Through the Psalms

David prays for God to deliver him from his enemies, keep him as the apple of the eye, and hide him under the shadow of His wings. David also anticipates when he will see God’s face.

A psalm about the joys of the believer in life and the hope of the believer in death. The last three verses are a messianic prophecy that deal with the resurrection of Christ.

David asks and answers two questions concerning, Who may dwell in God’s sanctuary or holy hill?

David describes the wicked who live as atheists. After describing these people, David expresses his longing for the Messiah who will deliver Israel. The Apostle Paul quoted this Psalm in Romans 3:10-12 as he described the universal depravity of mankind.

David asks, “How long...” will the Lord hide his face and his enemies be exalted over him? He asks God to hear him and lighten his eyes. Then he trusts in God’s mercy, rejoices in his salvation, and sings to the Lord because God deals bountifully with him.

David asks God for help because the godly seem to have disappeared in his society, and the wicked are oppressing the poor and needy. David falls back upon the pure words of the Lord for a sure foundation.

David trusts in the Lord while he is being persecuted by wicked men. As he laments the fact that the foundations are destroyed, he remembers that the Lord is in his holy temple. David also discusses the judgment of the wicked and the righteousness of God.

The Psalmist wrestles with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked and the oppression of the poor. He concludes that the Lord is king forever and will eventually punish the wicked and hear the cries of the fatherless and oppressed.

David praises God for deliverance and protection from his enemies. God is described as the righteous judge over the whole Earth. David describes God as a refuge for the oppressed. David also asks God for mercy. Finally, he asks God to arise and judge the heathen, or the Gentile nations.

David praises God and reflects upon the wonders of the creation. He then turns to the honor which God bestows upon mankind and describes mankind’s dominion over creation. David concludes by again praising God.