psalms, book 1 - ox brook · · 2011-07-22manner whatsoever without written permission except in...

Psalms,Book 1

(Psalms 1 - 41)

Study Outline

Jeff Blake

Copyright © 2010-2011by

Jeff BlakeOx Brook Ministries

http://www.oxbrook.org/

All Rights Reserved.No part of this book may be used or reproduced for commercial purposes in any

manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All printed copies require that a royalty payment be made toJeff Blake, Ox Brook Ministries

in accordance with the schedule found at the above web site.

Most Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version®Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures taken from the Modern King James Version of the Holy BibleCopyright © 1962-1998

By Jay P. Green, Sr.Used by permission of the copyright holder

Courtesy of Sovereign Grace Publishers and Christian Literature World

This edition:22 July 2011

I am sincerely grateful to Chuck Missler(Koinonia House -- www.khouse.org)

for lighting a fire under me regarding God's Word.

The Holy Spirit used his uncompromising, scholarly, and in-depth approach to Bible Study to speak to me in a way that has never happened before.

Within me has now been ingrained a passion to know and understand the Bible, to deeply respect and honor it for what it is, and to treat it very seriously because

it is indeed the very Words of God.

Table of ContentsLesson 1: Introduction + Psalm 1..................................................................................................................................1Lesson 2: Psalms 2-3......................................................................................................................................................5Lesson 3: Psalms 4-6......................................................................................................................................................9Lesson 4: Psalms 7-9....................................................................................................................................................13Lesson 5: Psalms 10-13................................................................................................................................................17Lesson 6: Psalms 14-16................................................................................................................................................21Lesson 7: Psalms 17-18................................................................................................................................................25Lesson 8: Psalms 19-21................................................................................................................................................29Lesson 9: Psalms 22-23................................................................................................................................................33Lesson 10: Psalms 24-25..............................................................................................................................................39Lesson 11: Psalms 26-28..............................................................................................................................................43Lesson 12: Psalms 29-30..............................................................................................................................................47Lesson 13: Psalms 31-32..............................................................................................................................................49Lesson 14: Psalms 33-34..............................................................................................................................................53Lesson 15: Psalms 35-36..............................................................................................................................................57Lesson 16: Psalm 37....................................................................................................................................................61Lesson 17: Psalm 38-39...............................................................................................................................................65Lesson 18: Psalm 40-41...............................................................................................................................................67

These notes were written for use in our Home Bible Study. They were developed to encourage a regular verse-by-verse study of the Bible: this is the best way to immerse ourselves in God's Word. It needs to be read and studied "c-2-c", that is, "cover-to-cover." We need to involve ourselves with the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), not just the popular or favorite passages.

In addition, it is essential to document how the Lord speaks and instructs us as we study His Word. We are responsible to know His Word, and make it a part of our everyday life.

These notes are being made available to encourage you to engage in a daily, personal, and serious study of God's Word.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." -- Psalm 119:11

"I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was broken down." -- Proverbs 24:30-31

"Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks." -- Ecclesiastes 10:18

Lesson 1: Introduction + Psalm 1

I. IntroductionA. although it's one large book in our English Bibles, it's actually 5 books or compilations

1. Book 1: Psalms 1-412. Book 2: Psalms 42-723. Book 3: Psalms 73-894. Book 4: Psalms 90-1065. Book 5: Psalms 107-150

B. each Book ends in a doxology, with Psalm 150 being entirely a doxology1. doxology = a hymn of praise to God, giving glory to Him

C. some think that each Book was deliberately compiled to correspond to a book of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament)

D. the Psalms are poetry, but not like the modern rhyme or meter that we're more accustomed to1. in some of them the structure makes more sense in the original Hebrew

a. for example, Psalms 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145 are acrostics, each verse begins with a different Hebrew consonant in order of the Hebrew alphabet(i) each 8-verse stanza of Psalm 119 begins with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet

2. many were intended to be sung3. many were intended to be accompanied by musical instruments

E. they were validated by Jesus1. "How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? Now David himself said in the Book of

Psalms: 'the Lord said to my Lord, "sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool." ' " -- Luke 20:41-43

2. "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." -- Luke 24:44

F. 116 of them have titles1. from this we know the authors of about 2/3 of them2. titles are more frequent in the first 3 Books

G. many different human authors1. David wrote 73

a. some feel that he wrote more2. Asaph wrote about 12

a. Psalms 50, 73-83b. one of David's three chief musicians, the other two being Heman and Ethan (or Jeduthun)

3. the sons of Korah wrote about 12a. Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, 88

(i) we can't be sure about Psalm 434. Solomon wrote 2

a. Psalms 72, 127b. he wrote 1005 songs: 1 Kings 4:32

5. Moses wrote 1a. Psalm 90

6. Heman wrote 1a. Psalm 88

7. Ethan wrote 1a. Psalm 89

8. the remaining 48 are anonymousa. it's commonly believed that Ezra wrote some

H. it's thought that David was the originator of worship music, or was at least deeply involved1. 1 Chronicles 15:16-19; 25:1-72. 2 Chronicles 7:63. 2 Samuel 6:54. "On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the

LORD" -- 1 Chronicles 16:7

© Jeff Blake 1 http://www.oxbrook.org/

5. "The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets... the song of the LORD also began, with the trumpets and with the instruments of David king of Israel... King Hezekiah and the leaders commanded the Levites to sing praise to the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph..." -- 2 Chronicles 29:26-30a. King Hezekiah re-instituted the use of the Psalms

6. "...the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel." -- Ezra 3:10

7. hence it's no surprise that about half of the Psalms were written by him8. David might have been the first to work on this compilation

a. the highest density of David's Psalms are in the first 2 Books(i) Book 1: 37(ii) Book 2: 18

- "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." -- Psalm 72:20(iii) Book 3: 1(iv) Book 4: 2(v) Book 5: 15

b. there's no reason to think that the original order has been preservedc. it's commonly felt that nothing from David appears that was written prior to his anointing as king

I. from knowing some of the authors it's determined that the Psalms were written over the course of about 1000 years1. from the time of Moses (Psalm 90, c. 1410 B.C.) to the post-Babylonian exile period of the 6th or 5th

century B.C. (Psalm 126)J. Israel's first song, hymn, or psalm was Exodus 15:1-21

1. compare Exodus 15:2 with Psalm 118:142. compare Exodus 15:3 with Psalm 24:83. compare Exodus 15:4 with Psalm 136:154. compare Exodus 15:11 with Psalms 77:14; 86:8; 89:75. compare Exodus 15:13, 17 with Psalm 78:546. Deuteronomy 32:1-43 is also a song

K. according to the Talmuds, during the time of the 2nd Temple each day of the week had its own Psalm1. Sunday: Psalm 24 (see title in the LXX)2. Monday: Psalm 48 (see title in the LXX)3. Tuesday: Psalm 824. Wednesday: Psalm 94 (see title in LXX)5. Thursday: Psalm 816. Friday: Psalm 93 (see title in LXX)7. Saturday: Psalm 92 (see title in LXX)

L. in summary, we have here a very precious and valuable compilation!

II. Psalm 1A. "Blessed": Psalm 1:1

1. "blessed" = happiness; "how happy!"2. in the original language this word is actually plural

a. as if to say, "How happy, happy, happy is the man who doesn't..." and "...who does..."3. Jesus opened the Sermon on the Mount with numerous blessings

a. "Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed... Blessed..." -- Matthew 5:3-12

4. Jesus often repeated Himself to make a point by saying, "Verily, Verily, I say to you..."B. a warning against following the 3-step downward progression of the ungodly: Psalm 1:1

1. don't "walk" with the counsel of the ungodlya. don't run with the wrong crowdb. "My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path" -- Proverbs 1:15c. "So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels." -- Psalm 81:12

2. don't "stand" in the path of sinnersa. their ungodliness has become habitualb. don't associate with the wrong peoplec. don't stand up and be counted with them


d. "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." -- Proverbs 4:19

3. don't "sit" with the scornfula. the ungodly have sunk to the point of ridiculing the godlyb. they've become entrenched in their sinful waysc. don't become like the evil ones, encouraging and recruiting othersd. don't join them in their beliefse. "I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly

of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked." -- Psalm 26:4-5f. "scornful" = scoff, deride, mock; talk arrogantly, boast, to be inflated; to interpret

(i) "A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke." -- Proverbs 13:1

(ii) "A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands." -- Proverbs 14:6

(iii) "Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor." -- Proverbs 14:9(iv) "A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise." -- Proverbs 15:12(v) "A proud and haughty man--"Scoffer" is his name; he acts with arrogant pride."

-- Proverbs 21:24g. "...the apostles... told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according

to their own ungodly lusts." -- Jude 1:17-184. "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.' " -- 1 Corinthians 15:335. "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."

-- Proverbs 13:206. "We are known by the company we keep"7. very similar to the 3-phase downward progression of Romans 1:18-32

a. "God... gave them up... for this reason God gave them up... God gave them over...8. sin can be its own punishment

a. "Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you..." -- Jeremiah 2:19b. "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners."

-- Proverbs 1:19c. "His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin."

-- Proverbs 5:22d. Psalms 7:14-16; 9:15-16e. Isaiah 3:9

C. the happy person delights himself in the laws of God: Psalm 1:2a1. "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" -- Psalm 19:82. "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!" -- Psalm 119:23. "I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches." -- Psalm 119:144. "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." -- Psalm 119:245. "And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love." -- Psalm 119:476. "...I delight in Your law." -- Psalm 119:707. "Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight." -- Psalm 119:778. "Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction." -- Psalm 119:929. "Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart."

-- Psalm 119:11110. "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure." -- Psalm 119:16211. "Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" -- Jeremiah 15:1612. "For I delight in the law of God..." -- Romans 7:22

D. the happy person meditates on the laws of God: Psalm 1:2b1. "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways." -- Psalm 119:152. "My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your

statutes." -- Psalm 119:483. "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." -- Psalm 119:974. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night,

that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." -- Joshua 1:8


5. "When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches." -- Psalm 63:6a. when we can't sleep, or we wake up during the night, where do our thoughts go?!

6. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." -- Psalm 119:117. "Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all."

-- 1 Timothy 4:15E. the godly will have strength, stability, and fruitfulness: Psalm 1:3

1. they will be deliberately planted, cultivated, and well-cared for2. "For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not

fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." -- Jeremiah 17:8

3. if we're doing the things the Lord has directed, it will be blessed and fruitful4. withering is a result of a lack of water or nutrition

F. the ungodly have no stability: Psalm 1:41. chaff is the unwanted refuse or husks of grain

a. the grain is tossed up into the air and the wind blows the lighter husks and refuse away2. the ungodly are easily led astray3. "Therefore they shall be like the morning cloud and like the early dew that passes away, like chaff

blown off from a threshing floor and like smoke from a chimney." -- Hosea 13:34. "They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds" -- Jude 1:125. "Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be

established" -- Hebrews 13:9a. "established" = stabilized; have a good footing or foundation

G. the ungodly will be helpless when standing before God in judgment: Psalm 1:5a1. the Parable of the Tares (false wheat): Matthew 13:24-30

a. "...at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, 'First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.' " -- Matthew 13:30

2. "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." -- Matthew 3:12

3. "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire." -- Luke 3:17

H. sinners won't be found among the righteous: Psalm 1:5bI. God approves of the righteous life: Psalm 1:6a

1. "The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever." -- Psalm 37:182. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way." -- Psalm 37:233. "Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me." -- Psalm 119:1334. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." -- Proverbs 14:12

J. the way of the ungodly will not last: Psalm 1:6b1. "But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall

vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away." -- Psalm 37:20


Lesson 2: Psalms 2-3

I. Psalm 2A. a Messianic Psalm

1. it speaks of the Messiah, Jesus Christ2. we can see the interaction between each member of the Godhead or Trinity

B. human rebellion against God: Psalm 2:1-31. people are in a rage against God: Psalm 2:1a

a. "rage" = to be tumultuous; to be in a tumult or commotion; to conspire, plotb. their plotting can be violentc. their conspiracy can be troubling

2. people are plotting foolish things: Psalm 2:1ba. "plot" = to murmur, ponder, imagine, meditate, mutter, speak, talk, deviseb. "vain thing" = emptiness, worthlessc. they're carefully spending their time thinking about useless things

(i) such as evolution, that we accidentally came from "nothing"d. this is not just a reckless, careless, or casual denial of God: they're really working at it!

(i) ignoring God won't make Him go awaye. they come up with many different things to make excuses for their own actions based on their evil

desires(i) "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own

desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." -- 2 Timothy 4:3-4

f. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." -- Isaiah 55:2

3. even rulers will rebel against God: Psalm 2:2-3a. including being against God's Anointed, Jesus Christb. they don't want God's direction and will: Psalm 2:3

(i) they don't want His Word(ii) "...we will not have this man to reign over us." -- Luke 19:14(iii) "separation of church and state"

c. this is an active result of their will, not just a passive result4. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." -- Proverbs 14:12

C. God the Father's reaction: Psalm 2:4-61. God will laugh at them: Psalm 2:4a

a. "laugh" = laugh, mock, scorn; to laugh mockinglyb. He knows how absurd and irrational their rebellion is

2. He will mock them: Psalm 2:4ba. "derision" = to mock, deride, ridicule, scoffb. "Jehovah shall mock at them." (MKJV)c. "But You, O Jehovah, shall laugh at them; You will mock at all the nations." -- Psalm 59:8 (MKJV)d. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

-- Galatians 6:73. it's as if God is saying, "What are you, nuts?!"4. God is not unjust in His mocking them: they mocked first5. "He laughs at the defiant ones, for between them and Him there is an infinite distance; He derides them

by allowing the boundless stupidity of the infinitely little one to come to a climax and then He thrusts him down to the earth undeceived. This climax, the extreme limit of the divine forbearance, is determined by the ['then']" (Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)

6. God brings judgment: Psalm 2:5a. God allows their rebellion up to a certain point, but "Then..."b. the earth will fight against Jesus when He returns: Revelation 19:19


c. "Why is Your apparel red, and Your garments like one who treads in the winepress? 'I have trodden the winepress alone... I have trodden them in My anger, and trampled them in My fury; their blood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My robes. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come... I have trodden down the peoples in My anger, made them drunk in My fury, and brought down their strength to the earth.' " -- Isaiah 63:2-6

7. God sets up His King: Psalm 2:6a. "set" = to pour out; to cast metal images; to anoint (a king); to be anointedb. it's so certain that it's just as if it's already done

(i) this use of the present or past tense in prophecy is common because it's so certainc. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His

shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." -- Isaiah 9:6-7

d. "Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion..." -- Revelation 14:1D. Jesus' response: Psalm 2:7-9

1. Jesus is quoting what God the Father said to Him2. God the Son will be the Christ, the chosen or anointed one: Psalm 2:7

a. the Bible uses concepts we can understand, such as the father and son relationship, to explain how the Godhead is working

b. at some point God the Father made a decision, and/or there was an agreement between the 3 of them about what will be happening regarding creation, humanity, and the redemption from sin

c. everything was planned out in advance, before the world began, including the sacrifice of Jesus(i) "He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world..." -- 1 Peter 1:20(ii) "according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord"

-- Ephesians 3:11(iii) "[God] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but

according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" -- 2 Timothy 1:9

(iv) "...eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" -- Titus 1:2(v) "...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" -- Revelation 13:8(vi) Ephesians 1:4; 3:9(vii)Colossians 1:26

d. "And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' " -- Matthew 3:17

e. "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!' " -- Matthew 17:5

f. "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him." -- John 1:18

g. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." -- John 3:16

3. Jesus will be given the creation: Psalm 2:8a. He will redeem it from the curse of sin

4. Jesus will rule the earth: Psalm 2:9a. He will "rule them with a rod of iron" (LXX)b. this probably refers to the Millennial Kingdom that immediately follows the Great Tribulationc. this will be somewhat of a forced rule: even though Satan has been bound for this 1000 years

people will still have the sin nature, and they will have to be forced to obey Godd. "He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels"

-- Revelation 2:27e. "She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron..." -- Revelation 12:5f. the Sheep and the Goat Judgments: Matthew 25:31-46


E. the Holy Spirit's response: Psalm 2:10-121. this is an opportunity to repent from their rebellion2. this is a demonstration of grace and mercy3. it's commonly believed that "Kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:12) should probably be "Embrace discipline"4. there are 5 commands the rebellious need to follow: "be wise... be instructed... serve the Lord...

rejoice... embrace discipline..."a. we should follow them too!

5. again we're reminded that those who put their trust in God will be blessed: Psalm 1:12b

II. Psalm 3A. from the title we learn that this was written by David when he was being pursued by his son AbsalomB. the account of David and Absalom is in 2 Samuel 15-18C. many had sided with his son Absalom, and the numbers were growing: 2 Samuel 15:12-13D. having a rebellious son such that the father had to run for his life must have been incredibly heartbreakingE. this is the first Psalm where we see the term "Selah"

1. the precise meaning is not known2. it may simply be a rest, a pause in the music, perhaps a time to reflect on what was just played or sung3. or it may be an alert to pay attention to what is coming, for what is coming is very important4. or perhaps it was an indication to change key or tempo

F. the odds are stacked against David: Psalm 3:1-21. David had a lot of enemies: Psalm 3:1

a. do we have a lot of enemies?2. David's adversaries taunted David about his faith in God: Psalm 3:2

a. are we taunted by the secular world for our faith?b. are we taunted by religious people for our faith?c. how do we respond to taunting?

G. David finds comfort in the Lord: Psalm 3:3-61. David realized that God was protecting him: Psalm 3:3

a. do we realize that the Lord defends us?(i) we have no idea what is going on behind the scenes for our benefit and protection

2. David looked to the glory of the Lord, not his own glory: Psalm 3:3a. do we only glory in the Lord, allowing Him to exalt us?b. "Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips."

-- Proverbs 27:23. God encouraged David: Psalm 3:3

a. do we get encouragement from Him?b. or do we even allow Him to?

4. how confident are we in the Lord?5. do we find the kind of comfort David had in the Lord?6. David prayed out loud to God: Psalm 3:4

a. do we?!b. helps us to organize our thoughtsc. helps us admit and face things

7. David was comfortable enough in God's provision that he was able to sleep: Psalm 3:5a. he acknowledged that it was Godb. he had no anxiety, but was certainly not presumptuous

8. David put his entire trust in God: Psalm 3:6H. David's prayer for deliverance: Psalm 3:7-8

1. he calls on only the Lord for his deliverance: Psalm 3:72. only He can deliver him: Psalm 3:8



I. Psalm 4A. a Psalm of DavidB. some call this an evening prayerC. this is the first one written to "the Chief Musician"

1. stringed instruments were intended to be usedD. David praises God for His righteousness: Psalm 4:1a

1. only God can supply righteousnessE. God has comforted David: Psalm 4:1b

1. "relieved" = to enlarge2. "distress" = narrow; a tight place such as being in trouble3. when things were pressing in on David it was God that pushed them back

F. David asks God to be gracious to him: Psalm 4:1c1. "have mercy" = "be gracious to me"

G. David's adversaries' plans versus God's plans: Psalm 4:2-31. they were seeking to bring David to shame: Psalm 4:2

a. they love worthlessness(i) "worthlessness" = emptiness; something that has no purpose(ii) "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." -- Isaiah 55:2

b. they love deception(i) they may have been lying about him(ii) "You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and

deceitful man." -- Psalm 5:62. God will exalt the godly: Psalm 4:3

a. "the Lord has done wondrous things for his holy one" (LXX)b. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of

evil, to give you a future and a hope." -- Jeremiah 29:11c. "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them;

so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. 'They shall be Mine,' says the LORD of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.' Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." -- Malachi 3:16-18

d. "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." -- Psalm 34:15e. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." -- Psalm 66:18f. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His

delight." -- Proverbs 15:8g. "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." -- Proverbs 15:29h. "Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His

will, He hears him." -- John 9:31i. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done

for you." -- John 15:7j. "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

-- James 4:3k. "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those

things that are pleasing in His sight." -- 1 John 3:22H. call to godliness: Psalm 4:4-5

1. we are to fear God: Psalm 4:4aa. "be angry" = be afraid, stand in aweb. respecting who God is will keep us from sinning

2. we are to meditate on God's Word: Psalm 4:4ba. "...his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." -- Psalm 1:2b. "When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches." -- Psalm 63:6


c. "I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search." -- Psalm 77:6

d. when we can't sleep, or we wake up during the night, where do our thoughts go?!3. trust in the Lord for our salvation and righteousness: Psalm 4:5

I. response to the unbelievers, skeptics, and scoffers: Psalm 4:6-81. there are people who scoff at the Lord: Psalm 4:6a

a. sounds like Psalm 3:2b. there might even have been doubters among David's men

2. David asks God to shine Himself more and more to show Himself to us and to others: Psalm 4:6ba. "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The

way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." -- Proverbs 4:193. God puts gladness in our hearts: Psalm 4:7

a. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -- Psalm 16:11

4. David reaffirms his faith in God for safety: Psalm 4:8a. he has so much confidence in the Lord that he can sleepb. he acknowledges that only God can deliver him and keep him safec. "Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." -- Psalm 127:1b

II. Psalm 5A. a Psalm of DavidB. some call this a morning prayerC. David's commitment to prayer: Psalm 5:1-3

1. he asks God to hear him: Psalm 5:1a2. he also asks God to consider his meditation: Psalm 5:1b

a. "consider" = understand, observe, consider diligentlyb. "meditation" = murmur, complaint; groaning, musing

(i) "My heart was hot within me; while I was musing, the fire burned..." -- Psalm 39:3c. this is silent prayer; private thoughts and conversations with Godd. he wants God to pay close attention to his inner thoughts and desirese. he wants God to evaluate his meditations as to whether they are in accordance to His will and

pleasing to Him3. he acknowledges God as his King and God: Psalm 5:2

a. there is no one else4. he commits himself to praying every morning: Psalm 5:3

D. God hates evil: Psalm 5:4-61. evil cannot be in His presence: Psalm 5:42. He hates the boastful and proud: Psalm 5:5

a. "For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD." -- Psalm 10:3

3. He will destroy the liar: Psalm 5:64. He hates the violent: Psalm 5:6

E. David contrasts himself with the ungodly: Psalm 5:7-81. he relies on God's mercy: Psalm 5:7a2. he will worship out of reverence: Psalm 5:7b3. he wants to be led by the Lord and His righteousness: Psalm 5:8

F. David prays for God's justice: Psalm 5:9-101. the entire being of the ungodly is evil: Psalm 5:92. their sin will be their punishment: Psalm 5:10

a. the ultimate reason for their punishment is their rebellion against Himb. the source of their punishment is their rebellion against Him

G. those who are godly should rejoice: Psalm 5:11-121. the Lord will protect the righteous

a. "defend" (Psalm 5:11) = to hedge, fence about, shut in; to block, overshadow, screen, stop the approach, shut off, cover

b. He will be their covering


III. Psalm 6A. a Psalm of DavidB. in the title, "sheminith" means "eighth"

1. was it to be played on an 8-string harp?2. was it to be played on a different octave, or in octaves, or a lower octave?

C. David is apparently in some type of distress1. due to a sense of guilt?2. due to sickness?3. due to persecution from his enemies?

D. he seeks the Lord's mercy: Psalm 6:1-31. he doesn't want to be rebuked as a result of His "anger" or "hot displeasure": Psalm 6:1

a. it is a human characteristic to rebuke or punish someone out of "anger" or "hot displeasure"2. he admits that he is weak: Psalm 6:2

a. he seeks healing of his body3. he is greatly troubled by all of what he's going through: Psalm 6:34. does he think that all these troubles were a result of his sin?

E. he asks for deliverance by His mercy: Psalm 6:4-51. so that He can demonstrate His mercy: Psalm 6:42. if he dies he won't be able to praise Him and be a witness for the Lord: Psalm 6:5

a. this has nothing to do with annihilation or "soul-sleep"b. "For Sheol cannot thank You, Death cannot praise You; those who go down to the pit cannot hope

for Your truth. The living, the living man, he shall praise You, as I do this day; the father shall make known Your truth to the children." -- Isaiah 38:18-19

F. he has been in distress for a long time: Psalm 6:6-71. he's loosing sleep over this: Psalm 6:6

G. he warns his enemies: Psalm 6:8-101. he now has quite a different tone2. David warns his enemies that the Lord is on his side: Psalm 6:8

a. the Lord will handle his problems3. David is confident that the Lord heard his prayers: Psalm 6:94. his enemies will be ashamed of themselves: Psalm 6:10



I. Psalm 7A. a Psalm of DavidB. from the title David sang this PsalmC. he is apparently being falsely accused or slandered

1. we don't know who the "Cush" isa. "Cush" = black; the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, the ancestor of the southernmost peoples

located in Africab. could refer to someone with that namec. could refer to the dark or evil character of an unknown persond. this is the only Psalm that refers to him

2. as David was fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom, Shimei vigorously falsely accused David: 2 Samuel 16:5-13a. Shimei was a Benjamite, from Saul's familyb. "It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good

for his cursing this day." -- 2 Samuel 16:123. after Absalom was killed, and David was returning to Jerusalem, Shimei had a change of heart:

2 Samuel 19:15-234. Shimei was Mordecai's grandfather: Esther 2:5

a. Esther was Mordecai's uncle's daughter, that he raised because she was an orphan: Esther 2:75. "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and

pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" -- Matthew 5:446. "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." -- Luke 6:28

D. David brings his case before the Lord: Psalm 7:1-51. David asks for God's protection from his accusers: Psalm 7:1-2

a. he trusts Him and is fully reliant on Himb. prayer is worthless unless we trust Him

2. if he has done anything wrong he will accept the consequences: Psalm 7:3-5a. David is confident that he hasn't done anything wrongb. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." -- Psalm 66:18c. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something

against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." -- Matthew 5:23-24

E. David calls for God's justice: Psalm 7:6-161. he prays for God justice to come upon his adversaries: Psalm 7:6-9

a. he is sure he is innocent: Psalm 7:8b(i) in contrast, David knew he was guilty of sin in Psalm 51

b. God tests the hearts and minds of the righteous: Psalm 7:9b(i) "mind" = "kidney"; thought to be the seat of affections and emotions(ii) "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature,

because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' " -- 1 Samuel 16:7

(iii) "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts." -- 1 Chronicles 28:9

(iv) "But, O LORD of hosts, You who judge righteously, testing the mind and the heart, let me see Your vengeance on them, for to You I have revealed my cause." -- Jeremiah 11:20

(v) "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." -- Jeremiah 17:10

(vi) "But, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, and see the mind and heart, let me see Your vengeance on them; for I have pleaded my cause before You." -- Jeremiah 20:12

(vii)"...and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works." -- Revelation 2:23

(viii)"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." -- Job 23:10


(ix) "...the LORD tests the hearts." -- Proverbs 17:32. God is well-equipped to execute justice and protect the righteous: Psalm 7:10-13

a. David asked to Lord to "arise" (Psalm 7:6) and now He has risen!b. there is room for repentance!: Psalm 7:12ac. God sharpens His sword: Psalm 7:12b

(i) "If I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me." -- Deuteronomy 32:41

(ii) "Son of man, prophesy and say, 'Thus says the LORD!' Say: 'A sword, a sword is sharpened And also polished! Sharpened to make a dreadful slaughter, polished to flash like lightning!... He has given it to be polished, that it may be handled; this sword is sharpened, and it is polished to be given into the hand of the slayer.' " -- Ezekiel 21:9-11

d. He makes his bow ready: Psalm 7:12ce. God prepares "instruments of death": Psalm 7:13af. He makes fiery arrows: Psalm 7:13b

3. sin can be its own punishment: Psalm 7:14-16a. the accuser came up with or invented the trouble and deception: Psalm 7:14b. the accuser made a lot of effort: Psalm 7:15c. the accuser's violence will come upon himself: Psalm 7:16

F. amidst all of his troubles, David continues to praise the Lord: Psalm 7:17

II. Psalm 8A. a Psalm of DavidB. according to the title it may have been intended to be accompanied by a harp

1. not really sure what the word "Gittith" refers to2. only seen here and in Psalms 81 and 84

C. this Psalm points out how small we are compared to the immensity of God1. it's about man's insignificance compared to God2. then in the light of that he brings up what Jesus Christ did

D. God's name and glory is above all of creation: Psalm 8:1E. God can even use children to give praise, and to silence His enemies: Psalm 8:2

1. "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise..." -- Psalm 8:2 (Brenton Septuagint)

2. this verse is quoted in Matthew 21:15-16a. "...the children crying out in the temple and saying, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!'..."b. the chief priests and scribes, who should have known better, were instead critical of Jesus

3. children can be such great and bold witnessesF. David is amazed that given the power of God, He pays attention to mankind: Psalm 8:3-4

1. quoted in Hebrews 2:6-72. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." -- Psalm 19:13. he is even further amazed that God visited mankind: Psalm 8:4b

a. "visit" = to attend to, number, reckon, visit, look after, care forb. speaks of events in his past

(i) "And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken." -- Genesis 21:1

(ii) "Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, "I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt" ' " -- Exodus 3:16

(iii) "So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped." -- Exodus 4:31

c. speaks of the coming of Jesus the first time(i) "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people" -- Luke 1:68(ii) "...because you did not know the time of your visitation." -- Luke 19:44(iii) "they glorified God, saying... 'God has visited His people.' " -- Luke 7:16

d. speaks of the second coming of Jesus(i) "having your conduct honorable... glorify God in the day of visitation." -- 1 Peter 2:12


(ii) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." -- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

G. even though mankind is so insignificant, he was given dominion over the earth: Psalm 8:5-81. humans are lower than the angels: Psalm 8:5a2. we have been honored as being the highest order of God's creation here on the planet: Psalm 8:5b3. mankind has dominion over the earth: Psalm 8:6-8

a. Adam was given dominion over the earth and its creatures: Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15b. there are "paths of the sea": Psalm 8:8

(i) the sea currents weren't understood until about 1860 when Matthew Fontaine Maury, a pioneer in oceanography, published the findings of his work that was prompted by Psalm 8:8

(ii) Benjamin Franklin also did work on this subject about 1775, but due to the war its publication was delayed until about 1790

(iii) Ponce De Leon knew about currents around Florida in the early 1500'sH. Jesus Christ (the last Adam) will ultimately rule over the whole earth

1. when God visited mankind, the Christ was lower than the angels at that time: Psalm 8:5aa. quoted in Hebrews 2:7b. Hebrews 2:9

2. He will be given glory and honor: Hebrews 8:5ba. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned

with glory and honor..." -- Hebrews 2:93. He will rule over all creation: Hebrews 8:6-8

a. "Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death." -- 1 Corinthians 15:24-27

b. "And He put all things under His feet..." -- Ephesians 1:22c. " 'You have put all things in subjection under His feet.' For in that He put all in subjection under

Him, He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we do not yet see all things put under Him." -- Hebrews 2:8

I. David repeats how excellent God's name is: Psalm 8:9

III. Psalm 9A. a Psalm of DavidB. early Greek and Latin translations frequently combined Psalms 9 and 10 togetherC. we cannot be certain of the meaning of the title

1. its translation is uncertain2. it could refer to a tune, or an instrument, or a person's name, or an event3. it may have something to do with the death of someone

D. David's dedication to worship God with 4 "I wills": Psalm 9:1-21. "I will praise You"

a. with his whole heartb. only God is worthy of his praise

2. "I will tell of all Your marvelous works"a. His marvelous works includes creation, His love for us, His grace, His mercy, His providence, His

patience, His comfort, His guidance3. "I will be glad and rejoice in You"

a. "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." -- Psalm 5:11

4. "I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."a. our God is the one and only true God, and above allb. "For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods."

-- Psalm 97:9


E. God will defeat his enemies: Psalm 9:3-61. God protected David's interests: Psalm 9:4

a. because David was upright2. some of God's enemies are blotted out from history: Psalm 9:5-6

a. "Then the LORD said to Moses, '...I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.' " -- Exodus 17:14

b. "Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget." -- Deuteronomy 25:19

c. "...the Ammonites... not be remembered among the nations." -- Ezekiel 25:10d. "...surely Moab shall be like Sodom, and the people of Ammon like Gomorrah -- overrun with

weeds and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation." -- Zephaniah 2:9F. God will judge the world: Psalm 9:7-8G. God will protect the oppressed and the afflicted: Psalm 9:9-12

1. "refuge" (Psalm 9:9) = "height"; a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place; high place, refuge, secure height, retreat, stronghold

2. "oppressed" (Psalm 9:9) = crushed, oppressed, injured, afflicted3. God will not forget those that seek Him: Psalm 9:10

a. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." -- Hebrews 11:6

4. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." -- Nahum 1:7

5. David encourages others to praise God and proclaim His works: Psalm 9:116. God does not forget the cry of the afflicted: Psalm 9:12

a. "cry" = shriek; cry of distress(i) "And the LORD said: 'I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and

have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.' " -- Exodus 3:7(ii) "Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen

the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them." -- Exodus 3:9(iii) "If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry"

-- Exodus 22:23H. David calls for mercy: Psalm 9:13-14

1. wants to be a witness for God2. a dead person can't be a witness

I. sin can be its own punishment: Psalm 9:15-161. "Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same." -- Job 4:82. "They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind." -- Hosea 8:73. "You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you

trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men." -- Hosea 10:134. "He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow" -- Proverbs 22:85. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who

sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." -- Galatians 6:7-8

J. judgment is coming: Psalm 9:17-201. the wicked will be punished: Psalm 9:17

a. "Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces..." -- Psalm 50:22b. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased

mind, to do those things which are not fitting" -- Romans 1:282. the hope of the poor and needy will not be ignored: Psalm 9:18

a. "He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor." -- Psalm 72:4

b. "He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer." -- Psalm 102:173. David calls on God to judge: Psalm 9:19-20

a. people need to be reminded that they are merely men, and accountable to God



I. Psalm 10A. author is unknown

1. commonly attributed to DavidB. early Greek and Latin translations frequently combined Psalms 9 and 10 togetherC. some even think it's part of Psalm 11D. words of discouragement: Psalm 10:1-11

1. the shear numbers of the wicked causes doubt as to whether God is really in control: Psalm 10:12. the wicked goes after the poor: Psalm 10:2a

a. because of their prideb. they do it because they canc. they pick the poor because they're vulnerabled. they actually think they're better than the poor and disadvantagede. "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the

needy." -- Proverbs 14:313. the Psalmist hopes that the wicked will get caught in their own evil schemes: Psalm 10:2b4. the wicked are boastful: Psalm 10:3

a. they support and approve of greedy peopleb. they do not respect Godc. Jesus said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance

of the things he possesses." -- Luke 12:15d. Jesus' Parable of the proud, rich farmer: Luke 12:16-21

(i) "...he who lays up treasure for himself... is not rich toward God." -- Luke 12:215. because of their pride the wicked do not acknowledge or seek after God: Psalm 10:46. their manner of life is confused, twisted, and painful: Psalm 10:5a

a. some think that this word could also imply strength or prosperity7. God's righteousness is far from the wicked: Psalm 10:5b8. they're so proud and confused that they even ignore the threats of their enemies: Psalm 10:5c9. they think that things will always go well for them: Psalm 10:610. they never say anything edifying: Psalm 10:711. the wicked are always plotting: Psalm 10:8-11

a. they want to victimize the helpless: Psalm 10:8(i) they take advantage of the less fortunate

b. they do not feel accountable to God: Psalm 10:11E. words of encouragement: Psalm 10:12-18

1. the Psalmist asks God to act: Psalm 10:122. the wicked speaks against God: Psalm 10:13

a. they deny that they're accountable to God3. God does see, He does act, and He does help the less fortunate: Psalm 10:144. God is more than strong enough to overcome the wicked: Psalm 10:155. God is king forever: Psalm 10:16-18

a. God will hear the humbleb. God will put an end to oppression

II. Psalm 11A. a Psalm of DavidB. flee in fear: Psalm 11:1-3

1. these are more words of discouragement, and possibly from one of David's men or counselors2. David is being urged to run away from his enemies: Psalm 11:13. the righteous are targets: Psalm 11:24. doubt can result from the troubles all around us: Psalm 11:3

a. we may feel very inadequateC. stand in faith: Psalm 11:4-7

1. God is in control; God sees it all: Psalm 11:4-5a


2. the wicked will be punished: Psalm 11:5b-6a. they will get their allotmentb. a cup or bowl is a common idiom associated with judgment

3. only the upright can see God: Psalm 11:7

III. Psalm 12A. the word of man: Psalm 12:1-4

1. because there is so much ungodliness all around us, there seems to be a decrease in godly people: Psalm 12:1

2. the speech habits of the ungodly is not edifying: Psalm 12:2-4a. "flattering" = smoothness, slippery places, figuratively flattery; an allotment, field, piece of land

(i) "Who say to the seers, 'Do not see,' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.' " -- Isaiah 30:10

b. "...smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." -- Romans 16:18c. "he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." -- James 1:8d. a lot of people rely on rhetoric: Psalm 12:4a

(i) many people can be easily misled by mere words(ii) so many people are "more bark than bite", more "form than substance"(iii) too many things boil down to who has the best lawyer(iv) it's very dangerous to falsely accuse others(v) an accusation is frequently just as good as a conviction

e. it's irresponsible to take "freedom of speech" too far: Psalm 12:4bf. "Then they said, 'Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah... Come and let us attack him with

the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.' " -- Jeremiah 18:18B. the Word of God: Psalm 12:5-7

1. God will act on behalf of the poor and needy: Psalm 12:5a. they will find safety

2. the Word of God is pure: Psalm 12:6a. "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in

Him." -- Psalm 18:30b. "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes" -- Psalm 19:8c. "Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it." -- Psalm 119:140d. "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." -- Proverbs 30:5

3. interpretation #1: the Word of God endures forever: Psalm 12:7a. continues the thought of Psalm 12:6b. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." -- Isaiah 40:8c. "Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever."

-- Psalm 119:152d. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." -- Matthew 24:35

4. interpretation #2: God will preserve the poor and the needy: Psalm 12:7a. refers to those of Psalm 12:5b. "The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy." -- Psalm 145:20

C. vileness feeds and encourages the wicked: Psalm 12:81. "If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked." -- Proverbs 29:122. "They make a king glad with their wickedness, and princes with their lies." -- Hosea 7:33. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased

mind, to do those things which are not fitting... who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." -- Romans 1:28-32

IV. Psalm 13A. a Psalm of DavidB. David is frustrated because of his enemies: Psalm 13:1-2

1. "How long..." is used 4 timesa. denotes the frustration, impatience, and urgency


C. David asks God to keep his enemies from winning: Psalm 13:3-41. he needs to be encouraged2. he doesn't want his enemies gloating

D. David trusts God: Psalm 13:5-61. he is thankful for salvation2. acknowledges how well God takes care of him

V. Thoughts About WealthA. Wealth...

1. can lead to selfishnessa. the story of the rich man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31

2. can be a spiritual handicapa. wealth, comfort, and ease of life keeps a lot of people from being savedb. people are comforted or find security in their wealthc. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the

kingdom of heaven...' " -- Matthew 19:23-24 (Mark 10:23-25)d. from the parable of the Sower: "...the deceit of riches... choke the Word...": Mark 4:18-19;

Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:143. can cause our focus to be on the world

a. the parable of the Rich Farmer: Luke 12:16-21b. physical wealth should never be used as a sign of God's blessings or anointing

(i) even today there is the "health and wealth" gospel4. can be a distraction

a. Deuteronomy 8:11-20b. "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and

harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." -- 1 Timothy 6:9-10

5. can lead to covetousness, and covetousness is idolatrya. Ephesians 5:5b. Colossians 3:5

6. is left behind: Ecclesiastes 2:18-23a. Solomon will have to leave all his wealth behind: Ecclesiastes 2:18-19

(i) working all your life and having to leave it behind is one thing, but leaving it to someone who may not honor it, be faithful with it, or to someone who might even waste it is even worse

b. Solomon's joy turned to bitterness: Ecclesiastes 2:20(i) he previously enjoyed his labor: Ecclesiastes 2:10(ii) thinking of leaving it behind to someone who isn't as wise turned his joy into despair

c. it's frustrating to leave it to someone who hasn't worked for it: Ecclesiastes 2:21(i) he calls this an "evil"(ii) "2nd generation money" is often wasted

d. things done "under the sun" have no lasting value: Ecclesiastes 2:22e. concentrating on material things and worrying about money can rob the joy of it and keep you

awake at night: Ecclesiastes 2:23B. don't be greedy or concentrate on being rich; don't sacrifice yourself for worldly goods

1. "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners." -- Proverbs 1:19

2. "Do not overwork to be rich." -- Proverbs 23:43. "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."

-- Proverbs 28:204. "There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches kept for their owner to his hurt. But

those riches perish through misfortune..." -- Ecclesiastes 5:13-145. "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold."

-- Proverbs 22:1


C. we're to be generous and give freely1. "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself."

-- Proverbs 11:252. "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given."

-- Proverbs 19:173. "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." -- Proverbs 22:94. "The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives." -- Psalm 37:215. "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy."

-- Proverbs 14:31D. we need to realize what really counts

1. "Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for that food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you." -- John 6:27

2. "And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.' " -- Luke 12:15

E. we need to be content1. "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is

certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." -- 1 Timothy 6:6-8

2. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' " -- Hebrews 13:5

3. much of our anxiety comes from having and wanting more stuff



I. Psalm 14A. a Psalm of DavidB. Psalm 53 is almost identicalC. the general spiritual depravity of mankind: Psalm 14:1-3

1. quoted in Romans 3:10-122. the atheist is a fool: Psalm 14:1a

a. "fool" = stupid; wicked (especially impious); foolish, senseless, fool(i) "For the foolish person will speak foolishness, and his heart will work iniquity: to practice

ungodliness, to utter error against the LORD, to keep the hungry unsatisfied, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail." -- Isaiah 32:6

b. to deny that there is a God defies common sensec. it comes from their heart; this is what they truly believe

3. mankind is not inherently good: Psalm 14:1ba. contrary to common secular teaching

4. no one seeks after God: Psalm 14:2-3a. everyone wants to do their own thingb. "...everyone did what was right in his own eyes." -- Judges 17:6; 21:25c. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." -- Proverbs 14:12;

16:25D. the depraved flounder around: Psalm 14:4-6

1. leaders are ignorant of what they supposed to do: Psalm 14:4a. they feed on people instead of feeding them

(i) "...rulers in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey... to destroy souls..." -- Ezekiel 22:26-31(ii) "Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand... I will deliver

My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them." -- Ezekiel 34:10(iii) "By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words..." -- 2 Peter 2:3

- "...make merchandise of you..." (KJV)b. they don't lead people to the Lordc. the ungodly do not possess the essential knowledge and wisdom that only comes from God

(i) "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." -- Proverbs 4:19

2. the ungodly are not happy people: Psalm 14:5aa. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are

pleasures forevermore." -- Psalm 16:113. but God will encourage the righteous: Psalm 14:5b4. the ungodly ridicule the humble: Psalm 14:6a

a. because the humble rely on the Lord5. the Lord will take care of the humble and disadvantaged: Psalm 14:6b

E. David is yearning for the coming salvation: Psalm 14:71. "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"

-- Titus 2:13

II. Psalm 15A. a Psalm of DavidB. Psalm 14 was about the ungodly; Psalm 15 is about the righteousC. presents the question as to who are the righteous: Psalm 15:1

1. "Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." -- Psalm 24:3-5

2. "Then Jesus said... 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.' " -- John 8:31D. twelve characteristics of a godly life: Psalm 15:2-5

1. walks uprightly: Psalm 15:2aa. "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." -- 1 John 2:6


b. "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." -- Ephesians 5:8-11

2. does works of righteousness: Psalm 15:2ba. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand that we should walk in them." -- Ephesians 2:10b. "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is

righteous." -- 1 John 3:73. speaks the truth in his heart: Psalm 15:2c

a. "Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." -- Psalm 34:12-13

b. "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds" -- Colossians 3:94. does not backbite with his tongue (slander): Psalm 15:3a

a. "...whoever spreads slander is a fool." -- Proverbs 10:18b. "Do not speak evil of one another..." -- James 4:11c. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased

mind, to do those things which are not fitting... backbiters..." -- Romans 1:28-32d. "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be... slanderers..."

-- 2 Timothy 3:1-55. does no evil to his neighbor: Psalm 15:3b

a. "Love does no harm to a neighbor..." -- Romans 13:10b. "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the

Prophets." -- Matthew 7:126. does not cause shame to his friends: Psalm 15:3c

a. "Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, even strife and dishonor will cease." -- Proverbs 22:10

7. calls sin, sin: Psalm 15:4aa. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for

darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" -- Isaiah 5:20b. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."

-- Ephesians 5:11(i) "expose" = convict, refute; find fault with, correct

8. honors other believers: Psalm 15:4ba. "As for the saints who are on the earth, 'They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.' "

-- Psalm 16:3b. "I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts." -- Psalm 119:63c. "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not

love his brother abides in death." -- 1 John 3:149. honors their obligations, even if it's costly: Psalm 15:4c

a. "If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." -- Numbers 30:2

b. "That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth." -- Deuteronomy 23:23

c. "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed -- better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?" -- Ecclesiastes 5:4-6

10. they're a stable person: Psalm 15:4da. "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of

doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting" -- Ephesians 4:14b. "Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be

established by grace..." -- Hebrews 13:9c. "These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest..." -- 2 Peter 2:17


d. "They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds... raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." -- Jude 1:12-13

11. does not charge excessive interest: Psalm 15:5aa. "You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit."

-- Leviticus 25:37b. "To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the

LORD your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess." -- Deuteronomy 23:20

12. does not take a bribe against the innocent: Psalm 15:5ba. "Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify

the wicked. And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous." -- Exodus 23:7-8

E. righteous living results in stability: Psalm 15:5c

III. Psalm 16A. a Psalm of DavidB. David asks God to protect him because he trusts in Him: Psalm 16:1

1. "preserve" = to hedge about, guard; generally to protect, attend to; to keep, guard, observe, give heedC. anything good in us is from the Lord: Psalm 16:2D. he enjoys the fellowship with other believers: Psalm 16:3E. he rejects idolatry: Psalm 16:4

1. he won't even fellowship with false worshipers2. "And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor

let it be heard from your mouth." -- Exodus 23:133. Joshua 23:7

F. David acknowledges that God provides for him: Psalm 16:5-61. our future in God is secure2. we can look forward to a great and wonderful inheritance

a. "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance... In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." -- Ephesians 1:11-14

b. "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." -- Colossians 1:12

c. "He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." -- Hebrews 9:15

d. "to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" -- 1 Peter 1:4

e. "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." -- Acts 26:18

G. God leads him: Psalm 16:7-81. "He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved." -- Psalm 62:62. "heart" (Psalm 16:7) = "kidneys"; thought to be the seat of affections and emotions

H. he finds his joy in God: Psalm 16:9-111. "rest in hope" (Psalm 16:9) = "dwell confidently" or "dwell in safety"2. there is the hope of a resurrection: Psalm 16:10

a. there is something more after physical death3. Psalm 16:10 is also used as a prophecy of the Messiah

a. by Peter: Acts 2:27b. by Paul: Acts 13:35

4. a lack of joy in a Christian may indicate that they are distant from the presence of the Lord



I. Psalm 17A. a Psalm of DavidB. David proclaims his innocence: Psalm 17:1-6

1. David asks God to hear him: Psalm 17:1a. he does this 3 times in this verse

(i) we need to voice our concerns(ii) we need to be persistent

b. he says that this is a "just cause": Psalm 17:1a(i) compared to an unjust cause(ii) unjust causes often drown out the just causes

c. his conscience is clear, he's done nothing wrong: Psalm 17:1b(i) no one can lie to God(ii) no one can keep anything from Him

2. vindication by God is what is most important: Psalm 17:23. David says that his heart is clean: Psalm 17:3a

a. that God has even tested it to prove it4. he is careful about what he says: Psalm 17:3b

a. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." -- Proverbs 15:1-2

b. James 3:3-125. he is careful about his walk of life: Psalm 17:4

a. God's word has helped him walk the correct pathb. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105

6. David is looking to the Lord to be his strength, guidance, and stability: Psalm 17:5a. "You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip." -- Psalm 18:36b. "If I say, 'My foot slips,' Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up." -- Psalm 94:18

7. he once again asks God to hear him: Psalm 17:6a. as he did in Psalm 17:1

C. David looks to God for deliverance and protection: Psalm 17:7-91. he wants God to demonstrate His lovingkindness by His "right hand": Psalm 17:7a

a. David may be inviting God to publicly demonstrate His powerb. the right hand represents strength and power

(i) Exodus 15:6, 12(ii) Psalms 16:8; 17:7; 18:35; 20:6; 44:3; 60:5; 91:7; 110:5; 118:15-16; 138:7

c. the right hand is the position of honor(i) 1 Kings 2:19

d. Jesus sat down at the "right hand of God"(i) Mark 16:19(ii) Acts 7:55(iii) Romans 8:34(iv) Ephesians 1:20(v) Colossians 3:1(vi) Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2(vii)1 Peter 3:22(viii)Revelation 3:21

2. God delivers those who trust in Him: Psalm 17:7b3. he wants to be the "apple" of God's eye: Psalm 17:8a

a. "apple" = pupil; the little man of the eyeb. David wants to be protected just as much as a person protects their eyesc. "Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye." -- Proverbs 7:2d. "For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for

he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.' " -- Zechariah 2:8(i) a different Hebrew word is used here for "apple" but the idiom is the same


(ii) it's saying, "he who touches you (Israel) is poking their finger in the eye of God"- how long can a person poke their finger in a person's eye before that person reacts?!

4. he wants to be protected under His "wings": Psalm 17:8ba. no, God doesn't have feathers!

(i) critics of the Bible use references like this to mock withb. "wing" = an edge or extremity; a wing of a bird; a wing or pinnacle of a building; a flap of a

garment or bed clothing (such as to hold valuables, what we would call a pocket)c. a symbol of refuge

(i) "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings." -- Psalm 36:7

(ii) "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by." -- Psalm 57:1

(iii) "The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." -- Ruth 2:12

(iv) Psalm 61:4; 63:7; 91:4d. a symbol of espousal

(i) "I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant under your wing, for you are a close relative." -- Ruth 3:9

e. a symbol of renewal, restoration, salvation(i) "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His

wings..." -- Malachi 4:2(ii) our salvation comes from the wealth He has in His pockets!

f. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" -- Matthew 23:37 (Luke 13:34)

5. he needs protection from his enemies that are all around him: Psalm 17:9D. the wicked are all around: Psalm 17:10-12

1. "they have closed up their fat": Psalm 17:10aa. "fat" refers to their richest or choicest partb. an idiom referring to their insensitivity and lack of caring for others

2. they're proud: Psalm 17:10b3. David is being stalked: Psalm 17:11-12

a. literally or figurativelyE. David asks for God to deliver him: Psalm 17:13-14

1. this earth and life is all the wicked has: Psalm 17:14aa. they have nothing to look forward tob. there isn't anything good for them after they diec. "For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. Though

while he lives he blesses himself (for men will praise you when you do well for yourself), he shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light." -- Psalm 49:17-19

2. God even takes care of the wicked: Psalm 17:14ba. "...He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the

unjust." -- Matthew 5:45b. Job 12:6-10; 21:7-16

F. David finds his satisfaction in God: Psalm 17:15

II. Psalm 18A. a Psalm of DavidB. the title indicates that David wrote this in response to God delivering him from his enemies and SaulC. similar to David's Psalm in 2 Samuel 22D. David praises God for what He has done for David, and what He is to him: Psalm 18:1-3

1. strengtha. "strength" = help; from a root meaning to fasten upon, hence seize, be strong

2. rocka. "rock" = cliff or crag, especially a lofty one

3. fortressa. "fortress" = net; fortress, castle, stronghold


4. deliverera. "deliverer" = to slip out, escape; to cause to escape

5. God6. strength

a. "strength" = a cliff; a rock or boulder; figuratively a refuge; also a precipitous edge7. shield8. the horn of my salvation

a. the horn is a symbol of power, used for both defense and offense(i) "His glory is like a firstborn bull, and his horns like the horns of the wild ox; together with

them He shall push the peoples to the ends of the earth..." -- Deuteronomy 33:17 (ii) "And Hannah prayed and said: 'My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the

LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.' " -- 1 Samuel 2:1b. only God is able to provide him with salvation

(i) "And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David" -- Luke 1:699. stronghold

a. "stronghold" = a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible placeE. David's dilemma and God's action: Psalm 18:4-19

1. David was in a desperate situation: Psalm 18:4-5a. death was all around him

2. he called to God: Psalm 18:63. God reacted powerfully to protect and deliver David: Psalm 18:7-154. God rescued him: Psalm 18:16-19

F. David was careful to lead a godly life: Psalm 18:20-271. he attributes God's deliverance to his godly living2. God heard David because the lines of communication were open and clear

a. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." -- Psalm 66:18G. he looks to God, and only to God to lead and enable him: Psalm 18:28-42

1. God will teach, guide, and enable: Psalm 18:28-30a. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105b. "For You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run

against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall." -- 2 Samuel 22:29-302. God has enabled him with talents: Psalm 18:31-343. God protected him: Psalm 18:35-364. God gave him the ability to defeat his enemies: Psalm 18:37-42

H. God brought peace and raised David to the throne as promised: Psalm 18:43-451. "strivings" = a contest; contention, controversy2. his adversaries used controversies against David

a. probably included false accusations3. God put an end to the controversies and ruled through David

I. there is a living, active God: Psalm 18:46-501. there is a living God: Psalm 18:46a

a. we don't serve a dead piece of wood or stoneb. we don't serve just a thought or idea

2. God is strong to save: Psalm 18:46b3. God does the avenging: Psalm 18:47

a. "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense" -- Deuteronomy 32:35b. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is

Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord.' " -- Romans 12:194. David gives the credit for his deliverance to God: Psalm 18:485. David is thankful: Psalm 18:496. God is great: Psalm 18:50



I. Psalm 19A. a Psalm of DavidB. the demonstration of God through the creation: Psalm 19:1-6

1. the creation demonstrates that there is a God: Psalm 19:12. that is communicated to us, but not through human words: Psalm 19:2-4a

a. there are constant proofs day after dayb. every discovery reveals more complexitiesc. Psalm 19:4a (LXX) is quoted in Romans 10:18d. "because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since

the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" -- Romans 1:19-20

3. the sun was placed in a specific location: Psalm 19:4b4. the sun has a lot of honor, grandeur, and power: Psalm 19:55. the sun has a specific cycle: Psalm 19:6

C. six characteristics of God's Word and their effects: Psalm 19:7-91. the law: Psalm 19:7a

a. "law" = "torah"; law, direction, instructionb. "perfect" = complete, whole, entire, soundc. "converting" = to return, turn back; to bring back, restore, refresh

(i) "He restores my soul..." -- Psalm 23:3d. "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." -- Psalm 119:9e. "and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise

for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." -- 2 Timothy 3:15f. God's Word is complete and nothing else is needed

2. the testimony: Psalm 19:7ba. "testimony" = witness, testimonyb. "sure" = build up, support, confirm, be faithful; to nourish; to foster as a parentc. it brings understandingd. there is a connection between the Word of God and understanding

(i) "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." -- Psalm 119:130

(ii) "Give me understanding according to Your word." -- Psalm 119:169(iii) from Jesus' Parable of the Four Soils, the wayside soil had no understanding (Matthew 13:19);

the good soil had understanding (Matthew 13:23)3. the statutes: Psalm 19:8a

a. "statutes" = mandate, commandment, preceptb. "right" = straight, upright, correct, level; straightforward, just, fitting, properc. we should rejoice in God's Word

(i) "But his delight is in the law of the LORD" -- Psalm 1:2(ii) "I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches." -- Psalm 119:14(iii) "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." -- Psalm 119:24(iv) "And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love." -- Psalm 119:47(v) "...I delight in Your law." -- Psalm 119:70(vi) "Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for Your law is my delight."

-- Psalm 119:77(vii)"Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction."

-- Psalm 119:92(viii)"Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart."

-- Psalm 119:111(ix) "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure." -- Psalm 119:162(x) "Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" -- Jeremiah 15:16(xi) "For I delight in the law of God..." -- Romans 7:22


4. the commandments: Psalm 19:8ba. "commandments" = a command or obligationb. "pure" = pure, clear, sincere; clean

(i) from a root meaning to brighten, clarify, cleansec. it brings enlightenmentd. there is a connection between the Word of God and direction, alertness, and clarity in life

(i) "Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes..." -- Psalm 13:3(ii) "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." -- Proverbs 4:18-19

(iii) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105(iv) "The entrance of Your words gives light" -- Psalm 119:130(v) "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of

life" -- Proverbs 6:235. the fear: Psalm 19:9a

a. "fear" = moral reverence, respect, pietyb. true respect for God lasts forever

6. the judgments: Psalm 19:9ba. "judgments" = verdict, sentence or formal decreeb. "true" = firm, true, stable, certain, faithful, reliablec. what God has determined doesn't change and is completely perfect

D. God's Word is very valuable: Psalm 19:101. "I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches." -- Psalm 119:142. "The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver." -- Psalm 119:723. "Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!" -- Psalm 119:1274. "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure." -- Psalm 119:1625. "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are

better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her." -- Proverbs 3:13-15

6. "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." -- Job 23:12

7. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -- Matthew 6:218. if we don't consider His Word important enough, or of enough value, the Lord may take it away from

usa. are there as many good Christian radio and TV stations as we think there should be?!b. is the Bible in our schools?! government?! society?! entertainment?!c. Amos 8:11-12

E. God's Word warns us about the evil in the world, and teaches us the better ways: Psalm 19:11F. we need God's help in keeping ourselves clean: Psalm 19:12-13

1. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." -- Psalm 139:23-24

2. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" -- Jeremiah 17:9a. "desperately wicked" = incurableb. we can't trust our hearts to lead us to what is right

G. God deserves our best worship: Psalm 19:141. "strength" = "rock"

II. Psalm 20A. a Psalm of DavidB. this is a Psalm sung before going into battleC. some wish to associate this Psalm with the MessiahD. a prayer for success: Psalm 20:1-5

1. they look strictly to the Lord for victoryE. a prayer of confidence: Psalm 20:6-8

1. God will protect and enable those He calls to service: Psalm 20:6


2. we must not trust in physical things: Psalm 20:7a. "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because

they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!" -- Isaiah 31:1

b. "Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD.' " -- Jeremiah 17:5

c. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD." -- Proverbs 21:31d. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole

armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God..." -- Ephesians 6:10-18

3. those that trust in physical things will fall: Psalm 20:8a. but those that trust in the Lord will stand

F. a summary of our trust: Psalm 20:9

III. Psalm 21A. a Psalm of DavidB. this is a Psalm sung to celebrate victoryC. thanksgiving for past victories: Psalm 21:1-6

1. blessings come from the Lord: Psalm 21:3-6D. looking forward to future victories: Psalm 21:7-13

1. we rely on His mercy: Psalm 21:72. God's enemies will be punished: Psalm 21:8-12

a. they can't hide or escape: Psalm 21:8b. they will be punished: Psalm 21:9c. they will eventually be completely eliminated from the earth: Psalm 21:10d. they vainly plotted against Him: Psalm 21:11

(i) as in Psalm 2:1e. they will be defeated: Psalm 21:12

3. we look only to God's power: Psalm 21:13



I. Psalm 22A. a Psalm of DavidB. some commentators throughout history have said that this Psalm is pure prophecy about the Messiah and

has nothing to do with the history of DavidC. however, it's easy to consider David going through troubles, and using language and metaphors that also

applied to what Jesus went through on the crossD. a prayer of hopelessness: Psalm 22:1-2

1. "forsaken" = to leave, abandon2. these were the first recorded words of Jesus on the cross

a. Matthew 27:46b. Mark 15:34

E. he has an unwavering faith in God: Psalm 22:3-51. even though we don't get the answers when and how we may want, we still have faith in God

F. he is subject to reproach and taunting: Psalm 22:6-81. just like what Jesus went through

a. Matthew 27:39-44b. Luke 23:35-39

2. "He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him." -- Isaiah 53:3

G. he was known and cared for by God even before birth: Psalm 22:9-111. Jeremiah was told, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified

you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." -- Jeremiah 1:52. life begins before birth!

H. his enemies are all around him: Psalm 22:12-131. a more literal rendering is, "The strong (or mighty) ones of Bashan have

surrounded Me. They opened their mouth on Me, like a lion ripping and roaring."2. "surrounded" = besieged, such as in a hostile way3. this could refer to Satanic forces wanting to get at Jesus4. Bashan was a very fertile area to the east of the Sea of Galilee and Jordan River, bounded by Mount

Hermon to the north, and Gilead to the southa. it's where the Golan Heights is todayb. its fertility appealed so much to some from the tribes of Manasseh, Reuben, and Gad that they

wanted it instead of what God wanted for them on the other side of the Jordan River(i) Numbers 32(ii) Joshua 13:29-32(iii) they were the first to fall into idolatry and captivity

5. Bashan is seen filled with Nephilim as early as Genesis 14:56. one of its rulers was Og

a. "the kingdom of Og in Bashan... he remained of the remnant of the giants ('rapha')" -- Joshua 13:12

b. Deuteronomy 3:117. God was displeased with Bashan

a. "Hear this Word, cows of Bashan... who press down the poor, who crush the needy... the Lord has sworn by His holiness that the days shall come on you that He will lift you up with meat hooks, and your sons with fishhooks." -- Amos 4:1-2

b. "He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon withers." -- Nahum 1:4

8. Jesus and His disciples sailed over to this region and He healed a man possessed with a "Legion" of demonsa. Matthew 8:23-34b. Mark 4:35-5:20c. Luke 8:22-39d. the case of the "Deviled Ham"


e. on the way, a horrendous storm broke out and Jesus had to "rebuke" the wind and the waves(i) why were the wind and the sea "rebuked," were they doing something wrong?!

- Maybe!- could the wind and water have been under Satanic control?!- was this a Satanic attempt to kill Jesus?!- was Satan trying to prevent Jesus from going to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee?

f. Jesus said, "Peace, be still": Mark 4:39(i) "peace" = "be quiet", silence, mute

- implies an involuntary silence(ii) "be still" = "be muzzled"

- it's the same word Jesus had used to silence demons in Mark 1:25 and Luke 4:35g. this region may have been a Satanic stronghold

I. a picture of exhaustion: Psalm 22:14-15J. evil people are all around him: Psalm 22:16a

1. "dogs" may refer to those snarling, scoffing people who oppose and abuse the things of God2. "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under

their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." -- Matthew 7:63. "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers..." -- Philippians 3:24. "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever

loves and practices a lie." -- Revelation 22:155. the idiom of a dog is used by Peter regarding apostasy

a. "But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: 'A dog returns to his own vomit,' and, 'a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.' " -- 2 Peter 2:22 (quoting Proverbs 26:11)

6. this idiom could easily describe the Romans who crucified JesusK. those evil people "pierced" him: Psalm 22:16b

1. a picture of crucifixion2. Matthew 27:353. Mark 15:244. Luke 23:335. John 19:18

L. a picture of emaciation: Psalm 22:17M. some of his clothing was split among them, and lots were cast for the last piece: Psalm 22:18

1. Matthew 27:352. Mark 15:243. Luke 23:344. John 19:23-24

N. a prayer for God to deliver him: Psalm 22:19-21aO. a call to praise the Lord for His deliverance and faithfulness: Psalm 22:21b-26P. the Lord will rule over the earth: Psalm 22:27-31

1. His righteousness will prevail2. "He has done this" (Psalm 22:31) = to accomplish; to do or make3. Jesus' last words on the cross were "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

II. Psalm 23A. a Psalm of DavidB. the famous "Shepherd Psalm"C. David was a shepherd

1. 1 Samuel 16:11; 17:15, 28, 342. 2 Samuel 7:83. 1 Chronicles 17:74. Psalm 78:70-71

D. people are often compared to and described as sheep1. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has

laid on Him the iniquity of us all." -- Isaiah 53:62. "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments."

-- Psalm 119:176


3. "For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." -- 1 Peter 2:25

4. Matthew 18:12-145. Luke 15:3-7

E. spiritual leaders are often described as shepherds1. "So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of

his hands." -- Psalm 78:722. "take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to

shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" -- Acts 20:283. "elders... shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving... willingly... eagerly; nor as being

lords over... but being examples to the flock" -- 1 Peter 5:1-3F. God is very displeased with spiritual leaders who do not shepherd God's people well

1. "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture..." -- Jeremiah 23:1-22. "Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard; they have trampled My portion under foot; they have

made My pleasant portion a desolate wilderness." -- Jeremiah 12:103. Ezekiel 34:1-10

a. "Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand... I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them." -- Ezekiel 34:10

4. Ezekiel 22:23-315. "My anger is kindled against the shepherds... I will punish the goats" -- Zechariah 10:3a

a. "goats" could refer to evil leaders(i) Isaiah 14:9(ii) Ezekiel 34:17

b. a metaphor of sheep versus goats seen in Matthew 25:32-33G. it's common to see God pictured as a Shepherd to His people

1. "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!" -- Psalm 80:1

2. "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." -- Isaiah 40:11

3. "For thus says the Lord GOD: 'Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out... and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered... I will feed them on the mountains... in the valleys... in good pasture... they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture... I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down... I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick... I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey... I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them--My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God...' " -- Ezekiel 34:11-24

4. Ezekiel 37:24-255. John 10

a. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." -- John 10:11b. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own." -- John 10:14

6. "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant" -- Hebrews 13:20

7. "For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." -- 1 Peter 2:25

8. "and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." -- 1 Peter 5:4

H. God Himself reaches down and takes care of us: Psalm 23:11. He meets our needs2. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

-- Philippians 4:193. Matthew 6:25-344. Luke 12:22-32

I. God provides us with peace: Psalm 23:2a1. sheep will not lie down unless they're at peace

a. free from fearb. free from tension with other sheep


c. free from aggravations(i) from parasites and annoying flying pests

d. free from hunger2. it's up to the shepherd to keep his sheep from these anxieties3. sheep are very easily spooked4. peaceful green pastures are hard to find in nature, and requires a lot of work by the shepherd

J. God satisfies our thirst: Psalm 23:2b1. sheep need to be led to pure, clean water, otherwise they'll drink from anywhere2. "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and

hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water." -- Jeremiah 2:13K. He encourages and refreshes us, and keeps us upright: Psalm 23:3a

1. "restore" = to return, turn back; to bring back, restore, refresh2. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." -- Psalm 51:123. some sheep can't get back up if they fall over

a. known as becoming "cast" or "cast down"b. the shepherd needs to be on constant watch over their flock and be ready to help a "cast" sheep

L. He shows us the right way to live: Psalm 23:3b1. sheep need a lot of care and direction

a. otherwise they'd walk, graze, and live in the same area all the time, thus destroying the land2. a good shepherd is known as one who has plans that prevent over-foraging3. when Christians walk according to God's plans, He looks good!4. "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the

way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You." -- Psalm 143:85. "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of

uprightness." -- Psalm 143:10M. we do not need to be afraid of death or of evil: Psalm 23:4a

1. it's the shepherd that protects the sheep along the journey2. the shepherd is always there leading the way3. "But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear

not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.' " -- Isaiah 43:1-2

4. "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." -- Matthew 28:20N. His leadership protects and comforts us: Psalm 23:4b

1. the "staff" is the long, crooked stick we commonly associate with shepherdsa. used to gently guide, move, and rescue sheepb. also used as an extension of their arm when making gestures to the sheep and the sheep dogsc. it is also used as a walking stick, or a stick to rest upon

2. the "rod" is a smaller stick, a club specifically chosen and fashioned to be used as a weapona. this is probably what David used to kill the lion and bear: 1 Samuel 17:34-35

3. the "rod" speaks of authority, power, and protection; the "staff" speaks of direction and comfortO. He prepares for us a safe feeding ground: Psalm 23:5a

1. the "table" probably refers to the high "tableland" or "mesa" that they would spend the summers at2. the shepherd would go ahead of time to carefully inspect the area and remove poisonous plants3. he would clean out and repair watering holes to ensure a good water supply4. during their time there he would have to carefully watch for predators

P. He keeps parasites away from us and treats our infections: Psalm 23:5b1. seasonal pests can be alleviated and soothed by the application of oil2. oil mixed with herbs and spices is used to treat contagious diseases

Q. He brings life to the fullest: Psalm 23:5c1. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures

forevermore." -- Psalm 16:112. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." -- John 10:103. "And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."

-- 1 Timothy 1:14


R. we can enjoy His goodness and mercy throughout our lives: Psalm 23:6a1. "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him..."

-- Psalm 103:17S. we will live with Him forever: Psalm 23:6b

1. "For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." -- 2 Corinthians 5:1

2. "Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." -- 1 Thessalonians 4:17



I. Psalm 24A. a Psalm of DavidB. praise to God the Creator: Psalm 24:1-2

1. God is the Creator of all things: Psalm 24:1a. Genesis 1-3b. the Apostle Paul quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 10:26, 28c. "For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of

the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine... for the world is Mine, and all its fullness." -- Psalm 50:10-12

d. "O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions" -- Psalm 104:24

e. He made the place; He makes the rules2. the land was founded on water: Psalm 24:2

a. some say that this is only poetry and not scientific or literalb. however, a number of times the Bible says that the land was brought up out of the sea, or it

indicates that there was or is a lot of water under the land(i) "Then God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let

the dry land appear'; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good." -- Genesis 1:9-10

(ii) "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened." -- Genesis 7:11

(iii) "To Him who laid out the earth above the waters..." -- Psalm 136:6C. only the righteous can live with God: Psalm 24:3-6

1. very similar to Psalm 152. characteristics of the righteous: Psalm 24:4

a. this does not lead to salvation, but is a result of salvationb. clean hands

(i) speaks of outward conduct(ii) "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my

hands He has recompensed me." -- Psalm 18:20(iii) "When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make

many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood." -- Isaiah 1:15(iv) "For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity..." -- Isaiah 59:3(v) "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and

purify your hearts, you double-minded." -- James 4:8c. pure heart

(i) speaks of inward purity and motives(ii) "O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your

evil thoughts lodge within you?" -- Jeremiah 4:14(iii) "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." -- Matthew 5:8(iv) "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and

purify your hearts, you double-minded." -- James 4:8d. not idolatrous

(i) speaks of a dedicated allegiance to the Lord and only to the Lord(ii) God does not tolerate idolatry of the heart: Ezekiel 14:1-11

- God does not approve of people trying to approach Him with idolatrous or double-minded hearts: Ezekiel 14:1-5

- there must be repentance: Ezekiel 14:6-8- otherwise, they will be allowed to be deceived in order to be punished: Ezekiel 14:9-11

(iii) "We... preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them" -- Acts 14:15

(iv) covetousness is idolatry: Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5


e. not deceitful(i) speaks of our conduct and respect for others; our integrity and unwavering commitment for

truth(ii) "Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your

tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." -- Psalm 34:12-13(iii) "...your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity." -- Isaiah 59:3(iv) " 'These are the things you shall do: speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment

in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,' says the LORD." -- Zechariah 8:16-17

3. the followers of God will be blessed and receive righteousness: Psalm 24:5-6D. praise to God: Psalm 24:7-10

1. even the city gates should spread open wide to let God's glory in!

II. Psalm 25A. a Psalm of David

1. this may have been written later in his lifea. "Do not remember the sins of my youth..." -- Psalm 25:7

B. this is an acrostic poem: each line starts with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order1. there are 7 of these: 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145

C. prayer for pardon and deliverance: Psalm 25:1-31. David looks to the Lord: Psalm 25:12. he asks that his enemies won't triumph over him: Psalm 25:23. he asks that all those that look to the Lord aren't made ashamed at the hand of their enemies:

Psalm 25:3aa. "wait" = look for, hope, expect

4. those that are treacherous are the ones who should be ashamed: Psalm 25:3ba. "treacherously" = to cover (with a garment); figuratively to act covertly; by implication to pillage,

deal deceitfullyb. "I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word." -- Psalm 119:158c. "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint."

-- Proverbs 25:19d. there are always those who are conniving against the righteouse. there are many who are preying on the innocent and helpless

D. prayer for guidance: Psalm 25:4-51. according to His ways, paths, and truth2. he looks to, hopes for, and expects things only from the Lord: Psalm 25:5

E. our God is merciful, loving, kind, and full of grace: Psalm 25:6-151. He has always been this way: Psalm 25:62. David regrets the mistakes of his youth: Psalm 25:7

a. and he asks for God's mercy3. God reaches out to sinners: Psalm 25:8

a. "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." -- Matthew 9:13b. "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." -- Matthew 18:11c. "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." -- Luke 19:10

4. God teaches those that want to be taught; He leads those that are willing to be led: Psalm 25:95. God shows mercy to those that follow His word: Psalm 25:106. David asks for forgiveness: Psalm 25:117. God will lead those who respect Him: Psalm 25:12-13

a. He will lead them into a peaceful and good life(i) "prosperity" = good, pleasant, agreeable

8. God communes with those who respect Him: Psalm 25:14a. "secret" = counsel; council or circle of friends sitting around for conversation

9. David will always look to the Lord for his deliverance: Psalm 25:15


F. prayer for deliverance: Psalm 25:16-221. David asks for mercy: Psalm 25:16-182. David's many enemies hate him a lot: Psalm 25:19

a. "cruel" = violence, cruelty; wrong, injustice3. he looks to the Lord for his deliverance: Psalm 25:204. he wants good things from the Lord to preserve him: Psalm 25:21

a. "Honesty is the best policy."5. David even asks for the deliverance of his country Israel: Psalm 25:22



I. Psalm 26A. a Psalm of DavidB. David insists that he hasn't done anything wrong: Psalm 26:1-3

1. he looks to the Lord for vindication: Psalm 26:1a. his trust in the Lord leads to stability: Psalm 26:1b

(i) "slip" = to waver; make to slide, slip, or shake; to slip, slide, totter, shake(ii) "You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip." -- Psalm 18:36(iii) "You enlarged my path under me; so my feet did not slip." -- 2 Samuel 22:37

2. he's so sure he hasn't done anything wrong that he invites the Lord to closely examine him: Psalm 26:2a. "examine" = examine, scrutinize; to test or prove, such as metalb. "prove" = test, try, prove; put to the test; assayc. "try" = to smelt, refine, test; to fuse or refine metald. building with gold, silver, and precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw: 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

3. David has walked in the truth of God: Psalm 26:3a. he clearly sees the goodness and kindness of God

C. David lives an upright life: Psalm 26:4-81. very similar to, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path

of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful" -- Psalm 1:12. he will stay away from idolaters, hypocrites, evildoers, and the wicked: Psalm 26:4-53. he will keep himself clean so he can approach the Lord: Psalm 26:6-8

D. he doesn't want to be counted as one of the wicked: Psalm 26:9-101. "sinister scheme" = a plan, especially a bad one; a heinous crime; lewdness, not chaste, incest,

licentiousness, adultery, idolatry, harlotryE. he pledges to continue to walk a godly life: Psalm 26:11-12

1. just like he said in Psalm 26:12. although he leads a godly life, he still acknowledges his need for redemption and mercy3. "who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself

His own special people, zealous for good works." -- Titus 2:144. "knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless

conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." -- 1 Peter 1:18-19

5. God gives stability to David's life: Psalm 26:12aa. "Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path..." -- Psalm 27:11

6. he will publicly praise the Lord: Psalm 26:12b

II. Psalm 27A. a Psalm of DavidB. with the Lord in charge, David doesn't need to be afraid of anyone: Psalm 27:1-3

1. Psalm 18 had a lot about God's strength and power, and how David's enemies stumbled2. God is David's light, salvation, and strength: Psalm 27:1

a. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -- Philippians 4:133. David's enemies stumbled and fell: Psalm 27:24. even if he is outnumbered, David still could find peace in God: Psalm 27:3

a. "They surrounded me like bees; they were quenched like a fire of thorns..." -- Psalm 118:12C. David's one and only desire is to be with the Lord: Psalm 27:4-6

1. he has a very earnest desire to be with God: Psalm 27:4a. "desired" = to earnestly ask, begb. "seek" = to search out (by any method; specifically in worship or prayer); to strive after; ask, begc. "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!" -- Psalm 105:3

2. God will protect him very well: Psalm 27:5a. "pavilion" = thicket, lair, den

3. God will exalt David: Psalm 27:6aa. "But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head." -- Psalm 3:3

4. he will joyfully sing praises to the Lord: Psalm 27:6ba. "joy" = shout of joy; clamor, that is, acclamation of joy or a battle cry


D. David prays for himself: Psalm 27:7-121. David's tone changes here, to a prayer for deliverance2. although David has complete confidence in God, he still acknowledges his need for mercy:

Psalm 27:73. he knows he needs to seek the face of God: Psalm 27:8

a. and he will do thatb. "Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!" -- Psalm 105:4

4. David asks for God's continuing help and protection: Psalm 27:9a. he acknowledges that God has been helping himb. he may also be acknowledging that he's a sinner and didn't want God leaving himc. "Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me."

-- Psalm 51:11(i) Psalm 51 is David's repentance of his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah her

husband (2 Samuel 11-12)5. apparently, even David's parents had forsaken him: Psalm 27:106. he wants God's leading and direction: Psalm 27:11

a. only God knows the best wayb. "smooth" = level place, uprightnessc. "My foot stands in an even place..." -- Psalm 26:12d. "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for

You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." -- Psalm 25:4-5e. "The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway."

-- Proverbs 15:197. he's been the victim of false accusations: Psalm 27:12

a. he seeks God's justice and vindicationE. it's important to have hope in the Lord: Psalm 27:13-14

1. "wait" = look for, hope, expect2. "Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed..." -- Psalm 25:33. "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day."

-- Psalm 25:54. "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You." -- Psalm 25:21

III. Psalm 28A. a Psalm of DavidB. David's earnest prayer that he needs to hear God: Psalm 28:1-2

1. if God doesn't speak to him he might as well be dead: Psalm 28:1ba. it's that important to him

2. and he needs to be heard by God: Psalm 28:2C. David separates himself from the ungodly: Psalm 28:3-5

1. he doesn't want to be punished with the wicked: Psalm 28:3a. he specifically points out hateful or hypocritical neighbors

(i) perhaps this is a specific problem he ran into2. David aligns himself with the judgment against the ungodly: Psalm 28:4

a. he agrees with God's willb. we need to be careful not to be hateful or vindictivec. we need to keep our eyes on the fact that they're not our enemies, but God's

(i) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake." -- Matthew 10:22(ii) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake." -- Mark 13:13(iii) "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out

your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake." -- Luke 6:22(iv) "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the

world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." -- John 15:18-19

3. they're wicked because they don't acknowledge the Lord: Psalm 28:5a. they don't consider or appreciate what the Lord is doing, even for themb. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased

mind, to do those things which are not fitting" -- Romans 1:28


D. David praises God for listening to him: Psalm 28:6-91. he blesses the Lord for hearing him: Psalm 28:62. God helped him because he trusted in Him: Psalm 28:7

a. and David is very grateful for that3. he reaffirms that the Lord enables, helps, and protects those He anoints or chooses: Psalm 28:8

a. "Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand." -- Psalm 20:6

4. he further asks the Lord to watch over and guard those that follow Him: Psalm 28:9



I. Psalm 29A. a Psalm of DavidB. the Lord is above heavenly beings: Psalm 29:1-2

1. "mighty ones" = "sons of God"a. refers to heavenly beings or angelsb. "For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can

be likened to the LORD?" -- Psalm 89:6c. Genesis 6:2, 4d. Job 1:6; 2:1

C. the Lord is above the creation: Psalm 29:3-91. a massive hurricane may be pictured here

a. thunder, lightning, destruction2. the Lord commands the weather: Psalm 29:3-4

a. "thunder" = to make the sound of thunder; to be violently agitated; to rage(i) "...He thunders with His majestic voice, and He does not restrain them when His voice is

heard. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend." -- Job 37:4-5

(ii) "The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them." -- 1 Samuel 2:10

(iii) "...the LORD thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day..." -- 1 Samuel 7:10(iv) "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice" -- Psalm 18:13 (v) "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice." -- 2 Samuel 22:14(vi) "And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices..." -- Revelation 4:5

3. the Lord is more powerful than the majestic cedars of Lebanon: Psalm 29:5-7a. He can splinter the trees: Psalm 29:5b. He can throw countries and mountains around: Psalm 29:6

(i) "The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs." -- Psalm 114:4(ii) Sirion was the Sidonian name for Mount Hermon: Deuteronomy 3:9

c. He is in control of the lightning: Psalm 29:74. He can terrify the wilderness and everything in it: Psalm 29:8-9

a. great storms can occur anywhere: Psalm 29:8(i) "shakes" = to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained

b. the terror from the demonstrations of the forces of nature can affect wildlife: Psalm 29:9a(i) the Hebrew word translated as "give birth" is the same one for "shakes" in the previous verse

c. the forces of nature can devastate a forest: Psalm 29:9bD. the Lord is above humanity: Psalm 29:10-11

1. God was in control of the Flood: Psalm 29:10a. a lot more was involved than just a lot of rain

(i) there were massive changes in the earth and its climate(ii) all changes had to be tightly controlled to ensure that it could still support life

b. Psalm 104:6-9c. some commentators say that the flood in the time of Noah is not what is meant here, but

everywhere else this Hebrew word is used it is always speaking of that deluge2. strength and peace comes from the Lord: Psalm 29:11

a. "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." -- Isaiah 40:31

b. "But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." -- 2 Timothy 4:17

c. "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." -- 2 Thessalonians 3:16

d. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -- John 14:27


II. Psalm 30A. a Psalm of DavidB. God protected and exalted David: Psalm 30:1-3

1. David didn't want his enemies to have any opportunities to gloat: Psalm 30:12. he acknowledges that God is the one who kept him safe: Psalm 30:2-3

C. David praises God for His mercy and grace: Psalm 30:4-51. David encourages everyone to praise the Lord at every remembrance of Him: Psalm 30:42. God is more interested in grace and mercy than punishment: Psalm 30:5a

a. "The Lord... is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." -- 2 Peter 3:9

b. "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." -- 1 Timothy 2:4c. "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in

mercy and truth." -- Psalm 86:153. we will go through tough times, but there will be an end to it: Psalm 30:5b

a. "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children" -- Psalm 103:17

b. " 'For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,' says the LORD, your Redeemer." -- Isaiah 54:7-8

c. " 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the LORD, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.' " -- Jeremiah 29:11

d. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." -- Romans 8:28

e. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." -- 1 Corinthians 10:13(i) everything is "Father-filtered"

f. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." -- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

D. God was the true source of David's stability: Psalm 30:6-71. David had relied on himself: Psalm 30:62. but he realized that the source of true stability was God: Psalm 30:73. wealth and comfort can give us a false sense of security, and make us very complacent4. physical wealth should never be used as a sign of God's blessings or anointing

a. even today there is the "health and wealth" gospel5. "Hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I shall observe Your statutes continually." -- Psalm 119:1176. wealth, comfort, and ease of life keeps a lot of people from being saved: Mark 10:23-25;

Luke 18:23-25a. "...how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!" -- Mark 10:24

7. "But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare... For the love of money is a root of all evils... Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God..." -- 1 Timothy 6:9-17

8. "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich... and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." -- Revelation 3:17-18

E. David's true motive for wanting to be delivered and not killed was so that he could praise the Lord: Psalm 30:8-101. he wants God to be his helper: Psalm 30:10

F. God is the source of his joy: Psalm 30:11-121. "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures

forevermore." -- Psalm 16:112. he will be grateful to the Lord forever



I. Psalm 31A. a Psalm of DavidB. David trusts God to be his strength: Psalm 31:1-5

1. David trusts in God and asks for deliverance: Psalm 31:12. he asks the Lord to hear him: Psalm 31:2a3. he looks to the Lord for strength and protection: Psalm 31:2b4. he wants the Lord to lead him for the Lord's benefit: Psalm 31:3

a. he wants his life to be a good example for the Lordb. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." -- Psalm 23:3c. "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ..." -- 2 Corinthians 5:20

5. David wants the Lord to rescue him from his enemies' secret plans: Psalm 31:4a. there are a lot of things that our enemy (Satan) is trying to do against usb. "Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity, who

sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows--bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear." -- Psalm 64:2-4

6. he completely commits himself to the Lord's protection and provision: Psalm 31:5C. God has kept David safe and free from his enemies: Psalm 31:6-8

1. David abhors idolatry: Psalm 31:6a. he shares God's hatred of idolatry and His disapproval of those believing in idols

(i) "I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked." -- Psalm 26:5(ii) "Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against

You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies." -- Psalm 139:21-22b. he trusts in the one and only Godc. when Paul was in Lystra, he wanted them to turn away from "useless things": Acts 14:15

(i) "useless things" or "vanities" = idols- Deuteronomy 32:21- 1 Samuel 12:21- 1 Kings 16:13, 26- Psalm 31:6- Isaiah 44:9- Jeremiah 8:19; 10:1-15; 14:22; 16:19-20; 18:15- Jonah 2:8- Habakkuk 2:18-20

(ii) he wanted them to turn from "useless things" to a "living God"- when someone turns away from something useless, they must turn to something real- "...to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God..."

-- Acts 26:18(iii) covetousness is idolatry: Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5

d. "...we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one." -- 1 Corinthians 8:4

e. "...the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God..." -- 1 Corinthians 10:20

2. he acknowledges that God has kept him safe and free from his enemies: Psalm 31:7-8a. "He also brought me out into a broad place..." -- Psalm 18:19b. "I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place."

-- Psalm 118:5D. David laments his hopeless situation: Psalm 31:9-13

1. David is very upset about all his difficulties: Psalm 31:9-10a. "iniquity" = perversity, depravity

2. to him, everyone seems to hate him: Psalm 31:11


3. he feels forgotten: Psalm 31:12a. "broken" = perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyedb. he may feel as if it's hopeless, that he could never get his life back together againc. or maybe everyone else feels that David is finished

4. people lie about him: Psalm 31:13a5. he feels as if everyone is plotting to kill him: Psalm 31:13b

E. David looks to the Lord to deliver him from his hopeless situation: Psalm 31:14-181. he acknowledges that he is in the Lord's hand, that he's at His mercy: Psalm 31:152. he wants the Lord to shine on him: Psalm 31:16

a. he wants the Lord to look favorably upon himb. Psalm 4:6; 67:1; 119:135

3. he asks that he isn't made ashamed at the hands of his enemies: Psalm 31:17a. Psalm 25:2-3, 20b. "Let them be ashamed who persecute me, but do not let me be put to shame; let them be dismayed,

but do not let me be dismayed." -- Jeremiah 17:184. he prays against those that are lying about the righteous: Psalm 31:18

F. God is good to those that believe and trust in Him: Psalm 31:19-241. those that trust in God will be protected: Psalm 31:20

a. "pavilion" = thicket, lair, denb. Psalm 27:5

2. God protected him: Psalm 31:21-22a. God may have led him to a literal fortified city for protection, or God protected him just as if he

was in a fortified city3. God preserves and strengthens the faithful, but punishes the proud: Psalm 31:23-24

a. "Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud." -- Psalm 94:2

II. Psalm 32A. a Psalm of DavidB. sin has to be dealt with: Psalm 32:1-2

1. "transgression" = revolt, rebellion2. "sin" = an offense; from the root word meaning crime3. "iniquity" = perversity, depravity4. it's very important, and a great blessing to be free from the burden and penalty of sin5. it's very important to be free from deceit: Psalm 32:2b

a. "deceit" = treachery; laxness, slacknessb. "Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue." -- Psalm 120:2c. "My lips will not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." -- Job 27:4d. "He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." -- Proverbs 10:4e. "The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man's precious possession."

-- Proverbs 12:27C. confession of sin is important: Psalm 32:3-5

1. hiding sin is not healthy: Psalm 32:3-4a. some think that this description is only metaphoricb. this could be very literal, in that sin can lead to sicknessc. guilt can be very detrimental, both emotionally and physically

2. God will forgive: Psalm 32:5a. the same list ("sin... iniquity... transgression") as used in Psalm 32:1-2b. "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon

You." -- Psalm 86:5c. "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in

mercy and truth." -- Psalm 86:15d. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the

LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." -- Isaiah 55:7

e. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." -- 1 John 1:9


D. David encourages everyone to confess their sins: Psalm 32:6-71. people need to approach the Lord while He is available: Psalm 32:6

a. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." -- Isaiah 55:6b. "For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if

you will hear His voice: 'Do not harden your hearts...' " -- Psalm 95:7-11c. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." -- 2 Corinthians 6:2d. if God is constantly rejected, there is a point when He will leave that person,

that church, or that nation alonee. there is a limit to God's mercy: there will come a point when punishment or

judgment must come(i) willful sin leads to a downward progression: Romans 1:18-32(ii) as a punishment in the future, God will send a strong delusion upon those

"who did not believe the truth": 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12(iii) Zechariah 7:13(iv)Proverbs 1:20-33(v) the message of Jeremiah: "It's too late!"(vi) the Jews rejected Moses' first attempt to deliver them (Exodus 2:14 + Acts

7:25, 35), so God cleaned out that generation (by waiting 40 years, Acts 7:30), and then sent Moses to them a second time (Exodus 2:23-4:17)

(vii)the Jews were afraid to go into the Promised Land, so He cleaned out that generation, too, by waiting 38 more years (for a total of 40 years since leaving Egypt)- Numbers 14:22-24- Psalm 95:7-11- Hebrews 3:8-19

(viii)to demonstrate His power, and to punish Pharaoh and Egypt, God hardened Pharaoh's heart- Exodus 4:21; 7:3, 13-14, 22; 8:19; 9:7, 12, 35; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10;

14:4, 8, 17- at times they hardened their own hearts, too: Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34-

35; 1 Samuel 6:62. God protects and delivers David: Psalm 32:7

a. "hiding place" = covering, shelter, protection, hiding place, secrecyb. "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." -- Psalm 119:114

E. God wants to teach and guide us: Psalm 32:8-91. we must not be stubborn

a. "A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back." -- Proverbs 26:3b. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you

have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you..." -- 1 Samuel 15:23c. "And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not

set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God." -- Psalm 78:8d. Psalm 81

2. understanding is very importanta. there is a connection between the Word of God and understanding

(i) "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." -- Psalm 119:130

(ii) "Give me understanding according to Your word." -- Psalm 119:169(iii) from Jesus' Parable of the Four Soils, the wayside soil had no understanding (Matthew 13:19);

the good soil had understanding (Matthew 13:23)F. only the righteous have true joy: Psalm 32:10-11

1. "Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid." -- Proverbs 13:212. " 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.' " -- Isaiah 57:213. "He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he."

-- Proverbs 16:204. believers have every reason to shout for joy!



I. Psalm 33A. we should praise the Lord: Psalm 33:1-3

1. the believers should praise the Lord: Psalm 33:1a. praise is "beautiful"

(i) "beautiful" = beautiful; suitable(ii) it's a wonderful thing(iii) it's expected

b. praise from the upright is beautiful(i) we should praise from a clean heart(ii) versus hypocrisy

c. there are plenty of reasons to praise the Lordd. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His

delight." -- Proverbs 15:82. the use of instruments: Psalm 33:2

a. we are allowed to use musical instruments as part of praise and worshipb. we should

3. the use of new music: Psalm 33:3a. there can and should be new songsb. we shouldn't rely on just the old stuff

(i) traditional(ii) stuffy(iii) stagnant(iv) too familiar

B. characteristics of God: Psalm 33:4-51. everything He says and does is good and right: Psalm 33:4

a. "The words of the LORD are pure words..." -- Psalm 12:6b. "The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes" -- Psalm 19:8c. "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." -- Proverbs 30:5d. everything that is not good or perfect is a result of sin

2. He loves what is right and just: Psalm 33:5aa. "For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright."

-- Psalm 11:73. the earth is filled with God's goodness: Psalm 33:5b

a. "goodness" = goodness, kindness, faithfulness; mercyb. "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His

testimonies." -- Psalm 25:10c. "Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness..." -- Psalm 31:21d. "The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy..." -- Psalm 119:64

C. God is the author of creation: Psalm 33:6-91. God spoke and it was created: Psalm 33:6, 9

a. Genesis 12. the sea has its place and its borders: Psalm 33:7

a. when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea it "stood upright like a heap": Exodus 15:8(i) "He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters stand up like a

heap." -- Psalm 78:13b. when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River it backed up into a "heap" so they crossed on dry

ground: Joshua 3:13, 16c. "Then God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the

dry land appear'; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good." -- Genesis 1:9-10

3. we should be in awe as a result of noticing and studying creation: Psalm 33:8a. it demonstrates just how small we are, but that God is very interested in us


4. when God spoke it "was": Psalm 33:9aa. "it was" is a better translation than "it was done"

(i) there was no process, or it happening over a period of timeb. "Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light." -- Genesis 1:3c. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:6-7d. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:9e. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:11f. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:14-15g. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:24h. "Then God said... and it was so." -- Genesis 1:29-30

5. God's creation is stable: Psalm 33:9ba. the laws of nature are stable and unbreakableb. but sin has and is destroying creation

(i) "Cursed is the ground... thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you..." -- Genesis 3:17-18(ii) it will have to be replaced

- "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create..." -- Isaiah 65:17-18

- "For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me..." -- Isaiah 66:22

- "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." -- 2 Peter 3:13

- "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away." -- Revelation 21:1

D. God is mightier than the nations of the earth: Psalm 33:10-191. God is in control of all the nations: Psalm 33:10-12

a. nations are blessed depending on how they honor the Lord: Psalm 33:12(i) "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." -- Proverbs 14:34

b. "For the kingdom is the LORD's, and He rules over the nations." -- Psalm 22:28c. "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed... He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision." -- Psalm 2:1-4

2. God knows all about all mankind: Psalm 33:13-15a. He has made each person individually: Psalm 33:15

(i) "fashions" = to mold into a form, squeeze into shape, such as by a potter- "You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter."

-- Psalm 74:17- "Woe to him who strives with his Maker... Shall the clay say to him who forms it, 'What

are you making?' " -- Isaiah 45:9- "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we

are the work of Your hand." -- Isaiah 64:83. it's not all about human might: Psalm 33:16-17

a. "Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." -- Psalm 127:1b. "This is the word of the LORD...: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD

of hosts." -- Zechariah 4:6c. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against

the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." -- Ephesians 6:12

4. God sees and pays attention to those who fear Him and look to Him for mercy: Psalm 33:18-19a. "The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."

-- Psalm 147:11E. God is our divine helper: Psalm 33:20-22

1. we can rejoice because we hope in Him: Psalm 33:21


II. Psalm 34A. a Psalm of DavidB. it is not universally accepted that the title (referring to David's subterfuge before Abimelech) correctly

applies to this Psalm1. the historical account would be 1 Samuel 212. it's commonly felt that the title was added by someone other than David3. it's possible that this Psalm was not written to commemorate David's escape from Abimelech4. Abimelech may be a common name for the rulers of the Philistines, just as Pharaoh was to the

Egyptians and Caesar was to the RomansC. this is an acrostic poem: each line starts with each letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order

1. there are 7 of these: 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 1452. all of the Hebrew letters aren't included here in Psalm 34

D. we should bless the Lord at all times: Psalm 34:1-31. David proclaims that he will bless the Lord all the time: Psalm 34:1

a. "I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever." -- Psalm 145:1-2

2. we must not glory in ourselves, but in God: Psalm 34:2a. "boast" = to shine, to make a show; to boastb. "Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in

his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the LORD." -- Jeremiah 9:23-24(i) quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17

3. he encourages everyone to bless the Lord with him: Psalm 34:3E. God is our deliverer: Psalm 34:4-7

1. we should look to God to be enlightened: Psalm 34:5a. a better translation may be, "look to Him and be enlightened, and your face will not be ashamed"

2. David cried out to God and He delivered him: Psalm 34:63. God is protecting us: Psalm 34:7

a. the idea of a "guardian angel" comes from verses like thisF. God's goodness takes care of us: Psalm 34:8-10

1. "Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way." -- Psalm 25:82. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."

-- Nahum 1:73. "He said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.' " -- Matthew 19:17

G. to fear the Lord is to keep from evil: Psalm 34:11-141. we are not to be deceitful: Psalm 34:13

a. "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." -- Proverbs 12:22

2. we are to keep away from evil: Psalm 34:14aa. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse

mouth I hate." -- Proverbs 8:133. we are to seek and pursue peace: Psalm 34:14b

a. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." -- Romans 12:18b. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of

mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." -- James 3:17-18

c. "Pursue peace with all..." -- Hebrews 12:14d. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." -- Matthew 5:9

4. "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you... that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged." -- Deuteronomy 6:1-2

5. "If you love Me, keep My commandments." -- John 14:15


H. the Lord pays attention to the righteous: Psalm 34:15-221. God pays attention to and hears the righteous: Psalm 34:15, 17

a. "Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him." -- John 9:31

b. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear." -- Psalm 66:18c. "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." -- Proverbs 15:29

2. God is against evildoers: Psalm 34:16a. "The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot." -- Proverbs 10:7

3. God comforts those with a broken heart: Psalm 34:18a. "For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the

high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.' " -- Isaiah 57:15

4. the righteous definitely have problems in this world: Psalm 34:19-20a. but the Lord helps and delivers them from their difficulties

5. the ungodly will be punished: Psalm 34:21aa. sin can be its own punishment

(i) "Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you..." -- Jeremiah 2:19

(ii) "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners." -- Proverbs 1:19

(iii) "His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin." -- Proverbs 5:22

(iv) "Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same." -- Job 4:8(v) "They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind." -- Hosea 8:7(vi) "You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies,

because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men." -- Hosea 10:13(vii)"He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow" -- Proverbs 22:8(viii)"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." -- Galatians 6:7-8

(ix) Psalms 7:14-16; 9:15-16(x) Isaiah 3:9

6. those who hate the godly ones will be condemned: Psalm 34:21ba. "The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him, for

He sees that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken." -- Psalm 37:12-15

b. "it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you" -- 2 Thessalonians 1:6

7. salvation comes to those who trust in Him: Psalm 34:22



I. Psalm 35A. a Psalm of DavidB. this Psalm has 3 sections, each section with the same pattern

1. a complaint2. prayer to God3. praise

C. David is being attacked for no reason: Psalm 35:1-101. David asks God to fight for him: Psalm 35:1-3a

a. "draw out" (Psalm 35:3) = pour out, empty out(i) the picture of God's judgment being poured out is a common one

2. he asks for reassurance from God: Psalm 35:3b3. David asks God to take care of his enemies: Psalm 35:4-8

a. they're against David for no reason: Psalm 35:7b. let them be caught up in their own schemes: Psalm 35:8

4. no matter what happens David will rejoice in the Lord: Psalm 35:9-10D. David is slandered and treated unjustly because of ingratitude: Psalm 35:11-18

1. they lied about David: Psalm 35:11a. violent witnesses came against David: Psalm 35:11a

(i) not only were they false witnesses, they were violent and cruel about itb. they accused David of things he knew nothing about: Psalm 35:11bc. lying and deception is a common tactic of Satan

(i) "...the devil... does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." -- John 8:44

(ii) when there is nothing evil about our lives, Satan has to resort to deception(iii) Jesus' accusers tried to find false witnesses against Him

- Matthew 26:59-60- Mark 14:55-59- Luke 23:2

(iv) Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife: Genesis 39:7-20(v) Jezebel had 2 men lie about Naboth: 1 Kings 21:7-13(vi) Jeremiah was falsely accused: Jeremiah 37:13-14; 43:2-3(vii)Stephen was falsely accused: Acts 6:11-13(viii)Paul was falsely accused: Acts 24:5-13

2. they repaid David evil for good: Psalm 35:12a. "Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good."

-- Psalm 38:20b. "They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause. In

return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer. Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love." -- Psalm 109:3-5

c. "Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." -- Proverbs 17:13d. it really bothered David that they were behaving like this

(i) it probably bothered David more that their behavior was detrimental to their own souls, than the fact that it was hurting him

3. David showed genuine concern over the misfortune of others: Psalm 35:13-144. but they showed a genuine lack of gratitude: Psalm 35:15-16

a. "adversity" = limping, stumblingb. they rejoiced when David was sick, hurt, or experienced misfortunec. they slandered and spoke evil of him

5. David asks God to save him from his enemies: Psalm 35:176. no matter what happens David will be thankful and praise the Lord: Psalm 35:18


E. David is mocked and taunted for no reason: Psalm 35:19-281. they're David's enemies for no reason: Psalm 35:19-21

a. their behavior towards David is based on deception: Psalm 35:19(i) "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes...

perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord." -- Proverbs 6:12-14(ii) "He who winks with the eye causes trouble..." -- Proverbs 10:10

b. they are not interested in peace: Psalm 35:20(i) "quiet" = restful, peaceable, quiet(ii) they plot against the peaceful people of the land(iii) they want to stir up unrest

c. they try to find things to accuse David of: Psalm 35:212. David seeks vindication from God: Psalm 35:22-27

a. the only thing that matters is what God thinks of usb. David doesn't want them to be happy and satisfied at his misfortune: Psalm 35:24-25

(i) he didn't want his enemies to gloat: Psalm 13:4c. his enemies need to be ashamed of their behavior: Psalm 35:26d. his supporters should rejoice in David's vindication and approval by God: Psalm 35:27

3. no matter what happens David will praise the Lord: Psalm 35:28

II. Psalm 36A. a Psalm of DavidB. David describes the ungodly: Psalm 36:1-4

1. they do not have respect for God: Psalm 36:1b2. they do not take the sin in their life seriously: Psalm 36:2

a. "flatters" = to be smooth, slippery, deceitful; to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assignb. they lie to themselves about their sinful statec. they think that they're really a good persond. "Who say to the seers, 'Do not see,' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy to us right things; speak

to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.' " -- Isaiah 30:10 (i) the word used here for "smooth" is related to the word used in Psalm 36:2 for "flatters"

e. "...smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." -- Romans 16:18f. "To smooth over one's own conduct to one's conscience (which is the meaning of the Hebrew) is

to smooth one's own path to hell." -- Charles Spurgeong. confession and repentance is very important

3. nothing good comes out of their mouth: Psalm 36:3a. they are no longer usefulb. "They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things, who have said, 'With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?' " -- Psalm 12:2-4

c. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." -- Psalm 19:14

d. "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." -- Ephesians 4:29

e. "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." -- Romans 14:19

4. they plot evil things: Psalm 36:4a. they don't hate the things that are evil

C. David describes the Lord: Psalm 36:5-91. God's mercy and faithfulness is so great that it is unreachable: Psalm 36:52. God's righteousness is firm; His judgments are unfathomable: Psalm 36:6a

a. "Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven -- what can you do? Deeper than Sheol -- what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea." -- Job 11:7-9

b. "O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep." -- Psalm 92:5c. " 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the LORD. 'For as

the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.' " -- Isaiah 55:8-9


d. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" -- Romans 11:33

3. He is in control of creation: Psalm 36:6b4. His lovingkindness is very precious: Psalm 36:7a

a. God's goodness is what attracts us to Him5. we look to Him for protection and providence: Psalm 36:7b-8

a. "hide me under the shadow of Your wings" -- Psalm 17:8(i) see the notes for this verse

b. we can be very satisfied with God's goodness: Psalm 36:86. He is life: Psalm 36:9a

a. "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." -- Isaiah 12:3b. "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,

and hewn themselves cisterns -- broken cisterns that can hold no water." -- Jeremiah 2:13c. "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall

give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." -- John 4:147. He is our light: Psalm 36:9b

a. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" -- Psalm 27:1

b. "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.' " -- John 8:12

c. "You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:5

D. David asks God for his continual grace: Psalm 36:10E. David asks God for protection from his enemies: Psalm 36:11

1. he doesn't want to be defeated by the proudF. the wicked will be punished: Psalm 36:12

1. "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down." -- Daniel 4:37


Lesson 16: Psalm 37

I. Psalm 37A. a Psalm of DavidB. he may have written this later in his life

1. "I have been young, and now am old..." -- Psalm 37:252. he has a lot of learning experiences to look back on

C. this Psalm deals with the old questions about the prosperity of the wicked and the affliction of the righteousD. this is an acrostic poem: each line starts with some or all of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order

1. there are 7 of these: 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 1452. may have helped in memorization

E. there are no real prayers, praise, or worship, but just sound advice, wisdom, and comfort1. there are about 8 precepts and numerous proverbs

F. we are not to fret about evildoers: Psalm 37:1-21. the 1st precept2. "fret" = to be hot, furious, burn, become angry; to heat oneself in vexation3. we are not to be excessively distracted or obsessed about the prosperity of the wicked4. we should not let the advantages of the ungodly rob our joy5. we are not to envy the wicked

a. their money, power, and/or position will very soon come to absolutely nothingb. "For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." -- Psalm 73:3c. "Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways" -- Proverbs 3:31d. "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day"

-- Proverbs 23:176. we are to realize and accept that God Himself will ultimately take care of the situation

a. even if someone evades man's justice, no one can escape God's justiceb. God has all eternity to deal with the wrongdoersc. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." -- Hebrews 10:31d. compared to eternity, everyone's time here on the earth is an extremely small portion of their

existence; so small that it's actually negligiblee. "All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the

flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." -- Isaiah 40:6-8(i) quoted in 1 Peter 1:24-25

f. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." -- James 4:14

7. this does not mean that we're to forget about justice8. this does not mean that we are not to strive for what is right9. this does not mean that we're to sit back and let whatever happens happen10. we are not to be complacent or passive

a. Jesus wasn't a pacifist11. we are not to take the law into our own hands

G. we are to trust in the Lord: Psalm 37:31. the 2nd precept2. we are to enjoy what He has for us3. we are to enjoy where He puts us4. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree

planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." -- Jeremiah 17:7-8

H. we are to delight ourselves in the Lord: Psalm 37:41. the 3rd precept2. "delight" = be soft or pliable; to be happy about, take exquisite delight

a. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance." -- Isaiah 55:2


3. we are to allow ourselves to be formed and molded so that we are aligned with the will of Goda. we will then enjoy His presenceb. "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the

work of Your hand." -- Isaiah 64:84. if we love God and are in good fellowship with Him we will not want anything that He wouldn't want

us to havea. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done

for you." -- John 15:7b. "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He

hears us." -- 1 John 5:14I. we are to commit our way to the Lord: Psalm 37:5-6

1. the 4th precept2. "commit" = to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together3. we are to roll the entire burden of our life onto the Lord4. "shall bring it to pass" = to do, fashion, accomplish, make5. we are to trust that He will take care of our life and do what He says He will do6. "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." -- 1 Peter 5:77. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your

requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:6-7

J. we are to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him: Psalm 37:71. the 5th precept2. "wait" = to be silent, be still, wait3. we are to wait patiently for God to act4. we are reminded again not to fret about the wicked

K. we are not to be angry or wrathful about the flourishing of the wicked: Psalm 37:8-111. the 6th precept2. our fretting will only cause ourselves harm

a. emotionally and spiritually3. the wicked will be destroyed: Psalm 37:9a4. God will punish them when He is ready5. those who wait on the Lord will inherit the earth: Psalm 37:9b

a. this theme is repeated a number of times in this Psalm6. the wicked will be obliterated from the earth: Psalm 37:10

a. this theme is repeated a number of times in this Psalm7. the meek will inherit the earth: Psalm 37:11

a. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." -- Matthew 5:58. this passage demonstrates the spirit of meekness

a. they let God take care of the problemsb. we may still do the work as He directs, but let God get the gloryc. to a certain point they, "Let go and let God"

9. meekness is not weakness or shynessa. it's not being a doormat or a pacifistb. weakness is not a path to security

10. meekness is not being self-assertivea. they have nothing to prove

11. it's been said that meekness is "power under control"a. opposite of being out-of-controlb. when Jesus was riding into Jerusalem on a donkey He was called "meek": Matthew 21:5

L. the oppressors will be punished: Psalm 37:12-151. the wicked plot against the righteous: Psalm 37:122. the Lord knows that judgment day will be coming: Psalm 37:133. the results of their plotting may be their own punishment: Psalm 37:14-15

M. the small amount that a good person has is better than the riches of a wicked person: Psalm 37:16-241. "Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble." -- Proverbs 15:162. "Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice." -- Proverbs 16:8


N. the Lord always provides: Psalm 37:25-261. David has noticed throughout his life that the Lord has always been faithful to take care of His own

O. we are to depart from evil and do good: Psalm 37:27-291. the 7th precept2. only the righteous will remain3. "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul."

-- Proverbs 16:174. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.

Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow." -- Isaiah 1:16-17

P. wisdom comes from the righteous: Psalm 37:30-311. the righteous should be a source of wisdom and justice: Psalm 37:302. "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom." -- Proverbs 10:213. "The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out."

-- Proverbs 10:314. "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so." -- Proverbs 15:75. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his

heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." -- Matthew 12:34b-35

6. "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." -- Ephesians 4:29

7. because the word of God is in the heart of the righteous, they have stable lives: Psalm 37:31a. "slide" = slipb. "Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip." -- Psalm 17:5c. "Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I

shall not slip." -- Psalm 26:1Q. the Lord rescues the righteous from the wicked: Psalm 37:32-33

1. the wicked plot against the righteous: Psalm 37:322. the Lord will not let the wicked prevail over the righteous: Psalm 37:33

R. we are to wait on the Lord: Psalm 37:34-401. the 8th precept2. if we remain faithful we will be exalted: Psalm 37:34a3. the wicked will come to nothing: Psalm 37:34b4. David witnessed the wicked prospering and then coming to nothing: Psalm 37:35-365. we should observe the example of the righteous: Psalm 37:376. we are again reminded that the wicked will come to nothing: Psalm 37:387. the Lord is our salvation and strength: Psalm 37:398. the Lord will keep us safe from the wicked: Psalm 37:40



I. Psalm 38A. a Psalm of DavidB. David's introductory prayer for mercy: Psalm 38:1

1. sounds like JobC. he feels as if he's being punished because of his sin: Psalm 38:2-10

1. he's suffering because of his sin: Psalm 38:32. his sin is burying him: Psalm 38:4

a. he's in over his headb. sin is a real burden

3. he's suffering because of his foolishness: Psalm 38:5a. he's regretting some of the choices he's made in his life

4. he's being dragged down because of the weight of his sin: Psalm 38:6-8a. "troubled" = to be bent, be bowed down, be twisted

5. David's true desire is for the Lord: Psalm 38:9-10a. he knows that God knows what is truly in his heart: Psalm 38:9b. David may feel as if he's dying: Psalm 38:10

D. David feels overwhelmed and frustrated because of all his enemies: Psalm 38:11-201. his family and friends have forsaken him: Psalm 38:11

a. similar to what he said in Psalm 27:10; 31:112. his adversaries are plotting against him: Psalm 38:12

a. it involved deception(i) this tactic of his enemies has been brought up before: Psalm 4:2; 7:14; 35:11, 19

3. David chose not to respond: Psalm 38:13-14a. Jesus didn't respond to His accusers

(i) Matthew 26:63; 27:12, 14(ii) Isaiah 53:7(iii) 1 Peter 1:21-23

b. David did not retaliate when Shimei was vigorously falsely accusing him as he was fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom: 2 Samuel 16:5-13(i) "It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with

good for his cursing this day." -- 2 Samuel 16:124. David is convinced that God will answer him: Psalm 38:15-16

a. he doesn't want his enemies to be victorious over him: Psalm 38:165. he feels as if he's going to fall under the burden of sin: Psalm 38:176. he is ready and willing to confess and be contrite for his sin: Psalm 38:187. he realizes that his enemies are strong: Psalm 38:19

a. they hate him for no good reasonb. Psalm 35 was about his enemies being against him for no reason

8. they are against him because he follows what is right: Psalm 38:20a. "They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul." -- Psalm 35:12b. "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for

darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" -- Isaiah 5:20E. he asks God to be close to him and help him: Psalm 38:21-22

1. he didn't just assume God would help him: he asked for what he needed

II. Psalm 39A. a Psalm of DavidB. David was being careful about how he approached God: Psalm 39:1

1. he appears to be frustrated and troubled about a lot of things2. he wanted to make sure his attitude was right before talking to God about it

C. perhaps David was also being careful about what he said about God in front of the unbelieving world: Psalm 39:11. he was being careful to be a good representative of God2. David had some questions, concerns, and doubts, but only vented his frustrations before the Lord3. we need to be careful of how we're reflecting God


4. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" -- Philippians 2:14-15

5. " 'Behold, the Lord comes... to execute judgment on all... who are ungodly... of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.' These are grumblers, complainers..." -- Jude 1:14-16

6. "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." -- Colossians 4:57. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in

heaven." -- Matthew 5:168. "But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers!" -- 1 Corinthians 6:6

D. a lot was troubling David: Psalm 39:2-31. he refused to accuse God or have a complaining spirit2. he eventually brought it to the Lord to get it out of his system3. only the Lord has all the answers

E. David asks for wisdom regarding the shortness of his life: Psalm 39:4-61. sounds like he's having a mid-life crisis!2. we need to realize how mortal we are: Psalm 39:4

a. "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." -- Psalm 90:12b. we need to make the most of every day

3. at best, we are nothing more than a vapor: Psalm 39:5a. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

-- James 4:144. the result of a person's labor is ultimately for someone else: Psalm 39:6

a. "Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil." -- Ecclesiastes 2:18-21

b. 2nd generation wealth is often squanderedF. what is important to David is God saving him from his sins: Psalm 39:7-11

1. he realizes that the only thing that matters is God: Psalm 39:7a. he has nothing better to look forward to

2. he needs deliverance from his transgressions: Psalm 39:8aa. and from the results of his transgressions

3. he doesn't want to be the object of ridicule by the wicked: Psalm 39:8b4. David is silent before God: Psalm 39:9

a. he quietly accepts God's dealings with him5. he needs restoration: Psalm 39:106. no one can stand when God rebukes them: Psalm 39:11

a. anything of perceived value is stripped awayG. David prays for restoration: Psalm 39:12-13



I. Psalm 40A. a Psalm of DavidB. God shows David mercy and grace: Psalm 40:1-4

1. David waited patiently for the Lord: Psalm 40:1a. compared to being impatientb. but he knew that God did hear him

2. God rescued David from a hopeless situation: Psalm 40:2aa. "horrible pit" = "pit of noise"b. may speak of instabilityc. if his problems were a result of his own mistakes and sin, then this speaks of the mercy of God

3. God gave him a sure footing and foundation: Psalm 40:2ba. may speak of stabilityb. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way." -- Psalm 37:23c. this can speak of the grace of God

4. God gave him a "new song": Psalm 40:3a. David had a new occasion and reason to praise the Lordb. it was new and refreshing from God, not old and mundane from manc. "Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy." -- Psalm 33:3

5. those that trust in the Lord are blessed: Psalm 40:4a. they do not look to the proud

(i) they don't look to the proud for help(ii) they don't put their confidence or trust in them(iii) they don't feed their egos(iv) people want to call attention to themselves

- the clothes they wear- the vehicles they drive

b. they do not tolerate liars or those that pay attention to lies(i) some people make deceit and deception a major portion of their lives(ii) some people just want to believe in conspiracies(iii) some deliberately turn themselves towards the irrational

C. God's goodness towards us cannot be measured: Psalm 40:51. He did not create us and then intend that we fend for ourselves2. " 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the LORD, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to give you a future and a hope.' " -- Jeremiah 29:113. "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count

them, they would be more in number than the sand..." -- Psalm 139:17-18D. obedience is better than getting forgiveness: Psalm 40:6-8a

1. "For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering." -- Psalm 51:16

2. "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." -- Hosea 6:6

3. "my ears You have opened" (Psalm 40:6) may refer to David's willingness to become God's bondservanta. in that culture the process of becoming a permanent, willing bondservant to a household involved

piercing the servant's ear and inserting a gold ring as a symbol(i) it was a symbol worn with pride, perhaps to both the master and the servant

b. God doesn't want sacrifice for sins, but willingness to be obedient4. "my ears You have opened" (Psalm 40:6) may refer to God speaking to David as to the importance of

obedience5. the promise of the Messiah for the forgiveness of sins: Psalm 40:7-8a

a. the writer of Hebrews applies this verse to the Messiah: Hebrews 10:7b. "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the

things concerning Himself." -- Luke 24:27


c. "Then He said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.' " -- Luke 24:44

d. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." -- John 5:39

e. "I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word." -- Psalm 119:166. God's law is in his heart: Psalm 40:8b

a. obedience came from his heart(i) it was not merely external ritualistic actions

b. God's law is in our heartsc. "The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is

in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." -- Psalm 37:30-31E. David will proclaim the "good news": Psalm 40:9-10

1. he won't hide it, he preached it all: Psalm 40:10a. God's righteousnessb. God's faithfulnessc. God's salvationd. God's lovingkindnesse. God's truth

F. David needs God's mercy: Psalm 40:11-131. God's love and truth are important: Psalm 40:112. he is surrounded by evil: Psalm 40:12

a. both of others and his own making3. he asks God to quickly help him: Psalm 40:13

G. David wants God to deal with his adversaries: Psalm 40:14-151. let them be ashamed and confused

H. believers can rejoice and be glad in God: Psalm 40:16-171. "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!" -- Psalm 105:32. believers should be constantly proclaiming, "the Lord be magnified": Psalm 40:16b3. God pays attention to all of us: Psalm 40:17a4. David acknowledges God as being his helper and deliverer: Psalm 40:17b

a. many people think that they're self-sufficientb. the Bible is not a "crutch for the weak"

II. Psalm 41A. a Psalm of DavidB. those that help the less fortunate are blessed: Psalm 41:1-3

1. "consider" (Psalm 41:1) = to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand; to look at or upon, have insight, to give attention to, consider

2. "poor" (Psalm 41:1) = "dangling"; lowly, poor, weak, thin, lean, one who is lowa. "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the

needy." -- Proverbs 14:31b. "He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given."

-- Proverbs 19:17c. "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich."

-- Proverbs 28:63. we are not to neglect, be indifferent towards, or have hard hearts towards those who are less fortunate4. the Lord will help him in return: Psalm 41:1b-3

C. David asks God for mercy and deliverance from his enemies: Psalm 41:4-91. he confesses his sin: Psalm 41:4

a. he asks for healing and mercy2. his adversaries speak evil of him: Psalm 41:5

a. they hope the worst for David3. his adversaries lie to him: Psalm 41:6a4. their hearts "gather iniquity": Psalm 41:6b

a. this sounds like a deliberate processb. and then they spread it


c. they could be spreading evil or lies about David, or they're just spreading around the iniquity that they come into contact with

5. those that hate David whisper about him and plotting against him: Psalm 41:7a. they're conniving against him in private

6. they're hoping the worst for him: Psalm 41:87. even a close friend has betrayed him: Psalm 41:9

a. Jesus used this verse to refer to Judas Iscariot: John 13:18b. "familiar friend" = "man of my peace"c. someone with whom David was at peace with, someone that he trusted and had confidence in

betrayed himd. we can't be sure who this specifically refers to, but many conjecture that it was Ahithophel,

David's counselor who conspired with Absalom against David(i) 2 Samuel 15-17(ii) Ahithophel eventually hanged himself: 2 Samuel 17:23

- he become a picture or a type of Judas Iscariot(iii) Ahithophel may have been Bathsheba's grandfather: 2 Samuel 11:3 + 2 Samuel 23:34

- this may explain why he betrayed Davide. "For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who

has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion, and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng." -- Psalm 55:12-14

D. David gives God the credit for preserving him: Psalm 41:10-131. he asks for mercy, and restoration: Psalm 41:10

a. he wants to be able to react to his adversariesb. I'm sure David's heart was that he would only repay his enemies as God would will him to

2. David says that God is pleased with him because his enemies haven't overcome him: Psalm 41:113. David has been preserved forever: Psalm 41:124. God is to be praised forever and ever: Psalm 41:13


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