Psalm 26-30
David is the author of this group of psalms. They were written for different reasons and not just to lament.
Psalm 26
READ PSALM 26. This is a psalm of lament. David cries out for vindication against unjust charges from his enemies.
The psalmist makes his request in Verses 1-2 for God to vindicate him, test him and examine his heart and mind. "Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind."
He gives many reasons for making those requests (26:1a-3).
----1. He has led a blameless life.
----2. He has trusted in the Lord.
----3. He has not faltered.
----4. He has always been mindful of God's unfailing love.
----5. He has lived in reliance on God's faithfulness.
READ more reasons in Verses 4-7.
At the end of the chapter, the psalmist says, "In the great congregation I will praise the Lord."
Psalm 27
READ PSALM 27. This is a psalm of trust in God. It is also an act of devotion and a prayer for deliverance. David expresses confidence in God's protection, even though he is surrounded by his enemies.
In Verses 1, David gives three metaphors for the Lord: "my light, my salvation, the stronghold of my life." Because of that, he asks two rhetorical questions: "Who shall I fear" and "Of whom shall I be afraid" (27:1).
Notice in 27:4, David says there is one thing he seeks after: to dwell in the house of the Lord. Then he itemizes everything that goes along with "that one thing."
David asks for God's help in being victorious over his enemies (27:11-12).
---1. "Teach me your way, Lord."
---2. "Lead me in a straight path."
---3. "Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes."
At the end of the psalm in Verses 13-14, David says he is confident that he will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Then he turns to his listeners and readers and says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Psalm 28
READ PSALM 28. This is another one of David's laments. Once again, he prays for deliverance from his personal enemies. They have falsely accused him with unjust charges. Then David praises the Lord for hearing his prayer.
In Verse 1, the metaphor for the Lord is Rock. In Verse 7, the Lord is the psalmist's strength and shield. In Verse 8, the metaphor is strength of God's people and a fortress of salvation for God's anointed one.
In Verses 1-2, David calls for the Lord to have mercy on him and help him.
In Verses 4-5, David asks the Lord to punish the wicked, for they care nothing for what the Lord has done.
In Verses 6-9, David praises the Lord for hearing his prayer and calls upon Him to bless His people.
Psalm 29
READ PSALM 29. This is a hymn to God. David calls the angels to worship the Lord in response to the wonders of creation and the power of storms. David attests to the great power of the Lord's voice.
In Verses 3-9, David describes the voice of the Lord.
---1. The voice of the Lord is over the waters.
---2. The voice of the Lord is powerful.
---3. The voice of the Lord is majestic.
---4. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars.
---5. The voice of the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
---6. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.
---7. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert.
---8. The voice of the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
---9. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks.
--10. The voice of the Lord twists the forest bare.
All the people in the temple cry, "Glory!" (29:9).
The Lord sits enthroned over the flood (29:10) and gives His people strength and peace (29:11).
Psalm 30
READ PSALM 30. This psalm is different from any studies up to this point. It is a psalm of thanksgiving for healing. David praises God for victory over three things.
---1. His enemies did not triumph over him (30:2).
---2. God restored David's health (30:2).
---3. The Lord kept David from being killed (30:3).
In Psalm 30:6-10, the psalmist recounts when he was overwhelmed and cried out to God. He gives his testimony in Verses 4-5, 11-12. He praises God for rescuing him once again. He said, "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothes me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Then David vows to praise God forever (30:12).
|
|
