PSALM 67

This missionary psalm exhorts us to get the message out to all the nations of the world. Why?

Because they need light (vv. 1–2). The lost walk in darkness and need the light of God’s face to shine upon them (2 Cor. 4:3–6). They have lost their way and are headed for eternal darkness. Does that burden you?

Because they need joy (vv. 3–4a). Sin gives pleasure for only a short time, but in Christ there are “pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11). How can we keep to ourselves the joy that Jesus gives?

Because they need righteousness (v. 4b), which can come only through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21–31). Man’s righteousness can never satisfy the demands of God’s holy law.

Because they need life (vv. 5–7). “The field is the world” (Matt. 13:38), but that field is not producing fruit to the glory of God. Only with God’s life and blessing can the harvest of righteousness come. If every believer did what you do about missions, would all the people of the earth be praising the Lord?

PSALM 68

This victory psalm celebrated how God blew the enemy away like smoke and melted them like wax (v. 2). It pictures three triumphal processions.

The victorious nation (1–16). Great victories were nothing new to Israel, for God had been with them from the beginning. He had delivered them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness into the Promised Land. He gave them Mount Zion and dwelt with them there. What a history of victory! Have you reviewed lately all that God has done for you?

The victorious Savior (17–18). Paul quoted verse 18 in Ephesians 4:8 and applied it to the ascension of Jesus Christ. Believers today are part of a spiritual army, marching in a triumphal procession (2 Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:15) and claiming their inheritance. They are seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:4–6) using their spiritual gifts to serve Him on earth. What a victory!

The victorious singers (19–35). The happy procession reached the sanctuary where they lifted their praises to God and asked for His continued strength as new enemies attacked (vv. 28, 34–35). The God of past victories would not forsake them as they trusted Him and obeyed His will (2 Cor. 1:8–11).

Are you marching like a conqueror in a victory celebration or like a mourner in a funeral procession?

PSALM 69

Psalm 69 begins with sinking (vv. 1–3, 14–15) but ends with singing (vv. 30–36). It goes from prayer to praise, from reproach (vv. 7, 9, 10, 19, 20) to rejoicing, because David poured out his heart to the Lord. No matter how painful your situation may be, tell God exactly how you feel.

This is a messianic psalm. Out of David’s sufferings, the Lord revealed His Son. (Compare v. 4 with John 15:25, v. 8 with John 7:3–5, v. 9 with John 2:17, v. 21 with Matt. 27:48, and v. 25 with Acts 1:20.) One purpose God has in allowing His people to suffer is that they might become more like Jesus Christ. That makes it worth it all!

This is also an imprecatory psalm (vv. 22–28; review the comments on Ps. 58). Paul quoted these words in Romans 11:9–10, applying them to unbelieving Israel. In attacking King David, the enemy were also rebelling against God and inviting their own judgment.

It is not easy to bear reproach because we want to be accepted and approved by others. But in the battle against sin, God’s soldiers are often falsely accused and lied about. When this happens to you, remember that it also happened to David and to Jesus. You are in good company! Meditate on Isaiah 54:17.

“I would rather play with forked lightning, or take in my hand living wires with their fiery current, than speak a reckless word against any servant of Christ, or idly repeat the slanderous darts which thousands of Christians are hurling on others, to the hurt of their own souls and bodies.” A. B. Simpson

Wiersbe, Warren W.

Categories: Studiu biblic