountable for my actions, which means to me that I should react to an enemy in a way which please God. It doesn’t help that I’m quick on my feet either because if I react to an enemy quickly -- and insult him in the process -- I will have not have taken the time to thought about how I could’ve reacted in a way which didn’t cause problems. So I think that verse also reminds of the fact that I should think about how I react to something before actually doing so. Thought I’d share Matthew Henry’s thoughts on that verse as well, “When not able to separate from wicked men, we should remember they will watch our words, and turn them, if they can, to our disadvantage. Sometimes it may be necessary to keep silence, even from good words; but in general we are wrong when backward to engage in edifying discourse.” Yeah, sometimes it’s good to not say anything, which is interesting because I guess I don’t always have to say something, whether good or bad, which could get an enemy pissed at me either way if he doesn’t want me to talk to him. I don’t have anything to say about verse 2 since I can’t really relate to it, but I figure that it’s part of verses 3 and 4. Matthew Henry comments on the verses by stating the following, “Impatience is a sin that has its cause within ourselves, and that is, musing; and its ill effects upon ourselves, and that is no less than burning. In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon. This is an undoubted truth, but we are very unwilling to believe it.” It’s as if God knows the days when I don’t feel like I’ll need Him and I’ll go off and do my own thing. As Henry stated, I see the expression of impatience in verses 3-4. I could be impatient with God and have a worry about something, which may not result in something good if I find out about what I wanna know. I see verse 5 as a continuation of verse 4 and since I’ve made a connection, those verses make me realize my own need for God because without Him, I live a vain life and my life’s just a blip on the radar screen. In this life, I have to continue to make choices which have an impact in my spending eternity with God. So I am reminded to not make choices that have no eternal significance because if they don’t have any eternal significance, why waste my time with them? I believe Henry was also referring to verse when he said, “In our greatest health and prosperity, every man is altogether vanity, he cannot live long; he may die soon.” I have no desire to live a vain, especially as verse 6 points out because I could live for money but it would have no eternal benefit. Instead, my hope and satisfaction is in God (v. 7) and I know that He’ll keep me from living a vain life where I have a desire to sin (v. 8). The whole vanity thing reminds of the Book of Ecclesiastes, mostly because of the fact that whenever Solomon engaged in sin and the pleasures of the world, he found it vain, or meaningless. Matthew Henry comments on verses 9-11 by stating the following, “When creature-confidences fail, it is our comfort that we have a God to go to, a God to trust in. We may see a good God doing all, and ordering all events concerning us; and a good man, for that reason, says nothing against it. He desires the pardoning of his sin, and the preventing of his shame.” I should let God open my mouth as He sees fit (v. 9) because I could say things that are vain which most likely wouldn’t result in glorifying Him. I have to go to Him in time of need as Henry stresses. God could rebuke me for doing vain things (vv. 10-11), but I am thankful that if I go off on my own path, I can come back to God if I reach out to Him (v. 12) and He will spare me from punishment for doing vain things. I guess I kinda engaged in vain thoughts when I thought I wasn’t a planned child. I ended up coming back to God in that period and I’m thankful that He welcomed me back with open arms and didn’t beat me up and say I’m a worthless peace of crap.
Chapter 40
I feel that the first three verses relate to my darkest moment. I cried out to Him (v. 1) and He eventually brought me out of the pit I found myself in (v. 2). I continue to praise God (v. 3) for that because by His awesome power, I was able to overcome my depression. I know that if I trust in God, I’m not gonna lose, which makes sense of terms of the contrast of trusting in the proud as verse 4 points out. I thank You, Lord, that Your ways have results which will benefit me. I praise You for the fact, Lord, that if I trust in You, I will enjoy Your blessings. Sometimes, though, I don’t feel like trusting in You, which usually doesn’t go as planned. It’s crazy how one be so apathetic to do something so simple. And I know that when I trust in You, Lord, I don’t have to worry, since You provide all my needs. Thank You for that. It’s crazy how in verse 5 that all the things I praise God for cannot be numbered or counted. I can praise God for all the good and basic things in life, but I would imagine that there’s things He’s done in my life that I’m not aware of. I could spend so much dwelling on that stuff, which I imagine would be therapeutic. The verse starts with the word “many,” which means His works are limitless because He’s done things that I dunno about that have been beneficial to His people. I praise Him for the ways in which He has blessed others and helped them out in their lives. I don’t make sacrifices to God, but rather I listen to Him (v. 6). Verses 7-8 are actually referenced in John 19:28, which says, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” I believe those verses are Messianic sense they seem to have Christ in mind. Since they reflect that scripture was fulfilled, that means that my salvation is secure. The way I see it, Christ fulfilled the scripture by dying on the cross and I think it’s cool that verses 7-8 relate because I since I wanna do God’s will and not mine, that means He knows my heart and He sent His Son so I could attain salvation and have that desire to do His will as a result. Verses 9-10 mean to me that I myself have talked about the great things God has done in my life when I needed Him the most. I am reminded of when I was delivered from my darkest moment because I just praised God for that and I think I let others know when I was delivered from it. I think that since God’s mercy, truth, and love are eternal (v. 11), I can always depend on Him when my sins (“iniquities” in v. 12) are more than I can handle. Knowing that He’ll deliver me from that kinda thing (v. 13), I see verses 11-13 as a great promise because I could just imagine God taking that burden away from me when I feel bad for having indulged in sin. I feel that verses 14-15 pretty much speak for themselves and I don’t find myself really relating to ‘em, but I think it’s cool that God can be magnified in me (v. 16) and that when I have needs, God takes care of ‘em (v. 17). If He didn’t provide me, I dunno what I’d do. And if He’s made bigger than me, or magnified, that shows that I am humble and I don’t try to take credit for the great things He’s done in my life.
Sources used:
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 35". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=035>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 36". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=036>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 37". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=037>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 38". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=038.>
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 39". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=039>.
Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Psalms 40". "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
on the Whole Bible". <http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-con/view.cgi?book=ps&chapter=040>.
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