Psalm 31-35
David is the author of this group of psalms. There are two laments, two psalms of thanksgiving, and a call to worship.
Psalm 31
READ PSALM 31. This is a lament with a cry for deliverance from David's personal enemies. The psalmist expresses confidence in God in the midst of deep distress. He refers to God several times by two metaphors: "my rock of refuge and a strong fortress (31:1-8).
In Verses 9-13, the psalmist itemizes his physical health in reference to his eyes and his bones. Despite his distress and physical weakness, David expresses confidence in the Lord (31:5-8, 14-24). First, he says he trusts God. Then he says he thanks God.
Hopefully, you have noticed that no matter what is going on within David's psalm, he always gives a word of encouragement to his listeners and readers. Notice how he ends Psalm 31.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 32
READ PSALM 32. This is a psalm of thanksgiving for healing. David testifies to the blessings that come from confessing sin and receiving God's forgiveness.
David describes his agony before he confessed his sins (32:3-4).
David describes his joy after he confessed his sins and received forgiveness (32:1-2, 5).
David advises the godly to repent of their sins (32:6-7).
Psalm 33
READ PSALM 33. This is a hymn to God as Creator. The psalm can easily be divided into two distinct parts.
---1. The methods of praise: with joy from our hearts and song from our harps (33:1-3)
---2. God attributes: goodness, power over creation, sovereignty, omniscience, omnipresence, and protection (33:4-22).
Psalm 34
READ PSALM 34. This is a psalm of thanksgiving for deliverance from trouble. David praises God for freeing him from his fears and asserts that God always watches over the righteous.
David says God has saved him from his fears (34:4) and from his foes (34:5-6). David also says God has surrounded him (34:7).
The psalmist says what God will do for the righteous (34:8-15, 17-20, 22). David also says what God will do for the unrighteous (34:15, 21)
Psalm 35
READ PSALM 35. In this psalm, David calls upon God to rescue him from his personal enemies. In David petitions God to do several things for him in Verses 1-8 and 17-26. He promised to praise God if He rescued him from his enemies (Verses 9-10, 27-28).
---1. Declare war on his enemies (Verses 1-3)
---2. Dishonor them (Verses 4, 26)
---3. Destroy them (Verses 5, 8)
---4. Darken their path (Verses 6-7)
---5. Deny them (Verses 17-25)
David's enemies persecuted him in several ways (Verses 11-16). They falsely accused him. They repaid his good deeds with evil. They rejoiced over his misfortunes. They mocked and cursed him.
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