Through the Psalms

David declares that the Lord is his light and salvation. He expresses confidence in the Lord as his enemies surround him. He tells of his desire to dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold his beauty, and to inquire in his temple. He asks God for mercy and deliverance. He seeks God’s face. He trusts in the goodness of the Lord and urges listeners to wait upon the Lord.

David prays that God would vindicate and examine him in light of unfair treatment by wicked people. David talks about how he has walked in truth and hates evildoers. He tells of his love for God’s house, and he asks for redemption and mercy. He concludes with praise to God.

David lifts up his soul to God in prayer, and he asks for deliverance from his enemies, mercy and pardon for his sins, and guidance and direction in the way he should go. He closes with a plea that integrity and uprightness would preserve him and that God would redeem Israel out of all his troubles.

The last of the Shepherd Psalms, Psalm 24 asks, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?” David also asks, “Who is this King of Glory?” The background of the Psalm is probably when David took the ark of the Lord up to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Christians see in this psalm the Ascension of Christ to heaven.

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in all of the Bible. David, a shepherd himself, describes the Lord as his shepherd. He outlines how the Lord provides, protects, and cares for his sheep. This psalm also describes the Lord as a host at a dinner. It concludes with the twin blessings of goodness and mercy as David says he will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

In Psalm 22, we have an amazing prophetic description of Christ’s death on the cross. The latter part of the psalm discusses Christ’s future reign over all the earth.

The Lord is praised for the victory He has given to the king; and how He has answered his prayers and given him his heart’s desires.

The people pray that God would give King David victory in battle, grant his heart’s desires, and make all his plans succeed. We are reminded to put our trust in the name of the Lord our God and not in horses and chariots.

David reflects on the glory of God, first through the creation, and then by the law of the Lord. He concludes with a series of prayers to be pleasing to God.

David praises the Lord for deliverance from his enemies. He calls the Lord his Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, his God, Strength, Shield, Strength of his Salvation, and his High Tower.