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May 24th

Our Bible reading today is in Psalms 108-110. These songs about “trust” were written by King David. Most likely in the “spring” when kings went out to battle.

David was the warrior king. He was also the tender songwriter. But he was also a prophet. Seen throughout the Psalms, especially in Psalm 22. Perfectly describing the crucifixion of the Christ a thousand years before it happened. Perfectly describing the effort of the followers of Christ to preach the gospel message to the ends of the earth. Just like we read in Matthew’s gospel and the book of Acts. And there is another scriptural reason to believe David was God’s prophet.

The writer of Hebrews, probably Paul, in the “faith chapter,” lists the “hall” of faith. In that list, Paul lumps the faithful prophets, together...putting David, ahead of Samuel and the rest. Obviously the great apostle believed that God gifted and used David to prophesy the message of God to His people. We definitely see that in the reading today.

“Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom, I cast my shoe; over Philistia, I shout in triumph." Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭108:9-10, 12-13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Moab, Edom, Philistia, in particular, David wrote of how God was ruler, not just over Israel, but over them as well. And Scripture tells us that God gave victories over each of those nations to David.

The Moabites were called “the arrogant”. They challenged Israel multiple times during the wilderness wanderings. David prophesied that God would make them His “washbasin.”. Not just humiliated slaves to wash the feet of the King of all the nations, but to make them the very “clay bowl” that was used to wash feet. That prophecy was fulfilled in David’s time.

David prophesied that God would “throw” his shoe at Edom. In the day of dirty roads filled with refuse of all kinds, a person’s shoes were regarded with contempt. If a person was angry at another, he would show it publicly by casting his filthy shoe at them. David was saying that God, the King of all nations, had the right to show contempt toward any nation that rejected Him and His promised land people.

David ended the prophetic song with a rhetorical question to impress his theme upon the readers and singers of the psalm.

“Who will bring me into the strong city of Edom...the fortified, impregnable city?”

Perhaps this tells us that David wrote at least some of this song the night before his battle with the great army and fortress of Petra. And instead of being “petrified” with fear, David strengthened his heart with focus upon his great God.

“Who will bring me into the strong city??? “...the help of man is useless...but with God we shall do valiantly!”

King David was not looking for some alliance with other kings and military forces. His God-given faith told him to trust in the only one who could help him and that was Adonai...I Am...everything you need.

Now, did God intend for David to do nothing? No! God intended that David and his men fight. Trusting Him with the outcome, trusting Him to bring His good result whatever that might look like. Fighting with the bravery and the determination that comes through God alone.

“With God, we shall do valiantly...”

With Jesus all things are possible...through Him...who has already proven that He loves us and fights with us and for us...by way of the cross and his resurrection. With Jesus...who never leaves us nor forsakes us...we shall do valiantly!

Have a great day.