Psalms

In this Psalm the writer Asaph speaks from both his perspective and from God’s perspective. God speaks of Israel turning away from Him. God said, “But my people did not listen to my voice, and Israel did not obey Me. So, I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.” God’s blessings for Israel were contingent on Israel obeying God. God’s blessings for us are also contingent on…

In this Psalm the writer Asaph continues to bemoan the fate of Israel. God had severely punished Israel, and they were in great pain. They were mocked and ridiculed by other nations, and their land was not fertile anymore. Asaph prayed for God to not forsake Israel and to restore His blessings. Then Asaph said something quite interesting.  He said, “Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand; upon the Son of…

In these passages the writer, Asaph, prays to God. He prays that God will stop punishing Israel for the sins of his forefathers. Jerusalem had been destroyed. Many Israelites had been massacred, and their bodies were not buried. They were eaten by scavengers. Surrounding nations had dispersed Israel, and the survivors suffered. Israel perceived that God had left them. Asaph prayed that God would forgive Israel and punish the nations that had destroyed Jerusalem. He…

In these passages the writer speaks of God choosing the tribe of Judah from all the tribes of Israel. It was in the land of Judah that God placed His structure, the Temple. God also chose David from the tribe of Judah to be King of Israel. David was a shepherd when God selected him to one day become King. The characteristics of a shepherd were the characteristics that God wanted in his King.  David…

In this Psalm the writer speaks of Israel turning from God. They had forgotten the miraculous deeds that God did for Israel in Egypt. They turned to their natural sinful desires. The writer says, “For their heart was not steadfast toward Him. Nor were they faithful in His covenant.” In other words, Israel did not have the motivation to continue in obedience to God’s Commandments. So, God punished Israel in order to reestablish that motivation.…

In this Psalm the writer Asaph speaks of Israel receiving God’s Laws and Commandments but not being obedient to them. Israel witnessed God’s power and enjoyed God’s blessings. However, they did not take God’s guidance to heart. Asaph says of Israel, “A generation that did not prepare its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.” The Bible says that 'we are to love God with all our heart, with all our mind, with…

In this Psalm Asaph speaks of God’s apparent rejection of Israel. He wonders if God’s favor will be ever return to Israel. Asaph writes, “Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again? Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promises come to an end forever?” However, Asaph retains his hope in God when Asaph ponders and meditates on what God has done for Israel in the past. He also has hope…

In this Psalm the writer says, “Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them.” According to the Bible, making vows to God is serious business. God expects us to fulfill them, and there are consequences if we don’t. Therefore, we must think carefully before making a vow to the Lord. People usually make vows to God when they are in deep distress about something. They may be in a dire predicament fearing for…

This Psalm, like many others, is written from a dual perspective. The Psalmist Asaph speaks first. Then God speaks. God speaks of how He deals with the righteous and the wicked of the Earth. God says, “When I select an appointed time, it is I who judge with equity.” The wicked will not get away with their wicked deeds. God will judge them fairly, and they will receive retribution. However, God will select the appropriate…

In this Psalm the writer, Asaph, is in despair. The Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, and it appeared that God had abandoned Israel. There were no longer any Prophets who spoke the Truth. There were no longer any Prophets who spoke God’s words to the people. Evil and decadence had overtaken Israel. Goodness and Truth had been removed from the land. The standards of evil and lies had been established. The people were no…