Singing Songs of the Lord in a Strange Land – Psalm 137

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it. For there, those who carried us away captive asked of us a song, and those who plundered us requested mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” Psalm 137:1-4

Have you ever been “forced” to be somewhere you did not want to be? The people of Jerusalem had been taken from their beloved city and deported to live and serve the people of Babylon. What could they do about it? They hung up their harps. Those who took them captive demanded that they entertain them. Perhaps, in a mocking and demeaning way, they said to them, “Hey, sing one of those praise songs to your God for us,” and then, laughed at them.

The exiles did not want to sing to the Lord amongst their captors. In fact, they pronounced a curse on their right hand and tongue if they did anything besides honor Jerusalem with music and song. They did not want to build up those who ruined them. They wanted to remain focused on building up Jerusalem.

In Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah sent a letter to the Jewish leaders of the exiled people in Babylon. He gave them counsel from the Lord. In Jeremiah 29:5-14, he wrote...

“Build houses and dwell in them. Plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters. And take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My Name. I have not sent them, says the Lord.”

“For thus says the Lord: After 70 years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.”

God’s plan for the Israelites was to stay in Babylon for 70 years before returning to the Promised Land. They were to be His witnesses to the lost souls in a pagan nation.

I hear Jesus speaking to the exiles the words recorded in Matthew 5:44-46, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

The exiles wanted to know, “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?”

Notice that they did not merely say, “How can we sing when we are so sad?” If sadness had been the only problem, they might possibly have forced themselves to sing in order to please their captors. Their real concern was that these were “the Lord's songs.” They were sacred songs connected with the worship of God and the temple. Therefore, they did not believe it was right to use them as entertainment among idolaters. [1]

They did not want to use something dedicated to God for ordinary entertainment, and certainly not for sinful or profane purposes. [2]

How could they sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? Perhaps, the Lord would give them new songs that would help their captors to come to know and follow Him. Like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, by God’s grace and Holy Spirit glorify God amidst their captors.

“If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Psalm 137:5-6

The Israelites expressed a curse on their right hand and upon their tongue if they ever began to enjoy living in a pagan city more than in Jerusalem. [3]

One day, this attitude would change for some of their descendants. In the Book of Acts, we see how after the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem rejected Jesus Messiah, the disciples of Jesus began to focus on spreading God’s Word to the pagan nations outside of Jerusalem. Many Gentiles gladly converted to Christ.

“Remember, O Lord, against the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said, ‘Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!’ O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, happy the one who repays you as you have served us! Happy the one who takes and dashes your little one’s against the rock!” Psalm 137:7-9

What did the captives envision for the Edomites and the Babylonians? They envisioned bad things happening to them and their children! They were overcome by darkness.

God did eventually severely judge those who took joy in Jerusalem’s destruction. The exiles did not need to fret over concerns whether God would fail to correct those who wronged them.

The nation of Edom was eventually destroyed and completely ceased to exist as an independent political and distinct cultural entity. The mighty empire of Babylon fell suddenly in 539 BC when the Persian king Cyrus the Great captured the city of Babylon in a matter of days.

Did the death and destruction of Edom and Babylon really help the Jerusalemites to feel better?

Many years later when God sent His Son to Jerusalem, the spiritual leaders of the city rejoiced when He was beaten, whipped, mocked and crucified. They rejoiced in His destruction. They even posted guards outside His tomb to ensure that His body did not escape it. The day Jesus died on the cross, the sun was darkened, the earth quaked and the veil to the holy of holies ripped apart.

Praise God! He took what was meant for evil and turned it into something good. Jesus asked His Father to forgive His enemies. Jesus returned to life from the dead. He paid the price for all the sins of humanity. All we need to do now is to receive Him and believe in Him. He gives sweetness for bitterness! Joy for sadness! The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He turns our mourning into dancing. He helps us to live again... to love again.

Jesus turned a persecutor and murderer of Christians into one of His most prolific writers of the Bible. Saul of Tarsus was enroute to arrest and punish Christians when Jesus stopped him and changed his life in a moment. He who once only cared about the destruction of his enemies, became a servant of sinners. His tongue stopped cursing and started preaching the grace of God, and the deep love of Christ for people.

What about the exiles in Babylon? After 70 years, God brought them back to the Promised Land. They rebuilt Jerusalem. They were cured of idol worship. They did not return to worshipping Baal and Ashtoreth. They no longer offered their babies in fiery sacrifices to idols as they did before. They learned to worship God in small groups. God gave them new hearts. He prepared them for the coming of Messiah.

When the fullness of time had come for the Messiah to be born, there were faithful people of God among the Israelites like Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna. These and many others anticipated Messiah’s arrival, and rejoiced to see His day.

In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” In Isaiah 35:4, He says, “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.’” Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Saving is what He does best. Praise the Lord!

[1-3] Material developed and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Revealing God to the World – Psalm 136

“O, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

Psalm 136:1 cheers us forward like a cheerleader rooting for us to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and everlasting mercy. As Hebrews 13:15 says, “the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.” It is pleasant and beneficial to abound in gratitude toward God. Such worship and giving of thanks is a foretaste of what we will experience in heaven.

Thanks be to God because He is good and does good. As James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

“O, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. O, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:2-3

The God above all gods deserves our gratitude. Angels worship Him. He is the One from whom earthly rulers receive undeserved authority to guide the affairs of nations. [2] He watches over the peoples of nations as a shepherd tends to the needs of his flock. He is the source of life, love, joy and peace. He is happy and willing to shepherd whomsoever believes in Him and welcomes His intervention.

“To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:4

God’s plans are wonderful because they combine infinite power with tender mercy.

Thanks be to our Heavenly Father for being merciful, not harsh, toward us. Praise the Lord that His mercy endures forever. His mercy was manifest in Biblical times and it is still being revealed today. In Hebrews 13:8, it is written, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus is still healing people and presenting the good news of salvation to poor people through His body the Church.

“To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever—the sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; the moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:5-9

Thanks be to God for creating the heavens and stretching them out. We experience His mercy through the blessings and benefits that come from the heavens. [3]

Thanks be to God for bringing the earth up out of the waters and causing dry land to appear. He did this so that the earth would be a suitable dwelling place for us. He is merciful to give the earth to us along with everything that the earth produces. [4]

After making the heavens and the earth, God established a connection between them by creating the sun, moon, and stars. He placed them in the heavens so that they would give light and influence the earth. The sun and moon are said to rule because they help govern the seasons and provide benefits to the world. The sun rules by day, while the moon and stars rule by night. Yet all of them remain under God’s direction and control. [5]

The heavenly bodies that the Gentiles worshiped as gods are actually servants of the world and subjects of God. They do not rule independently. They operate according to God’s command and purpose. [6]

“To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy endures forever; and brought out Israel from among them, for His mercy endures forever; with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever. To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His mercy endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:10-15

God’s redemption of Israel from slavery points forward to God ransoming all people from sin.

Of all the plagues God brought upon Egypt, only the death of the firstborn is mentioned in Psalm 136. It was the final and decisive plague. After the death of Egypt’s firstborn, Pharoah released Israel from serving him. [7]

God formed Israel into a nation and established His kingdom among them. These events demonstrate both God’s power and His special kindness toward Israel. [8]

After God brought Israel out from Egypt, He said to them in Exodus 20:2, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Then, God gave to them His Ten Commandments. [9]

In a similar way, after Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt for our sins, and after He resurrected from the dead, He gave to His disciples the great commission. The great commission involves taking the teaching of Christ to all people with the goal of introducing them to God and equipping them with the guidance they need to serve Him.

“To Him who led His people through the wilderness, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who struck down great kings, for His mercy endures forever; and slew famous kings, for His mercy endures forever—Sihon king of the Amorites, for His mercy endures forever; and Og king of Bashan, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:16-20

God destroyed powerful kings in order to make room for His people. He did not merely remove or exile these kings; He struck them down and killed them. Their destruction demonstrated God’s judgment against idolatry, while at the same time demonstrating His never-ending mercy toward those who love Him. The greatness and power of the wicked was no match for God.

Sihon and Og are specifically mentioned because they were the first two kings conquered by Israel on the other side of the Jordan River. [10]

“And gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:21-22

God gave Israel possession of the Promised Land. The earth and everything in it belong to Him—the world and all who live in it. Therefore, God has the right to take land from one people and give it to another according to His purposes. [11]

In fulfillment of Genesis 15:16 , the time had come when “the iniquity of the Amorites was now full,” and therefore God took the land from them and gave it to Israel. [12]

Just as God said to the Egyptians, “Let my people go,” He was now saying to the Canaanites, in effect, “Let my people in,” so that Israel could serve Him. [13]

God documented the ups and downs in His relationship with Israel to help us understand how He relates with people. In Romans 15:4, the Lord says, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” In 2 Timothy 3:15, the Lord says that the “Holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

The Promised Land was also a picture or foreshadowing of the heavenly Canaan—the eternal inheritance believers receive through Christ. It points us toward “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” [14]

“Who remembered us in our lowly state, for His mercy endures forever; and rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy endures forever; who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. O, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:23-26

God mercifully delivered Israel from their foes. When Israel was oppressed due to their sins, God remembered them and raised up deliverers, including the judges and, eventually, David. God conquered their oppressors through these leaders. [15]

These many acts of deliverance were especially significant because they pointed forward to the greater redemption of God’s universal church. Because of this, we have great reason to say, “He remembered us in our low estate.” He rescued us from our spiritually lost condition. [16]

We should thank God for His mercy. Jesus told of a Pharisee who turned his thanksgiving into an opportunity to praise himself, saying, “God, I thank you, that I am not like...” then, he proceeded to name certain kinds of sinners. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and deserve His wrath not His kindness. Thus, we thank Him for being so merciful and gracious to us.

“Abba Father, please continue to supply us Your Word warriors with the Biblical ammo we need to reveal You to the world. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.”


[1-16] Material developed and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Worship Shapes the Worshippers – Psalm 135

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Name of the Lord! Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God, praise the Lord, for the Lord is good. Sing praises to His Name, for it is pleasant.” Psalm 135:1-3

Psalm 135 teaches us WHO should praise God, WHAT we should praise Him for, and WHY praising Him is a privilege. [1]

We should thank God for the things He has done for us and praise Him for who He is. God is good, great, and faithful. He deserves to be spoken well of and honored in every way. [2]

The Psalmist calls “the servants of the Lord,” especially priests and Levites to praise the Lord. They stood in the temple and worshiped Him there. He also called the worshippers in the courts of God’s house to praise the Lord. These people were not in the courts due to official vocation but by voluntary choice. They chose to gather in the courts of God’s house to worship Him. [3]

The Lord deserves our praise because He is good. He is the source of all goodness. When we speak about God’s goodness, we honor one of His greatest attributes. [4]

Psalm 135 says to, “Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant.” When we worship the Lord, He blesses us with His presence, and His presence is wonderful! To praise God is to do what those who have went before us into heaven do. It is in a sense a profession of faith about our future.

“For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure.” Psalm 135:1-4

We should praise the Lord because of the special relationship He has given to us. In Jeremiah 13:11, the Lord said to Israel, “I have chosen you as My people, that you might be unto Me for a name and a praise.” In Exodus 19:5, God called Israel His “peculiar treasure” above all other nations. He did this so that they would bring Him glory and praise. [5]

Thanks to Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the whole world, we Gentiles, who believe in Christ, are also God’s special treasure. There is no difference. All who believe in Jesus are forgiven by God of all their sins and are coheirs with Christ in His eternal kingdom.

“For I know that the Lord is great, and our Lord is above all gods.” Psalm 135:5

God’s greatness cannot be measured by human standards. He is not restricted by time, place, or distance. The greatness of God cannot be captured in images made out of wood, metal or stone. He is greater than all gods people create with hands and imaginations.

“Whatever the Lord pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places.” Psalm 135:6

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” He can stop or start storms. He can end a person’s life and make a dead person alive again. He can make something out of nothing. He can multiply food or cause food crops to fail. He can destroy a massive army with words from His mouth. Demons flee at His rebuke. Love, peace and joy are fruits of His Spirit. Thus, He is able to bless marriages, families and entire communities with love for one another. As is written in Psalm 33:12 so is it true: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”

God does not need our permission to do anything with the world He created. He does not have to explain His actions to His creatures because He is the Creator and ruler over all things. When He chooses to act, no person, power, or force can sabotage the outcome. [6]

“He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain. He brings the wind out of His treasuries.” Psalm 135:7

Creation exists and continues because God sustains it. He controls the water cycle. God causes vapors to rise from the earth and seas, clouds to form, and rain to fall and water the earth. [7]

God uses what rises from the earth to bring blessings back to the earth through rain. God can command storms to rain blessings that help crops to grow and produce or command the storms to become violent and destroy crops and homes. He can make the earth peaceful or cause it to shake and roar. [8]

Psalm 135 says that God brings the winds “out of His treasuries.” Just as a wise ruler carefully manages his resources, God can direct the forces of nature according to His purpose. [9]

“He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh and all his servants.” Psalm 135:8-9

God humbled Pharaoh through mighty miracles. These events are called signs and wonders because they are extraordinary events which make known God’s reign over earthly empires.

God protected His own people from the plagues that He brought upon Pharaoh and Egypt. The final plague, the death of Egypt’s firstborn, caused Pharaoh to release his grip on Israel. [10]

“He defeated many nations and slew mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan —and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to Israel His people.” Psalm 135:10-12

When Israel entered the Promised Land, they faced strong enemies. These nations had large armies, great strength, and powerful kings, yet God defeated them. Sihon, Og and all the kingdoms of Canaan are specifically mentioned. No earthly power or spiritual enemy can stop God from fulfilling His promises. God’s purposes always prevail. [11]

God gave the Promised Land to Israel as their inheritance. Their ancestors had received the promise, and their descendants eventually received the land. [12]

“Your Name, O Lord, endures forever, Your fame, O Lord, throughout all generations. For the Lord will judge His people, and He will have compassion on His servants.” Psalm 135:13-14

These verses are from the song of Moses which is recorded in Deuteronomy 32:36: “For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants, when He sees that their power is gone, and there is no one remaining, bond or free.” [13]

God’s character, reputation, and glory never change. What God does lasts forever. In Ecclesiastes 3:14, it is written, “What God does, it shall be forever.” [14]

“He will judge his people” means that God will stand up for them and protect them when others oppose them. God may correct His people, but He does not abandon them. [15] He has the “backbone” to correct our wrongdoings and also the compassion to heal our wounds.

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak. Eyes they have, but they do not see. They have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths.” Psalm 135:15-18

God speaks the truth. He doesn’t go along with the fantasy of some people who worship things made with human hands. Why would the living God allow something created from dead materials become the source of salvation for eternal souls? He doesn’t.

Only God Almighty Maker of heaven and earth brings human souls to paradise. Only He can clothe the departed soul of a dead body with a new celestial body. Only He can sustain and provide for that person’s happily-ever-after.

Idols have the appearance of things that live but have no life. They may have features that resemble human or animal features, but none of them are operational. It is foolish to trust in something that cannot even help itself. [16]

“Those who make them are like them. So is everyone who trusts in them.” Psalm 135:18

Worship shapes the worshiper. Those who worship a powerless object do not receive God’s power. God anoints His worshippers with His power to love as He loves.

“Bless the Lord, O house of Israel! Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron! Bless the Lord, O house of Levi! You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!” Psalm 135:19-20

The psalmist calls everyone who knows God to bless and praise Him. “The house of Israel” is a reference to all God’s people. “The house of Aaron” is a reference to the priests who served as mediators, instructors and intercessors for God’s people. “The house of Levi” is a reference to those who assisted in the ministry of the sanctuary. “All who fear the Lord” is a reference to those outside Israel who still love, honor and worship the Lord. [17]

Everyone should bless the Lord. He alone deserves our trust and gratitude. When we depend on Him, He gives us countless reasons to praise Him. [18]

“Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 135:21

Psalm 135 concludes with a call to all people to bless the Lord who reigns over the earth from Jerusalem. While we don’t visibly see Him with our eyes, He is present by His Spirit. And soon, and very soon, in the blink of an eye, like a flash of lightning, He will split the eastern sky and return to earth. Then, He will reign visibly and triumphantly over all the kingdoms of this world.

The former conquerors of the world are types of Christ but they all failed. Even those who conquered large portions of earth’s population, what did they do with the people afterwards? Did the quality of life improve for everyone or just for a small percentage of survivors? When Christ returns, He will make all things new.

In Isaiah 65:17, it is written, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.”

In 2 Peter 3:13, it is written, “We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

In Revelation 3:12, Jesus declared, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” This means Jesus will make us permanent residents of new Jerusalem. He will place on us God’s Name which means we will belong with Him there forever.


[1-18] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

The Lord Bless and Keep You – Psalm 134

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

“Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.” Psalm 134:1-2

David appointed certain priests to stand and bless the Lord’s Name at night in His house. This was both a time of worship unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow and a ministry on behalf of the people of God. These servants of the Lord who lifted up their hands in the sanctuary and blessed the Lord kept God’s praise continually coming forth through the night on behalf of the community of believers as well as in a sense on behalf of the whole human race.

Our very life breath depends on God. He who made heaven and earth made the ground on which we walk. He made the food which we eat. The Lord deserves our praise. He made us and when our first parents chose to sin against Him, He sent His Son into the world to take on human flesh and become a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thus, He purchased for us eternal life.

The servants of the Lord who stood by night in the house of the Lord made sure that the fire on the altar and the lamps in the temple continued burning. [2]

There were likely other faithful believers who stayed awake at night with them. In Luke 2:37, the Lord speaks of Anna, who “departed not from the temple night or day.” [3]

The servants of the Lord stayed awake by keeping their minds and hearts occupied with worship. Rather than sleep, they prayed, meditated in God’s Word, and gave to God glory! [4]

They left behind good examples for us to follow. While others sleep, we can enjoy time with God. There is no better use of our time than fellowship with the Lord. [5]

Before the priests served in the temple, they washed themselves, teaching them that they must come before God with clean hearts and holy lives. [6]

Psalm 134 begins with the word “Behold!” When we look at God through the lens of the Scriptures, we see a powerful yet loving Father. Our God is an awesome God. He created and sustains the universe. All life forms depend on Him to exist. In James 1:17, we read that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” Praise the Lord! The more we consider what the Lord has done for us, the more we want to stand and bless His Name.

Since God created everything, He controls all blessings, both in heaven and on earth. Nothing is beyond His power to provide. [7]

“The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion!” Psalm 134:3

Asking God to bless others shows that we trust Him to provide enough blessing for everyone. It also shows love and kindness toward our neighbors. [8]

Should we bless those who curse us? In Matthew 5:44-46, Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

Many Christian worship services end with a leader in the church blessing the people. In Church language, we call this a benediction.

Below are five “benedictions” from the Bible. I pray that the Lord will bless you accordingly.

Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 13:13, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

A House United – Psalm 133

“A Song of Ascents. Of David.” [1]

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there, the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1-3

Dwelling together in unity means more than simply avoiding arguments. It means loving one another, enjoying fellowship together, helping each other, and seeking each other’s good. [2]

David had many sons from different wives, and it is possible that he wrote this psalm to teach them the importance of loving one another. If they had followed this teaching, many troubles in his family could have been avoided. [4]

The tribes of Israel had often been divided during the time of the Judges, and this caused many problems. But now they were united under one king, and the ark of God had been brought to Jerusalem. The place of worship became the center that united them. David wanted them to understand the great blessing of living together in love. [5]

David exclaimed that unity between brothers is pleasant. Unity among God’s people is good because it agrees with God’s will.

In John 17:9-11, Jesus prayed that His Father would keep His disciples one as He and the Father are one. In other words, do not let distance grow between them. Let them remain steadfastly close to the Father even as He is close to the Father. “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. Holy Father, keep through Your Name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.” [3]

In John 17:20-23, Jesus prayed, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their Word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

Our close walk with God... our rich relationship with Him from which we derive His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His forgiveness, His gentleness, and the blessed assurance of eternal life, helps the world to believe that God did send Jesus, and that He alone is Messiah.

Living in a world that is so divided, it is good to know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is praying for us and working with us as we seek to be peacemakers and advocate for unity.

In Matthew 12:49-50, Jesus redrafted the boundaries of family, neighbor, and household, saying, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother, sister, and mother.”

“The achievement of communion (koinonia) is the proper work of the Spirit of God. The Spirit gathers together in Christ persons who would not otherwise gather, making possible a true union of hearts and minds, the ground of which resides not in individual differences – age, gender, opinions, abilities – but in the very being of God.

The Spirit accomplishes unity-amidst-diversity, a communion that abolishes solitariness but not individuality. The uniqueness of the Spirit’s personhood lies in what the Spirit does: uniting everyone and everything with God through Jesus Christ.

It is impossible to think or speak of the Spirit except as the Spirit-of. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ; the Spirit of the Christian community.” [4]

The Lord compared unity to the holy anointing oil that was poured on Aaron, the high priest. The oil was very valuable and had a beautiful fragrance. It flowed down from Aaron’s head to his beard and the collar of his clothing. [5]

This pouring forth of the anointing oil on Aaron teaches us several things about brotherly love. The oil was holy. In the same way, our love for others should be holy and come from a pure heart. The oil was made according to God’s instructions. In the same way, we Christians love one another as Christ loved us. The oil was for a special purpose. God’s anointing upon us helps us to love people that we would not otherwise love. The oil brought joy to Aaron and those around him. Aaron and his sons could not serve God as priests until they were anointed with this oil. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, our service to God is worthless without love. [6]

Unity is like dew because it brings refreshment. Dew cools the earth and helps plants grow. [7] In the same way, God’s love covers a multitude of sins, and helps people grow in grace.

Unity is like “the dew of Hermon.” Hermon needed refreshing dew. Without love, individuals, families, communities and churches become dry and weak. [8]

In Micah 5:7, we read, “It is said of the dew that it tarries not for man, nor waits for the sons of men.” In the same way, our love for others should not depend on whether they love us first. We should show love because God has placed that love in our hearts. [9]

Where believers live together in unity, “the Lord commands the blessing.” God alone has the power to give true blessing. People can ask for blessings, but only God can command them to happen. [10]

Those who live in love are showing that they belong to God, because “God is love.” Living in love is a sign that we already belong to heaven, because perfect love fills heaven. [11]

Those who live in peace and love will experience God’s presence now and will one day live with Him forever in a place of complete love and peace. [12]

In Mark 3:25, Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” This statement being factually true infers that a house united will stand. Not only that, but the quality of life that unity yields will be worth the effort to keep it that way.


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2-3] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[4] LaCugna, Catherine Mowry, God For Us ~ The Trinity & Christian Life, Harper Collins Publishers, © 1973, pp. 293-295, 298
[5-12] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

His Kingdom Is Forever – Psalm 132

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

“Lord, remember David and all his afflictions; how he swore to the Lord, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: ‘Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house or go up to the comfort of my bed. I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.’ Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. We found it in the fields of the woods.” Psalm 132:1-6

In these verses, Solomon asks God for His favor, and acknowledges that building the temple was done according to God’s design and according to his father David’s earnest desire. [2] David had often stayed awake at night working on plans to build the temple.

God helped Solomon to fulfill his father David’s desire to have a house for God’s Name. He asked the Lord to remember all that his father did to maintain God’s witness in the world. [3]

Just as Moses prayed in Exodus 32:13, “Remember Abraham,” so Solomon asked God to remember David. [4]

Nowadays, we have someone greater than Abraham and David to hold up before God when we pray. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we ask our Heavenly Father to remember the atoning sacrifice of His Son and His resurrection from the dead on our behalf, and to graciously grant the answer to our prayer.

David made his vow “to the Lord, to the mighty God of Jacob.” A vow is made to God because He is both the One who hears it and the One who holds us accountable. Jacob himself was weak, but God is almighty.

David promised to find a place for the Lord. He wanted a permanent place for the Ark of the Covenant. Atop the Ark is where the atoning blood was applied on the Day of Atonement. The Ark was symbolic of Messiah. The Ark contained the Ten Commandments. Thus, it both had the Word of God in it, and blood of the lamb placed above it. So, symbolic of Christ! It was a witness to Word that God later spoke in James 2:13: “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Positionally speaking, the Mercy Seat was atop the Ark and the Ten Commandments inside it.

David was so determined to find a resting place for the Ark that he would not rest until he found it. The matter had been discussed for a long time, but nothing had been done. [5]

Towards the end of David’s earthly life, he amassed great quantities of building materials and skilled laborers to get the temple project done. According to 1 Chronicles 22:1-4, he amassed iron and bronze beyond measure, as well as cedar wood from Lebanon. According to 1 Chronicles 29:4, he donated 112 tons of the finest gold, and 262 tons of refined silver for the building of the temple.

Such a miracle! At one stage of his life, David was a poor shepherd boy. At another stage, he was a fugitive fleeing from his government. At still another stage, he was a king living in exile due to a coup état. But at the end of his life, he was exceedingly wealthy.

The various stages of David’s life are symbolic of a Christian’s life on earth. We go through many twists and turns, many ups and downs, but at the end of our lives, we inherit eternity with God. In the kingdom of heaven, gold is so abundant that it is used as street pavement. Jewels are so many that they are used for city walls. Pearls are so great that they are used to make city gates.

In 1 Chronicles 21:1, it is written that Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to count how many people were in his kingdom. David did it. God was not pleased. He sent a plague upon Israel and 70,000 men died from the plague.

In 1 Chronicles 21:15, the Lord told the destroying angel to stop the plague. The angel was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan when he stopped.

In 1 Chronicles 21:16-22:1, the Lord opened David’s eyes to see the destroying angel. The angel instructed the prophet Gad to tell David to build an altar in this place and offer a sacrifice there. David did it, and the Lord commanded the angel to put his sword away. God turned the place where human pride caused a disaster into a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. This story is a foreshadowing of Christ. For in Jerusalem the devil got the spiritual leaders of the city to crucify Christ, but God turned the day of their evil pride into a day of atonement for sins. Christ died and resurrected in Jerusalem.

“Let us go into His tabernacle. Let us worship at His footstool.” Psalm 132:7

David desired to honor God with worship. Worship of God had been neglected during the reign of Saul. In 1 Chronicles 13:3, David said, “Let us bring the Ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.” [6]

“Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place, You, and the Ark of Your strength.” Psalm 132:8

The Ark is called, “The Ark of Your [God’s] strength” because it represented God’s presence among His people. It was God’s presence, His resting, in the temple that made it great. [7]

“Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness and let Your saints shout for joy.” Psalm 132:9

He asked God to help the priests be righteous. The righteousness of God is the most honorable vestment that any minister can wear. Priests are called to be holy as God is holy.

According to 2 Samuel 6:15, the “saints shouted for joy” when the Ark was brought into Jerusalem. In 2 Corinthians 1:24, Paul wrote: “We are helpers of your joy.” Faithful servants of God bring joy to the hearts of those who love the Lord and love His ways. [8]

“For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.” Psalm 132:10

As God’s chosen king, Solomon was a picture of Christ. Christ is the ultimate Anointed One. The Father turned His face away from His Anointed One (Jesus) while Jesus bore the sins of many. But now Christ is seated in everlasting glory at the right hand of the Father. [9]

We have no righteousness of our own, but in Christ, we have His perfect righteousness and merits. Thus, God sees us as righteous. When we pray for ourselves and God’s people, we pray with confidence because Christ purchased us with His own blood.

“The Lord has sworn in truth to David. He will not turn from it: ‘I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.” Psalm 132:11

God established David’s kingdom with a promise: “The Lord has sworn, and will not repent.” God promised David that the fruit of his body would set upon his throne. This promise was first fulfilled in Solomon. According to 1 King 1:48, David lived long enough to see Solomon become king and he rejoiced greatly. [10]

“If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I shall teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore.’” Psalm 132:12

God’s promise had a condition. David’s descendants must keep God’s covenant, a reference to God’s Law given to Moses, and they must keep God’s testimony. [11] I like to think of God’s testimony as the Gospel, or in Old Testament times, the Passover and the atoning sacrifices.

In Revelation 12:17, the devil is at war with those who keep God’s commandments and the testimony of Jesus [the Gospel]. It is by the preaching of the Law that people are convicted of their sins, and it is by the preaching of the Gospel that they learned what to do with their sin. Or as Martin Luther put it, “The Law discovers the disease. The Gospel gives the remedy.”

A leader who wants to please God must do so God’s way. If David’s descendants remained faithful to the Lord, God promised a continual succession of them to reign forever and ever. [12]

In Acts 2:30-31, Peter preached that God’s promise to David was fulfilled in Jesus. “Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ...” [13]

In Luke 1:30-31, The angel Gabriel told Mary, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.” [14]

Jesus Christ fulfilled the condition of the promise. He kept God’s covenant. He perfectly obeyed His Father’s will in every way. Thus, the promise to David belongs to Christ and to all who belong to Christ. [15]

“For the Lord has chosen Zion. He has desired it for His dwelling place. ‘This is My resting place forever. Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.’” Psalm 132:13-14

According to Psalms 78:68, God chose Zion because He loved it. He chose Zion as the place for His presence to rest forever. Unlike Shiloh, which was only a temporary place of worship, Zion was chosen as a lasting place of God’s presence. [16]

Zion points forward to the Church which is called “Mount Zion” in Hebrews 12:22. Although earthly Zion was eventually destroyed and “ploughed as a field,” the Church of Christ remains as 1 Timothy 3:15 says, “the house of the living God.” [17]

“I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread.” Psalm 132:15

God especially cares for the poor among His people. In Acts 6:1, when widows were being neglected in the daily food distribution, a cry arose from among the people and the leaders addressed the issue immediately.

“I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.” Psalm 132:16

“Priests” who understand and make understandable the good news of salvation are a source of great joy for people. So much so that they want to shout it out.

“There I will make the horn of David grow. I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.” Psalm 135:17

The “horn” represents strength and power. God promised that David’s kingdom would continue to grow. [18] His kingdom is the small stone mentioned in Daniel 2:34-35 that strikes all the empires before it and destroys them, and it becomes a great mountain that fills all the earth.

“His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown shall flourish.” Psalm 132:18

Those who oppose God’s purposes will fail. This especially applies to the enemies of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, who will face eternal shame and judgment. [19]

Earthly rulers lose their power. Their crowns fade. But the kingdom of God is forever. [20]

God’s promises to David point us to Christ whose kingdom and blessings are forever. [21]


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2-21] Material derived from and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

My Confidence is in God – Psalm 131

“A Song of Ascents. Of David.” [1]

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely, I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother. Like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 131:1-3

In 1 Samuel 17:28, David was falsely accused of pride by his older brother. “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, ‘Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.’”

The truth was that David’s confidence was in God and not in Himself. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, he told the giant, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the Name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. Then all this assembly shall know that... the battle is the Lord’s. He will give you into our hands.”

Sometimes God sets impossible tasks before us so that we must rely on Him to get the job done.

In Numbers 21:1-15, the siblings of Moses spoke against him after he married an Ethiopian woman. They said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” The Lord heard what they said.

In Numbers 12:3, the Lord said that Moses was “very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.”

In Numbers 12:6-8, the Lord said to the brother and sister of Moses, “Hear now My words. If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision. I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses. He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face. Even plainly, and not in dark sayings. And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?.

John the Baptist was humble. In John 3:26-30, when some Jews reported to him that many people were following Jesus, John replied, “I am not the Christ. I have been sent before Him. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul humbly confessed, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Before Paul met Jesus, he was full of himself. But after Paul met Christ, he wrote in Philippians 3:8-9, “I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”

Ben Franklin wrote, “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle,” and “He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”

Singer and songwriter Rich Mullins called his band the Ragamuffins. He described a ragamuffin as a broken person who is aware of his or her flaws and relies on God’s grace to function well. A ragamuffin may struggle with inner battles yet still accomplish great exploits for God. The Lord God Almighty fills up what is lacking within him or herself. The life story of Rich Mullins was portrayed in a 2014 movie entitled, “Ragamuffin.” [2]

David wrote, “I have behaved and quieted myself as a child that is weaned of his mother.” A child naturally desires its mother’s milk and struggles when it is taken away. In the same way, people naturally desire earthly pleasures, possessions, and recognition. We often cling to these things, and feel unhappy when they are taken away. We need the Lord to fill the gaps when our usual props are taken from us. [3]

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus told His disciples, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Sometimes God uses disappointment to help us let go of our dependence on temporary things. At first, a child may cry and resist being weaned, but soon it adjusts and learns to enjoy different nourishment. In the same way, a believer learns to find peace in God even when earthly hopes fail. [3] A mature soul is content and quieted as he or she abides in Christ.

“Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and forever.”

David understood that the people of Israel might become impatient and try to force God’s plan ahead of time. David encouraged them to wait on God and trust that He would bring about the right outcome in due season. [5]

The Lord teaches us through this Psalm that it is best to place our hope in God and patiently wait for His salvation. God’s timing is perfect. Those who trust Him will not be disappointed. [6]


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2] Material developed and edited from Google, and from watching the film “Ragamuffin.”
[3-6] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Forgiven – Psalm 130

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

“Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.” Psalm 130:1-2

No matter how difficult our circumstances are, we should continue to call on God. Even the most faithful believers can find themselves in “the depths.” [2] The Apostle Paul did!

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, Paul wrote, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of our trouble which came to us in Asia. We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us. In whom we trust that He will still deliver us.”

Our prayers can reach heaven from the darkest places on earth. Jeremiah prayed from a dungeon, Daniel from the lions’ den, and Jonah from the belly of a great fish. No matter how deep our troubles are, God is able to hear us. [3]

Calling on God is the surest way to keep us from sinking deeper into despair and to lift us out of the “horrible pit and miry clay” that are mentioned in Psalms 40:1-2. [4]

In Philippians 4:6-7, God’s Word says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

As we pray, God listens. David prayed, “Lord, hear my voice... let Your ears be attentive.” [5] Our Lord is a good listener. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God says, “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I WILL HEAR from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“If You, Lord [Adonai], should mark iniquities, O Lord [Yah], who could stand?” Psalm 130:3

By calling God “Lord” twice, using both Adonai and Yah, David expressed deep reverence for God’s position and power. Yah or Yahweh is God’s actual, personal name in Hebrew, while Adonai is the Hebrew word for a “lord” or “Master.” To call God “Adonai” is to acknowledge that He is your master and you are His servant. We then do God’s bidding even as the angels do.

If God judged us according to every sin we have committed, no one could stand before Him. Even the best person has enough sin to deserve condemnation. [6] For example, even if a person only sinned once per day and lived 70 years that would add up to over 25,000 crimes on his or her criminal record. A just judge could never let such an offender go free without consequence.

If God dealt with us according to strict justice, we would all go to hell. All sin is offensive to God. Proud people are easily offended when someone crosses a line with them, but our Lord taught us that forgiving offenders is vital to His forgiving OUR sins by which we have offended HIM.

In Matthew 6:12, Jesus taught us to pray, “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.” This is the only petition in the prayer that He immediately took the time to explain how important it is. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked our Lord, “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Jesus replied, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

Next, in Matthew 18:23-34, Jesus told a parable in which a king forgave his servant a debt that was way beyond what the servant could ever repay. That servant and his family were about to be sold as slaves to slave traffickers, but he begged for mercy and the king forgave him.

Sadly, after that servant was forgiven such a great debt, he located a fellow servant who owed him a very small debt. He grabbed the man by the throat, and demanded repayment. When the debtor begged him for mercy, he had him thrown into debtors’ prison. His vindictiveness was reported to the king. Afterwards, the king rebuked him for his lack of compassion and then, delivered him over to the torturers until his debt was paid in full.

“But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” Psalm 130:4

Why feared? Because God’s love for people is like a Mama bear’s protective love for her cubs. You don’t want to offend God by being a malicious unforgiving servant. You don’t want to be handed over to the torturers of hell and remain there until your debt is repaid, which is never.

Some translations read, “There is a propitiation with You.” This reminds us of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is always in the Father’s presence as our Advocate, and through Him we receive forgiveness. [7]

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I do hope.” Psalm 130:5

Our waiting on the Lord is not just an outward appearance. It is not passive. It is an active waiting. It is a ceasing of striving and of checking endless lists of options. It is realizing that unless God comes through for us, we will die. We are like a small group of soldiers surrounded by an overwhelming force. If reinforcements don’t show up, we will surely die.

“In His Word I do hope.” David’s hope was not based in his own ideas, wishes, or imaginations. His hope was based on what God said He would do. [8] God said it. He believed it. He had hope!

“My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning—yes, more than those who watch for the morning.” Psalm 130:6

Those who are on guard duty through the night wait for the first light of day. When the light appears, their job is done. They can relax. In the same way, those who wait upon the Lord continue to seek Him until we see “the light at the end of the tunnel,” that is, until the manifest answer to our prayers begins to appear. This is called, “praying through.”

“O Israel, hope in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” Psalm 130:7-8

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” Mercy is not something God reluctantly gives. Mercy is a natural tendency of His. He delights in showing mercy. In Luke 6:36, Jesus urged us, “Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”

God shows us mercy, and He redeems us. To illustrate this point, I have a story that I learned from evangelist Adrian Rogers.

There was a boy who made a wooden boat. One day, while floating the boat in a river, it got away from him and was lost. Many days later, he went into a pawn shop. There, on a shelf, he saw a battered little wooden boat. He picked it up and turned it over, and there were his initials carved into the wood. He paid the price for the boat. He carried the boat home. He carefully and lovingly restored the little boat to its former glory. Then, he held the boat up to its eyes and said to it, “First, I made you. Then, I redeemed you. Now, I have restored you. You are mine.”

Regardless of all our failures and wanderings, God made us. He loves us. He wants to restore us to the former glory that our first parents, Adam and Eve, had before they sinned.

When Israelites or Gentiles believe in Messiah, He redeems us from our sins. His atoning blood is applied to our sinful lives. Then, God sees us justified. It is “just-if-I’d” never sinned or betrayed His trust. He gives us a full pardon. He pronounces us, “Not guilty.” Then, the righteous judge descends from His judgment seat, and hugs us and adopts us into His family. He includes us as one of His family members just because we believe in and profess His Son as our Savior.


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Carrying the Credentials of Christ – Psalm 129

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

“Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth, let Israel now say—many a time they have afflicted me from my youth. Yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows long. The Lord is righteous. He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:1-4

The people of God throughout history is pictured here as one person who has grown old. Looking back over the years, we, the people of God, remember that if it were not for His grace, we would have ceased to exist. [2] As 1 Peter 1:5 says, “We are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

The abovementioned person who has grown old may refer to Christ in this world. Christ has been working in and through every son and daughter of Adam and Eve who walks with God.

The New Testament refers to the people of God as the body of Christ. 1 John 4:17 declares, “As He [Jesus] is, so are we in this world.” As the Spirit of Christ lives and moves in us, Christ is manifest in our mortal bodies. Thus, we receive some of the same kind of treatment Christ received when He walked the earth, that is, persecution and mocking.

In 1 Peter 4:13, it is written, “Rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” Rather than be discouraged due to unjust persecution, Peter urges us to rejoice because Christ is being revealed through us. In Acts 5:41, after the apostles had been beaten for witnessing for Christ, “they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name.”

Israel has been greatly oppressed. In Jeremiah 12:9, God compared them to “a speckled bird” attacked by “all the birds round about.” On the one hand, Israel’s sins brought God’s righteous discipline on them. On the other hand, the hatred of their Gentile neighbors exceeded what God mandated for them to do. [3]

Babylon crossed the line from an instrument of God’s discipline to excessive cruelty. In Isaiah 47:6, the Lord said to Babylon, “I was angry with My people. I profaned My heritage and gave them into your hand. You showed them no mercy. On the aged you made your yoke exceedingly heavy.” In Jeremiah 50:11-12, the Lord said to Babylon, “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced, You destroyers of My heritage... your mother shall be deeply ashamed....” Babylon’s mothers were ashamed of their sons due to their excessive cruelty against Israel. [4]

Israel’s “youth” refers to its early years, whether in Egypt or during the time of the Judges. From then on, they experienced repeated oppression. New Testament Christians also suffered greatly during ten major persecutions waged against them by the Romans. [5] Some Christians are treated horribly nowadays by certain Hindu, Buddhists, Muslim and atheistic groups of people.

Psalms 129:3 speaks of ploughers ploughing on the backs of God’s people. Psalms 125:3 speaks of “the rod of the wicked upon the lot of the righteous.” A plow cuts deep. A rod bruises. [6]

It is not clear whether the Early Church had ordination services with preaching licenses given to those who were ordained, but it is clear that Early Church ministers had verifiable “proofs” of their approval by God. What were they?

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul provided his list of “credentials” to his detractors. “Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. A night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” In Galatians 6:17, Paul wrote, “From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”

Are there any churches today that would hire a minister such as Paul based on his résumé?

“They made long their furrows.” Some understand these “furrows” to describe the painful stripes left by whips. God’s people have endured cruel scourgings and mockings according to Hebrews 11:36. Even Christ “gave His back to the smiters” according to Isaiah 50:6. [7]

Although we, God’s people, have suffered for believing in Him, God has kept our witness alive. Antichristian leaders like Stalin, Mao and some politicians today attempt to turn people away from faith in God. We do not fight against such foes with worldly weapons. We pray to God.

In Acts 13:8, a sorcerer named Elymas withstood the witness of Paul and Barnabus. He tried to turn a Roman proconsul away from the faith. In Acts 13:11-12, the Lord struck Elymas with blindness. Then, the proconsul believed in Jesus.

The Christian Church is built upon the solid rock of a resurrected leader. Christ died on the cross for our sins and resurrected from the dead for our resurrection. He sits at the right hand of God reigning with power and authority. Not even the gates of hell shall prevail against Him.

God “has cut asunder the cords of the wicked.” This means He has destroyed the power by which they carried out their evil plans. Like cutting the harness from a plow, God stopped their work. Like cutting the cords of a whip, He ended their cruelty. He also broke the alliances that united wicked people and removed the chains that held His people captive. [8]

“The Lord is righteous.” In Nehemiah 9:33, Governor Nehemiah confessed that God was right to allow Israel’s enemies to take them captive. They deserved to be chastised for all the evil they had done. The Lord was also righteous to bring them back to the Promised Land because forgiveness and mercy are two of God’s attributes. He gives grace because He is gracious. God was also righteous to judge those who mistreated His faithful servants. [9]

“Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back. Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, with which the reaper does not fill his hand, nor he who binds sheaves, his arms. Neither let those who pass by them say, ‘The blessing of the Lord be upon you. We bless you in the Name of the Lord!’” Psalm 129:5-8

There have always been people who hate Zion, the God of Zion, His worship, and His people. They oppose true religion and do everything they can to destroy God’s Church and prevent His work from continuing in the world. He prays that no one will bless them or pity them in the Name of the Lord after they have done so much evil to the cause. [10]

The psalmist prays that those who oppose God’s people will be put to shame and turned back. He wants God to dry up their efforts, bind them up and take them away.

“Let them be as the grass on the housetops!”

Rooftop grass dies quickly because it has no deep roots. Rooftop grass is useless. It provides no worthwhile harvest, just as those who fight against God’s church accomplish nothing of lasting value. No matter what they expect to gain, their efforts will end in failure. As Isaiah 17:11 says, “Their harvest will be a heap in the day of grief.” [11]

“Neither let those who pass by them say, ‘The blessing of the Lord be upon you.’”

Greeting workers with a blessing was an ancient custom, especially during harvest time. In Ruth 2:4, Boaz greeted his reapers by saying, “The Lord be with you.” Such words should never be used carelessly or as part of a joke. Harvesting grass from a rooftop would have been foolish and pointless, so no one who truly respected God would bless such a labor. [12]

We should not bless those who are sabotaging God’s witness on earth. To wish them success in doing evil would make us accomplices in their deeds. As 2 John 1:11 warns, “If we wish them God speed, we are partakers of their evil deeds." [13]

Though we condemn evil deeds, we desire evil doers to be saved. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus taught us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use us. In 2 Timothy 2:25-26, Paul advised Timothy, “In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2-13] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Zeal From And For God – Psalm 128

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1

We give our Lord the proper honor that is due Him when we walk in His ways. When the fear of God guides us, our words and deeds glorify God. It is useless to claim that we fear God if we do not faithfully follow His ways or if we treat His commands carelessly.

Obedience to God’s commands is an outward expression of the Spirit of Christ at work in one’s life. As Nicodemus said of Jesus in John 3:2, “No one can do these signs that You do unless God is with Him.” Obedience to God’s commands is a sign that God’s Spirit is at work in your life. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

The devil wants us to hide our light under a basket. He wants us to live in fear of persecution. Jesus says to us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” In Matthew 10:32, Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”

In Numbers 25:11-13, the Lord blessed Phinehas for being zealous with the Lord’s zeal. “Phinehas... has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal. Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace. It shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.”

In Numbers 14:30, God announced that only Joshua and Caleb would enter the Promised Land from among those alive at the time of this announcement because they believed God while the others doubted Him. The Lord said of Caleb in Numbers 14:24, “My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.” Caleb welcomed the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

In Revelation 12:17, the devil makes war with those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Thus, we know that keeping God’s commands (the Law) and proclaiming Jesus (the Gospel) is the witness that the devil most wants to eliminate. But God promises to bless those who witness for Him to others.

“When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” Psalm 128:2

God provides us meaningful work to do and good food to eat. An idle life is an unhappy life. In 2 Thessalonians 3:12, God speaks of working for and eating one’s own bread. There is a special satisfaction in enjoying the results of our own hard work. Just as a laborer enjoys restful sleep, the food earned through honest work is especially satisfying.

“Happy shall you be.” We should receive this promise as though God were speaking directly to us. If we fear God and walk in His ways, we can confidently expect His blessing. Whatever happens in life, God will bring good out of it. It will be well with us while we live, even better when we die, and best of all throughout eternity. [2]

“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table.” Psalm 128:3

The fruitful vine (yielding clusters of grapes) and the olive plants (yielding oil) are “biblical symbols of the abundant life. They are not food staples like wheat or corn. They symbolize rich blessing. Olive trees take a long time to mature and become profitable. Patiently cultivated, they become quite valuable and continue to produce a profitable crop for centuries, longer perhaps than any other fruit-producing tree or plant.” [3]

Olive shoots are the vigorous offsets from an aged olive tree. “Beautiful; producing abundance; sending up young plants to take the place of the old when they decay and die.” [4]

“Olive shoots” may be applied to the spiritual seed and offspring of Christ. In Psalm 52:8, Zechariah 4:11, and Revelation 11:4 they are anointed ones. True believers in Christ have the anointing of the Holy Spirit in them. They are ever green in Jeremiah 11:16. In Song of Solomon 1:12, our Lord takes delight and pleasure in them. [5]

In October of 1985, I was serving the Lord in Hong Kong. I prayed Psalm 128:3 daily while my wife and baby daughter were in the USA due to health reasons. I missed them so much. I was so very grateful to God when He brought my fruitful vine (my wife) back into the very heart of my house, and brought my olive shoot (my baby girl) back to my table with me.

The Lord compares the wife to a fruitful vine growing in the heart of the house. She is loving, faithful, and willing to work together with her husband. Like a fruitful vine, she bears not only children but also the fruits of wisdom, righteousness, and good management. Her influence extends beyond her home, just as the branches of Joseph spread over the wall in Genesis 49:22. She is extremely valuable to her husband and children. [6]

The Lord compares the children to young olive plants. One day they will grow into strong olive trees. Though every person is sinful by nature, they can be grafted into God’s people and share in His blessings. [7]

“Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” Psalm 128:4

There is assurance of blessing for all who honor and respect God the way that they should.

“The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.” Psalm 128:5

God calls forth spiritual blessings to flow from Zion. Zion is another name for Jerusalem. The Book of Psalms and Proverbs were composed there. Many of God’s prophets, such as Jeremiah, spoke God’s Word there. Jesus brought forth the New Testament teaching and ministry in Jerusalem. Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins in Jerusalem. He resurrected and ascended to heaven from Jerusalem. The Gospel was first preached in Jerusalem and the Church was birthed there. His blessing to us! [8]

“Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!” Psalm 128:6

“The blessing to the one who fears the Lord goes beyond the holy city and impacts the holy family.” Families who fear the Lord enjoy the peace of the Lord, and because He watches over them and prospers them. They enjoy life long enough to see their children’s children. [9]

“Peace be upon Israel.” The greatest inheritance is a pure and faithful knowledge of God to pass onto future generations. This is what God gave to us through His people Israel. [10]


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.
[2] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Boise – quoted in the Enduring Word Commentary
[4] Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
[5] Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
[6-7] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[8] Derived from the Enduring Word Commentary
[9] Enduring Word Commentary
[10] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Unless the Lord Builds the House – Psalm 127

“A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.” [1]

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Imagine the audacity of a mere human being to think he or she could build God a house when God created the whole universe and sustains it by the Word of His power!

In 2 Samuel 7:5, the Lord asked David, “Would you build a house for Me to dwell in?” In 2 Samuel 7:7, God asked him, “Have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”

Later, in 2 Chronicles 2:6, after Solomon built a house for the Lord, he confessed, “Who is able to build Him [God] a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?”

We need to realize that unless we receive the Lord’s help, our “house” will not last. Without God’s help our cities will not keep standing! We are the ones who need God’s help to build our houses.

In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus said, “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God commanded us, “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

In Deuteronomy 4:9, God commanded us to teach His commandments to our grandchildren.

Houses made of brick and mortar can be shredded by a whirlwind or washed away by a flood, but a soul that is filled with the Word and Spirit of God is eternal, and has an everlasting foundation in Christ. Thus, it is good for us to daily meditate on the Word of God, and to teach it to our children and grandchildren.

In Genesis 11:1-8, our ancient forefathers gathered to build a city with a tower that reached to the heaven. They built this city and this tower to make a name for themselves. Not for God’s glory! They left God out of the conversation, so God confused their conversation. They could no longer understand each other because God diversified their languages. After that, God scattered them (us) over the face of the whole earth.

In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar of Babylon believed that his empire was invincible. His mighty kingdom was defeated in one day. He rule ended on the very night that God spoke to him about its demise.

A city may have guards watching day and night, but they cannot protect it without God. A fire may break out unexpectedly. Enemies may attack. A crisis may occur that no one can solve. [2]

The same is true for families and for individuals. Human effort and careful planning are valuable, but only God can truly provide safety and protection. [3]

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2

The psalmist is not condemning hard work. Scripture encourages diligence. Rather, he warns against anxious, excessive striving that leaves God out. Some people work constantly, sacrificing rest and peace, because they believe everything depends on their own efforts. They rise early, stay up late, and fill their lives with worry, yet their success still depends on God’s grace. [4]

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, it is written, “I returned and saw under the sun that—the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill, but time and chance happen to them all.”

In 2 Samuel 12:25, God promised to Solomon peace, so he did not need to live in fear and constant striving. His enemies could scheme and struggle, but God’s purpose would stand. [5]

God gives His beloved people peaceful rest. The greatest rest comes when we trust God completely—when our souls rest in Him and we wake ready to serve Him. According to Jude 1:21, we should keep ourselves “in the love of God,” and “look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” [6]

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

For those who have grown up in a culture of death and sexual misconduct, God’s Word here may sound very strange and unacceptable. Aren’t children costly? Aren’t they a huge responsibility? Don’t they cause disagreements between spouses? Don’t they rebel against parents and get them into trouble?

Children are a heritage from the Lord. “A heritage is anything passed down from past generations including traditions, values, and property. It shapes a group’s or person’s identity, connecting who we are today to the history, culture and environment of those who came before us.” [6]

Everyone who is born continues the heritage of those who came before him or her by being created from their particular DNA. A child’s “normal” tends to become whatever culture he or she is taught while growing up, but DNA also influences his or her tendencies.

It is really an amazing gift of God’s grace to be entrusted with the life of a helpless baby infant. Your baby depends on you to survive and thrive. God commands you as a parent to teach your child (children) His laws and of course the Gospel of His grace as well.

“The fruit of the womb is His reward.” Children are God’s gift. Children should be viewed as blessings, not burdens. [7]

In Ezekiel 16:20, God says, “They are My children which you have born unto Me.” Children belong to God, and they bring the greatest joy and honor when they are raised to serve Him. [8]

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:4-5

Children born while parents are young often grow strong and are able to help their families as their parents grow older. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, children can be prepared and directed toward God’s purposes. A family with many children is like a quiver filled with arrows—each child has different abilities and can serve God and others in different ways. [9]

A parent with faithful children is blessed. Such a person can face difficulties with confidence because he or she is surrounded by those who love and stand with him or her. [10]

Children are like arrows that must be carefully guided while they are still in the hand. [11] Fathers have the responsibility to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord according to Ephesians 6:4.

Children who are not guided well can become a source of deep sorrow instead of joy. Instead of being arrows that help, they can become arrows that wound the hearts of their parents. Thus, parents should faithfully train their children while they have the opportunity, teaching them to love God and serve their generation. [12]


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.

[2-5] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

[6] https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/education/core-concepts/where-does-our-genome-come-from/

[7-12] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Resurrection From The Dead – Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents. [1]

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3

In 2 Chronicles 12:1-6, after Israel abandoned the Law of God, the Lord sent His prophet Shemaiah to them. He said to the leaders of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, you have forsaken Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak.” Thankfully, the leaders of Israel responded appropriately to God’s Word. They humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous.” Their response to God was appropriate. They humbled themselves. They agreed with what God’s Word had to say about them.

In 2 Chronicles 12:7-8, when the Lord saw their response, He spoke to them via Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves. Therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance. My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations.”

The Lord had them serve a corrupt and evil pagan leader for a season to help them realize how blessed they were to have God. King Shishak of Egypt confiscated their king’s treasures, as well as many of the treasures from the house of the Lord.

God sent His people into captivity not to destroy them, but to refine them. [2]

Their captivity was a type of death and their return to the Promised Land was a type of resurrection. When we think of dying, we may feel sad and deeply troubled, but when we believe that just as Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead, we too shall resurrect to new life, our sorrow turns to joy.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” Yes, God’s Son, Jesus, lived a sinless life in human flesh, took our sin upon Himself on the cross, died, was buried, but after three days, He resurrected from the dead. When we believe in Him and profess Him as our Lord and Savior, He gives to us eternal life. In Ephesians 2:8, God tells us that eternal life is His gift to us.

In John 5:24-25, Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.”

“We were like them that dream.” The change happened so suddenly that at first they could hardly understand it. They wondered if it was really happening or if it was only a dream. Some understand this expression as meaning they felt like people who had been brought back to life or suddenly healed from a terrible illness. It was such a wonderful change that they felt as though they had entered a completely new world. [3]

This is how we will feel when we enter heaven. Heaven will surpass all our dreams. We will definitely feel like singing for all eternity once we get there. We will never again hunger, thirst, lack clothing, lack home or family. We will be in God’s family forever.

“Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South.” Psalm 126:4

Although many Israelites had returned from captivity, the psalmist prayed for those who were still waiting to return. They verbalized their desire for their brothers and sisters to God. They believed that God would complete the good work which He had begun. [4] They expressed their faith in God by presenting their heartfelt petitions to Him for others.

In Matthew 25:34-36, Jesus taught that those who provided for the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and those in isolation would be blessed by His Father. In Matthew 25:40, He says to such caregivers, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.”

“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6

Praise God that He sets a limit to the duration and intensity of our sorrow. God promises joy to those who have sown with tears. The tears represent prayers prayed during seasons of sowing.

The sower’s love for people puts him or her at odds with the devil who wants to destroy people. While we receive hatred and abuse from Satan’s agents, God’s Spirit moves us to forgive, pray, love, serve and continue to do what is right in God’s sight. Sowing seasons are opportunities to become more like Jesus. May the Lord help us to embrace His lifestyle of denying self for the sake of bringing forth a harvest of righteousness in the lives of others.

Psalm 126 speaks of death and resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, “The body is sown in corruption. It is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor. It is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness. It is raised in power. It is sown a natural body. It is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” In 1 Corinthians 15:49, God promises us, “As we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”

Jesus sowed in tears. He wept over Jerusalem. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. Hebrews 5:7 says, “In the days of His flesh... He had offered up prayers... with vehement cries and tears...” Now, He has the joy of seeing souls coming into His kingdom from around the world.

In the Gospels, Jesus transformed funerals into celebrations. This was true for Jarius’ daughter, for the widow of Nain’s son, and for Lazarus.

Once, when D.L. Moody was asked to conduct a funeral service, he decided to use a funeral message by Jesus. However, he did not find one because at every funeral Jesus attended in the Gospels, He resurrected the dead!

Some Christians call funeral services “Celebrations of Life.” We celebrate the life of our departed loved one. We know for certain based on the Word of God that every soul who dies in Christ is alive in heaven with God. The Lord says to us in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”


[1] “The Song of Ascents” (Psalms 120–134) are songs to sing as one journeys toward God.

[2-4] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[5] Enduring Word Commentary