Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 45 NIV; Ch. 46-47 NLT

Podcast Introduction

This is Psalms Wednesday, and we’ll read chapters 45-47. As always in the Psalms, I’ll have a short intro for you before reading each chapter. I’m calling this episode “Be Still.”

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Comments on Psalms 45-47

Introduction to Psalm 45

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

According to Matthew Henry's Commentary, and that of Charles Spurgeon, the subject of this Psalm is Christ Himself.

I like the way Spurgeon put it: 

"Some here see Solomon and Pharaoh's daughter only-- they are short sighted; others see both Solomon and Christ--they are cross eyed; well focused spiritual eyes see here Jesus only, or if Solomon be present at all, it must be like those hazy shadows of by passers which cross the face of the camera, and therefore are dimly traceable upon a photographic landscape.

"This is a wedding song for the Heavenly Bridegroom and His elect spouse. Ps 45:1 is an announcement of intention, a preface to the song; Ps 45:3 adores the matchless beauty of Messiah; and from Ps 45:3-9, he is addressed in admiring ascriptions of praise. Ps 45:10-12 are spoken to the bride. The church is further spoken of in Ps 45:13-15, and the Psalm closes with another address to the King, foretelling his eternal fame, Ps 45:16-17."

C.S. Lewis thought of the Psalm in the context of Christmas. He wrote, “The birth of Christ is the arrival of the great warrior and the great king. Also of the Lover, the Bridegroom, whose beauty surpasses that of man. But not only the Bridegroom as the lover, the desired; the Bridegroom also who makes fruitful, the Father of children still to be begotten and born.” 

Introduction to Psalm 46

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

Adam Clarke wrote, “An ode upon Alamoth, or concerning the virgins: possibly meaning a choir of singing girls.” 

Psalm 46 has been called the song of holy confidence. It opens with these words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Then goes on to say because this is true, whatever happens, we will not fear. And it closes with these words: “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” A believer cannot help but be lifted up and encouraged by this Psalm.

Introduction to Psalm 47

The title of this psalm is "To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah."

Willem VanGemeren, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and author of The Expositor's Bible Commentary wrote, “In later Jewish usage Psalm 47 was utilized as part of the New Year’s service.” 

Psalm 47 beings with a call to praise and worship: “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” And then it lists several reasons that God is worthy of praise. It is a celebration. And please note that this is written to “all you nations”. This is not just written to the Israelites. God is calling us all to rejoice in Him. Hallelujah!

Thoughts on Psalm 46

Beloved, can we agree that we live in a world that is in chaos? I have news for you. The world, since the moment that Adam and Eve rebelled against God, has been in a perpetual state of chaos. There has never been peace. The enemy, Satan, has been at work to destroy God's creation from that day in the Garden of Eden until this very moment. Chaos is nothing new. We feel as if, surely there have never been times as bad as they are now. I don't believe that history agrees with that assessment, but even if it were true, we have no need to fear.

Verse 1 says, "God is our refuge..."  A refuge is a place of protection in the midst of danger.