God’s Word for Today

12 Sep 2023

-Psa 56:1-13 ESV

IN GOD I TRUST; I SHALL NOT BE AFRAID

This psalm corresponds to David's experience when he fled to the Philistine city of Gath (1 Sam 21:10–15). It was his desperate move away from the murderous jealousy of Saul (1 Sam 19:1–2; 22:17–19). He calculated that he would be safer in Philistine territory, where they would see him as a supposed rebel against Saul, than to hide in Israel. When David was recognized, David pretended to be insane so the Philistine king would free him alone and unharmed.

He felt he was ’trampled all day long.’[v.2] Even in v 5 and 6, David described their threats,

“All day long they injure my cause;

    all their thoughts are against me for evil.

They stir up strife, they lurk;

    they watch my steps,

    as they have waited for my life.

On all sides were David’s enemies, like a pack of predators trying to take him down. He also describes their acts using a Hebrew word that is often translated as "arrogant" or "pridefully." 

But David to resolve to trust God,

3 When I am afraid,

    I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise,

    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

    What can flesh do to me?[v.3,4]

David did not claim to be immune from fear. Let us recall. He was literally shaking in fear (see Psalm 55:5). He resolved not to lose faith on account of anxiety (see Psalm 3:6; 27:3), often speaking as if he is reminding himself of God's protection (see Psalm 27:1; 56:4). Rather than falling apart due to fear, David resolved to rely on the Lord (seePsalm 11:1). Fear can either drive a person away from God or to God.

God knows everything as David declares,

“For their crime will they escape?

    In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

8 You have kept count of my tossings;

    put my tears in your bottle.

    Are they not in your book?

9 Then my enemies will turn back

    in the day when I call.

    This I know, that God is for me.[v7-9]

David rehearsed his strong conviction, saying,

“In God, whose word I praise,

    in the Lord, whose word I praise,

11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

    What can man do to me?

12 I must perform my vows to you, O God;

    I will render thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered my soul from death,

    yes, my feet from falling,

that I may walk before God

    in the light of life.[v.10-13]

God was working for him, not against him. As the apostle Paul assures believers in Romans 8:31 "if God is for us, who can be against us?" His words will never fail.[v.10] Because of God’s deliverance, David looked forward to offering praise.[v.12,13] See also Psa 50:14-15. 

Despite the threats, he is ‘walking before God in the light of life ’ And surely,  he won’t stumble. 

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God’s Word for Today

11 Sep 2023

-Psa 55:1-23 ESV

CAST YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD

David’s situation was so severe so that he expressed in v.1,2 repetitively his desire for God to resolve it by such phrases; give ear, do not hide, give heed and answer me. He narrated his emotional and psychological torment. He was ‘restless.’[v.3], that is, he was "thrown off," or "was not himself." Various translations use words such as "distracted" or "overwhelmed." He was in ‘anguish’[v.4], overwhelmed with fear[v.5] However, he is desperate to escape as a dove, in order to obtain  "rest" by being far from all trouble (v.7). While David sought to fly from danger, in the form of a dove, the prophet Jonah tried to flee from God's direct command. And, interestingly, Jonah's name means "dove." (Jonah 1:2; 4:1–3). 

He describes his situation as a violent thunderstorm.[v.8] He was not immune from fear. Our natural tendency in times n such dreadful times is to run from trouble, to get as far from it as much as possible, is it not?

In v. 9-11, David pleaded with the Lord to intervene. David laments the "ruin, oppression, and fraud" plaguing the city of Jerusalem. This happened during the rebellion of Absalom, aided by Ahithopel (2 Sam 15:13–14). They filled Jerusalem with evil and dissension. The  "violence and strife" were likely part of turning the hearts of the people away from their king (2 Sam 15:4–6). When David heard this, he prayed that God would reduce the effectiveness of Ahithophel's advice (2 Sam 15:31). 

In v.12-14, he alleged that he was betrayed by a close and trusted friend,  which made it more painful. He said,

“For it is not an enemy who taunts me—

    then I could bear it;

it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—

    then I could hide from him.

13 But it is you, a man, my equal,

    my companion, my familiar friend.

14 We used to take sweet counsel together;

    within God's house we walked in the throng.”[v.12-14]

20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;

    he violated his covenant.

21 His speech was smooth as butter,

    yet war was in his heart;

his words were softer than oil,

    yet they were drawn swords.[v.20-21]

Likely, this refers to Ahithophel, a former advisor who turned to support David's rebellious son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15:31). Although David had many enemies, men in the likes of Ahithophel caused him especially great pain. 

This foreshadows Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Judas had been Jesus' disciple for longer than three years. Yet, he delivered Jesus into the hands of those who arrested Him. But,  Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray Him (John 13:21–30).

We should not expect so much on people. We should be realistic. People change but God does not. They could have a form but not the true substance of being true. The apostle John writes about traitors to the cause of Christ. He says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us" (1 John 2:19).

David prays for divine retribution.[v.15] He not only prayed that God would defeat his enemies, but that they would be taken directly to the land of death. In his confidence that God will save or redeem him[v.16,18]. He prayed ‘evening, morning and noon’ to utter his complaint [v.17]. The reason for his confidence? They do not change and do not fear God.[v19] His justification for seeking such dire consequences is the absolute evil that his foes exemplify.

As a teaching psalm [maskil], David urged us to,

“Cast your burden on the Lord,

    and he will sustain you;

he will never permit

    the righteous to be moved.”[v.22]

And, he expects god would judge his enemies,

“But you, O God, will cast them down

    into the pit of destruction;

men of blood and treachery

    shall not live out half their days.

But I will trust in you.”[v.23]

Text: Psalm 54:1-7

1 O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.

2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah

4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.

6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good.

7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

-Psa 54:1-7 ESV

BEHOLD, GOD IS MY HELPER

Prayer is our most vital resource, isn’t it? Here, David pleaded for rescue (v.1). When he was hiding from the evil king, Saul, David was betrayed by local people in the region of Ziph (1 Sam 23:19–20). This forced David to vacate, looking for a new hideaway to rest (1 Sam 23:24–25). The "strangers" mentioned in verse 3 are the people who betrayed David to his enemies, and the forces of Saul are the "ruthless men" who want to kill him. Interestingly, the Ziphites and David were all from the tribe of Judah. Clearly, the Ziphites turned against David and disregarded the God of Israel. They told Saul about David’s whereabouts twice [ 1 Sam 23:26-28 & 1 Sam 26:21]

The apostle Paul commands us to put on the whole armor of God in their battle against the Devil. The Devil is scheming against us and is rallying the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph6:10-12). In addition to putting on the whole armor of God, we ought to pray "at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication" (Eph 6:18).

But, David expresses confidence in the Lord, declaring’

“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.”[v.4-5]

Confidence in God led David to a sense of calm assurance. Likewise, in Romans 8:31 Paul asks rhetorically, "What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" As a show of his confidence, David sets aside the burden of revenge. David believes those who seek to kill him we be repaid by God. When we trust God we won’t be manipulative. There were at least two occasions David had an opportunity to kill Saul, but refused to attack God's anointed king of Israel (1 Sam 24:4–8; 26:8–17).

Undoubtedly, his confidence in God was so strong that he entrusted all justice and retribution to the Lord's care. Many believe also that David wrote Psalm 118, wherein he testifies, "The Lᴏʀᴅ is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those that hate me" (Psa 118:7). Consequently, he expressed his praise,

“With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.”[v.6,7]

A "freewill offering" is not required. It is voluntary and would express David's gratitude for the Lord's goodness. Likewise, we should gladly present ourselves to the Lord out of gratitude for His kindnesses, should we not? Paul writes, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."[Rom 12:1]

It is just amazing that a moment of crisis was transformed into a time of praise and worship.

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Text: Psalm 53:1-6

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?

5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

-Psa 53:1-6 ESV

DON’T BE A FOOL

Aware or not, we are either a fool or wise before God. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”[v.1] It does not necessarily mean a person is unintelligent, does it? Rather, it implies that his particular choice is irrational, unwise, or ridiculous. He may be like the smart and capable farmer in Jesus’ parable. But, God called him a fool because he valued material possessions instead of God. God said to him: "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" (Luke 12:20).

His rejection of God leads him to do corrupt and abominable acts. Since he doesn’t believe that God exists, he does not care about God's laws. Thus, he leads a lawless life. He is free to define what is right and wrong according to his own standard. In a sense, he is acting like God.

Yet , ‘God looks down from heaven’. He is seeking who is seeking Him but He found none.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.[v.2-3]

God is not literally seeking information for He already knows. Hebrews 4:13 declares: "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." After Adam sinned, God was seeking Adam not because He did not find him but for Adam to find God.

Adam’s fall has plunged the world into foolishness. As Paul said, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”[Rom 5:12] A sad reality that all of us are sinners before God.[Rom 3:23] Furthermore, Paul alluded to this psalm by saying,

‘as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.’[Rom 3:10,11]

Over the years, sin had snowballed to point that the human race was completely corrupt. In the days before the flood, "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen 6:5). What about today?

David seems so shocked to ask?

Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?[v.4]

They are so blind to their own evil that they do not "call on" God. There is a hardening effect of sin. A distorted morality is the result. People are calling what is evil as good, and good as evil.

Those who do not fear God but experience great terror when God judges them. Prophetically, this terror might also be aimed at the armies that follow the Devil at the end of the millennium. They, too, will lay siege to Jerusalem, but they will experience terror when God judges them by raining fire upon them (Rev 20:7–9). The imagery to the dead bodies scattered by God indicates the dreadful disgrace that He will inflict on the wicked.

In contrast, David turns to God in hope saying,

“Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.”[v.6]

Please read our text:

Psalm 52:1-9 (ESV)

THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD ENDURES ALL THE DAY.

This psalm is about Doeg. He was the Edomite who informed David's enemy Saul about David's encounter with the priest Ahimelech (1 Sam 22:9–10). He then slaughtered those priests and countless innocents at Saul's command (1 Sam 22:17–19). For this, David sarcastically calls him a "mighty man" and condemns him for arrogance (v.1).

What was his motive? Perhaps for self-promotion. Rather than being honest or declaring Saul’s order as evil, he chose to do it arrogantly and unconscionably. Thus David accused him, saying,

“Your tongue plots destruction,

like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.

3 You love evil more than good,

and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah

4 You love all words that devour,

O deceitful tongue.[v.2-4]

Jesus has warned His disciples about evil men who would oppress them. He said, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake" (Matt 24:9). Like the devil, He accused the scribes and Pharisees as liars. He told them: "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).

The apostle Paul warned the churches of Galatia about deceitful men like Doeg. They flattered the Galatian believers to win them to their side, away from the truth. He asks in Galatians 3:1, "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?" He accuses the false teachers, in Galatians 4:17, of making much of the Galatians, "but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them."

For Doeg’s atrocities, David confidently says God’s judgment is upon him. He said,

“But God will break you down forever;

he will snatch and tear you from your tent;

he will uproot you from the land of the living.”[v.5]

This happened to Noah’s mockers[Gen 6:5-13], King Herod who defied God.[Acts 12:1-4]. Jesus will return and avenge for His own children.[1 Thess 1:7-10]

A principle in Galatians 6:7 promises that "God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Doeg would pay the price. But, not all retribution will happen in our lifetime. But God surely will judge the wicked. David says,

“7 “See the man who would not make

God his refuge,

but trusted in the abundance of his riches

and sought refuge in his own destruction!”[v.7]

In contrast, David testifies for God’s prosperity and blessing, saying,

“But I am like a green olive tree

in the house of God.

I trust in the steadfast love of God

forever and ever.

9 I will thank you forever,

because you have done it.

I will wait for your name, for it is good,

in the presence of the godly.” [v.8,9]

As olive trees are renowned for their long lives and continual productivity, so is David. The prophet Jeremiah declares "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lᴏʀᴅ, whose trust is in the Lᴏʀᴅ. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." [Jer 17:7–8]

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Please read our text:

Psalm 51:1-19 (ESV)

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART, O GOD

David argues that a truly blessed person is one who is forgiven. [Psa 32:1-2] David sinned by killing Uriah and having an affair with Bathsheba. He was hiding it for almost two years. Eventually, he was confronted by Nathan, the prophet. He became broken and contrite in heart as expressed by his confession.

What motivated David to confess and repent of his sins? The abundant mercy because of the steadfast love of God.[chesed]. See v.1,2. There is no other ground to ask for God’s cleansing apart from God’s mercy. Sinners like us don’t deserve His forgiveness, do we?

How did David recognize his sinfulness and its effect upon him? David made neither excuses nor blame others for his sins. He did not perceive of sin as merely a mistake. He confessed that his sins stick as stubborn dirt[v.2,7], his sinful nature and bents, even having been conceived in sin.[v.3,5], his accountability to God alone.[v.4], untruthful[v.6], sorrow and pain.[v.8], shame and embarassment[v.9], uncleanness[v.10] and having been separated from God because the Spirit left him.[v.12] and severely guilty [v.14]

Confession is agreeing with God. There is a humble recognition of it according to God’s judgments. True confession will result in significant transformations. As David expresses his desire to teach others. He said,

“Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you.”[v.13]

Moreover, there is a new desire to sing and worship God with the right heart.

“14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.[v.14-15]

He now understood true worship should be coming from the heart. It’s not on the outside through sacrifices but in the right motive and posture of the heart. Thus he said,

16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;

build up the walls of Jerusalem;

19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,

in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on your altar.[v.16-19]

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God’s Word for Today

5 Sep 2023

-Psa 50:1-23  ESV

GOD HIMSELF IS JUDGE!

The setting is in the court of God, where God judges His people. Asaph, the author, presented the judge with His credentials. The use of three separate terms [ Mighty One, God, Lord]  which identify God has emphasized the power and sovereignty of God. He’s the creator and sustainer of the earth as one who ‘summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”[v.1]. He’s manifested His presence in Zion, where the temple is. [v.2] He comes accompanied by a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest is reminiscent of God’s manifestations at Mt Sinai when He gave the law to Moses. He’s the Awesome God and He has the right to summon everybody to stand before Him. As Asaph says,

“  He calls to the heavens above

    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 “Gather to me my faithful ones,

    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

6 The heavens declare his righteousness,

    for God himself is judge!”[v.4-6]

There are three kinds of people before God; the righteous, moralists and wicked. Firstly, he addressed those who belong to His covenant people, saying,

“ 7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak;

    O Israel, I will testify against you.

    I am God, your God.

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

    your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I will not accept a bull from your house

    or goats from your folds.[v.7-9]

They were commended for their faithful or continual sacrifices [v.7] But the Lord couldn’t accept them.[v.8] They offer these animals continually thinking God is like a hungry and needful being, who depends upon them. Thus God says to them,

10 For every beast of the forest is mine,

    the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the hills,

    and all that moves in the field is mine.

12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

    for the world and its fullness are mine.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls

    or drink the blood of goats?[v.10-13]

By saying that these goats are coming from their folds signifies their claim that they own these. [v.8] They are arrogant to forget that God owns every animal, including their offerings. Perhaps, the routine of offering had numbed their hearts. What they do with their hands is not reflected in their hearts. Familiarity with God’s blessing may cause the loss of our wonder towards God. Form becomes more important than the substance.

But, God did not rebuke them without offering His grace. Thus He says, 

“14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

    and perform your vows to the Most High,

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;

    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”[v.14,15]

This is the group of people that God is pleased. When their hearts are right. They serve God with the attitude of thankfulness, humility, brokenness and dependence. Then their offerings would be acceptable to God. [Psa 51:16-19]

The third group God calls them wicked.[v.16]. He rebuked them sharply, saying;  

“ But to the wicked God says:

    “What right have you to recite my statutes

    or take my covenant on your lips?

But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.[v.16-21]

They knew the law but totally disregarded it[v.17], even approving sins such as immorality, slander, and evil speaking, without qualms about it.[v.18-20] In fact, he enjoys ‘God’s silence’ but he interpreted this as an approval. God’s silence doesn’t mean approval but grace. [Rom 2:4]He believes that his thinking is one like God. And thus, this ‘unconscionable’ state has insulted God. 

But God’s grace is offered,

“22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God,

    lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!

23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

    to one who orders his way rightly

    I will show the salvation of God!”[v.22-23] 

There is a time to repent and God will manifests His salvation to the repentant. 

God’s Word for Today

4 Sep 2023

-Psa 49:1-20  ESV

WHY SHOULD I FEAR IN TIMES OF TROUBLE?

The psalmist required everyone in the world to pay attention.[v.1-2] What is to be discussed is relevant to all people, in all cultures, and at all times. His method is through a song.[v.3,4]

The cheats and frauds are on the rise. And the psalmist asks, “Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me?”[v.5] It is no sin to be wealthy, but it is immoral to use wealth to abuse others. It makes the rich arrogant[1 Tim 6:17]  James warns the greedy businessmen in his time to mourn for the ruin that awaits them (Jas 5:1–6). Why? No man [who trusts in his wealth] can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life.[v.7a] It’s more than money could afford. Money could delay but not prevent death.[Heb 9:27] No man can accumulate enough riches to save his own soul, or anyone else's (Titus 3:5). In fact, money could suddenly be gone and ‘sprout with wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.’(Prov 23:4–5). Jesus even said, “For it easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:24–25). He is the poorest and has nothing else but money. Wealth has no value in eternity (Psa 73:15–20)

Death respects none.[v.10] Sadly, “their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names.”[v.11] Ultimately, those who reject God in this life will suffer in torment (Luke 16:22–31). Conversely, Christians' inheritance is assured as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Pet 1:4). 

Their earthly glamour will end at death as an animal.[v.12]  Ecclesiastes 3:19–20 says "For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return." Thus trusting proudly in riches is ‘foolish confidence’[v.13] like the rich fool Jesus told in Luke 12:13-21. As unsuspecting sheep, they are led unto their grave by ‘death as their shepherd’[v.14]

But, the psalmist confidently says, “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.”[v.15] Job had a similar confidence, saying, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another" (Job 19:25–27). 

His redemption should provide us peace and security not to be intimidated by what the wicked does. Thus he said,

“Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,

    when the glory of his house increases.

17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;

    his glory will not go down after him.

18 For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed

    —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—

19 his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,

    who will never again see light.

20 Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish”[v.16-20]

In summary, God’s gift of redemption should be our source of joy and security. As Jesus reminded his disciples after they had done great things, saying, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”[Luke 10:20]

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#bookofPsalms

Text: Psalm 48:1-14

1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain,

2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.

3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.

4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together.

5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight.

6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor.

7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation

14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.

-Psa 48:1-14 ESV

LET MOUNT ZION BE GLAD!

Clearly, in the bible, the city of Jerusalem has been referred to as a symbol of God's power and majesty. This city of Israel's great God (Mat 5:35) was located on Mount Zion (Psa 2:6). It was David who took over Mt. Zion from the Jebusites (2 Sam 5:6–9; 2 Chron 11:4–7). However, it did not become "holy" until David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and installed it there. Thus, Mount Zion became God's holy dwelling (Psa 99:9). Is it not that only the presence of a holy God makes a place holy? Even a spot in the desert was declared holy because God chose to be present there (Ex 3:4–5).

This beautiful city in elevation may describe its location at the hill just south of old Jerusalem, and at other times it refers to the temple mount. The mention of Zion's location "in the far north" refers to the position of the temple mount within ancient Jerusalem. Many years later, Jerusalem has brought joy to all the earth. Jesus died outside the city (Heb 13:12; Mark 15:20) to pay the penalty of sin and give eternal life to all who believe in Him as their Savior (John 3:16–18).

Within her citadels, God has made himself known as a fortress.[v.3] He was their "fortress:" their protection. Indeed, "the LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." [Psa 9:9,10] Similarly, our salvation is assured. Jesus promised, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:28–29).

Those who dared to attack Jerusalem were dumbfounded, The psalmist describes,

“For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. 6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. 7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish.”[v.4-7]

It's unlikely that ships would be used in any meaningful assault on Jerusalem. The term "ships of Tarshish" might be entirely symbolic. Every language has familiar metaphors for strength and power. One metaphor is the "cedars of Lebanon" in such a context (Psa 29:5; 92:12; Isa 2:13). God has subdued His enemies overwhelmingly.

Such testimonies are too glorious to ignore or deny. [v.8] The people observing the city, and thinking about these events, are realizing how special the city is. They remember the steadfast love of God., saying,

“We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.”[v.9] They did nothing to deserve God's steadfast love, did they?

Text: Psalm 47:1-9

1 Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.

3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.

4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah

5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!

8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!

-Psa 47:1-9 ESV

GOD SITS ON HIS HOLY THRONE

There is an overflow of the psalmist's joy as he requests applause and songs to worship God. Why?

2 For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.

God shows it in many ways.

Firstly, He subdues peoples.[v.3] It might have been a military victory in history, such as when God foiled the armies attacking Jehoshaphat (2 Chron 20:22–26). Or, it was when Sennacherib was defeated during the era of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:35–37). Prophetically, this depicts the rule of Jesus Christ over the entire earth (Rev 5:11–14; 19:6–8). Indeed, "The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty."[Psa 93:1]

On the other hand, the psalmist pointed out that “He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves.”[v.4] This relates to God's sovereign choice to make Israel His chosen people (Deut 7:6–11). It also resonates with the gospel, which allows sinful men to be "adopted" as children of God (John 1:12; 1 Pet 1:3–4; Eph 1:5; Rom 8:16–17; Rev 21:7). We should be always awed when we think of His grace, should we not?

The shout and sound of a trumpet mentioned in verse 5 are the sounds of triumph as the Lord victoriously ascended to His throne. Simultaneously, a call of great chorus has to reverberate in the air,

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

And, this time God will move the ‘princes of the people’ to worship Him.

9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted![v.6-9]

Sooner or later, every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord. [Phil 2:11]