Ch. 10, 12, 13

Ch. 10

1-5
The arrogant wicked man who abuses the poor is introduced here – he renounces the Lord, says “there is no god,” and yet, he seems to prosper. The psalmist laments at this apparent injustice, wondering why the Lord seems “far away” and “hidden.” Most significant phrase in this first section: “your judgments are on high, out of his sight.” He may think he’s got it made, but the Lord’s judgment is not always obvious nor immediate. His walking on thin ice, and feeling confident about it.

6-11
His ignorant arrogance is flaming in this section: “I shall not meet adversity … murders the innocent … seizes the poor … says in his heart ‘God has forgotten… he will never see it’ ”

12-18
A plea to God to arise and remember the afflicted, to “break the arm of the evildoer.” The psalmist reminds himself that though the wicked doubt God’s justice (“you will not call to account”), God does see and will “take it into your hands.” His heart for the afflicted really shines through here as well: “to you the helpless commits himself, you have been the helper of the fatherless … you hear the desire of the afflicted … do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed.”

In summary – this psalm recognizes the injustice of living in a fallen world, where wicked arrogant men doubt God’s authority, and also diverts one’s response to this injustice from despair to hope, by affirming God’s authority and compassion for the afflicted. May we take part in joining God’s action against injustice and pointing the afflicted to His grace, while praying for the wicked that they may be broken and repent.

Ch. 12

David emphasizes what people are saying, what’s coming out of their mouths: “lies, flattering lips, tongue that makes great boasts.” In contrast to that: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined… purified seven times”

“because the needy groan, I will now arise … I will place him in the safety for which he longs.” God’s heart to meet those who are needy and act in their behalf.

Ch. 13

“sorrow in my heart all day” … David is constantly being honest about the struggles in his life and the sorrow in his heart, and he wonders how long it will last. He feels as if God is hiding his face from him. Is he? Maybe, maybe God wants him to trust in what is real, not in what he can feel. David’s request: “consider and answer me.” Conclusion, ends in faith: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”

Themes: the themes of wicked men, the afflicted, (often afflicted by wicked men), specifically-the author's enemies, and the author's trust in God, b/c He is righteous and good, a refuge to be trusted in.

Psalm 4

Some of the same themes here: calling to God, requesting an answer (emphasizing communication w/ God, a God who is near, not distant, a God who hears, and yet even though David believes this, he still asks God to answer), reminder of times when God has been there, frustration with wicked men, trust in the Lord, joy in the Lord, delighting in Him more than the treasures of this world (grain and new wine), and then he ends with peace, trusting that God makes him “dwell in safety.”

So, David recognizes his circumstances, but calls on the God who is in control of circumstances, for a joy that goes beyond his circumstances. He finds his joy in God – “you have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” David’s joy, based on God’s goodness in spite of his circumstances (“you have given relief when I was in distress”), is deeper, better, more real, than their joy that is based on their circumstances (grain and new wine abound).

chapter 2, 3

(this discipline thing is kinda tough for me, but I soldier on; here's ch. 2,3 ... I also realize there's not always going to be a ground-breaking insight, but through the discipline I hope to find some ground-breaking insights)

Ch. 2

This is a psalm about the Messiah (the “anointed one”) … the rulers of the world will conspire against Him (which happened), but Yahweh defends Him in anger, affirming the Kingship of the Messiah. His anger is against the wicked, but the blessed man can take refuge in Him. (and yet, even though His anger is directed against the wicked, the Anointed One takes that anger upon Himself for all who call on Him to do so, even the very wicked that have conspired against Him)

Ch. 3

A lot of the psalms deal with David just crying out to God, being real about how he feels, particularly about his trials/enemies. This is one of those. I find it interesting that one of the comments that his enemies were making about him was that “God will not deliver him.” But then David reminds himself who God is: “You are a shield around me.” He puts his fears aside in light of God’s protection and sustaining power in his life; he calls on the Lord to deliver him, and he again reminds himself: “from the Lord comes deliverance.” And finishes with a plea for blessing on “your people” … so even in his distress, his prayer is not only for himself, but for the people, and, it’s a prayer for God’s blessing – a theme that runs throughout Scripture, starting with God “blessing them” and telling them to be fruitful and multiply.

chapter 1

What does this man delight in? Unsavory friends? (those that can sometimes be fun(ny) and keep things “exciting” … whose habits often involve worldly pleasures) No. His delight is in something else … those who pursue ungodly friendships seeking the “freedom” of the hedonistic lifestyle are against what the Blessed Man seeks – He seeks the opposite of unrestraint – He delights in restraint: God’s law. The restraining principles, which are really based on the righteous character of our God! This man delights in restraining principles which actually bring freedom – freedom to live the life he was called to. And his delight is demonstrated … “on his law he meditates day and night.” These are not just warm and fuzzy feelings about religious thoughts; this is a practice of savoring God’s truth and His character which is revealed in His Word. He meditates, spends time reading, spends time thinking about, spends time being quiet with … the law of the Lord … in which he delights.

The result? “a tree planted by streams of water … fruit in season … leaf does not wither … whatever he does prospers.” This man experiences a fruitful life, full of purpose and prosperity (prosperity defined in God’s terms). The wicked does not experience this. Whereas he is planted firmly with nourishment nearby, the wicked is not planted, but rather blown away. They will not stand in the day of judgment … when it is determined whether they kept the very law that the blessed man is delighting in. When they are found to have despised God’s law, they will then curse their “freedom” and long for the “restraint” of God’s loving law.

Psavoring the Psalms

The last comment I received on this blog was "time for a new post pastor" ... thank you my beloved sister Teecy. Speaking of Teecy, my beloved friend T.C. (different person of course ... coached T.C. in high school) and I are about to go through the Psalms, two a day. So, my goal is to blog a little something about each Psalm for the next 3 months or so ... those of you who know me, know this is virtually impossible, but here goes. I would really love for YOU to help deepen my understanding of the Psalms by checking in from time to time and adding your insights/thoughts/questions. Best to read/study Scripture in community ... so join me as we Psavor the Psalms (I know, cheesy ... but it should be a pretty psweet time)