Psalms in Focus A Study of Psalms from The Readable Bible
Psalms in Focus A Study of Psalms from The Readable Bible
“We must not falter in our devotion or our loyalty to the one work to which God has called us— that of bringing the world to Christ.” —Mary Hill Davis, 1915
This work was made possible by a generous grant from
Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas
Birmingham, Alabama
Psalms in Focus: A Study of Psalms from The Readable Bible The Readable Bible copyright © 2020 by Liddell Press LLC The Focus portions copyright © 2021 by Woman’s Missionary Union Published by: Iron Stream Media 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242 Library of Congress Control Number: 2021934927 The Readable Bible text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred verses without express written permission of the publisher provided that (a) the verses quoted do not account for more than 25 percent of the total work in which they are quoted, (b) no more than 25 percent of a book of the Bible is quoted, (c) all quotations conform accurately to The Readable Bible text, and (d) one of the following credit lines appears on the copyright page or title page of the work: Scripture quotations marked TRB are taken from The Readable Bible®. Copyright 2020 by Liddell Press LLC, Leawood, Kansas. Used by permission. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from The Readable Bible®. Copyright 2020 by Liddell Press LLC, Leawood, Kansas. Used by permission. When quotations from The Readable Bible text are used in not-for-sale media (e.g., church bulletins, orders of service, newsletters, digital presentations), a copyright notice is not required, but the initials “TRB” must appear at the end of each quotation. Websites and blogs may quote up to five hundred verses without express written permission provided they include the initials “TRB” at the end of each quotation and provided that the verses quoted account for not more than 25 percent of any web page upon which they appear and that no more than 25 percent of a book of the Bible is quoted. Quotations not covered by the above guidelines must be approved in writing by Iron Stream Media. Send requests by email to info@ironstreammedia.com or by mail to the address above. Cover/Book/Map Designer: Clyde Adams (www.clydeadams.com) Map geographic features courtesy of Bible Mapper (www.biblemapper.com) Typeface: Veritas AE from Altered Ego Fonts, a division of Aespire ISBN: 978-1-56309-450-7 (leatherette) ISBN: 978-1-56309-533-7 (paperback) ISBN: 978-1-56309-454-5 (ePub) Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 — 25 24 23 22 21 125ca
Contents Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x The Book of Psalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Contributor Credits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Psalms Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Familiar Verses in Psalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214 Psalms by Subject. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 People in Psalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Translation Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Format and Presentation Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Locations in Psalms Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
The Book of Psalms BOOK 1 Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Psalm 2: A Warning to Kings and Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Psalm 3: Trusting God When in Trouble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Psalm 4: Standing for God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Psalm 5: A Cry for Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Psalm 6: A Sinner’s Prayer of Distress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Psalm 7: A Prayer of the Persecuted Victorious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Psalm 8: The Generosity of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Psalm 9: A Joyful Song of Confidence in God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Psalm 10: Trusting God in the Midst of the Wicked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Psalm 11: Trusting, Not Fleeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Psalm 12: A Prayer in the Midst of Vile Behavior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Psalm 13: Singing When God Cannot Be Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Psalm 14: The Fool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Psalm 15: Who Abides with God? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Psalm 16: Confidence in God Our Refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Psalm 17: Seeking Shelter in God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Psalm 18: David’s Song of Victory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Psalm 19: The Heavens Declare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 His Law Is Perfect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Psalm 20: A Prayer for the King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Psalm 21: Thanksgiving for the King’s Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Psalm 22: The Suffering Servant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Psalm 23: The Shepherd’s Psalm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Psalm 24: He Is the King of Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 v
Psalm 25: A Prayer for Pardon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Psalm 26: A Call for Vindication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Psalm 28: The Lord Is My Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Psalm 30: Thanksgiving for Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Psalm 31: A Prayer of Trust in God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Psalm 32: The Blessing of Forgiveness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Psalm 33: Rejoice in the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Psalm 34: Fear the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Psalm 35: A Call for God’s Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Psalm 36: The Sin of the Wicked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 The Mercy of the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Psalm 37: Do Not Worry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Psalm 38: Remember Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Psalm 39: A Prayer When Under Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Psalm 40: Waiting, Praying, and Trusting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Psalm 41: Considering the Poor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Praying for Mercy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Closing Doxology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
BOOK 2 Psalm 42: The Downcast Soul (Part 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Psalm 43: The Downcast Soul (Part 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Psalm 44: Israel’s Lament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Psalm 45: A Subject’s Note to His King and Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Psalm 46: God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Psalm 47: Clap and Sing Praises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Psalm 48: Celebrating Jerusalem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Psalm 49: The Futility of Wealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Psalm 50: Offer Praise and Order Your Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Psalm 51: A Psalm for the Penitent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Psalm 52: David’s Grief When Saul Murdered the Priests of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Psalm 53: The Fool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Psalm 54: David in Distress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Psalm 55: A Psalm for the Troubled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Psalm 56: David Calls for Help and Trusts God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Psalm 57: Praising God in the Midst of Trouble. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Psalm 58: Confidence That God Will Judge the Wicked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Psalm 59: A Call for Deliverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Psalm 60: A Plea for Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 vi
Psalm 61: Trust in God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Psalm 62: Waiting for God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Psalm 63: Thirsting for God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Psalm 64: Praying and Trusting for Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Psalm 65: Praise to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 God’s Care of the Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Psalm 66: Praise for God’s Mighty Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Psalm 67: A Blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Psalm 68: Celebrating God’s Victory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Psalm 69: A Prayer of Confession for Deliverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Psalm 70: A Cry for Speedy Deliverance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Psalm 71: Taking Refuge in God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Psalm 72: A Prayer for a King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Closing Doxology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
BOOK 3 Psalm 73: The Prosperity of the Wicked Bemoaned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 The Prosperity of the Wicked Understood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Asaph Repents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Psalm 74: Why Has God Deserted Us? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Psalm 75: God Is the Judge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Psalm 76: God, the Powerful Judge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 Psalm 77: Seeking God in the Day of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 Psalm 78: God’s Faithfulness to Israel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 Psalm 79: A Prayer of the Crushed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Psalm 80: A Prayer for the Restoration of Israel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Psalm 81: A Call to Faithfulness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Psalm 82: A Call to Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Psalm 83: A Prayer for Destruction of God’s Enemies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Psalm 84: Longing to Be with God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Psalm 85: Confidence in God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Psalm 86: A Believer’s Prayer for Favor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Psalm 87: Celebrating Zion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Psalm 88: A Cry of One Who Is Distressed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Psalm 89: Singing Praise When in Turmoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123 Closing Doxology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 BOOK 4 Psalm 90: Establish Us, Though We Are Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Psalm 91: Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 Psalm 92: A Sabbath Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129 Psalm 93: The Lord Reigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 vii
Psalm 94: A Call for God’s Vengeance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Psalm 95: Come, Let Us Sing to the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Psalm 96: Sing and Worship the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134 Psalm 97: Rejoice and Be Glad That God Reigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Psalm 98: Sing and Make a Joyful Noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136 Psalm 99: Exalt the Lord, for He Is Holy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Psalm 100: A Psalm of Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Psalm 101: A Pledge of the Faithful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Psalm 102: A Prayer of the Overwhelmed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Psalm 103: Bless the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Psalm 104: Blessing God and Praising His Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Psalm 105: Making Known the Deeds of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Consider How God Remembers His Covenant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145 Psalm 106: Israel’s Unfaithfulness, God’s Faithfulness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 Closing Doxology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
BOOK 5 Psalm 107: Give Thanks to the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 Psalm 108: The Steadfast Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154 Psalm 109: A Prayer Against the Wicked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155 Psalm 110: David Sings of His Messiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Psalm 111: The Works of the Lord Are Great . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Psalm 112: About the Righteous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Psalm 113: Praise the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Psalm 114: The Lord Delivered Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Psalm 115: Trust the Lord, Not Idols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Psalm 116: The Lord Is Gracious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Psalm 117: Praise Him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164 Psalm 118: Trusting in the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Psalm 119: Blessed Are the Blameless. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166 Keeping My Way Pure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167 Prayer for God’s Law in My Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168 God’s Word Brings Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 God Is My Portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 The Benefit of Affliction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 Your Hands Fashioned Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Waiting for God’s Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172 God’s Words Are Forever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172 The Law Brings Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Your Word Is a Lamp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Single-Minded and Faithful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174 A Prayer of the Righteous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174 viii
God Is Righteous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175 Crying Out to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176 A Prayer for Deliverance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176 Standing with God in Persecution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 A Cry for Understanding and Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Psalm 120: A Cry for Deliverance from Deceivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Psalm 121: Our Help Comes from the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178 Psalm 122: Jerusalem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179 Psalm 123: A Prayer for Mercy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180 Psalm 124: Recognizing God’s Deliverance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180 Psalm 125: The Lord Surrounds His People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Psalm 126: Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Psalm 127: God Is Our Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Psalm 128: Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Psalm 129: Against the Wicked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184 Psalm 130: Waiting upon the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 Psalm 131: Content Before the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 Psalm 132: David’s Devotion and God’s Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186 Psalm 133: Family Unity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187 Psalm 134: Bless and Be Blessed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188 Psalm 135: Praise the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188 Psalm 136: His Lovingkindness Endures Forever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189 Psalm 137: Remembering Jerusalem in Babylon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191 Psalm 138: Praising God with a Whole Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192 Psalm 139: The Ever-Present, All-Knowing God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193 Psalm 140: Deliver Me from the Evil Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194 Psalm 141: Lord, Keep Me from Evil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196 Psalm 142: You Are My Refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197 Psalm 143: A Prayer of the Troubled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198 Psalm 144: Blessed Lord, Deliver Us! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199 Psalm 145: God Is Great and Near. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 Psalm 146: Trust in God, Not Princes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Psalm 147: God Does It All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Psalm 148: Everyone, Praise the Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Psalm 149: Sing and Fight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Psalm 150: Praise Him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
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Focus To the Reader Join us on a beautiful journey through Holy Scripture. Consider the words inspired by God and penned by the authors of Psalms, as well as by gifted writers of our generation. A special focus, written by a WMU contributor, accompanies each psalm. Each focus offers thought-provoking insights to enhance your daily quiet time. Forty different authors provided the focus content, making this work a unique devotional experience. The names of contributors are listed near the end of this volume. As you read Psalms, the longest book of the Bible, you will gain wisdom and be nourished by the sacred. You will receive instruction and be encouraged to meditate further on God’s Word. You will explore a wide array of human experiences and be inspired by songs and poetry. You will discover the very nature of God. Each focus accompanying the Scriptures provides practical application to help you understand portions of each psalm. Though God’s messages are timeless, relevance for our context will emerge as you reflect on the devotional thoughts and ideas. Reading these focus devotionals will expose you to perspectives and life experiences of others. You will undoubtedly be challenged in your own faith development. Our desire is that this volume will become a cherished centerpiece in your library to read again and again. Our prayer is that you will go deeper in communion with God as you read His Word, worship, reflect, pray, and learn from others. Robin McCall and Sandy Wisdom-Martin, coeditors National Woman’s Missionary Union
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Psalms BOOK 1
Psalm 1 The Way of the Righteous 1
Blessed is the one Who does not Walk in the counsel of the wicked, Stand in the way of sinners, or Sit in a seat with scoffers; 2 Whose delight is in the law of the L, and Who meditates on his law day and night.
3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water That yields its fruit in season and Whose leaf does not wither. Whatever that person does prospers.
The wicked are not so a But are like the chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore The wicked will not have standingb in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 4
6
For The L knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. PSALM 1:1–3 “Blessed”—what does this word mean? In our Father’s economy, “blessedness” does not equal wealth or status or even good health. The psalmist tells us we are blessed as we become deeply rooted, fruit-yielding trees. This fruit we bear does not prosper us personally. No, it is designed to prosper the kingdom.
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“Chaff”: the cover of the grain that is separated by threshing and then discarded. Since it is much lighter than the grain, the wind can be used to separate it from the grain. Literally, “will not rise,” in the sense of exercising rule or having influence.
1
Psalm 2 A Warning to Kings and Judges Why do The pagan nations rage, The people plot in vain, 2 The kings of the earth take their stand, and The rulers take counsel together Against the L and Against his anointed? They say, 3 “Let us break their chains and cast away their cords.” 4 He who is enthroneda in the heavens laughs; The Lord scoffs at them. 5 In time he will Speak to them in his wrath, saying, Terrify them with his fury, 6 “I, yes I, have installed my king in Zion, upon my holy hill.” 1
7
10
I will proclaim the L’s decree, for he has said to me, “You are my son; Today I have become your father.b 8 Ask me, and I will make The pagan nations your inheritance and The ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron and shatter them like pottery.” Now therefore, you kings, Be wise. You rulers of the earth, Be warned: 11 Serve the L with fear; Rejoice with trembling; 12 Kiss the son,c So he will not be angry and you will not perish while on your way, For his wrath lights up quickly. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. PSALM 2:10–12 As in the psalmist’s day, many modern world leaders enjoy wielding power. They think that serving the Lord God would be as demeaning a b c
2
Literally, “who sits.” Literally, “I am becoming your father,” or “I am fathering you,” in the sense of doing the things a father does to raise his child. “Kiss the son”: a metaphor for giving homage to a ruler.
as being enslaved or imprisoned. They refuse to bow before him and believe they are above surrendering to him. And, they misguidedly think they’re getting away with it. The immediate result is chaos. The eventual result is judgment. Pray the leaders of all the nations will abide by the counsel of verses 11 and 12.
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Psalm 3 Trusting God When in Trouble A psalm of David. Written when he fled from Absalom, his son. O L, How my foes have increased. So many rise up against me; 2 So many say about my life,a “God will not save him.”b 3 But you, O L, are A shield around me, My glory, and The lifter of my head.c 1
I cry aloud to the L, And he answers me from his holy hill. 5 I, yes I, lie down, sleep, and wake up, Because the L sustains me. 6 I will not be afraid, even if ten thousand enemies surround me.d
Selah
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7
Arise, O L; Save me, O my God; Strike all my enemies on the cheek; Shatter the teeth of the wicked.e
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Salvation comes from the L. May your blessing be upon your people.
Selah
Selah
PSALM 3:3 Do you know what it’s like to feel everyone is against you? When Absalom and his mighty army were in pursuit of David. People predicted God would not save David. Yet, David prayed to God. He must have recalled killing the Philistine giant Goliath, and how, as a shepherd boy, he slew a lion. In recalling God’s faithfulness, David knew his Lord would take care of him again. a b c d e
Or “of my soul.” Literally, “There is no salvation from God for him.” Meaning, “You lift my chin,” an encouraging gesture. Literally, “be afraid of ten thousand people set against me all around.” Or “You have broken my enemies . . . you have broken the teeth .”
3
When we are in the valleys of life, this is often where we hear God speaking to us. He opens his arms and engulfs us in his embrace. In return, God wants our life, our soul, and our all. Will you call out to him for deliverance today?
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Psalm 4 Standing for God A psalm of David. To the music director: accompanied by stringed instruments. 1
O God of my righteousness,a Answer me when I call; Relieve me of distress; Have mercy on me; and Hear my prayer.
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O you children of men, How long will you Turn my glory into shame, Love what is worthless, and Chase after what is not true? 3 Know that The L has set apart the godly for himself; The L hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble, and do not sin; Communeb with your own heart upon your bed, and be still; 5 Offer righteous sacrifices,c and trust in the L.
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Many say, “Who will show us any good?” But I say, “L, Smile, Shine the light of your face upon us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart More than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 I will both lie down in peace and sleep, For only you, O L, make me dwell in safety.”
a b c
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Or “O righteous God.” Literally, “what I speak.” Or “proper sacrifices.”
Selah
Selah
PSALM 4:7
disappointment in parties, people, and provisions. At parties, she didn’t feel warmly accepted. With people, she didn’t receive the level of friendship she
Instead of focusing on what she could get, she started to focus on what she could give. She became the person at parties who included outsiders. She the roof over her head and the spare food in her fridge. As we release our focus on self and turn our focus toward God, we will just in the gifts.
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Psalm 5 A Cry for Help A psalm of David. To the music director: accompanied by flutes.a Listen to my words, O L; Consider my groans. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, For I am praying to you. 3 In the morning you hear my voice, O L; In the morning I lay my prayersb before you; And then I wait. 4 For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness. Evil does not dwell in you; 5 The arrogant do not stand before your eyes; You hate all who do evil; 6 You destroy those who tell lies; You, the L, abhor men of bloodshed and deceit. 7 As for me, I enter your house only because of your abundant lovingkindness; I bow down in fear toward your holy temple. 1
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Guide me, O L, in your righteousness because of my enemies; Make your way straight before me. a b
“Flutes”: The exact musical instrument is uncertain. Literally, “lay it.”
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For
There is no truth in their mouths; Their inward desires are destructive; Their throats are open graves; and They flatter with their tongues. 10 Hold them guilty, O God; Let them fall by their own intrigues. Cast them out because of the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against you. 11 But Let all those who take refuge in you rejoice; Let them sing for joy forever. Shelter them;a Let those who love your name rejoice in you. 12 For you, O L, bless the godly person;b You surround them with your favor like a shield. PSALM 5:1–3 Waiting always calls for patience. Someone has said, “Patience is waiting without whining.” The apostle James writes, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the return of the Lord . . . you too be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s return is near” (James 5:7–8). Does God seem silent in your life, in the lives of your family and friends, in our nation, and in the world? Take heart, brothers and sisters; he is coming again! God may seem silent now, but get ready; the day is coming “says the Lord, (when) ‘every knee will bow to me; every tongue will acknowledge God’ ” (Romans 14:11). Hallelujah! Amen.
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Psalm 6 A Sinner’s Prayer of Distress A psalm of David. To the music director: accompanied by stringed instruments. According to sheminith. 1
O L, Do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O L, for I am frail. L, Heal me, for my bones are in agony, and 3 my soul is so troubled. L, How long until you act?
a b
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Literally, “Cover them.” Or “the righteous person.”
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L, Turn to me; Rescue my soul; Save me according to your lovingkindness, 5 For no one remembers you, O Lord, when they are dead.a (Who gives praise to you from the grave?) 6 I am tired of my groaning. Every night my bed swims in tears—I’m dissolving my couch in tears! 7 My eyes are blurredb from weeping because of my grief, worn out because of all my enemies.
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Get away from me, all you who do evil, For The L has heard the sound of my weeping; 9 The L has heard my supplication; The L will receive my prayer.
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All my enemies will be ashamed and deeply troubled. They will turn back suddenly, in shame. PSALM 6:1–10 A genuine relationship is one free of posturing. There is no pretense in this sinner’s prayer of distress. Such confessions are hard to make. who often soared in his praise and trust in God, also plunged into rebellion, deep depression, and sin. His sins were not light. He lied, murdered, and committed adultery. his guilt burned inside him until there was nothing left to do but openly confess, “God, you are right. I am wrong. I chose to mess up. It is my fault.” God received his confession and restored him. An authentic relationship with the Lord sometimes calls us to make the same confession. In prayer we can speak the truth about our situation and our sinfulness and know the Lord forgives and restores us.
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Psalm 7 A Prayer of the Persecuted Victorious A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the L regarding the words of Cush, the Benjamite. 1
O L my God, I take refuge in you; Save me from all those who pursue me. a b
Literally, “There is no remembrance of you in death.” Literally, “My eyes waste away.”
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Deliver me, 2 So they do not Tear apart my soul like a lion and Drag me awaya while there is no one to deliver me. 3
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O L my God, if I have done this: If there is injustice on my hands, 4 If I have rewarded my friend with evil, If I have plundered my enemy without cause, 5 Then let my enemy Pursue my soul and overtake it, Trample my life into the ground, and Lay my glory in the dust. O L, Arise in anger; Rise up against the rage of my enemies; Wake up and command justice. 7 Gather the assembled peoples around you; Then return to your throne on high and rule over them.b
The L judges the peoples. Judge me, O L, According to my righteousness, according to my integrity. 9 O righteous God, who testsc hearts and minds,d Let the evil acts of the wicked come to an end; Establish the just.e
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My shield is God alone, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who feels indignation every day. 12 If the wickedf do not repent, God will sharpen his sword. He has bent his bow, strung it, and made it ready. 13 He has prepared deadly weapons, even made flaming arrows. 14 Look, They conceive mischief, are pregnant with evil, and give birth to lies. 15 They design a pit for others, dig it, and fall into the hole they made. 16 Their mischief will backfire on them;g Their violent deeds will come down upon their heads. 10 11
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I will give thanks to the L because of his righteousness, And I will sing praise to the name of the L Most High. a b c d e f g
8
Or “Rip me to pieces.” The Hebrew is not clear. Or “who examines.” Literally, “and kidneys.” Or “the righteous.” Literally, “If they.” Literally, “on their heads.”
Selah
