Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

God has made us into a new creation when we believe in Him. He made us righteous, when we accept that Yshua paid the price for our sins. We simply have to put our trust in Him, irrespective whether we consider God has provided us with blessings. It is also God's power that will enable us to overcome through the temptations of the old life.

Commit, Trust, And He shall bring it to pass

Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

This is a command that is 2 part action from us, and 1 part action from God. Our two parts are to commit and trust. God's part is to bring it to pass. The first action often involve prayer, pouring out our requests to God. Then we need to follow up by trusting. Praying followed by trying to direct God or simply continue with our own ways is not trusting God at all. Remember that we need to do two parts first before God can do His part.

Do not fret—it only causes harm

Psalm 37:8
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

How true is this statement. Trust this - God knows best. He has told us not to worry. Remember the illustration of how God cares of the birds and the lilies and provides for them. Since we are more than those, God's care for us is so much more than that. Any kind of worry and fretting is an indication that we still do not trust God enough or that we don't really understand Him. If we start to realise this, then it can be the beginning of building up our faith in God.

Who is the man that fears the Lord?

Psalm 25:12
Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

The psalm has got various definitions of the "fear of the Lord". This verse is focused more on the results of having that fear of the Lord. God sees those who fear Him as people that He can teach and mould. Those who fear Him will put their trust in Him and depend on Him. Their lives would revolve around God. This is the closeness that many have spoken and written about.

If you take the left, then I will go to the right

Genesis 13:9
 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”

The context of this is that Lot and Abraham were about to split up their camps because it got too crowded and difficult to share the limited resources. Abraham, being the uncle and elder and leader, had the right to choose the land for Himself first. However, Abraham chose to forgo his right and gave his nephew Lot the first choice of land. This rather unnatural decision is perhaps an indication of God's work in Abraham as Abraham began to built his faith and trusted that God is the ultimate provider. He recognised that wise decision means using more than his own intellect, but rather trusting God to provide the best for him.

And he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar

Genesis 22
9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

This is the famous account of Abraham going through with sacrificing his son Isaac on God's commands. Often this account has been used to teach the strong faith towards God, in particular the strong faith of Abraham that we can use as an example. It almost holds Abraham at the pinnacle of faith to which we must aspire to.

Looking deeper into the story and thinking about the reality of the events may reveal even more startling lessons. A few points worth considering:
- The context which is often not revealed in detail is that Isaac is the promised one whom the blessings and promises of God would go to. Abraham knew this. Abraham must reasoned that whatever God asked him to do to Isaac, yet Isaac would still be able to fulfill that promise. The believe in God's promises to come true is the core of Abraham's faith.
- Sarah would not have agreed if she knew about it - which is most likely why Sarah was not told. Abraham would have believed even if he sacrificed Isaac, somehow Isaac would be able to come home with him.
- Abraham was not a perfect man, and his faith was certainly not perfect. But this part of Abraham's life showed clearly his obedience and trust in God's promises to him, even though sacrificing Isaac would destroy the promise immediately.
- Abraham had no trouble believing God can do the impossible.

There is a Generation that is Pure in its Own Eyes

Most of the proverbs were written by Solomon, but the one in this chapter is stated to be written by Agur. Although the style is different to that of Solomon, the underlying objective is the encouragement of wisdom. Two verses which are prophetic are verses 4 and 6. In verse 4, although the main topic is God the Almighty, there is a reference to His Son - which makes it prophetic if it is written before Christ was born. Verse 6 is almost the same warning as in the last chapter of Revelation.

The proverb describes the sins of the generation as having increased from before. It then describes the characteristic of the generation as follows:
- there are things that are never satisfied
- things that are too wonderful,
- things that causes a disturbance or imbalance to the normal way,
- things which are little yet have a large impact.
- things which are majestic.




Proverbs 30
The Wisdom of Agur

1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And do not have the understanding of a man.

3 I neither learned wisdom
Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.

4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in a garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name,
If you know?

5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

6 Do not add to His words,
Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

7 Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):

8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;

9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.

10 Do not malign a servant to his master,
Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.

12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.

15 The leech has two daughters—
Give and Give!
There are three things that are never satisfied,
Four never say, “Enough!”:

16 The grave,[a]
The barren womb,
The earth that is not satisfied with water—
And the fire never says, “Enough!”

17 The eye that mocks his father,
And scorns obedience to his mother,
The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
And the young eagles will eat it.

18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Yes, four which I do not understand:

19 The way of an eagle in the air,
The way of a serpent on a rock,
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,
And the way of a man with a virgin.

20 This is the way of an adulterous woman:
She eats and wipes her mouth,
And says, “I have done no wickedness.”

21 For three things the earth is perturbed,
Yes, for four it cannot bear up:

22 For a servant when he reigns,
A fool when he is filled with food,

23 A hateful woman when she is married,
And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

24 There are four things which are little on the earth,
But they are exceedingly wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they prepare their food in the summer;

26 The rock badgers[b] are a feeble folk,
Yet they make their homes in the crags;

27 The locusts have no king,
Yet they all advance in ranks;

28 The spider[c] skillfully grasps with its hands,
And it is in kings’ palaces.

29 There are three things which are majestic in pace,
Yes, four which are stately in walk:

30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts
And does not turn away from any;

31 A greyhound,[d]
A male goat also,
And a king whose troops are with him.[e]

32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.

33 For as the churning of milk produces butter,
And wringing the nose produces blood,
So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Better to be of a Humble Spirit with the Lowly, Than to Divide the Spoil with the Proud.

The LORD God created all people, good and evil; wicked and righteous. We plan our own ways but ultimately God has the final say in our direction. As we begin to trust more in ourselves, we trust the Lord less, and we also become proud of ourselves. These are the things that displeases the Lord. Rather God wants us to seek him and depend on His ways.

Another interesting concept from this chapter is that earthly kingdoms and kings are determined by God. As such God sees it an abomination for kings to commit wickedness - this probably extends to modern elected leaders too. Hence all authority on all the Earth, whether from individual decision making to governing of the nations, are all the prerogative of God.

Several recurring theme that we have read up till now are also here including:
Slow to anger:
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

Pride:
5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces,[a] none will go unpunished.
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Mouth:
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Surrender our ways:
9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.



Proverbs 16

1 The preparations of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
But the Lord weighs the spirits.

3 Commit your works to the Lord,
And your thoughts will be established.

4 The Lord has made all for Himself,
Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Though they join forces,[a] none will go unpunished.

6 In mercy and truth
Atonement is provided for iniquity;
And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.

9 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

10 Divination is on the lips of the king;
His mouth must not transgress in judgment.

11 Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s;
All the weights in the bag are His work.

12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And they love him who speaks what is right.

14 As messengers of death is the king’s wrath,
But a wise man will appease it.

15 In the light of the king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly,
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,
And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

21 The wise in heart will be called prudent,
And sweetness of the lips increases learning.

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.
But the correction of fools is folly.

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,
And adds learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

26 The person who labors, labors for himself,
For his hungry mouth drives him on.

27 An ungodly man digs up evil,
And it is on his lips like a burning fire.

28 A perverse man sows strife,
And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

29 A violent man entices his neighbor,
And leads him in a way that is not good.

30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things;
He purses his lips and brings about evil.

31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.

His Mercy Endures Forever

A few very helpful themes from this psalm as summarised in these key verses:
- "His mercy endures forever" - He will never get tired of us - how reassuring.
- "It is better to trust in the LORD" - than anyone else in the world.
- "in the name of the Lord I will destroy them" - there is power in His name.
- "The right hand of the Lord does valiantly."

This psalm brings to reminder God's mercy and salvation. Although God is the Almighty creator, He personally extends His mercy and saves each of us. The psalmist and anyone who understands what God has done for us will respond in thanksgiving and praise.



Psalm 118
Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

2 Let Israel now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

3 Let the house of Aaron now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?

7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me,
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

11 They surrounded me,
Yes, they surrounded me;
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They surrounded me like bees;
They were quenched like a fire of thorns;
For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall,
But the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.[a]

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation
Is in the tents of the righteous;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
But He has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them,
And I will praise the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord,
Through which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise You,
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

They Have Mouths, But They Do Not Speak

A great praise to God that the LORD is the only true living God. Compared to the other gods who are just idols:

"They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
They have ears, but they do not hear;
Noses they have, but they do not smell;"

The God of Israel is the one true God. So this psalm encourages people to put their trust in their LORD and they will be blessed in many ways. Everything belongs to God, including the heavens and Earth; but God has given men the Earth. This is a picture of the Almighty God who is living and has relationship with His people.



Psalm 115  
The Futility of Idols and the Trustworthiness of God

1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.

2 Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?”

3 But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.

5 They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;

6 They have ears, but they do not hear;
Noses they have, but they do not smell;

7 They have hands, but they do not handle;
Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.

8 Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.

12 The Lord has been mindful of us;
He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron.

13 He will bless those who fear the Lord,
Both small and great.

14 May the Lord give you increase more and more,
You and your children.

15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s;
But the earth He has given to the children of men.

17 The dead do not praise the Lord,
Nor any who go down into silence.

18 But we will bless the Lord
From this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!

For A Day In Your Courts Is Better Than A Thousand

This psalm describes how wonderful it is to be in God's presence. This is illustrated as being in His tabernacle, in His courts and even at the post of the doorkeeper. The psalmist clearly yearns for the presence of God with all his soul. The psalmist recognises that those who are blessed are the ones who dwell in God's house, the one whose strength is in God, and the ones who trusts in God.


Psalm 84
To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

 1 How lovely is Your tabernacle,
         O LORD of hosts!
 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints
         For the courts of the LORD;
         My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
        
 3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
         And the swallow a nest for herself,
         Where she may lay her young—
         Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
         My King and my God.
 4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
         They will still be praising You.  Selah 
        
 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
         Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
         They make it a spring;
         The rain also covers it with pools.
 7 They go from strength to strength;
         Each one appears before God in Zion.[b]
        
 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
         Give ear, O God of Jacob!  Selah 
 9 O God, behold our shield,
         And look upon the face of Your anointed.
        
 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
         I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
         Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
         The LORD will give grace and glory;
         No good thing will He withhold
         From those who walk uprightly.
        
 12 O LORD of hosts,
         Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

For I was Envious of the Boastful, When I saw the Prosperity of the Wicked

The psalmist confesses that although he knows that God is good, he has trouble knowing that the ungodly seem to have advantages. To him, it seemed like the ungodly can be fearless, has pride, have abundance on earth, they can speak wickedly against anyone on earth and against heaven. And he declares that he may have cleansed his heart in vain.

Finally the writer admits that all this has affected his heart and mind in a bad way. But he continues to depend on God, trusting that He will guide him. He knows that ultimately his best hope is with God and God will strengthen his heart, as he draws near to God.


Psalm 73
A Psalm of Asaph.

 1 Truly God is good to Israel,
         To such as are pure in heart.
 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
         My steps had nearly slipped.
 3 For I was envious of the boastful,
         When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
        
 4 For there are no pangs in their death,
         But their strength is firm.
 5 They are not in trouble as other men,
         Nor are they plagued like other men.
 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
         Violence covers them like a garment.
 7 Their eyes bulge[a] with abundance;
         They have more than heart could wish.
 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
         They speak loftily.
 9 They set their mouth against the heavens,
         And their tongue walks through the earth.
        
 10 Therefore his people return here,
         And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
 11 And they say, “How does God know?
         And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
 12 Behold, these are the ungodly,
         Who are always at ease;
         They increase in riches.
 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain,
         And washed my hands in innocence.
 14 For all day long I have been plagued,
         And chastened every morning.
        
 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
         Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
 16 When I thought how to understand this,
         It was too painful for me—
 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
         Then I understood their end.
        
 18 Surely You set them in slippery places;
         You cast them down to destruction.
 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
         They are utterly consumed with terrors.
 20 As a dream when one awakes,
         So, Lord, when You awake,
         You shall despise their image.
        
 21 Thus my heart was grieved,
         And I was vexed in my mind.
 22 I was so foolish and ignorant;
         I was like a beast before You.
 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
         You hold me by my right hand.
 24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
         And afterward receive me to glory.
        
 25 Whom have I in heaven but You?
         And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
 26 My flesh and my heart fail;
         But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
        
 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
         You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God;
         I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
         That I may declare all Your works.

Save Me, O God! For The Waters Have Come Up To My Neck.

As David pours out his heart to God, we see the many dimensions of his troubles. He is in such trouble as if he is drowning in it, as he is waiting for God. He feels his enemies are targeting him unjustly. He admits that he has sinned and he is rejected by those around him. Yet he prays to God and trusting in his mercy and salvation.
He knows about God's lovingkindness and tender mercies and calls on God to redeem him. He describes his self-pity and there is no one else who would pity him. He then calls upon God to show His wrath to his enemies. Finally he praises God and offers thanksgiving. He reaffirms his believe in God's covenant promises to His people concerning Zion and the inheritance for their descendants.


Psalm 69
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”[a]A Psalm of David.

 1 Save me, O God!
         For the waters have come up to my neck.
 2 I sink in deep mire,
         Where there is no standing;
         I have come into deep waters,
         Where the floods overflow me.
 3 I am weary with my crying;
         My throat is dry;
         My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
        
 4 Those who hate me without a cause
         Are more than the hairs of my head;
         They are mighty who would destroy me,
         Being my enemies wrongfully;
         Though I have stolen nothing,
         I still must restore it.
        
 5 O God, You know my foolishness;
         And my sins are not hidden from You.
 6 Let not those who wait for You, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed because of me;
         Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.
 7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach;
         Shame has covered my face.
 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers,
         And an alien to my mother’s children;
 9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up,
         And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
 10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting,
         That became my reproach.
 11 I also made sackcloth my garment;
         I became a byword to them.
 12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me,
         And I am the song of the drunkards.
        
 13 But as for me, my prayer is to You,
         O LORD, in the acceptable time;
         O God, in the multitude of Your mercy,
         Hear me in the truth of Your salvation.
 14 Deliver me out of the mire,
         And let me not sink;
         Let me be delivered from those who hate me,
         And out of the deep waters.
 15 Let not the floodwater overflow me,
         Nor let the deep swallow me up;
         And let not the pit shut its mouth on me.
        
 16 Hear me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good;
         Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.
 17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant,
         For I am in trouble;
         Hear me speedily.
 18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it;
         Deliver me because of my enemies.
        
 19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor;
         My adversaries are all before You.
 20 Reproach has broken my heart,
         And I am full of heaviness;
         I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none;
         And for comforters, but I found none.
 21 They also gave me gall for my food,
         And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
 22 Let their table become a snare before them,
         And their well-being a trap.
 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see;
         And make their loins shake continually.
 24 Pour out Your indignation upon them,
         And let Your wrathful anger take hold of them.
 25 Let their dwelling place be desolate;
         Let no one live in their tents.
 26 For they persecute the ones You have struck,
         And talk of the grief of those You have wounded.
 27 Add iniquity to their iniquity,
         And let them not come into Your righteousness.
 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living,
         And not be written with the righteous.
        
 29 But I am poor and sorrowful;
         Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high.
 30 I will praise the name of God with a song,
         And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
 31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull,
         Which has horns and hooves.
 32 The humble shall see this and be glad;
         And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.
 33 For the LORD hears the poor,
         And does not despise His prisoners.
        
 34 Let heaven and earth praise Him,
         The seas and everything that moves in them.
 35 For God will save Zion
         And build the cities of Judah,
         That they may dwell there and possess it.
 36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it,
         And those who love His name shall dwell in it.

Truly My Soul Silently Waits for God

David starts by acknowledging that only God is his salvation. His enemies are like any other, who are liars, blesses other in the front and curses them at their backs. Besides salvation, God is also his rock - a source of strength and refuge.
This psalm also encourages others to place their trust in God, instead of trusting in earthly stature and power or riches. Both power and mercy belongs to God who will judge according to their deeds.


Psalm 62
To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

 1 Truly my soul silently waits for God;
         From Him comes my salvation.
 2 He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense;
         I shall not be greatly moved.
        
 3 How long will you attack a man?
         You shall be slain, all of you,
         Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
 4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position;
         They delight in lies;
         They bless with their mouth,
         But they curse inwardly.  Selah 
        
 5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
         For my expectation is from Him.
 6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense;
         I shall not be moved.
 7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
         The rock of my strength,
         And my refuge, is in God.
        
 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
         Pour out your heart before Him;
         God is a refuge for us.  Selah 
        
 9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor,
         Men of high degree are a lie;
         If they are weighed on the scales,
         They are altogether lighter than vapor.
 10 Do not trust in oppression,
         Nor vainly hope in robbery;
         If riches increase,
         Do not set your heart on them.
        
 11 God has spoken once,
         Twice I have heard this:
         That power belongs to God.
 12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy;
         For You render to each one according to his work.

What Can Man Do To Me?

The psalmist describes his situation of being hounded by enemies and oppressed by them. A very terrible situation to be in. But he trusts in the LORD and continues to praise God in the midst of trouble. The most courageous thought here is "What can flesh (man) do to me?"
The enemies twist his words and plots against him, yet he trusts in God. He knows that with God on his side, the enemies will be turned back. So he will not be afraid, again reminding that "What can man do to me? "


Psalm 56
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.”[a] A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

 1 Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
         Fighting all day he oppresses me.
 2 My enemies would hound me all day,
         For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
        
 3 Whenever I am afraid,
         I will trust in You.
 4 In God (I will praise His word),
         In God I have put my trust;
         I will not fear.
         What can flesh do to me?
        
 5 All day they twist my words;
         All their thoughts are against me for evil.
 6 They gather together,
         They hide, they mark my steps,
         When they lie in wait for my life.
 7 Shall they escape by iniquity?
         In anger cast down the peoples, O God!
        
 8 You number my wanderings;
         Put my tears into Your bottle;
         Are they not in Your book?
 9 When I cry out to You,
         Then my enemies will turn back;
         This I know, because God is for me.
 10 In God (I will praise His word),
         In the LORD (I will praise His word),
 11 In God I have put my trust;
         I will not be afraid.
         What can man do to me?
        
 12 Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
         I will render praises to You,
 13 For You have delivered my soul from death.
         Have You not kept my feet from falling,
         That I may walk before God
         In the light of the living?

I waited patiently for the LORD

David describes a few important things in his relationship to God which is a good example for us all. The first thing is to place our trust in God, and as David did so, God led him out of trouble. The wonderful works of God are too many to be counted.

The second is our heart's desire towards God is more regarded by God than any offerings or sacrifices. David's sum this up as: "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

Out of this, it is natural then to proclaim the good news of God, God's faithfulness, Salvation, His Lovingkindness and truth. “The LORD be magnified!”

Psalm 40

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
         And He inclined to me,
         And heard my cry.
 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
         Out of the miry clay,
         And set my feet upon a rock,
         And established my steps.
 3 He has put a new song in my mouth—
         Praise to our God;
         Many will see it and fear,
         And will trust in the LORD.
       
 4 Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust,
         And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
 5 Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
         Which You have done;
         And Your thoughts toward us
         Cannot be recounted to You in order;
         If I would declare and speak of them,
         They are more than can be numbered.
       
 6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
         My ears You have opened.
         Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come;
         In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God,
         And Your law is within my heart.”
       
 9 I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness
         In the great assembly;
         Indeed, I do not restrain my lips,
         O LORD, You Yourself know.
 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
         I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
         I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
         From the great assembly.
       
 11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD;
         Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me.
 12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me;
         My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up;
         They are more than the hairs of my head;
         Therefore my heart fails me.
       
 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me;
         O LORD, make haste to help me!
 14 Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion
         Who seek to destroy my life;
         Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor
         Who wish me evil.
 15 Let them be confounded because of their shame,
         Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
       
 16 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
         Let such as love Your salvation say continually,
         “The LORD be magnified!”
 17 But I am poor and needy;
         Yet the LORD thinks upon me.
         You are my help and my deliverer;
         Do not delay, O my God.

Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers

David reminds us not to be concerned about evildoers. Instead, focus on the LORD by trusting Him and delight in Him. We can turn to the promises of God, knowing that the meek shall inherit the Earth. Even though the wicked seem to be prospering and continue with wicked plots, we are told not to be concerned with that. The wicked will perish and vanish but the upright has an inheritance that lasts forever.

There is clearly two types of people in God's eyes. One type is the ones who are wicked. The other is the ones who would trust the LORD and are upright. The wicked will have an unpleasant end. The upright will inherit the earth according to God's promises. In regard to the life that goes on before the end time, the upright would need to wait on the LORD, by trusting him.


Psalm 37

A Psalm of David.

 1 Do not fret because of evildoers,
         Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
         And wither as the green herb.
       
 3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
         Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
 4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
         And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
       
 5 Commit your way to the LORD,
         Trust also in Him,
         And He shall bring it to pass.
 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
         And your justice as the noonday.
       
 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
         Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
         Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
         Do not fret—it only causes harm.
       
 9 For evildoers shall be cut off;
         But those who wait on the LORD,
         They shall inherit the earth.
 10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
         Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
         But it shall be no more.
 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
         And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
       
 12 The wicked plots against the just,
         And gnashes at him with his teeth.
 13 The Lord laughs at him,
         For He sees that his day is coming.
 14 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.
 15 Their sword shall enter their own heart,
         And their bows shall be broken.
       
 16 A little that a righteous man has
         Is better than the riches of many wicked.
 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
         But the LORD upholds the righteous.
       
 18 The LORD knows the days of the upright,
         And their inheritance shall be forever.
 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
         And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
 20 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.
       
 21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
         But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
 22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,
         But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
       
 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
         And He delights in his way.
 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
         For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
       
 25 I have been young, and now am old;
         Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
         Nor his descendants begging bread.
 26 He is ever merciful, and lends;
         And his descendants are blessed.
       
 27 Depart from evil, and do good;
         And dwell forevermore.
 28 For the LORD loves justice,
         And does not forsake His saints;
         They are preserved forever,
         But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
 29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
         And dwell in it forever.
       
 30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
         And his tongue talks of justice.
 31 The law of his God is in his heart;
         None of his steps shall slide.
       
 32 The wicked watches the righteous,
         And seeks to slay him.
 33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand,
         Nor condemn him when he is judged.
       
 34 Wait on the LORD,
         And keep His way,
         And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
         When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
 35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
         And spreading himself like a native green tree.
 36 Yet he passed away,[a] and behold, he was no more;
         Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
       
 37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
         For the future of that man is peace.
 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
         The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
       
 39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
         He is their strength in the time of trouble.
 40 And the LORD shall help them and deliver them;
         He shall deliver them from the wicked,
         And save them,
         Because they trust in Him.

Trust and Fear the LORD with Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit

The theme of this Psalm as before is to fear and trust the LORD. Such people who call upon the LORD, will have their prayers heard by the LORD. This can be nicely summed up by the verse "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry." The LORD also hears those with a "broken heart" and a "contrite spirit". On the other hand, God is also against those who are wicked and do evil. They will be condemned.

Psalm 34

A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.

 1 I will bless the LORD at all times;
         His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
 2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
         The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
         And let us exalt His name together.
       
 4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
         And delivered me from all my fears.
 5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
         And their faces were not ashamed.
 6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
         And saved him out of all his troubles.
 7 The angel[a] of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
         And delivers them.
       
 8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
         Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
 9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
         There is no want to those who fear Him.
 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
         But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
       
 11 Come, you children, listen to me;
         I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
 12 Who is the man who desires life,
         And loves many days, that he may see good?
 13 Keep your tongue from evil,
         And your lips from speaking deceit.
 14 Depart from evil and do good;
         Seek peace and pursue it.
       
 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
         And His ears are open to their cry.
 16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
         To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
       
 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
         And delivers them out of all their troubles.
 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
         And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
       
 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
         But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
 20 He guards all his bones;
         Not one of them is broken.
 21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
         And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
 22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
         And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Sovereignty of the LORD in Creation and History

This psalm leads the praise of the LORD reminding that God delights in prayers from the righteous (faithful) and the the LORD himself is righteous and just. The WORD of God, which is God, and who made the universe, is righteous. The psalm speaks of the Almightiness of God and the nations and kings are nothing in comparison. This psalm reminds us of the majesty of God, creator of the universe, and one who decides on the fate of the nations and kings. We should rejoice at the Almighty, at his mercy and place our trust in Him.

One memorable verse that reminds the nations is: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD".

Psalm 33

The Sovereignty of the LORD in Creation and History

 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous!
         For praise from the upright is beautiful.
 2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
         Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
 3 Sing to Him a new song;
         Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
       
 4 For the word of the LORD is right,
         And all His work is done in truth.
 5 He loves righteousness and justice;
         The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
       
 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
         And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
 7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;[a]
         He lays up the deep in storehouses.
       
 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
         Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
 9 For He spoke, and it was done;
         He commanded, and it stood fast.
       
 10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
         He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
 11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
         The plans of His heart to all generations.
 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
         The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
       
 13 The LORD looks from heaven;
         He sees all the sons of men.
 14 From the place of His dwelling He looks
         On all the inhabitants of the earth;
 15 He fashions their hearts individually;
         He considers all their works.
       
 16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army;
         A mighty man is not delivered by great strength.
 17 A horse is a vain hope for safety;
         Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.
       
 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
         On those who hope in His mercy,
 19 To deliver their soul from death,
         And to keep them alive in famine.
       
 20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
         He is our help and our shield.
 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
         Because we have trusted in His holy name.
 22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us,
         Just as we hope in You.

David Not Ashamed of the LORD

David praises God with all honesty and humility. The keywords in this Psalm are repeated in other psalms including God is David's trust, rock, refuge, fortress, strength. Then David calls upon God again to help in a situation where it appears David was turned away from his friends. Some description here seem to suggest this is in the later part of his life. And David continues to call on God for His mercy.

Yet in his time of trouble, David again tells God that he still trusts God and still clings to Him. He has confidence in God who would deliver those who fear Him and trust Him. Despite the persecutions, despite the enemies plotting against him, despite the wickedness surrounding him, David had the peace and joy in the LORD, remembering that God would protect him and hide him in His secret place.

David closes with an encouragement:
"Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful"


Psalm 31

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 In You, O LORD, I put my trust;
         Let me never be ashamed;
         Deliver me in Your righteousness.
 2 Bow down Your ear to me,
         Deliver me speedily;
         Be my rock of refuge,
         A fortress of defense to save me.
       
 3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
         Therefore, for Your name’s sake,
         Lead me and guide me.
 4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
         For You are my strength.
 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
         You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
       
 6 I have hated those who regard useless idols;
         But I trust in the LORD.
 7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy,
         For You have considered my trouble;
         You have known my soul in adversities,
 8 And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy;
         You have set my feet in a wide place.
       
 9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble;
         My eye wastes away with grief,
         Yes, my soul and my body!
 10 For my life is spent with grief,
         And my years with sighing;
         My strength fails because of my iniquity,
         And my bones waste away.
 11 I am a reproach among all my enemies,
         But especially among my neighbors,
         And am repulsive to my acquaintances;
         Those who see me outside flee from me.
 12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;
         I am like a broken vessel.
 13 For I hear the slander of many;
         Fear is on every side;
         While they take counsel together against me,
         They scheme to take away my life.
       
 14 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;
         I say, “You are my God.”
 15 My times are in Your hand;
         Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
         And from those who persecute me.
 16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;
         Save me for Your mercies’ sake.
 17 Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You;
         Let the wicked be ashamed;
         Let them be silent in the grave.
 18 Let the lying lips be put to silence,
         Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
       
 19 Oh, how great is Your goodness,
         Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
         Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
         In the presence of the sons of men!
 20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
         From the plots of man;
         You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
         From the strife of tongues.
       
 21 Blessed be the LORD,
         For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
 22 For I said in my haste,
         “I am cut off from before Your eyes”;
         Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
         When I cried out to You.
       
 23 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!
         For the LORD preserves the faithful,
         And fully repays the proud person.
 24 Be of good courage,
         And He shall strengthen your heart,
         All you who hope in the LORD.