This psalm is an inclusio, beginning and ending with the same words- 103:1, 22. It is a David's call to himself to bless the LORD with all that is within Him.Vs. 3-5 describes God's benefits1. He forgives all your sins2. He heals all your diseases3. He redeems your life from the pit4. He crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion5. He satisfies you with good thingsvs. 9-10 Tell us what His love means by telling us what it will not do1. He will not always contend2. He will not keep His anger forever3. He does not deal with us according to our sins4. He does not reward us according to our iniquities.vs. 11-13 Three ways to describe the richness of God's love and forgiveness1. Veritical- as high as heavens are above the earth2. Horizontal- as far as the East is from the West3, Relational- Just as a father has compassion on His childrenHow does Jesus fulfill Psalm 103?1. He forgives our sins and heals our diseases- 103;3; Mark 2:1-122. He redeems our life from the pit- 103:4 resurrection3. The cross is the ultimate illustration of the love of God described in vs. 8-134. The LORD's love is from everlasting (Eph. 1:4) to everlasting (I Thess. 4:17).

The heading for this is unique. It describes a specific situation in which the psalm can be prayed. It mentions no individual or group generally associated with the psalm nor any musical terms. 102:1-2 An urgent call for God to hear his prayer102:3-11 His crisis. He is overwhelmed by life's brevity, pain, his suffering and loneliness. God's anger seems behind it all.102:12-22 But You... God's eternity (12, 24, 25, 26, 27) is an answer to man's brevity. 102:23-24 He once again focuses on his individual crisis.102:25-27 The LORD's eternity will outlast the heavens and earth. Hebrews 1:10-12 will quote these verses as being fulfilled in Jesus. 

I Chron. 16:23-33 records this virtually word for word. That chapter is describing the moving of the ark to Jerusalem. “In recapturing for us the triumphal entry of the ark to Jerusalem, the Chronicles writes out nearly the whole of this psalm, with part of two others (105, 106), as the centerpiece of his chapter” Kidner, 346. Invitations to praise are found in vv. 1-3, 7-10a, 11-12a and reasons for praise are found in vv. 4-6, 10b, 12b-13. “Three strophes in vs. 1-6, 7-10, and 11-13, each consisting of a call to praise followed by the cause for praise” Estes, 216.This Psalm truly has a universal ring to it: 96:1 “all the earth,” 96:3 “among the nations,” 96:3 “among all peoples,” 96:7 “families of peoples,” 96:9 “all the earth,” 96:10 “among the nations,” 96:10 “judge the peoples,” 96:13 He is pictured as judging the earth, the world, the peoples.Psalm 96 and the New Testament96:1 new song- Rev. 5:9; 14:3 Jesus' death is a cause for singing the new song. 96:2 The word used in the LXX for proclaim the good news is the word used for preaching the gospel. It is used to announce the birth of John- Luke 1:19 and Jesus- Luke 2:10. It describes the preaching of John- Luke 3:18 and Jesus- Luke 4:43; 20:1 and the disciples in the limited commission- Luke 9:6. It is used 15 times in Acts to describe the preaching of Jesus- Acts 5:42; 8:4, 12, 25, 40; 10:36; 11:20; 13:32; 14:7, 15, 21; 15:35:16:10; 17:18.96:3 Declare His glory- 96:7, 8 also use the word glory. The word for glory is used of Jesus in John 1:14; 2:11; 5:41, 44; 12:41, 43; 17:22, 2496:3 Wonders- The word is used in the LXX is used only once in the NT and used of the miracles of Jesus in Matt. 21:15.96:6 The words translated strength and beauty in the NASB are in the LXX majesty and holiness. The word for majesty is only used 3 times in the OT but one is in II Peter 1:16 where Peter says we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. The word for holiness is used in Rom. 1:4 according to the spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord. 96:10 The LORD reigns- The word reigns from the LXX is used of Jesus’ rule in Luke 1:33; I Cor. 15:25; Rev. 11:15, 17. 96:10 He will judge with equity or uprightness. The word used in the LXX is only used in the NT in Heb. 1:8 and it is of Jesus. 96:12 Trees of forest rejoice- The word for trees is used for the death of Jesus in Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Gal.3:13; I Peter 2:24. It is also used of the tree of life in Rev. 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19.   

This is both a call to worship and praise and a prophetic rebuke.vs. 1-2, 6 are exhortations which continually cry "Let us" (6 times). We are called to praise, thank, and bow showing our humility before God. vs. 3-5, 7 give reasons to praise, thank, and bow before God. vs. 7c-11 is a prophetic rebuke quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11 in the NT.New Testament use of this psalmHeb. 3:7-4:11 “Christians are like the wanderers in the wilderness, rescued from Egypt (the bondage to sin and death), but not yet arrived in the Promised land (heaven). Accordingly, the author of Hebrews cites Ps. 95:7-11 and encourages his readers not to succumb to temptation and die in the wilderness without ever reaching their heavenly rest” Longman, 341. Heb. 3:7-4:13 “forbids us to confine its thrust to Israel. The ‘Today’ of which it speaks is this very moment; the ‘you’ is none other than ourselves, and the promised ‘rest’ is not Canaan but salvation” Kidner, 343.Heb. 3:7-11 Introduced with just as the Holy Spirit says- Heb. 9:8; 10:15. Partial quotes are made in 3:15; 4:3, 7.Some of the plays on words in this Heb. 3-43:7 Today- 3:13, 15; 4:7, 73:7, 15 Hear- 3:163:8, 10, 15; 4:7 Heart(s)- 3:123:8, 15 Provoked- 3:163:9 forty years- 3:173:10 angry- 3:173:8 in the wilderness- 3:173:11 swore- 3:183:11 they would not enter His rest- 3:183:11 enter His (that) rest- 3:18; 4:1, 3, 3, 5, 10, 11Gen. 2:2 God rested- Gen. 2:2Joshua gave rest- Josh. 21:44; 22:4David spoke of another rest- Ps. 95:7-11Jesus gives rest- Matt. 11:28, 29This is one of the ways Jesus fulfills Psalm 95

94:1-7 God of vengeance shine forth94:1 O Lord, God of vengeance- This is the only time in the Bible that the LORD is addressed this way. Deut. 32:35; Ps. 58:10; 79:10; Prov. 20:22; Isaiah 35:4; Jer. 51:6; Ezek. 25:12, 14, 17; Nah. 1:2; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30. He is the God who rights wrongs that wicked men bring upon those helpless to resist. 94:8-11 A warning to those who think they can hide their way from God94:12-15 An encouragement to those who are experiencing evil treatment94:16-23 The LORD sustained the Psalmist when none stood with himJesus and Psalm 9494:1 God of vengeance- II Thess. 1:8 and picture of Jesus in Rev. 19:11-2194:2 Rise up in the LXX is the same word for the Son being lifted up in John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32 and it is also used of Jesus in Acts 2:33; 5:31 and being exalted to God’s right hand. 94:2 The one who judges- Jesus will judge- John 5:22, 3094:3 How long? Rev. 6:994:5 crush- NASB is the same verb used in Isaiah 53:5 “He was crushed for our iniquities”, 10 “He was pleased to crush Him.”94:5 afflict- Isa. 53:4 “He was smitten of God and afflicted”; Isa. 53:7 “He was oppressed and afflicted” The two verbs used to describe the mistreatment of God’s people in Ps. 94:5 are used of the treatment of the Servant in Isaiah 53. 94:6 The word for killed used in the LXX is used of Jesus being killed in Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 21:38, 39; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; Luke 9:22. Jesus experienced the same treatment given the most weak and helpless. 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man- I Kings 8:39; Matt. 9:4; John 2:24-2594:16 The Psalmist stood alone, without human help, before the wicked. Jesus experienced this- Matt. 26:56; Mark 14:50, 51-52.94:17, 18 help Me- The word of the LXX addressed to Jesus- Matt. 15:25; Mark 9:2494:17 The LXX has the idea of my soul being in Hades- Acts 2:27, 3194:21 Jesus is righteous- Matt. 27:19; Luke 23:47; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14Jesus is innocent- used in the NT only in Matt. 27:4, 24

The LORD reigns is declared in Ps. 93:1; 96:10; 97:1; 99:1.The LORD is King is said in Ps. 95:3; 98:6.The word King is the noun and reign the verb of the same Hebrew root word.The only Psalm between Psalms 93-99 that do not state God is King or He reigns in Psalm 94 and it must be associated in some way with His reign. We will see more about that, LORD willing, when we cover that text. Psalm 89 was a Royal Psalm, a psalm emphasizing the human king from the line of David, and apparently written when there was no king left on the throne. Book 4 of the Psalms (90-106) shows that God is still King even if there is no king from David's line on the throne. Psalm 93 and Jesus93:1 The truth the LORD reigns is proclaimed in Rev.19:6 though the thought is contained in several OT passages. “Christians celebrate God’s kingship in the person of Jesus, the ‘anointed king’ (Messiah) who has come to establish God’s kingdom. When He stilled the waves and walked on the water (Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-24), He showed that He is the God who controls the forces of chaos” Longman, 335. 93:3-4“The real and fundamental truth about the world is simply this: God reigns. The disparity between this proclamation and the so-called real-world calls for a decision…The decision is the same one Jesus called for when He announced the presence of God’s reign and invited people to enter it (Mark 1:14-15)” McCann, 1055. 93:1 The word used for clothed in the LXX is used 27 times as a verb in the NT. It is used is Matt. 27:31 and Mk. 15:20 of the soldier’s treatment of Jesus. They mocked Him, they took the robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him and led Him away to crucify Him. The one who was clothed in majesty is clothed with His own garments in a mocking way. 93:1 The word for girded in girded Himself is used in Rev. 1:13, where Christ is girded with a golden sash.93:2 Your throne…- Heb. 1:8-9 93:2 You are from everlasting- John 1:1-3

There is no title like the one in Psalm 92. It was used for worship on the Sabbath days. Lev. 23:3 shows us that the Sabbath was a day of worship.  The Psalm praises God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness. These attributes of God are especially highlighted in the Psalms. Recently in our study of the Psalms, Psalm 89 used both of these terms 7 times. The last time these words were used the author was questioning what happened to God’s lovingkindness and God’s faithfulness- 89:49. Psalm 92:2 emphasizes that God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness are still present.  In vs. 4 the works of God are contrasted in vs.7, 9 with those who did iniquity. The works of God are contrasted with the works of the wicked.  Compare the planted tree in Psalm 92:13 with the planted trees in Ps. 1:3 and Jer. 17:8. Both the palm tree and the cedars of Lebanon of 92:12 are mentioned in connection with the temple of the LORD. This is significant in light of the mention of God’s house in 92:13.The temple was made from the cedars of Lebanon according to I Kings 5. In I Kings 6:29, 32, 35 carvings of palm trees were in the temple. This also reminds us of the Garden where all kinds of tree grew- Gen. 2:9. Vs. 2, 15 use the same word declare in the NASB. From the beginning of the Psalm to the end of the Psalm God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and uprightness are declared.  Compare vs. 15 to Deut. 32:4. How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 92? Please listen and see. 

This psalm gives far reaching promises to which few passages of the Bible compare.While people will fall dead all around the righteous, it will not happen to God's people (vs. 7). "No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near you (vs. 10). God's angel will not even let us strick our foot against a stone (vs. 12).Do these words mean that someone who suffers any of the difficulties described has been unfaithful to God? That seems to be the way that Eliphaz uses these kind of pictures when he presents the picture of the righteous in Job 5:17-27. He uses it to accuse Job of sin. Satan quoted these words to Jesus in Matt. 4:6 believing the words exempted Jesus from suffering. I think the use of this passage in Matt. 4:6 shows that we must interpret Psalm 91:11-12 through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The words of Psalm 91 will be fulfilled but we may not see a full working out of this in this life. If we do not see them worked out in this life they will be fullfilled in the life to come in a deeper and richer way than we can imagine.  

The heading speaks of this as the prayer of Moses. Moses is mentioned 8 times in the Psalms and 7 of those 8 are in Psalms 90-106. Psalm 90 stresses The Eternity of God- 90:1-2, 4The Sovereignty of God- 90:3, 5 God holds man's life in His handThe Wrath of God against sin- 90:7, 9, 11. God is also a God of lovingkindness- 90:14This Psalm stresses the brevity of man's life- 90:3, 5-6, 10, 12It stresses that man is frail, weak, and dependent upon GodThe link between sin and death is shown in the earliest chapters of the Bible- Gen. 2:17; 3:19.Romans 5:12-21 and Romans 7:7-25 continually use the words sin and death. But Jesus' death for our sins and His resurrection have made it possible for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life- Romans 5:21; 6:23; 7:25. 

Verses 1-18 praised God and glorified HIm, especially for HIs lovingkindness and faithfulnessVerses 19-37 celebrated God's lovingkindness and faithfulness in the promises to DavidVerses 38-51 But not introduces this section where it does not seem the promises of God have been fulfilledIt seems like what was promised the kings from the line of David has not been fulfilled.89:42 is a good illustration of this.Exalted- God is exalted in 89:13 and the people are exalted by God in 89:16, 17 and the king is exalted in 89:19, 24. But now the adversaries are exalted.Right hand- God's right hand was exalted in 89:13 but right hand of the king is exalted in vs. 25. The right hand of the adversaries are exalted.  Adversaries- The adversaries were to be crushed in vs. 23 but now they are exalted.Jesus answers Psalm 89:38-52He is God's anointed (38, 51), God's servant (39), and He was made an object of reproach (50-51).89:49 The cross and resurrection are the ultimate answer to the questions "Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O LORD, which You swore to David in Your faithfulness?"89:48 Jesus provides an answer to the problem of death.

This psalm is a poetic version of the account in II Sam. 789:1-18 Praised God as incomparable and full of lovingkindness and faithfulness89:19-37 God's promises to David stress His lovingkindness and faithfulnessMany of the things said of the David/ His offspring are things similar to what was said in other royal psalms. 89:23 He will crush His foes militarily- Ps. 2:8-9; 110:1-389:25 I shall also set His hand of the sea- His reign will be universal- Ps. 2:8-9; 72:8-1189:26-27 The Father/Son relationship between God and the king- Ps. 2:789:35, 37 Sun and moon are pictures of the eternal dynasty of David- Ps. 72:5, 7, 17Many of the things said are similar to David's career in Samuel, especially II Sam. 7.Ps. 89:19 vision- II Sam. 7:1789:19 one who is mighty- I Sam. 16:1889:20 I have anointed him- I Sam. 16:1-13; II Sam. 2:1-7; 5:1-589:21 The Hebrew word established - II Sam. 7:12, 13, 1689:24, 28, 33 God's lovingkindness- II Sam. 7:1589:26-27 Father/Son relationship- II Sam. 7:1489:30-32 If his sons are unfaithful then God will punish them but will not take HIs lovingkindness away from him- II Sam. 7:14-15

This Psalm ends Book 3 of the Psalms- Psalms 73-89It is unique in that it moves from praise in vs. 1-18 to lament in vs. 38-52. Most psalms of lament move in the opposite direction- Pss. 13, 22, 31, 69 are examples. Lovingkindness- NASB or steadfast love- ESV is a key word in the Psalm appearing in vs. 1, 2, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49.Faithfulness is also found 7 times in the Psalm- vs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 24, 33, 49.The word forever appears in vs. 1, 2, 4, 28, 29, 36, 37God's lovingkindess and faithfulness are forever displayed in His covenant with David. 89:5-7 Even though people feared death when they saw an angel- Gen. 16:13; 32:3; Exodus 24:9-11; Judges 6:22-24; 13:19-22- the angels are overwhelmed with the presence of God89:8-10 He is incomparable and He rules the seas- Ps. 65:7; 107:2989:14 His throne is built on righteousness and justice and lovingkindness and faithfulness are fundamental to who He is

There is not sadder psalm that Psalm 88it gives an extensive vocabulary of deathSheol- 88:3; Pit- 88:4, 6; Dead/ death- 88:5, 10, 15;  Grave- 88:5, 11; Dark/ darkness- 88:6, 12, 18; shades- 88:10; Abaddon- 88:11; land of forgetfulness- 88:12He describes God as being behind his problems- 88;6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18Lessons from Psalm 881. Some suffering in this life may never end2. He does not give up on God and continues to pray3. It makes us long for God's blessings and eternityJesus as an answer to Psalm 88While Psalm 88 is not quoted in the NT and applied to Jesus, in many ways Jesus lived out the experiences of the author of Psalm 88.   88:3 He is full of troubles- Mark 14:33-3488:5 He was cut off from the land of the living- Isaiah 53:888:8, 18 He was shunned by those closest to Him- Mark 14:50-5288:18 Darkness was his companion- Mark 15:3388:10-12 The resurrection of Jesus transforms the questions expecting a no answer to a yes answer. 

It is a psalm of the sons of Korah87:3 The psalm emphasizes the city of God as does Psalm 46:4 and 48:1, 2, 8, 8.Notice the emphasis on those who were born in the city in 87:4, 5, 6. This city also clearly refers to a people who know God- 87:487:4 Rahab in this verse is tied to Egypt and proof of that word used is found in Isaiah 27:1; 51:9-11. God's people will include people from far away superpowers like Egypt and Babylon. God's people will include people from persistent enemies like the Philistines and trading powers like Tyre. Cush or Ethiopia was viewed as the most distant of nations and they will be among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.87:5 The LXX speaks of Zion as "my mother" in Gal. 4:26 contrast the "the Jerusalem above" with "the present Jerusalem" in Gal. 4:25.87:6 God will write down the name of the citizens of the city- Isa. 4:3; Ezek. 13:9Book III of the Psalms (73-89) have often pictured Jerusalem in ruins after the 587 BC destruction. Notice especially Ps. 74:1-7 and Ps. 79:1-4. The physical Jerusalem was sometimes destroyed because of her sin, but the spiritual ideal of a city built by God still existed- Hebrews 11:10; 13:14.Babel is a picture of men seeking to build a city without God- Gen. 11:1-9- in contrast to God's city build by Him for His people. Revelation 17-22 ends as a tale of two cities, contrasting Babylon the harlot with Jerusalem the bride. Zion in the New TestamentMatt. 21:5John 12:15Romans 9:33; 11:26Hebrews 12:22I Peter 2:6 Revelation 14:1

This psalm focuses on GodThe name Adonai is used and translated Lord in 86:3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15.The name Yahweh is used and translated LORD in 86:1, 6, 11, 17.The word Elohim is used and translated God in 86:2, 10, 12, 14 and gods in 86:8.The word El is used and translated God in 86:15.The personal pronoun You is used of God in 86:2, 5, 10, 10, 15, 17.Whatever else Psalm 86 is about, it is first and foremost about God. 86:1-7 He cries and begs for God to hear86:8-13 There is no one like God86:14-17 He pours out his crisis and begs God's deliverance. The description of God in 86:5 and in a fuller way in 86:15 is one of the most frequently repeated statements about God in the OT- Exodus 34:6-7; Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17, 31;  Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 86?

Notice what the Psalm says about the nature of God-85:3-5 speaks of God's fury, burning anger, indignation, angry, anger85:7, 10 God's lovingkindness 85:10, 11 God's truth or faithfulness85:10, 11, 13 God's righteousness 85:8, 10 speaks of God's peaceThe word   שוב in Hebrew used twice in vs. 1 and translated in the NASB "restore of captivty." It is used in vs. 3 and translated "turned away." In vs. 4 it is translated "Restore" and "again" in vs. 6 and in vs. 8 "turned back."How does Jesus fulfill the words of Psalm 85?85:9 Through Jesus God's glory dwelt among men- John 1:1485:2 Through the cross God's forgives our iniquity and covers all our sins and 85:7 grants us salvation85:8 Peace was spoken at His birth- Luke 2:14- at His resurrection- John 20:19, 21, 2685:10 God's lovingkindness and fatihfulness meet in Christ and the cross85:10 God's righteousness and peace kiss in Christ and the cross

Name is a key idea in the Psalm appearing in vs. 4, 16, 18. vs. 1-5 Petition to God in the midst of crisisThe enemies are God's enemies in vs. 2, 5They are enemies of Israel in vs. 3-4vs. 6-8 A roll call of the enemiesThese 10 groups seem to represent Israel's enemies past and presentvs. 9-12 Deal with them as You dealt with the enemies of Your people in the days of the judgesJabin and Sisera- Judges 4-5Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna- Judges 7-8Interestingly, the judges are not mentioned. The emphasis is on God and HIs deliverance.vs. 13-18 Bring judgment upon them that all may seek YouThose who sought to destroy the name of Israel (vs. 4) and now called upon to seek the name of the LORD (vs. 16)  and it is the LORD's name who is exalted in all the earth (vs. 18).

The first podcast on Psalm 82 dealt with the question of who are the "gods" or "judges" of vs. 1 in whose midst God rules.82:2-4 How long will you continue to judge unjustly? vs. 3-4 use four imperatives to describe what the judges should have done.vs. 3-4 some six terms are used to describe those who should have been the objects of the judges' mercy.82:6 I said "You are gods"82:7 These gods are told that they will die like menLet apply this to our interpretation of vs. 1.What is it speaks of pagan gods?The problem, Is the true God affirming the reality of the pagan gods?What if it speaks of wicked angels or spirits? Is this then a reference to the fact that judgment will fall upon wicked spirits and angels- Matt. 25:41; II Peter 2:4; Jude 6What if it speaks of human judges? If it does, would the fact they would die even need to be said? Apparently yes if we look at Isaiah 14:3-21 and Ezekiel 28:1-10.82:8 All dominion belongs to GodJohn 10:34 quotes Psalm 82:6. Jesus is charged with blasphemy "in making Himself out to be God."  The Father sanctified and sent the Son into the world- John 10:36.How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 82?82:1 He is judges of all- John 5:22-2782:4 He rescues- Gal. 1:4- and delivers- Col. 1:1382:4 Jesus brings mercy to the weak and poor- Isaiah 11:1-5; Matt. 5:3; 11:5; Luke 4:18; 6:2082:6-7 He dies like man- Heb. 2:982:8 He arises- Mark 8:31; 9:9-10, 32; 10:3482:5 His death and resurrection shake the earth- Matt. 27:51; 28:2

This psalm moves from lament to praise. There are no mentions of enemies in Psalm 77 and only a brief mention of troubles in vs. 2. However, his trials must have been intense for they lead him to question if God is who He revealed Himself to be. In vs. 7-9 what has happened to God's lovingkindness,  grace, and compassion. These are terms by which God reveals HImself in Exodus 34:6-7. The words of Exodus 34:6-7 are basically repeated in the Psalms in 86:5, 15; 103:8; 145:8. Is God who He said He was??The exodus is the answer in vs. 11-20. The exodus is proof for all people of all time that God delivers those who trust HIm. 

Have you ever asked why or how long? Writers in the Bible did as well. In this podcast we say a few more words of explanation on 74:12-17.We make some vocabulary connections between Psalm 73 and Psalm 74"sanctuary" in 73:17; 74:3, 7"violence" in 73:6; 74:20"right hand" in 73:23; 74:11"ruins" in 73:18; 74:3How does Jesus answer Psalm 73 and Psalm 74?74:9 the words "signs" and "prophet"74:10, 18 Jesus reviled and spurned74:12 My King74:2 RedeemedThese are some ways.

Why? How long? These questions did not begin to be asked but they have been asked continually throughout history. These question are asked even in God's book.  Psalm 74 is one example of this.Psalm 74 is a national lament. Psalms 44, 79, 89, 137 show great similarities. The book of Lamentations contains many such laments. It is hard for us to imagine the grief of the people when the Babylonians invaded their land and killed some with the sword and starved others in a siege. The lost their land, their king, and their temple and many were asking why? 74:1-3 Will Your anger burn forever,  O God?74:4-8 The horrible scene at the destruction of God's house74:9-11 Why does God withhold His judgment when He could destroy His foe in a moment?74:12-17 God is praised in that He performs mighty acts of power74:18-23 Remember the wicked and do not forget Your people?

This opens book 3 of the Psalms. The writer acknowledges that he almost lost his faith at the prosperity of the wicked. 73:1-14 The writer struggles to believe that God is good73:2 But as for me- This phrase is actually a word in Hebrew that begins vs. 2, 22, 23, 28.73:3 The Bible warns against being envious of the wicked- Ps. 37:1-2; Prov. 23:1973:4-5 Their life seems care free and trouble free73:8-9, 11 But they are defiant of God 73:6, 8 They mistreat others73:13-14 What does it pay to serve God?73:15-20 The Light breaks through as he turns to worship God73:17 This is the turning point of Psalm 73 and some have described it as the turning point of the entire book.  73:18-20 The wicked are not as secure as it might seem73:21-28 He sees that he has a blessing that the wicked do not have. God Himself is the greatest blessing of all.73:25-26 What blessing compares with God Himself??73:28 Notice how the psalm ends much as it began- vs. 1.

This psalm speaks of an ideal king72:1-4, 12-14 The king does justice and righteousness.He cares for the weakest and most defenseless.72:8-11 His reign is universal72:5-7, 15-17 Prosperity and blessing will be in his time and the people bless him that his reign will be forever72:18=20. A doxology closes this second book of the Psalms.Book 1- Psalms 1-41Book 2- Psalms 42-72Book 3- Psalms 73-89Book 4- Psalms 90-106Book 5- Psalms 107-150David (II Sam. 8:15-18); Solomon (I Kings 10:9); and Josiah (Jer. 22:15-16) were said to do justice and righteousness. But none of them lived up to all that was in the psalm. The last king of Judah was captured, his sons were killed before him, and then his eyes were put out. What about the universal reign of 72:8-11?The Jewish people continued to keep this psalm and to read it and it inspired hope of a king who would come. It gave them hope of a Messiah.Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this king above all kings. 

God is begged to help and deliver in vs. 1, 5The enemies are described in vs. 2-3The faithful are pictured in vs. 4Notice some contrasts between the wicked and the righteous vs. 2 The wicked seek his life, while in vs. 4 the righteous seek Godvs. 2 The wicked delight in David's hurt, while in vs. 4 the faithful love His salvationvs. 3 The evil men say, "Aha, Aha", while in vs. 4 the godly say,  "The Lord be magnified."

A new podcast. The first on Psalm 69 just emphasized the text itself. This podcast focuses on Jesus and the New Testament and what they say about the fulfillment of the Psalm. Psalm 69 is one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the NT.69:4 hated me without a cause- John 15:2569:9 For zeal for Your house consumed me- John 2:1769:9 The reproaches of those who reproached You feel on Me- Romans 15:369:21 John 19:-28-30 does not quote but seems to allude to this passage.69:22-23 is quoted in Romans 11:8-1069:25 is quoted in Acts 1:20 and applied to Judas.This psalm however is not simply a prophecy of Jesus because there are words here that Jesus could not have uttered- 69:5 for example.What does that mean for our understanding of Scripture?? 

This psalm will pick up the discussion of the psalm, Psalm 68, picking up around vs. 21. If you have not listened to Part 1 of the Psalm, let me encourage you to do so.Much of the podcast will focus on how Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 68. 

This brief Psalm pictures all nations and peoples praising God.The Psalm is built on the promises of God to Abraham to bless all nations through him and his descendants (Gen. 12:1-3; 22:18) and the blessing the priests pronounced (Numbers 6:24-26).The nations are not viewed as hostile like Psalm 2:1 or asking God to judge them like Psalm 59:5, but instead it pictures the nations praising God because of the blessings that His people receive. God is praised because He judges the nations with uprightness (4), and guides them (4), and because He blesses HIs people (6). Jesus and Psalm 67Jesus is the ultimate display of the light of God's face shining upon us- II Corinthians 4:6; John 1:1-5.Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promises of God to Abraham- Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:7-8, 16, 26-29Through Jesus the nations praise God- Psalm 117:1 is quoted in Romans 15:11 as we see Jews and Gentiles praising God together. Revelation 5:9; 7;9-10.

This psalm consists of a prayer for help- 64:1-2- A description of the enemy- 64:3-6- and a dramatic intervention by God- 64:7-10.Key words:hide- 64:2, 4 compare vs. 2 with  II Kings 11:2; II Chron. 22:11. tongue- 64:3, 8arrow- 64:3, 7shoot- 64:4, 7blameless- 64:4, 6suddenly- 64:4, 7see- 64:5, 8fear- 64:4, 9Also listen for how Jesus fulfills the Psalm. 

Psalm 63  David in the wilderness of Judea discusses his thirst, his longing for God.He praises God- vs. 3, 5- He blesses God- vs. 4- He meditates on Him- vs. 6- sings for joy- vs. 7- clings to Him- vs. 8Jesus fulfills Psalm 63. Please listen to how.

This is David's great confession after his sin with BathshebaThe historical event is recorded in II Sam. 11-12. We read more of David's grief over his sin in this psalm. It will take us more than one podcast to cover it. 

This is sometimes called a Zion psalm.This psalm focuses on the city- 48:1, 2, 8, 8- Mt. Zion- 48:2, 11- Zion- 48:12- temple- 48:9.But the ultimate focus of the city is on God- His greatness- 48:1- His protection- 48:3- HIs lovingkindness, righteousness, and justice- 48:9-11- His presence- 48:13-14. The praise of the city is the praise of the God who dwells there. The city of Jerusalem represents something bigger. Gal. 4:26 speaks of the Jerusalem which is above.  Hebrews 11:10; 13:14 talks of a quest for a city whose builder and maker is God.  Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10, 14 pictures the "new Jerusalem." This small capital represents God dwelling with man.All that was intended by the city and the temple is fulfilled in Jesus- John 1:14; 2:19-22; 4:19-26.

This is the first of eleven national laments in the book of Psalms. 44:1-8 Israel's Glorious PastThe word save is used in vs. 3, 6, 7. They did not win the land of Canaan nor their great victories in the past by their own power but by God's. The phrase "all day long" is going to be used in vs.  8, 15, 22.44:9-16 Israel's Miserable PresentNothing in vs. 1-8 prepared us for the dramatic shift in vs. 9-16.44:17-22 Their Protest of InnocenceNo other psalm make such claims of national fidelity like this one.vs. 17-18 The people state their loyalty to Godvs. 19 They talk of the pain they experienced44:23-26 Israel begs God to take actionThis is a call for God to awake from His "Sleep" and act. Jesus and Psalm 44He saved us by His power- vs. 1-8; Eph. 2:1-10; II Tim. 1:9He is our King- John 19:19-22Any horrible experience of suffering Israel described in vs. 9-16 has some comparison to His experiences on the cross. If any could ever protest their innocence like we see in vs. 17-22, it was Jesus. Verses 23-26 remind us of Jesus sleeping on the boat in Mark 4:35-41.Because Jesus was led as a "Sheep to the slaughter" Isaiah 53:7, through His death and resurrection we become conquerers- Romans 8:35-37.

Three main points that we make in this our third podcast on Psalm 35.1. Jesus experienced the pain and suffering David spoke of on a level deeper than he ever didSee vs. 7, 11, 12, 15 especially2. Jesus did not curse because of this suffering but He called for a blessing insteadThis is not to criticize imprecatory prayers, but it is to say that is not what Jesus engaged in.Jesus took the curse upon Himself- Galatians 3:13/ Deuteronomy 21:22-23Jesus called for mercy for those who tormented Him- Luke 23:343. Jesus fulfills Psalm 35 via HIs death and resurrection35:13 Jesus humbled Himself- Philippians 2:835:9, 27 rejoicing at His deliverance- The words in the Greek translation of the OT are used in Acts 2:26 to speak of rejoicing at Jesus' resurrection.35:25 In His deliverance, HIs resurrection, Jesus swallowed up death- I Corinthians 15:54; II Corinthians 5:4.

This psalm describes  David's struggle with unconfessed sin and then the joys of forgiveness when he humbled himself before God.1. The burden of sin- 32:3-5His bones have wasted away and he is groaning- 32:3His pain is perpetual- 32:3 "all day long" and 32:4 "Day and night"The hand of the LORD is heavy against him- Ruth 1:13; I Sam. 5:6, 7, 9. The hand of the LORD that David looked to in 31:5, 15 is now pressing against him heavily. This is not God's fault but it is David. His strength is dried up- 32:4Are you carrying this heavy burden?2. The blessings of forgiveness- 32:1-2Three different terms for evil are used- transgression, sin, and iniquityThree different terms for forgiveness are used- forgiven, covered, not imputed or not countedThree different terms for confession are used- acknowledged, did not hide, confessedGod is more willing to forgiven than we are to confess- 32:53. The mood changes at 32:6 and he calls on all to learn the lesson from this.pray to God in a day when He may be found- 32:6Do not be like the horse who has to be beaten to be kept on the right path- 32:9Contrast the wicked- 32:10- and the righteous- 32:11. The righteous rejoice at God's salvation. 

The Power of God in the thunderstormThe psalm speaks of the LORD 18 times and the "voice of the LORD" 7 times. The Canaanites believed that Baal controlled the storm and the lightning. But the things that psalms attributes to Baal, the Bible attributes to YHWH. The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is about who controls these the storm, the lightning, and the weath. 29:1-2 A Call to Praise God29:3-9 The glory of God in the thunderstorm29:10-11 The LORD as King foreverJesus fulfills Psalm 29The "voice of the LORD"  could be tied with Jesus as the Word- John 1:1The heavenly being- ESV- praising God in vs. 1-2 finds fulfillment in Luke 2:10-11.Jesus demonstrates His control of the storm in Mark 4:35-41Jesus walks on the water in Mark 6:45-52 and shows His control over the elements.Jesus can turn water into wine- John 2:1-11. 

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? These bold words introduce this psalm. 27:1-6 sound more like a psalm of confidence or praise 27:7-14 sound more like an individual lament as David pours out his problems to GodSome have suggested that these were originally two different psalms. However, a common vocabulary ties the portions of this psalm together: "God of my salvation" vs. 1, 9; "adversaries" or "foes" in vs. 2, 12; "heart" in vs. 3, 8, 14; "seek" in . 4, 8, 9. These are some of the common links in the psalm. Two verses that stand out to me are verses 4, 10.In vs. 4 he desires to be in the house of the LORD more than he desires anything else.In vs. 10 he asserts that the LORD will not forsake him. The LORD is more reliable than the most certain cases of human love. So he affirms his desire not to forsake God on the basis of his knowledge that God will not forsake him.