Psalm 9 is a beautiful affirmation of God’s character.
David begins with this promise: “I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
When was the last time you told someone about the things God has done for you? It's a great way to gain perspective, encourage a fellow believer, or share Christ with an unsaved friend.
Next David writes, “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Singing God’s praises is another way to bring joy and perspective to our day. It helps us take our thoughts captive so we can maintain a positive outlook (2 Corinthians 10:5).
David was having problems when he wrote this psalm, and he shared them with the Lord. But he mixed his requests with affirmations of God's strength and perfect justice.
When we're dealing with difficulties, it's good to remind ourselves of God's character, His love for justice, His purity, His concern for every detail of our lives.
Verse 10 is the best summary for this psalm: “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Bible Love Notes
I appreciate this commentary on Psalm 9, but would encourage you to see the gospel in it. We are not Jews, not under the Old Covenant, but rather Christians under the gospel's influence. The death of Jesus for our sins and His resurrection from the dead need to affect our reading of the Old Testament, so that we are not merely interpreting it as a Jewish rabbi would, but rather to see the gospel in it. I think if you will study Psalm 9 from the position of the gospel, you will truly be encouraged.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, look at the very introduction to this Psalm: "For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”
Oh that the church would return to the message "of first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:1-6), the death of the Son for our sins and His powerful resurrection on the third day, remembering that these two parts of the gospel are both "according to the Scriptures" (meaning the Old Testament).
Hi Mike,
DeleteAs a Christ-follower, everything I read in Scripture and everything I write comes from the perspective of the full gospel message. However, the Bible does not present the full gospel in every passage or chapter of the New Testament. And I don't think Christian devotions need to present the full gospel in every devotion.
Regarding your belief that the Death of the Son refers to Christ's death, most Bible scholars agree that David is speaking about the death of his son Absalom, a rebellious, arrogant murderer. I have read one commentary that says this somehow refers to Christ's death, but I don't see it as a good comparison. Perhaps I will discover some information in the future that helps me see that comparison, but nothing I've read thus far convinces me that's the meaning.
However, even if I believed that analogy, I don't promise to include every relevant prophecy in a 1-minute devotion.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, this verse is quite encouraging. It helps us move on with our lives knowing He is with us.