Today's Reading:

Psalm 6
Psalm 9
Psalm 10
Psalm 14
Psalm 16
Psalm 21

Psalm 16:8-11 is referenced in Acts2:25-28, where Peter gave his sermon during Pentecost. The psalm is almost word for word quoted, as Peter explained why the psalm pointed to Jesus’ resurrection. David died, was buried and still with us today (his body decayed), therefore he was not talking about himself avoiding decay after death. David understood God’s promise that one of his descendants would sit on the throne forever (Jesus). This was a prophetic psalm about the resurrection of the Messiah (Jesus), not being abandoned to Hades, nor see decay, which perfectly fits with Jesus being raised from the dead and His body did not decay in the tomb.

David knew God was everything, his security, joy, guide, and future. Trusting in Him with no limits that even death could not ruin it. He keeps us safe now and forever. In Him, it is where we find true happiness. David said God was his everything, even beyond death. Knowing Jesus proved it by rising from the dead, we do not have to be afraid of death because Jesus has already conquered it. God will never abandon us to the grave; how does this give you real hope and peace, no matter what comes next?

 

Psalm 6- David pleaded for God’s mercy as he was weak, asking, why discipline him in anger. He lamented over severe illness as he was faint, his bones hurt, his soul was in anguish, and his eyes were growing weak. He cried out for God to save him, as he knew God could be relied on. It is the living who remember and praise God, not the dead. In verse 8, he shifted to confidence that the Lord had heard his cries and accepted his prayer. His enemies would be ashamed and defeated.

Psalm 9- David was celebrating justice and God’s goodness over judging his wicked enemies. He said the Lord reigns on His throne of judgment in Zion, where the tabernacle was currently. God would not forsake those who seek and trust Him. David said that God protected the poor, needy, and oppressed, which was fulfilled in Jesus as well. “The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug,” David had said in Psalm 35:7-8, due to enemies hunting him and trying to trap him in 1 Samuel 18-26. David also referenced the Realm of the Dead (Sheol), the holding place of hell before Jesus’ second coming. He called for God to arise and let the nations be judged.

Psalm 10- This was likely a sequel to Psalm 9, and note there was no healing. The psalmist (David, if a sequel) wondered why the wicked prospered. They hunted like lions and boasted, believing that no one could bring them down. Through slander and false testimony, they lied and murdered the innocent, believing that God would not see or judge them. The victims were seen by God and committed themselves to Him. The psalmist called for the Lord to arise and bring judgment, knowing He hears their cries and defends the oppressed from earthly men.

Psalm 14- This psalm was written by David and note that he did not necessarily exclude himself when referencing all have turned from God and become corrupt, and not one person does good. We can conclude this, as even Paul wrote “no one is righteous, not even one; there is no one who seeks God…” in Romans 3;10-12). Humanity was corrupt, as a fool believed there was no God. God Himself looked down from Heaven to see if anyone was seeking Him. Speaking in first person, David referenced “my people” referring to God’s people and posed a rhetorical question of astonishment at the wicked who devoured the righteous like “eating bread”, a routine, daily event. David described human corruption from verses 1-3, including God’s viewpoint, then shifted to the oppressors, and assured the righteous of God’s presence in verses 5-6. At the end, David prayed that salvation would come and that God would restore the fortunes of His people (“Jacob,” a term for Israel as God’s people descended from the patriarch Jacob, who God renamed Israel).

Psalm 16- This was a prayer of trust and safekeeping, running to God for protection. David said the best types of friends to have are those who admire and truly follow God. They do not chase other gods or idols or pour blood on pagan altars. Like the good drink a host gives the guest, God is the best thing one could have; there is joy in His inheritance. God shows how to live life with wise advice. David could rest in joy and feel safe from the pits of the Realm of the Dead. God’s presence filled him with joy.

Psalm 21- David celebrated that God is everything, the source of strength, and victory to the king. He praised God for all of his blessings, granting his heart’s desires, a long life, and victory over enemies. David knows that God will defeat all who oppose Him, destroying their descendants from the earth. David addressed God directly in the “You” verses: You will hunt down David’s enemies, You will make them like fuel in a furnace, Your anger flares, You will destroy, You will make them fail. God is sovereign (absolute supreme authority) and will defeat and judge all who are against His anointed king.

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