The ninth and tenth Psalms are linked together by a nearly perfect acrostic alphabet structure. In addition, the ninth Psalm ends with a Selah (which is unusual), and the tenth Psalm has no superscription (which is unusual in this part of the Psalter). Since they also share some common language, it makes sense to read them together as a matched set composed by David.
In Psalm 9, the aspiring king praises God for His righteous judgment on behalf of those persecuted. In Psalm 10, he turns his attention to a particular kind of persecutor – the practical atheist. It would have been difficult to be a theoretical atheist in ancient Israel. The Tabernacle, the feasts and the sacrifices, the Torah, and the Mosaic Covenant all pointed toward the existence and intervention of Yahweh. The ancient Israelites could not reject these marks of Judaism openly, but they could reject them in their daily life and practice.
The Psalmist refers to this mindset three times in chapter 10 (verses 4, 11, and 13). In each case, the persecutor denies God’s existence and intervention in human affairs, saying to himself, “There is no God.” Verses 5 to 11 describe the inner workings of one who has rejected the existence of God, as well as their motivations. Without the threat of accountability from a higher power, the atheist feels free to take advantage of the weak and powerless.
David never accuses Saul directly in these Psalms, but one is left to wonder if the elder king gave himself over to this kind of practical atheism. Officially, he was God’s representative to the Israelite people. But practically, privately, he found it hard to follow God’s commands. When he was corrected by Samuel the prophet, he was dismissive and defensive, and when given the chance, he killed the whole priesthood at Nob (1 Samuel 15, 22). Everyone else viewed David as a “man after God’s own heart,” but Saul viewed David with murderous rage.
I usually see atheism as a mild form of unbelief, but these two Psalms put it in a much more dangerous category. Atheism tends to drive people toward aggression since it has no respect for a higher power. Practical atheism is especially dangerous because it changes one’s mindset in secret. The church, like ancient Israel, must stand with the Psalmist and call for God to take action on behalf of the afflicted. This may be one of the most powerful apologetics of them all.
How does it feel to be falsely accused of something? Certainly, it seems unfair. It also carries a certain amount of desperation. It can be painful and embarrassing knowing that people think you are guilty of a crime that you didn’t commit. In Psalm 7, David compares the pain of a false accusation to a lion attack (v. 2-5). His soul is torn apart, and his life is trampled to the ground.
The book of 1 Samuel contains numerous events that could serve as the background for this Psalm. Even though Saul isn’t named, his tribe – the Benjamites, is mentioned in the heading. The most obvious are the events that happen in 1 Samuel 24 – 26. David has two opportunities to take Saul’s life but refuses to do so. In between, David is about to take the life of the “harsh” and “evil” Nabal (the Bible’s words, not mine), but is stopped by his gracious wife, Abigail. In all three situations, similar Hebrew words are used to describe God’s actions as He “repaid” men for their righteousness or “returned” a man’s wickedness back upon his own head (24:19, 25:39, 26:23). This same terminology shows up in the last section of Psalm 7, in verses 15 and 16.
So, how do we respond to a false accusation, once we’ve gotten over our feelings of desperation and pain? Following David’s example in this Psalm, we are to call out to God asking that our accuser fall into his own trap. If our conscience is clear, then we are to cry out for retribution for the Righteous Judge, who tries the heart and minds of all people. We are encouraged to fight lions with our own lion, the Lion of Judah, who stands up for His people.
What makes you weep? Maybe it’s the physical discomfort of an extended illness? Maybe it’s the emotional ache of a betrayal? Maybe it’s the spiritual sting of disappointing God? Whatever the source, we all experience pain, which brings out our tears.
Psalm 6 was written during a time of intense suffering for David. He felt as if he could “dissolve his couch with tears” (v. 6). Weather metaphorically or literally, the Psalmist was sick with grief.
But in the middle of the final section of this Psalm (v. 8-10), David offers a hint of hope. The Lord hears the voice of those who cry out for help; the Lord listens to those who pray (v. 9). There are all kinds of solutions that people turn to in times of trouble, but this musical psalm foreshadows what another musical psalms make abundantly clear, that God is a refuge and a present help in times of struggle (Psalm 46:1).
David experienced great hostility and persecution on his way to the throne in ancient Israel. At least one Bible commentator believes that this Psalm was written around the time when Doeg the Edomite betrayed David to King Saul in 1 Samuel 21. The would-be king called out to the Lord to acknowledge his struggles and punish his adversaries.
But what if our struggles aren’t against a specific person? What if we are aligned with David’s aspiration to lead a righteous, God-honoring life and we identify with his struggles, but we don’t have a human “foe” to pray against? Is this Psalm irrelevant to the modern reader?
It’s at least possible that the biggest danger for a modern-day pilgrim comes from a place instead of a person. It might be the lure of a consumeristic lifestyle that calls to us at every restaurant, mall, and car lot we drive past. Or it might be an invitation to join the boasting, hatred, and falsehood that it magnified through social media (v. 4-6). Social media may seem like it’s a personal form of communication, but it’s really not. It could also come from the entertainment industry that provides an endless supply of options, some which would clearly draw a believer off the path of righteousness. The biggest danger for someone today may a spiritual, if it’s not physical.
In either case, the admonitions in last two verses of Psalm 5 still applies. The weary traveler should find his or her joy in God and the resources that He provides, over and against their circumstances. In addition, the weary traveler should trust in God has his or her shield against life’s dangers. Clinging to these truths should provide protection no matter what kind of dangers one might face.
Jonathan and David built their friendship on covenant principles. What help can these principles give to those who want to build good friendships today?
David and Jonathan struck up a surprising friendship in 1 Samuel 18:1-5. Jonathan was the heir to the Israelite throne and David was his biggest rival, so it was amazing that the two got along so well. Jonathan publicized their support for one another by giving David his royal coat, armor, and weapons.
Their commitment was tested a few chapters later when king Saul publicized his own plan to kill David. (1 Samuel 20). The duo renewed their relationship with one another in a way that was shaped by God’s covenant relationship with his people. There are four covenant principles that are highlighted in their agreement and these principles helps us understand what it means to be a good friend in any era.
Helping out in tough times. Ancient near-eastern covenants were common among tribes and nations with an imbalance in power. That may seem oppressive by today’s standards, but it was much better than the alternative of total destruction. The stronger party offered certain benefits (like protection), and the weaker party offered their own benefits (like loyalty).
We have all been on both side of this equation in our interpersonal relationships. Sometimes we are the ones in need and sometimes we are the ones who are able to help. This dynamic is the lifeblood of most good friendships. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (NASB).
Staying true to one’s commitments. Jonathan and David made a number of serious pledges to one another in 1 Samuel 20:12-17. In essence, they promised to protect one another and their respective families as long as they lived. Few friendships are this formal, but every one that I know of will grow stronger if it’s kept up over time. a truth punctuated by Proverbs 18:24.
Persevering under pressure. The crown prince came under intense pressure to betray David. Saul insulted Jonathan, commanded him to betray his friend, and then tried to kill him (his own son!). Years later when David was king, he rejected the idea of “doing away with” with his rival’s family by taking care of Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson. Once again, the book of Proverbs puts this principle in action: “Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend.” (27:10a).
Trusting in God’s faithfulness. David and Jonathan appealed to God’s faithfulness multiples times throughout this encounter (v. 8, 12, 16, 23, 42). This helps us to see that faith in God is the best foundation for a friendship. The parable of the three-fold chord in Ecclesiastics 4:9-12 is a tactile illustration of this forth principle.
David was a good king because He was loyal to God’s covenant relationship with Israel. He was a good friend because He patterned his relationship with Jonathan after His relationship with God. You and I become good friends to those we care about if we take this covenant principle to heart.
How can you find peace and safety in the middle of conflict?
The 4th Psalm is often paired with the 3rd Psalm and categorized as parallel prayers of trust in God; one for the morning and one for the evening. Since David was running for his life from his son, Absalom, this Psalm has a lot of credibility.
David’s quest for peace and safety involves three steps in this portion of Scripture. First, he calls out to God and asks for help. He talks to God about the people who want to do him in. He anticipates a good night’s sleep in spite of his troubles.
Next, he seems to call out to his adversaries in verse 6. These are the ones who “love what is worthless” and “aim at deception” (v. 2). David’s previous prayer allows him to stand up to their pressure.
Finally, he crawls into bed in peace. After all is said and done, David renews his trust in God. He finds his gladness and security in God, not in what others are scheming or saying about Him.
This Psalm is an invitation to join David on his quest for peace and safety. We have to same opportunity to call out to God before calling out to our adversaries. Speaking of this dynamic, Charles Spurgeon said, “He who dares to face his Maker will not tremble before the sons of men.” If we approach our own quest in this order, we have a good chance of arriving at our destination, safe and sound.
David literally ran for his life on more than one occasion. In 1 Samuel 19, he ran from Saul after the unhinged king tried to kill him four times. David stayed in hiding from Saul for the next 10 chapters. Later on, in 2 Samuel 15, David ran away from Jerusalem to as his son, Absalom, made a claim to the throne.
The inscription given to Psalm 3 explains that it was written around the time David fled from his son, Absalom. Even though the inscription is not inspired by the Holy Spirit, it gives modern readers a starting place to evaluate the king’s comments. David had the right to speak about these issues because he has seen the worst kinds of battles.
This Psalm is sometimes described as a morning prayer of trust in God. In four short stanzas, David ran from his enemies and ran to God for help. Instead of focusing on threat that rose up all around him, David focused on the protection that God would provide. His faith in God drove Him to trust in the One who is a “shield” around His people.
This is a guest post from my 15-year old daughter, Reese Couture. She wrote this devotion for a Kentucky WMU Acteens retreat that she helped lead.
Sometimes the best feeling is to get clean. After a long day of hard work, whatever that work may be, it is satisfying to shower. Being greasy or sweaty or dirty probably isn’t one of your favorite things to be, but feeling fresh at the end of the day might be. No matter how gross or smelly you get, you are only a bath away from being comfortable again. In Psalm 51, we read David’s cry to God for a spiritual bath.
When you start reading these verses, you are in the heat of King David’s conversation with God. So much passion and intention are in these words, it seems like too much to unpack. In order to fully understand what is going on, we need to rewind. David was one of the most remembered kings of Israel. He was described as “a man after God’s own heart.” Unfortunately, he is remembered for both the good and the bad; Psalm 51 comes after the bad.
Long story short, King David saw a woman one day named Bathsheba and he instantly knew he wanted her. Bathsheba was a beautiful woman, but she was married to Uriah, an elite in Israel’s army. Since David had kingly powers, he decided to use them to get what he wanted. He was sexually immoral, he lied, he murdered, and he caused unnecessary pain. The prophet, Nathan, confronted David about what he did, which is where these verses pick up.
There are so many things that are asked of God here: to have mercy, to blot out transgressions, to wash away iniquity, and to cleanse from sin. The magnificent thing is that God can (and will) do all of those things for us, we just need to ask Him. His unfailing love will never run out, no matter how many times we come back to it and ask for it again. Have you been corrected by someone and all you want to do is just tell them all of the things they have done wrong? It is an unfair feeling for someone to seemingly place themselves above you when you are equal. The only person 100% justified in judging you and correcting you is God. He is 100% perfect. When you sin, you are sinning against God and His commandments. Being shown by Him what you are doing wrong can be a scary feeling that makes you feel small, but it is truly such a blessing.
Sin is a paralyzing feeling; it comes little by little until you are trapped. The scary thing is, Satan has been doing this for years and he knows the best way to get you. You come to this point where you can’t escape regret or guilt and it just feels like your sins are permanently hanging over you. You are absolutely devastated at yourself and it feels like you can’t do anything to shake the feeling. David was at this point. He was mourning and grieving, so clearly upset at what he had done. That’s not the end! We don’t just get left at this cliffhanger where our main character is at his all-time low. He asked God for forgiveness. He wanted to experience joy and gladness; he wanted to rejoice. David didn’t throw himself a sin pity party and wallow in his wrongdoings, he was able to have freedom when he gave his wrongdoings to God.
Renew and restore are some of the most beautiful words. They present a new outlook on life and create a new chapter. David asked God to renew a steadfast spirit within him and to not take His Spirit or presence away from David. Once we have God, He is with us forever. To be made new in Christ is something so spectacular; everytime we mess up, we can experience that over and over. It isn’t a one-time-only feeling. David also asks for his joy of salvation to be restored and to have a sustained, willing spirit. The encounters had with God cause great joy in Christians’ lives. It is the best feeling in the world to be filled with the Spirit. When we ask for our same old, boring interpretation of life to be transformed into a joyful outlook, things radically change. Having God’s restoration in your life will open up a pathway for you to be able to teach others how they can be restored as well.
In verse six, David talks about God’s desire for faithfulness. Life is busy, it’s just a fact. Every corner you turn there is something else competing for your time and attention. It gets so overwhelming. God wants us to give Him our schedules and focus. This is obviously so hard to do, but our Father really wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. He wants not only the Church You, but the Work You, and the Social Life You, He even wants the Saturday Night Movie and Ice Cream You. When you give every part of your life to God, He becomes the most important thing in every part of your life. It is a full-circle moment because when God is at the center of attention in everything we do, we are using our energy to please Him. That in-turn lessens the tolerated sins that occur when we place God on the backburner in our lives.
Worshipping God when He once again helps us is so important. The reason we have the ability to praise God is so we can do just that. He gives us opportunities again and again to freely receive His compassion that we do not deserve whatsoever! Not only do we need forgiveness once, but we need everyday when we struggle on our path to righteousness. I think it is especially hard for a Christian to feel trapped in their sins because they have already been originally forgiven. It can feel like uncharted waters. You need to remember we all struggle and we will all always need God’s unfailing love and compassion. You can always turn around and be renewed and restored. Start a new chapter in your life where you are closer to God than you ever have been. Stop procrastinating and take a spiritual shower because you know you need one. He will wash you and make you whiter than snow.
Waiting seems like a waste of time. It makes us feel unproductive, ineffective, and sometimes worthless. It wears us down. Like treading water, waiting dulls our senses and saps our strength.
No one looks forward to waiting. We pay large amounts of money and go to great lengths to avoid it. We judge our satisfaction of products, places, and even people by how long they make us wait. Patience may be virtue, but only in a bygone era.
Recently, I realized that waiting is a major theme in the Bible. Many of the major characters in the Bible had to wait for days years, and even decades for their situations to be resolved and God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Noah waited for over a year on a boat filled with wild animals for the flood waters to recede (Genesis 7:6, 8:13-14).
Abraham and Sarah waited for 25 years for the birth of their special son, Isaac (Genesis 12:4, 21:5).
Joseph waited for two full years for the chief cupbearer to remember him and get him out of jail (Genesis 41:1).
Moses watched his father-in-law’s sheep on the back side of the desert for 40 years waiting for God’s plan to unfold (Exodus 2:23, Acts 7:30).
Job waited for seven days and seven nights for a comforting word from his so called “friends” and even longer for a comforting word from God (Job 2:12, 38:1).
David waited about 15 years to ascend to the throne of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13; 2 Samuel 5:1-5). Mary and Martha watched their brother, Lazarus, die and then waited four agonizing days for Jesus to come to them (John 11:1-46).
The Apostles waited for three dark days before Jesus appeared to the them and commissioned them as witnesses (John 20:19-23).
The Apostle Paul waited for three years in the desert before starting his ministry to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:17-18).
In addition, the Prophets waited for God’s judgment to fall (Jonah 4:5). The Wisdom literature contains repeated references to patience and waiting (Psalms 27:14, Proverbs 15: 18, Ecclesiastics 7:8). Patience is even listed as one of the nine fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
So what lessons can we learn from this survey of waiting in the Bible?
1. Waiting is normal.
Following God does not mean you will have a wait-free life. In fact, it guarantees that you will have to wait as He works out His perfect plan for you.
2. Waiting is beneficial.
Waiting builds character as you learn to depend on God and His promises. Waiting brings perspective to your life as you view things from the lens of eternity.
3. Waiting is difficult
There are no short-cuts to patience. Waiting is hard work, even if it feels like no work is getting done.
Can you name another lesson we can learn from tracing the theme of waiting through the Bible?
