I will go into thy house with burnt offerings

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Psalm 66:13–20, “I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”

After encouraging other people to praise the Lord and show Him the honour that He is due, the Psalmist tells the reader what should be done personally. The Psalmist would go into the Lord’s house and show the Lord praise and honour. The Lord has already listed the activities required of people who want to honour Him so the Psalmist will follow those activities carefully. Not only that, the Psalmist will also make sure that he examines his own behaviour to see if he is doing anything that will bring dishonour to the Lord.

O bless our God, ye people

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Psalm 66:8–12, “O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.”

The Psalmist continued his exhortation to the people of the world. He encouraged then to praise the Lord and give the Lord honour. The Lord God has always proved Himself to be faithful and have perfect integrity.

Make a joyful noise unto God,

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Psalm 66:1–7, “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.”

This Psalm encourages all the people in the world to praise the Lord and sing of His glory. They are to see and to understand that He is Almighty and powerful and no one can stand against Him. This also refers back to the time when the Egyptians had Israel at their mercy on the banks of the Red Sea. Even though there seemed to be no escape, the Lord made a pathway through the bed of the sea and Israel escaped on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to follow them, the sea returned and they were all drowned. The Lord God rules in all the earth and all the nations will be forced, one day, to submit to Him.

Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains

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Psalm 65:6–13, “Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power: Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.”

This part of the Psalm expounds the fact that the Lord rules in heaven. The mountains have been lifted up and stand in their places. The Lord brings the storm and quietens it when it is finished. Everyone in all the earth, can see and understand the Lord’s power for the evidence of His greatness can be seen all over the earth. God brings the rain and ripens the crops. The rain flows down from the mountains to the sea and water recycles endlessly on the earth. This system brings food for our sustenance and that food is in its turn recycled for other generations.

Praise waiteth for thee, O God

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Psalm 65:1–5, “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:”

As the Creator, the Lord is superior to everything in His creation. He is immanent and transcendent. Everything that the Lord has made is there to demonstrate His glory. He keeps His promises and is always reliable. The Lord will cleanse those who believe in Him and everyone who trusts Him will be satisfied in the end.

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow

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Psalm 64:7–10, “But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.”

The Lord is patient and gives people time to understand the consequences of the choices that they make. If they choose to reject Him, He will allow them some of the consequences to see if that is what they really want. Eventually, however, the Lord will give people what they have chosen and they will be confirmed in their choice to reject the Lord. He will leave them alone to their own devices in this random, arbitrary, chaotic world. Eventually everyone will realise that the Lord is God but some people will be filled with regret when this happens because it will be too late for them to change their minds.

Hear my voice, O God

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Psalm 64:1–6, “Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.”

David cried out to the Lord because his enemies were attacking him again. They plotted against him and wanted to start a lying campaign against him so that his reputation would be ruined again. They were not interested in bringing glory to the Lord or improving the lives of others, all they wanted was to increase their own reputations and wealth.

Because thou hast been my help

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Psalm 63:7–11, “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.”

David could remember times, even from his earliest years, when the Lord had helped him. He knew that the Lord is consistent and faithful, therefore he could trust the Lord and rejoice in the Lord’s protection. Those who attacked David and were against him were against the Lord as well because David was the Lord’s servant.

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life

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Psalm 63:3–6, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

The Lord’s lovingkindness is more than just a combination of love and kindness. It is, of course, both of those things but also includes the concept of absolute loyalty to His promises, perfect integrity in all His dealings bound up in the envelope of the fact that He is Sovereign and only does good things. Bad thing happen when people reject the Lord God and His ways, trying to define good and evil for themselves rather than accepting their Maker’s definitions. The Lord’s lovingkindness is the best thing that has ever happened to the world; it is better than life itself. When we accept the basic facts that the Lord is Sovereign and only does good things, we will have complete peace and we will be satisfied with His goodness. (Jer 31: 14)

O God, thou art my God

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Psalm 63:1–2, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.”

David was living in the desert as an outcast with a price on his head when he wrote this Psalm. He knew that, in every trial, it was important for him to come to the Lord as a first priority rather than when there was nothing else to try. Even though he was in the desert, away from fresh water, David knew that, in his heart and in his mind, he could enjoy the freshness of the Lord’s presence as those who visited the Lord’s sanctuary could enjoy the beauty of the Lord presence.

Trust in him at all times

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Psalm 62:8–12, “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.”

When David thought about the Lord and all the good things that the Lord did, he was compelled to exhort all people to trust in the Lord as well. It was very good for David so it must be very good for everyone else also. It doesn’t matter how good you are, or what you have achieved, everyone is exactly the same before the Lord. He is entirely in His own league, far superior to everyone else. So much so that no one can actually impress Him with anything that they have done. It is purely out of the fact that the Lord is merciful that we can even get to know Him.

Truly my soul waiteth upon God

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Psalm 62:1–7, “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

As David looked up to the Lord, he remembered that the Lord is good and he knew that the Lord would save him from the problems that were tormenting him at that time. As long as David trusted in the Lord, he knew that he would be secure and the evil one would never be able to destroy him or take away the security that the Lord gave him. On the other hand, David’s enemies, those who didn’t realise that the Lord was his protector, would soon come to a miserable end.

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer

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Psalm 61:1–8, “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”

The Lord had promised Israel that He would hear their cry when they called to Him in submission, no matter where they were on the earth. (Deut 30: 1-5) David reminded himself of this promise as he prayed to the Lord.  He was suffering setbacks and distress and he asked the Lord to bring him to a safe place. He longed to remain close to the Lord forever and be constantly aware of the Lord’s presence. The Lord knew that David had promised to follow the Lord so he remembered that the Lord would be his God forever. Because he knew that the Lord has impeccable integrity, David knew that he would praise the Lord throughout this lifetime and into eternity.

God hath spoken in his holiness

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Psalm 60:6–12, “God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”

After David looked up to the Lord his mind was encouraged by the Lord’s goodness and all the things that He had done in the past. The Lord rules in heaven but He controls the whole earth. Every part of the Promised Land belongs to the Lord and so do all the nations around. If we trust in the Lord then we will triumph over all those who seek to destroy us, to the glory of God.

“O God, thou hast cast us off

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Psalm 60:1–5, “O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again. Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment. Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.”

Even though the Lord had chosen David to be king and blessed him with many blessings, his enemies weren’t willing to let him rule in peace. The people from the surrounding nations came to David and attacked him with large armies, hoping to take his wealth and land away from him. The king knew that the Lord was in control and these circumstances came because the Lord was teaching David to trust Him more completely. David recognised this and acknowledged that the Lord was still in control of his life.

But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them

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Psalm 59:8–17, “But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak. Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.”

Even though David’s enemies had betrayed him, he knew that the Lord would not. David understood that the Lord is Sovereign and that His will always prevails. There are some people who suggest that the Lord is responsible for bad things happening but it is the Lord’s will that we get what we choose. David knew that the Lord would bless those who trusted in Him and He would bring those who reject Him to a random and arbitrary end, away from the benefits of His love.

Deliver me from mine enemies

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Psalm 59:1–7, “Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?”

David was a good man, a loyal son and a person who loved the Lord God and his nation Israel. He delivered Israel from an urgent threat and saved the nation from destruction. In spite of this, he was persecuted and the people who should have been grateful and given him respect wanted to kill him. He wasn’t even safe in his own home. He asked the Lord to save him from his enemies and those who hated him without a cause. He told the Lord that people were trying to destroy him. Even though the Lord is Sovereign and knows everything, it is good for us to pray to Him and bring our issues to Him for it is good for us to know that we have left all our problems with the one Person Who is actually able to do something about them.

Break their teeth, O God,

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Psalm 58:6–11, “Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”

David was concerned about his own people and the fact that they had broken the Law.  He told them that they were refusing to acknowledged their true God and His right to command them, according to the contract that they had made with him many years before. He now turned to the Lord and prayed that the Lord would bring about the penalty clauses of the contract to force them to return to their contract obligations and to respect the Lord as they had promised.

Do ye indeed speak righteousness

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Psalm 58:1–5, “Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.”

David castigated the people because they had forsaken the Lord and His Law. They were corrupt and always looking to do evil. They were like a snake that could not be charmed but was always ready to attack.

My heart is fixed

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Psalm 57:7–11, “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.”

In spite of everything, David knew that the Lord is faithful and full of integrity. The Lord is always consistent and all who trust in Him will be safe. So much so that they will praise Him and give Him the glory and honour that He deserves.

Be merciful unto me, O God

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Psalm 57:1–6, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.”

David spent many years of his life suffering betrayal and attack. Even though he loved and served the Lord there were many people who were determined to destroy him. He had to hide in caves and it lonely places in the wilderness. More than once, he had to hide from Saul in caves. David was a man of prayer who brought every one of his problems to the Lord. He cried out for the Lord’s mercy so that he could be saved from his enemies. On the other hand, he knew that the Lord would always remain faithful and he could trust the Lord all the days of his life.

hou tellest my wanderings

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Psalm 56:8–13, “Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”

The Lord knows and understands the pain and suffering of everyone in the world. This is as true today, when there are more than seven billion people alive, as it was when this Psalm was written. The Lord knows how many tears we weep when we suffer. However, when we cry out to the Lord He hears and acts on behalf of those who believe in Him. When we have overcome, in His Name, for His glory, then we can give Him our praise and worship.

Be merciful unto me, O God

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Psalm 56:1–7, “Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.”

David spent many year fleeing from king Saul, who wanted to kill him. David acted with integrity and had saved Israel from the Philistines by the power of the Lord. Saul chose to be jealous of David and try to kill him in gratitude for this good deed. Eventually, David gave up and went to find refuge with the Philistines, Israel’s most dedicated enemies. At first he was given refuge but then some of them complained that David was really their enemy and wanted to kill him. David pretended to be mad and they sent him away. During this desperate time in David’s life he composed this Psalm. He was concerned that his enemies would finally triumph over him. Even in these most trying times, David chose to look up to the Lord and remember all the good things that the Lord had done for Israel and in his own life. David knew that the people of the world wanted to destroy the Lord’s people but He also knew that the Lord would always keep His people and they would be secure in the end.

As for me, I will call upon God

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Psalm 55:16–23, “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.”

David decided that it was better for him to pray to the Lord and bring his problems to God. He decided to pray about the things that troubled him in the morning, the evening and during the day as well. Even though he could find no security among his advisors and trusted friends, he knew that the Lord had always been his friend and delivered him from every trial. He knew that God would bring evil consequences upon those who acted with evil, selfish and destructive intent. While his enemies spoke kind and encouraging words they were secretly plotting his demise. The Lord would bring them to the place that they had chosen when they decided to reject the Lord.

Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Psalm 55:9–15, “Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.”

David’s enemies were united against him and he asked the Lord to make them fight amongst themselves so that they wouldn’t be attacking him. They were plundering David’s people and causing many problems for the people as well. He trusted people and, in fact, went to worship the Lord with them but later they came to attack him. His own friends and trusted advisors conspired together against him. David asked the Lord to bring vengeance on those people.

Give ear to my prayer, O God

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Psalm 55:1–8, “Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.”

David cried out to the Lord many times during his life. He cried out during the hard times and gave thanks during the good times. Sometimes the Lord would delay in delivering David because the Lord knew that it was good for David to spend time learning to rely on the Lord and trust His sovereignty. David asked the Lord to take away the pain of betrayal and the fear of death. He longed to be lifted above the problems and go to a quiet and restful place instead.

Behold, God is mine helper

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Psalm 54:4–7, “Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth. I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.”

When David prayed to the Lord he lifted his mind to the Lord and rejoiced that the Lord was his friend and helper. The Lord would care for David and give his enemies the things that they deserved as well. He knew that the Lord only did good things and was worthy of praise so he rejoiced in the Lord’s goodness.

Save me, O God, by thy name,

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Psalm 54:1–3, “Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.”

David was hiding from King Saul, who was trying to kill him, when he wrote this Psalm. The people, who had been hiding him, betrayed him and told Saul where he was hiding. He cried out to the Lord in his distress and asked the Lord to save him from his enemies.

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God

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Psalm 53:1–6, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God. There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.”

A fool is someone who acts in a self destructive way. He thinks that he is doing things that are good for himself but, in the end, he had nothing to hope in or rely on.(Compare Prov 14: 12, 16: 25) A person who says to himself that there is no God, is the kind of person who is working to self destruct. They don’t have any true standards of goodness to aspire to but the only work in self interest. If people don’t believe in any firm foundation for true and proper behaviour they will soon end up living a world that is base and destructive. On the other hand, David longed that people would see and know the Lord, Who had chosen to place His Name in Zion and live up to His high standards. Under those conditions the world would be a place filled with peace and compassion.

The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Psalm 52:6–9, “The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”

David told Doeg that he would become an example to other people. Righteous people would see what happened to people who betrayed others and the Lord. In fact, people would hear about Doeg’s experience and laugh at him. He was the man who trusted in the rewards, fame and fortune, of his sin but not the Lord. On the other hand, David was like a green tree fed by a stream, he would survive and prosper while Doeg would lose all his fame and fortune and die as an evil man. Doeg would be cut off from the Lord forever.

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief?

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Psalm 52:1–5, “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.”

This Psalm was written during an extremely difficult time in David’s life. He was married to king Saul’s daughter but the king had decided to kill David because he was jealous of him. David ran away just before the king sent men to take him and execute him. David had to run with no weapons or supplies. As he fled he went past the place where some priests lived and worshipped the Lord. David asked them for food and weapons. These men gave David some food to eat and they gave him Goliath’s sword as a weapon. When king Saul discovered that David had escaped he was very angry. A man called Doeg, from Edom, a foreigner, told the king that the priests had given David food and help. Saul, who was tormented by and evil spirit, sent some of his soldiers and killed almost all of that priestly family. When David heard of this, from one of the sons who had escaped, he was devastated and wrote this Psalm, Doeg was feeling good about himself and the rewards he had gained from this betrayal. David warned Doeg not to be too proud and boastful about his betrayal and the rewards that came from this terrible act. He told the Edomite that he would receive the true rewards of his lies and deceit.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Psalm 51:14–19, “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.”

David was deeply grieved that he had sinned against the Lord and asked the Lord to deliver him from the guilt of his sin. By right, one of Uriah’s relatives could have killed David in revenge for Uriah’s murder but David asked the Lord to save him from this punishment. He had lost his sense of peace and joy that comes from being in a close and submitted relationship with the Lord so he asked the Lord for forgiveness so that he could regain that peace and joy. David knew that the Lord preferred people who are humble and understand the fact that all the glory and honour belong to the Lord.