Psalms

This Psalm was written while Judah was in Babylonian captivity. Babylon conquered Judea in 587 BC destroying Jerusalem and the Temple where the Jews worshiped God. The Jews, the people of Judah, were in great despair. Their captors were mocking them and demanding that the Jews play their songs of worship. The Psalmist writes, “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in the midst of…

This Psalm focuses on God’s lovingkindness toward Israel throughout Israel’s existence. What is lovingkindness? Lovingkindness is translated from the Hebrew word ‘Chesed.’  Chesed means more than simple kindness. It means giving oneself fully, with love and compassion. More specifically, in this Psalm it describes God’s heart toward Israel. Through a man named Abraham, God forged a people out of this sinful world to be His own. Before the great flood the world was totally given over…

This Psalm speaks of those who do not believe in God worshiping idols. Their idols are in the form of material possessions, things that have no lasting value. The Psalmist writes, “The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of man’s hands.” God, on the other hand, is a living being who can hear, speak, and the see. The Psalmist further indicates that we will become like that which we worship. If we…

This Psalm speaks of praising God. It says, “Behold, bless the Lord, all servants of the Lord.” Praising God is right for those who believe. God is indeed worthy of praise and glory. God created the Universe and all that is in it. He created the Earth and all that is in it. He created each one of us, and we should be grateful for that. None of us would exist unless God decided to…

In this Psalm, David speaks of the unity of fellow believers. He says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” There is a special kinship among those who believe in Jesus Christ. Once you become a believer, you will be able to instantly recognize other believers. Amazingly, there will be an instant bond and trust between you and a fellow believer. It will be easy and pleasant to…

In this Psalm written by King David, David speaks of God’s promise that David’s descendants would occupy the Throne forever. However, it would appear that David’s descendants no longer occupy the Throne of Israel. But they still do. However, the Throne is not in Jerusalem now. The last king that occupied the Throne of Israel in Jerusalem was king Zedekiah. He was removed from the Throne of Israel when Babylon conquered Israel in 587 BC. However,…

In this Psalm of King David, he writes, “Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely, I have composed and quieted my soul.” David was aware of his limitations, and he strived to live his life within them. We should do the same. God has bestowed each of us with different abilities and limitations. When we live within…

This Psalm speaks of God’s forgiveness of our sins. It says, “If the Lord should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word I hope.” Sinning is a really bad thing in the eyes of God. God is Holy and cannot dwell with sin. If God judged us for our sins no person…

This Psalm speaks of the world persecuting and trying to destroy Israel. The writer says, “Let Israel now say, many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; yet they have not prevailed against me.” Since God created Israel to set apart a people for Himself, Satan has been orchestrating events to destroy Israel. The Bible’s says that Satan is the spiritual ruler of the world. Satan is given over to sin. Therefore, the world…

This Psalm speaks of blessings that a person receives when they fear the Lord and walk in His ways. The writer says, “How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. When you shall eat the fruit of your hands, you will be happy, and it will be well with you.” During our lifetime we may be blessed with possessions and family. That is a good thing. However, it is only good…