“But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with Him, and in My Name His horn shall be exalted.” Psalm 89:24
God’s mercy and faithfulness have been secured for believers in Christ. God entrusted the administration of His covenant promises to Christ. All divine mercy flows through Him, and all God’s promises are guaranteed in Him. This is why Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:20 that all the promises of God are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ. [1]
Christ is therefore the great Trustee and Mediator between God and humanity. The covenant stands firm because it rests upon Him, not upon the faithfulness of sinful people. [2]
“Also I will set His hand over the sea, and His right hand over the rivers.” Psalm 89:25
David’s earthly kingdom was limited but Christ’s kingdom is worldwide. David's rule reached the borders of Israel, but Christ's kingdom extends to every nation and will ultimately encompass the whole earth when as Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.” [3]
“He shall cry to Me, ‘You are My Father, My God, and the rock of My salvation.’” Psalm 89:26
During His earthly ministry, Jesus addressed God as His Father and submitted to His will. [4]
“Also I will make Him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” Psalm 89:27
This verse is fulfilled in Christ, who is the Firstborn over all creation and the heir of all things. He is exalted above every earthly king and reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords. [5]
“My mercy I will keep for Him forever, and My covenant shall stand firm with Him. His seed also I will make to endure forever, and His throne as the days of heaven.” Psalm 89:28-29
Historically, this passage refers to David’s descendants who occupied Judah’s throne. Spiritually, it refers to Christ. Christ’s spiritual seed will endure forever. Though generations pass away, Christ will always have people who worship and serve Him. [6]
“If His sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they break My statutes and do not keep My commandments, then I will visit their transgression with the rod, and their perversity with afflictions.” Psalm 89:30-32
God does not ignore disobedience. He disciplines His children. The rod symbolizes correction and fatherly care, not His rejection. The Lord corrects perversity with afflictions to spare us from living in bondage to it, and to help us avoid its wages, namely eternal death. [7]
“Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from Him, nor allow My faithfulness to fail.” Psalm 89:33
Even when God’s people fail, His covenant remains secure. Their sins may bring discipline, but they cannot nullify God’s promises. Their stability is God’s faithfulness to them in Messiah. [8]
“My covenant I will not break, nor alter the Word that has gone out of My lips.” Psalm 89:34
Because Christ is the Mediator and guarantor of the covenant, God’s people can be confident that His mercy will never depart from them. [9]
“Once I have sworn by My holiness. I will not lie to David. His Seed shall endure forever, and His throne as the sun before Me. It shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky. Selah!” Psalm 89:35-37
Our durability is in Christ (the Seed) rather than in ourselves. We may stumble and require God’s discipline, but God’s covenant of mercy remains steadfast. The Church will endure as surely as the sun and moon continue in the heavens because Christ sustains us. [10]
“But You have cast off and abhorred, You have been furious with Your Anointed.” Psalm 89:38
After celebrating God’s covenant with David and the certainty of His promises, Ethan turns to the painful reality that the Davidic kingdom appears to be collapsing. The contrast between God’s promises and Israel’s circumstances seem irreconcilable. [11]
“You have renounced the covenant of Your Servant. You have profaned His crown by casting it to the ground. You have broken down all His hedges. You have brought His strongholds to ruin. All who pass by the way plunder Him. He is a reproach to His neighbors. You have exalted the right hand of His adversaries. You have made all His enemies rejoice. You have also turned back the edge of His sword and have not sustained Him in the battle. You have made His glory cease and cast His throne down to the ground. The days of His youth You have shortened. You have covered Him with shame. Selah!” Psalm 89:39-45
Ethan struggles to reconcile God’s promised steadfast love and an enduring throne to David's descendants with what he sees. The royal house now appeared rejected, humiliated, and abandoned. From a human perspective, it seemed that God had made void His covenant.
The covenant with David remained intact when Jesus hung on the cross. It appeared that God had cast Him off, yet His suffering fulfilled God’s covenant of redemption. [12]
Ethan describes to God several aspects of David’s kingdom’s demise. The picture he paints with words is one of humiliation. He attributes the losses to God. He says, “You have” allowed enemies to prosper, defenses to fail, and the kingdom to weaken. This abandonment is a foreshadowing of what Christ would experience on the cross. [13]
I’m glad that the Lord limits Satan’s attacks on us. In Job 1:9-11, Satan doubted the sincerity of Job’s faith. He asked the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
The Lord did not turn His hand against Job, but did allow Satan to do so. In Job 1:12, the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only do not lay a hand on his person.”
In Job 2:3-6, the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” So, Satan suggested that if Job’s body were afflicted, he would surely curse God to His face. The Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” Satan afflicted Job with boils.
Praise God! He did not allow Job’s faith in Him to fade. In Job 1:10, we read, “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”
In Luke 22:31-32, the Lord said to Peter, “Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” The Lord upheld Peter’s faith in Him despite Satan’s goal to steal it.
In John 19:11, Jesus said to Pilate, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
In 1 Corinthians 4:9, Paul wrote, “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death. For we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” Apostles, prophets and Christ all suffered for the sake of helping others come to God.
The earthly throne of David seemed to disappear, but God preserved His promise until the coming of Messiah Jesus. Earthly crowns fall, but Christ’s kingdom endures forever, and those who belong to Him will receive an unfading crown of glory. [14]
“How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?” Psalm 89:46
Ethan grieves due to the seeming withdrawal of God’s presence. Like Jesus, in Matthew 27:46, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
God’s wrath felt like fire. Ethan’s lament expressed faith in the God who empathizes with pain.
“Remember how short my time is. For what futility have You created all the children of men?” Psalm 89:47
Life is brief, uncertain, and swiftly passing away. He asks God not to allow an entire lifetime to be consumed by misery. [15]
“What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah!” Psalm 89:48
Every person must face death. No strength, wealth, or position can deliver anyone from the grave, but God can extend our life on earth so that we may continue to witness for Him.
This passage also points beyond the grave. If earthly life were all there is, human existence might seem vain. But God’s covenant promise assures believers that there is a future beyond death, giving meaning to life even amid suffering. [16]
“Lord, where are Your former loving kindnesses, which You swore to David in Your truth?” Psalm 89:49
This is not an accusation but an appeal to God’s faithfulness. Ethan asks God to act consistently with His covenant. What God has promised, He will fulfill in His perfect time. [17]
“Remember Lord the reproach of Your servants—how I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples, with which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord, with which they have reproached the footsteps of Your Anointed.” Psalm 89:50-51
The enemies of God’s people mocked them and ridiculed His anointed king. These reproaches were especially painful because they reflected upon God’s honor. Ethan carries these insults “in his bosom,” feeling their weight personally. The enemies were not merely attacking Israel. They were challenging God’s purposes and promises. [18]
Just as ancient scoffers mocked God’s promises concerning David’s kingdom, end-time scoffers mock the coming of Christ, asking in 2 Peter 3:4, “Where is the promise of His coming?” God’s people have often endured reproach while waiting for the fulfillment of His promises.
“Blessed be the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen.” Psalm 89:52
With no visible answer in sight, the throne cast down and enemies mocking, Ethan still blessed God. His double “Amen” expressed love for God amid contrary circumstances. Like Job, he did not sin with his lips. When all was said and done, he continued to bless the Lord. By God’s grace, Ethan is in heaven now blessing the Lord forevermore. “Amen and Amen!”
[1-18] Material edited and modified from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
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Jesus, Son of David, have Mercy on Me – Psalm 89:1-23
“A Contemplation of Ethan the Ezrahite.” Psalm 89 Intro
Ethan was one of David’s singers. In 1 Chronicles 15:16-17, we read that David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy. So the Levites appointed Heman..., Asaph..., and Ethan.” [1]
In 1 Kings 4:30-31, we read that Ethan was famous for being wise.
After Messiah was born, wisemen brought gifts and worshipped Him. Wisemen still worship Jesus.
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1
When disappointed, we may be tempted to complain, but we gain a better outlook by praising God for His mercies. Thus, let us smack down doubts by lifting up songs of praise to God’s faithfulness.
Though our current circumstances may appear contrary to God’s mercy and faithfulness, we do well to continue singing words of faith in God’s faithfulness to us.
In Psalm 149:6, we read, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.” On the one hand, we limit the kind of words our mouths will speak, namely, high praises to God. On the other hand, we use the sword of the God’s Word and Spirit to strike down the lies of the evil one. The evil one wants to plant seeds of doubt in our minds.
God is faithful to every word He has spoken.
“For I have said, ‘Mercy shall be built up forever, Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.’” Psalm 89:2
The everlasting covenant is firm and sure. Though circumstances seem to threaten the extinction of David’s royal line, he declares: “Mercy shall be built up forever.” [2]
“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: Your seed I will establish forever and build up your throne to all generations. Selah!” Psalm 89:3
God made a covenant with King David and his descendants, known as the Davidic Covenant. Found primarily in 2 Samuel 7 and summarized in 1 Chronicles 17, God promised to establish David’s lineage, throne, and kingdom forever. Jesus Messiah is the eternal fulfillment of this covenant. As a physical descendant (or seed) of David, Jesus is the Messiah who inherited the eternal throne of David and whose kingdom will never end. [3]
In Isaiah 9:6-7, we read of Jesus, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
“And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Psalm 89:4-7
According to Revelation 5:9, those in heaven praise the Lamb of God who was slain and who redeemed people out of every tribe and people and nation to God by His blood. No one in heaven can compare with God who sits on the throne and His Son Jesus Christ. Neither angels nor saints vie for His glory. They revere Him and give Him all the glory.
No one should pray to the Virgin Mary, to the saints or to an angel. That is idolatry which is an abomination in the sight of God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Scripture says, “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus and Satan are not brothers as the Mormons teach. Jesus is God, and Satan is one of His creations. Jesus is God incarnate—eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful, while Satan is a fallen angel that was created by God for God’s purposes. Instead of acknowledging Jesus as the one true God, they believe He became God, just as they will one day become gods. The Scriptures are clear that Jesus is fully God, not some type of lesser god as the Mormons believe.
Like the Mormons, the Jehovah’s Witnesses also teach that Jesus and Satan are spiritual brothers. While some Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses might sometimes try to sidestep this teaching because it is so antithetical to what the Bible actually says, it is nevertheless what these organizations believe and is part of their official doctrine.
Colossians 1:16 says that in Christ all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth. Visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers! ALL THINGS were created through Him and for Him.” All things—thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers—includes Satan and his demons.
In John 10:30 Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” Jesus was not claiming to be another, lesser god. He was declaring that He was fully God. In John 1:3, it is clear that “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asked the important question: “But who do you say that I am?” This is a question that is essential to salvation and one that the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses get wrong. The god of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses is not the God who revealed Himself in Scripture. Unless these groups repent and come to understand and worship the one true God, they have no hope of salvation. [4]
In Colossians 2:18-19, Paul wrote, “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head [Christ], from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.”
“O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” Psalm 89:8
God’s sovereignty, ownership, power, justice, mercy, and faithfulness exceeds that of all other contenders. Some boast of their possessions, but all possessions ultimately belong to God. Since He is the Creator and Owner of all things. [5]
“You rule the raging of the sea. When its waves rise, You still them. You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain. You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.” Psalm 89:9-10
In Mark 4:37-39, when a furious squall came up, and waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. The wind and waves bowed to Jesus.
“The heavens are Yours the earth also is Yours. You have founded the world and all its fullness. You have created the north and the south. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your Name.” Psalm 89:11-12
The vastness of God’s dominion stretches from north to south, and to little known places of the earth. No place is beyond His reach. Tabor and Hermon are two prominent mountains in Israel. They stand as witnesses to God’s creative power. Creation reflects the glory of God! [6]
“You have a mighty arm. Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.” Psalm 89:13
According to Ephesians 1:21, not only is Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father, but He is also “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Mercy and truth go before Your face.” Psalm 89:14
Every decree God makes is wise and just. Unlike earthly rulers, who may abuse power or act unjustly, God’s rule is founded upon absolute righteousness. [7]
God’s mercy is seen in His gracious promises. His truth is seen as He fulfills His promises. He is always true to His Word and often gives His people more kindness than they deserve. [8]
“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your Name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness, they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:15-17
Ethan sang of God’s mercies, and noted the joy of those who walk in the light that shines from His face. It is in the righteousness of Christ that God’s people rejoice. He was slain for our sins and He redeemed us unto God. All strength and usefulness is imparted to us by Christ. Our horn shall be exalted by His grace. In Scripture, the horn symbolizes strength and honor. [8]
“Then You spoke in a vision to Your Holy One and said: ‘I have given help to One who is mighty. I have exalted One chosen from the people. I have found My Servant David, With My holy oil I have anointed Him, with whom My hand shall be established; also, My arm shall strengthen Him.’” Psalm 89:19-21
This passage points beyond David to Messiah. David was chosen by God from among ordinary people and exalted to the throne. Yet these truths find their highest expression in Christ. Jesus is the Holy One. In Luke 4:18, He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” He is the baptizer in the sanctifying Holy Spirit. He is the “Mighty God” foretold of in Isaiah 9:6. He is the Chosen One to redeem us from our sins.
“The enemy shall not outwit Him, nor the son of wickedness afflict Him. I will beat down His foes before His face, and plague those who hate Him.” Psalm 89:22-23
Satan opposed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, yet could not defeat Him. In John 14:30, Jesus declared, “The prince of this world comes, and has nothing in Me.” [9]
Christ's kingdom cannot fail. Every enemy of redemption will be conquered. The “sure mercies of David” are therefore the sure mercies of Christ—unchangeable covenant blessings flowing from God’s eternal promise and fulfilled through the reign of the Son of David. [10]
Whatever circumstance we face, whatever burden we carry, whatever need remains unmet, Jesus, the Son of David, is the answer.
In Mark 10:46–52, blind Bartimaeus sat by the roadside begging. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he cried out even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped, called for him, and restored his sight. Bartimaeus immediately received his vision and followed Jesus on the way.
Today, we come with the same faith and the same plea: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us.” Whatever our need may be—physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, or financial—“we know that You are able. Open our eyes to see Your power, Your grace, and Your purpose. As You gave sight to Bartimaeus, grant us the help we need today, and lead us to follow You more closely.”
[1] Jamieson-Faussett Brown Commentary
[2] Material based on and modified from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Gotquestions.com
[5] Ibid
[5-10] Material based on and modified from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Ethan was one of David’s singers. In 1 Chronicles 15:16-17, we read that David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy. So the Levites appointed Heman..., Asaph..., and Ethan.” [1]
In 1 Kings 4:30-31, we read that Ethan was famous for being wise.
After Messiah was born, wisemen brought gifts and worshipped Him. Wisemen still worship Jesus.
“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1
When disappointed, we may be tempted to complain, but we gain a better outlook by praising God for His mercies. Thus, let us smack down doubts by lifting up songs of praise to God’s faithfulness.
Though our current circumstances may appear contrary to God’s mercy and faithfulness, we do well to continue singing words of faith in God’s faithfulness to us.
In Psalm 149:6, we read, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.” On the one hand, we limit the kind of words our mouths will speak, namely, high praises to God. On the other hand, we use the sword of the God’s Word and Spirit to strike down the lies of the evil one. The evil one wants to plant seeds of doubt in our minds.
God is faithful to every word He has spoken.
“For I have said, ‘Mercy shall be built up forever, Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.’” Psalm 89:2
The everlasting covenant is firm and sure. Though circumstances seem to threaten the extinction of David’s royal line, he declares: “Mercy shall be built up forever.” [2]
“I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn to My servant David: Your seed I will establish forever and build up your throne to all generations. Selah!” Psalm 89:3
God made a covenant with King David and his descendants, known as the Davidic Covenant. Found primarily in 2 Samuel 7 and summarized in 1 Chronicles 17, God promised to establish David’s lineage, throne, and kingdom forever. Jesus Messiah is the eternal fulfillment of this covenant. As a physical descendant (or seed) of David, Jesus is the Messiah who inherited the eternal throne of David and whose kingdom will never end. [3]
In Isaiah 9:6-7, we read of Jesus, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
“And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O Lord Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Psalm 89:4-7
According to Revelation 5:9, those in heaven praise the Lamb of God who was slain and who redeemed people out of every tribe and people and nation to God by His blood. No one in heaven can compare with God who sits on the throne and His Son Jesus Christ. Neither angels nor saints vie for His glory. They revere Him and give Him all the glory.
No one should pray to the Virgin Mary, to the saints or to an angel. That is idolatry which is an abomination in the sight of God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Scripture says, “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus and Satan are not brothers as the Mormons teach. Jesus is God, and Satan is one of His creations. Jesus is God incarnate—eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful, while Satan is a fallen angel that was created by God for God’s purposes. Instead of acknowledging Jesus as the one true God, they believe He became God, just as they will one day become gods. The Scriptures are clear that Jesus is fully God, not some type of lesser god as the Mormons believe.
Like the Mormons, the Jehovah’s Witnesses also teach that Jesus and Satan are spiritual brothers. While some Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses might sometimes try to sidestep this teaching because it is so antithetical to what the Bible actually says, it is nevertheless what these organizations believe and is part of their official doctrine.
Colossians 1:16 says that in Christ all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth. Visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers! ALL THINGS were created through Him and for Him.” All things—thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers—includes Satan and his demons.
In John 10:30 Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” Jesus was not claiming to be another, lesser god. He was declaring that He was fully God. In John 1:3, it is clear that “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asked the important question: “But who do you say that I am?” This is a question that is essential to salvation and one that the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses get wrong. The god of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses is not the God who revealed Himself in Scripture. Unless these groups repent and come to understand and worship the one true God, they have no hope of salvation. [4]
In Colossians 2:18-19, Paul wrote, “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head [Christ], from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.”
“O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” Psalm 89:8
God’s sovereignty, ownership, power, justice, mercy, and faithfulness exceeds that of all other contenders. Some boast of their possessions, but all possessions ultimately belong to God. Since He is the Creator and Owner of all things. [5]
“You rule the raging of the sea. When its waves rise, You still them. You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain. You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.” Psalm 89:9-10
In Mark 4:37-39, when a furious squall came up, and waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. The wind and waves bowed to Jesus.
“The heavens are Yours the earth also is Yours. You have founded the world and all its fullness. You have created the north and the south. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your Name.” Psalm 89:11-12
The vastness of God’s dominion stretches from north to south, and to little known places of the earth. No place is beyond His reach. Tabor and Hermon are two prominent mountains in Israel. They stand as witnesses to God’s creative power. Creation reflects the glory of God! [6]
“You have a mighty arm. Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.” Psalm 89:13
According to Ephesians 1:21, not only is Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father, but He is also “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Mercy and truth go before Your face.” Psalm 89:14
Every decree God makes is wise and just. Unlike earthly rulers, who may abuse power or act unjustly, God’s rule is founded upon absolute righteousness. [7]
God’s mercy is seen in His gracious promises. His truth is seen as He fulfills His promises. He is always true to His Word and often gives His people more kindness than they deserve. [8]
“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your Name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness, they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:15-17
Ethan sang of God’s mercies, and noted the joy of those who walk in the light that shines from His face. It is in the righteousness of Christ that God’s people rejoice. He was slain for our sins and He redeemed us unto God. All strength and usefulness is imparted to us by Christ. Our horn shall be exalted by His grace. In Scripture, the horn symbolizes strength and honor. [8]
“Then You spoke in a vision to Your Holy One and said: ‘I have given help to One who is mighty. I have exalted One chosen from the people. I have found My Servant David, With My holy oil I have anointed Him, with whom My hand shall be established; also, My arm shall strengthen Him.’” Psalm 89:19-21
This passage points beyond David to Messiah. David was chosen by God from among ordinary people and exalted to the throne. Yet these truths find their highest expression in Christ. Jesus is the Holy One. In Luke 4:18, He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” He is the baptizer in the sanctifying Holy Spirit. He is the “Mighty God” foretold of in Isaiah 9:6. He is the Chosen One to redeem us from our sins.
“The enemy shall not outwit Him, nor the son of wickedness afflict Him. I will beat down His foes before His face, and plague those who hate Him.” Psalm 89:22-23
Satan opposed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, yet could not defeat Him. In John 14:30, Jesus declared, “The prince of this world comes, and has nothing in Me.” [9]
Christ's kingdom cannot fail. Every enemy of redemption will be conquered. The “sure mercies of David” are therefore the sure mercies of Christ—unchangeable covenant blessings flowing from God’s eternal promise and fulfilled through the reign of the Son of David. [10]
Whatever circumstance we face, whatever burden we carry, whatever need remains unmet, Jesus, the Son of David, is the answer.
In Mark 10:46–52, blind Bartimaeus sat by the roadside begging. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he cried out even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped, called for him, and restored his sight. Bartimaeus immediately received his vision and followed Jesus on the way.
Today, we come with the same faith and the same plea: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us.” Whatever our need may be—physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, or financial—“we know that You are able. Open our eyes to see Your power, Your grace, and Your purpose. As You gave sight to Bartimaeus, grant us the help we need today, and lead us to follow You more closely.”
[1] Jamieson-Faussett Brown Commentary
[2] Material based on and modified from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Gotquestions.com
[5] Ibid
[5-10] Material based on and modified from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Thursday, June 4, 2026
For the Soul Full of Troubles – Psalm 88
“A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the Chief Musician. Set to ‘Mahalath Leannoth.’ A Contemplation of Heman the Ezrahite.” Psalm 88 intro
“Mahalath” (a lute) used as an accompaniment for “Leannoth” (singing). [1]
This was a song to be sung in worship. The sons of Korah were a guild of Levites singers. The intro of Psalm 88 credits Heman as the composer of this Psalm. We read in 1 Chronicles 25:1 that the sons of Heman prophesied with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals. His sons were musicians. In 1 Chronicles 25:5, we read that Heman was David’s seer in the words of God. [2]
In 1 Kings 4:30-31, we read that Heman was famous for being wise, yet Solomon’s wisdom exceeded his wisdom. [3]
“O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You.” Psalm 88:1
Heman devoted himself to prayer day and night. He was very earnest in prayer. “I have cried out.” “I have stretched out my hands unto You” (vs. 9), like one seeking to grasp the hem of His garment. He prayed frequently in prayer... “day and night.”
In Luke 18:1, Jesus spoke a parable saying, “Men ought always to pray, and not faint.” And afterwards, In Luke 18:7, He said, “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
When we remain steadfast and persistent in prayer, we may confidently expect God to hear and answer in His perfect time. [4]
“Let my prayer come before You. Incline Your ear to my cry.” Psalm 88:2
Heman directed his prayer to God and looked to Him alone for an answer. His desire was not that his prayer would be seen and admired by men, as the Pharisees sought, but that it would be accepted by God. He was not concerned with human approval. He trusted in God. [5]
“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit. I am like a man who has no strength” Psalm 88:3-4
Some view Heman in this psalm as a type of Christ. In John 12:27, Jesus said, “Now is My soul troubled,” and later in Matthew 26:38, He said, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.” Heman likewise declares, “My life draws near unto the grave.” [6]
Heman was a wise and godly man—a man of God and a singer of Israel. One might naturally expect him to have a cheerful spirit, yet here he is overwhelmed with sorrow, troubled in mind, and brought to the brink of despair. This reminds us that inward troubles are often the most painful of all afflictions, and that even God’s much beloved servants experience them. [7]
“Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand.” Psalm 88:5
Heman viewed himself as a dying man, whose heart was ready to break under the weight of sorrow. “Adrift among the dead” is to be grouped with those who no longer matter. He felt forgotten and neglected, like those whose bodies decay in a tomb and whose condition no longer draws the notice or concern of others. [8]
Heman felt that God remembered him no more. The hand that had supported, sustained, and delivered him previously as moved on to help others. [9]
“You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah!” Psalm 88:6-7
To be in the lowest pit is to be as low as possible. He could not escape without God’s help.
He grieved because it seemed God was against him. Had he been able to discern God’s favor and love in his affliction, the burden would have seemed much lighter. Instead, it lay heavily upon him—so heavily that he was ready to sink and faint beneath it. [10]
The impressions of this perceived wrath upon his spirit were like waves rolling over him one after another. No sooner had he begun to recover from one dark thought than another hit him. These waves crashed upon him with noise and fury. Not merely some, but all of God’s waves seemed to be employed in beating him down. [11]
Sometimes, children of God’s love view themselves as children of wrath. No outward trouble can weigh so heavily upon them as the apprehension that God is displeased with them. [12]
This shows how greatly even good men may be afflicted. Such dismal apprehensions may arise concerning their troubles, and such dark conclusions about their outcome may sometimes be drawn through the power of melancholy and the weakness of faith. [13]
“You have put away my acquaintances far from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am shut up, and I cannot get out.” Psalm 88:8
When we are in trouble, it is a comfort to have people around us who love us and sympathize with our situation. Heman had no such support so he brought his grief to God. [14]
God allowed their affections toward him to grow cold. Every creature is to us only what God permits it to be. If those from whom we expect kindness prove unkind, we must bear it with the same patient submission to God’s will as with other afflictions. [15]
According to Job 1:2, Job and his wife had 10 children together. In Job 1:4, we learn that their sons and daughters took turns feasting at one another’s homes. In Job 1:5, Job made offerings unto God on behalf of his children in case they had sinned against God. He wanted what was best for them. However, after all 10 of their children were killed by whirlwind, his wife said to him, in Job 2:9, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God, and die.” Job lost his children and his wife’s devotion to God and to him all in one day.
Heman grieved that he had become an abomination to his acquaintances. They were not only unwilling to associate with him, but regarded him with contempt and even disgust. He was viewed not merely with indifference but with abhorrence. [16]
Therefore, let no believer think such a trial unusual. Heman, though renowned for his wisdom, was nevertheless neglected when the world turned against him. He was treated like a vessel wherein is no pleasure—discarded and forgotten by those who once knew him. [17]
The apostles of Christ were treated with contempt. In 1 Corinthians 4:9-10, Paul wrote, “I think that God has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death. For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised.”
“My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You. I have stretched out my hands to You.” Psalm 88:9
Sometimes after weeping a person feels better, but better yet, mix your tears with prayers to God. In Isaiah 38:5, God says, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears.” Our sorrow is not hidden from Him, and our tears, joined with faith and prayer, are precious in His sight. [18]
“Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah!” Psalm 88:11
Heman notes that if he dies, he will no longer be able to glorify God on earth. His questions are not expressions of unbelief in the resurrection but earnest pleas for immediate help. [19]
“Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?” Psalm 88:11-12
Heman appeals to God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, wonders, and righteousness, asking how these attributes will be displayed through his life if he is taken away. [20]
“But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You.” Psalm 88:13
Despite receiving no immediate answer, Heman refuses to stop praying. Faith is demonstrated not merely by praying once, but by continuing to pray when answers seem delayed. He fully expected God to rescue him. God’s delays are not necessarily denials. Often He uses them to develop patience, dependence, and perseverance in us. [21]
Heman sought God early in the morning before the duties of the day distracted him. [22]
“Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?” Psalm 88:14
Heman felt abandoned by God, and he let God know it.
“I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth. I suffer Your terrors. I am distraught. Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water. They engulfed me altogether.” Psalm 88:15-17
Ever since Heman was young, he suffered terror or panic attacks. These attacks caused him intense spiritual distress, but they were not necessarily evidence of lost favor with God. [23]
In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul wrote, “We would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” Paul and the apostles suffered afflictions due to their care for others.
Heman teaches us that great wisdom and godliness can coexist alongside feelings of sorrow. His seasons of suffering produced in him seriousness, humility, and dependence upon God. [24]
“Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness.” Psalm 88:18
The Apostle Paul spoke of a similar experience. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, he wrote, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
Heman’s loved ones and friends, God’s sweetest earthly gifts, forsook him. Though he perceived their departure as a sign of God’s departure as well, he continued to speak to God. His prayer is evidence that his faith in God, though battered, had not died. [25]
The wisdom of Psalm 88 is that the absence of comfort is not the absence of faith. Delayed answers should lead to continued prayer, not prayerlessness. Faith is sometimes seen most clearly not in rejoicing, but in refusing to stop praying when no relief is in sight. [26]
The psalm ends without a visible resolution, which makes it especially precious to suffering believers. It assures them that God included in Scripture the prayer of a saint who walked through darkness and yet continued to pray, “Unto You have I cried, O Lord.” [27]
Friend, know that God is with you. In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter wrote to suffering saints, saying, “The God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” In James 5:11, James, a bondservant of Christ, wrote, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
[2-27] Edited and modified material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
“Mahalath” (a lute) used as an accompaniment for “Leannoth” (singing). [1]
This was a song to be sung in worship. The sons of Korah were a guild of Levites singers. The intro of Psalm 88 credits Heman as the composer of this Psalm. We read in 1 Chronicles 25:1 that the sons of Heman prophesied with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals. His sons were musicians. In 1 Chronicles 25:5, we read that Heman was David’s seer in the words of God. [2]
In 1 Kings 4:30-31, we read that Heman was famous for being wise, yet Solomon’s wisdom exceeded his wisdom. [3]
“O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You.” Psalm 88:1
Heman devoted himself to prayer day and night. He was very earnest in prayer. “I have cried out.” “I have stretched out my hands unto You” (vs. 9), like one seeking to grasp the hem of His garment. He prayed frequently in prayer... “day and night.”
In Luke 18:1, Jesus spoke a parable saying, “Men ought always to pray, and not faint.” And afterwards, In Luke 18:7, He said, “And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
When we remain steadfast and persistent in prayer, we may confidently expect God to hear and answer in His perfect time. [4]
“Let my prayer come before You. Incline Your ear to my cry.” Psalm 88:2
Heman directed his prayer to God and looked to Him alone for an answer. His desire was not that his prayer would be seen and admired by men, as the Pharisees sought, but that it would be accepted by God. He was not concerned with human approval. He trusted in God. [5]
“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit. I am like a man who has no strength” Psalm 88:3-4
Some view Heman in this psalm as a type of Christ. In John 12:27, Jesus said, “Now is My soul troubled,” and later in Matthew 26:38, He said, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.” Heman likewise declares, “My life draws near unto the grave.” [6]
Heman was a wise and godly man—a man of God and a singer of Israel. One might naturally expect him to have a cheerful spirit, yet here he is overwhelmed with sorrow, troubled in mind, and brought to the brink of despair. This reminds us that inward troubles are often the most painful of all afflictions, and that even God’s much beloved servants experience them. [7]
“Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand.” Psalm 88:5
Heman viewed himself as a dying man, whose heart was ready to break under the weight of sorrow. “Adrift among the dead” is to be grouped with those who no longer matter. He felt forgotten and neglected, like those whose bodies decay in a tomb and whose condition no longer draws the notice or concern of others. [8]
Heman felt that God remembered him no more. The hand that had supported, sustained, and delivered him previously as moved on to help others. [9]
“You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah!” Psalm 88:6-7
To be in the lowest pit is to be as low as possible. He could not escape without God’s help.
He grieved because it seemed God was against him. Had he been able to discern God’s favor and love in his affliction, the burden would have seemed much lighter. Instead, it lay heavily upon him—so heavily that he was ready to sink and faint beneath it. [10]
The impressions of this perceived wrath upon his spirit were like waves rolling over him one after another. No sooner had he begun to recover from one dark thought than another hit him. These waves crashed upon him with noise and fury. Not merely some, but all of God’s waves seemed to be employed in beating him down. [11]
Sometimes, children of God’s love view themselves as children of wrath. No outward trouble can weigh so heavily upon them as the apprehension that God is displeased with them. [12]
This shows how greatly even good men may be afflicted. Such dismal apprehensions may arise concerning their troubles, and such dark conclusions about their outcome may sometimes be drawn through the power of melancholy and the weakness of faith. [13]
“You have put away my acquaintances far from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am shut up, and I cannot get out.” Psalm 88:8
When we are in trouble, it is a comfort to have people around us who love us and sympathize with our situation. Heman had no such support so he brought his grief to God. [14]
God allowed their affections toward him to grow cold. Every creature is to us only what God permits it to be. If those from whom we expect kindness prove unkind, we must bear it with the same patient submission to God’s will as with other afflictions. [15]
According to Job 1:2, Job and his wife had 10 children together. In Job 1:4, we learn that their sons and daughters took turns feasting at one another’s homes. In Job 1:5, Job made offerings unto God on behalf of his children in case they had sinned against God. He wanted what was best for them. However, after all 10 of their children were killed by whirlwind, his wife said to him, in Job 2:9, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God, and die.” Job lost his children and his wife’s devotion to God and to him all in one day.
Heman grieved that he had become an abomination to his acquaintances. They were not only unwilling to associate with him, but regarded him with contempt and even disgust. He was viewed not merely with indifference but with abhorrence. [16]
Therefore, let no believer think such a trial unusual. Heman, though renowned for his wisdom, was nevertheless neglected when the world turned against him. He was treated like a vessel wherein is no pleasure—discarded and forgotten by those who once knew him. [17]
The apostles of Christ were treated with contempt. In 1 Corinthians 4:9-10, Paul wrote, “I think that God has set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death. For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised.”
“My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You. I have stretched out my hands to You.” Psalm 88:9
Sometimes after weeping a person feels better, but better yet, mix your tears with prayers to God. In Isaiah 38:5, God says, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears.” Our sorrow is not hidden from Him, and our tears, joined with faith and prayer, are precious in His sight. [18]
“Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah!” Psalm 88:11
Heman notes that if he dies, he will no longer be able to glorify God on earth. His questions are not expressions of unbelief in the resurrection but earnest pleas for immediate help. [19]
“Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?” Psalm 88:11-12
Heman appeals to God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, wonders, and righteousness, asking how these attributes will be displayed through his life if he is taken away. [20]
“But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You.” Psalm 88:13
Despite receiving no immediate answer, Heman refuses to stop praying. Faith is demonstrated not merely by praying once, but by continuing to pray when answers seem delayed. He fully expected God to rescue him. God’s delays are not necessarily denials. Often He uses them to develop patience, dependence, and perseverance in us. [21]
Heman sought God early in the morning before the duties of the day distracted him. [22]
“Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?” Psalm 88:14
Heman felt abandoned by God, and he let God know it.
“I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth. I suffer Your terrors. I am distraught. Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water. They engulfed me altogether.” Psalm 88:15-17
Ever since Heman was young, he suffered terror or panic attacks. These attacks caused him intense spiritual distress, but they were not necessarily evidence of lost favor with God. [23]
In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul wrote, “We would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” Paul and the apostles suffered afflictions due to their care for others.
Heman teaches us that great wisdom and godliness can coexist alongside feelings of sorrow. His seasons of suffering produced in him seriousness, humility, and dependence upon God. [24]
“Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness.” Psalm 88:18
The Apostle Paul spoke of a similar experience. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, he wrote, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
Heman’s loved ones and friends, God’s sweetest earthly gifts, forsook him. Though he perceived their departure as a sign of God’s departure as well, he continued to speak to God. His prayer is evidence that his faith in God, though battered, had not died. [25]
The wisdom of Psalm 88 is that the absence of comfort is not the absence of faith. Delayed answers should lead to continued prayer, not prayerlessness. Faith is sometimes seen most clearly not in rejoicing, but in refusing to stop praying when no relief is in sight. [26]
The psalm ends without a visible resolution, which makes it especially precious to suffering believers. It assures them that God included in Scripture the prayer of a saint who walked through darkness and yet continued to pray, “Unto You have I cried, O Lord.” [27]
Friend, know that God is with you. In Hebrews 13:5, the Lord says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter wrote to suffering saints, saying, “The God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” In James 5:11, James, a bondservant of Christ, wrote, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
[2-27] Edited and modified material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Glorious Things are Spoken of You, O City of God – Psalm 87
“A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song.” Psalm 87 intro
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served and worshipped God. [1]
“His foundation is in the holy mountains.” Psalm 87:1
As the psalmists contemplated the glory of God’s house in Jerusalem, they were overwhelmed by its significance. [2] The house of the Lord is founded on holy mountains. Mountains set apart by God for meeting with Him and hearing from Him. God did not create the world and leave it behind as some have suggested. No, He is active and is calling out to people to meet with Him.
Likewise, the Church has a sure foundation with Christ as her Redeemer. The Son of God is her head and husband. His heavenly Jerusalem includes both Jewish and Gentile believers in Him. In Hebrews 11:10, the patriarch Abraham is described as looking forward to “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” [3]
The foundation of God’s work is set upon the mountains. Mountains symbolize exaltation and stability. It is built high to be seen by many people. It is also built firmly, for mountains are rocky, and upon the Rock of Christ the Church stands. [4]
The world, by contrast, is founded upon the seas. In Psalm 24:1-2, we read, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” The seas ebb and flow. They have weak and unstable foundations. The seas necessitate an embrace of the everlasting Rock, Christ. [5]
In Isaiah 54:10, we read, “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.”
“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Psalm 87:2
The dwellings of Jacob speak of private worship. God delights in families who worship Him in their homes. Worship of God in our homes should never cease. [6]
The gates of Zion speak of congregational worship. God’s people congregate in a set location for worship and instruction. In Psalm 134:14, God had declared concerning Zion, “This is my rest forever. Here will I dwell. For I have desired it.” God met with His people, received their worship, and granted to them His grace at the gates of Zion. [7]
Zion also represents Christ. Christ gave His life for our salvation in Zion (Jerusalem). Jesus is the Way to the Father. He is the door to the sheepfold. In Him we are redeemed unto God.
“Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah!” Psalms 87:3
We should judge persons and institutions not by the opinions of the world, but by the estimate placed upon them in Scripture. The enemies of God’s city spoke many contemptuous things against it in an effort to make it appear insignificant and despised. Yet God, whose judgment is always true, speaks glorious things concerning it. [8]
Of His house, God declared in 2 Chronicles 7:16, “My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually” and “I have sanctified this house, that My Name may be there forever” [9]
In Psalm 48:2, Mount Zion is described as “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.”
Yet even greater things are spoken of the Gospel preaching Church. It is the bride of Christ, purchased by His blood. It is a chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Against it, the gates of hell shall never prevail. [10]
Let us never be ashamed of the Church of Christ even when it appears to be weak and despised. Let us not be ashamed of those who belong to it, nor deny our connection with it because of reproach or opposition. God has spoken such glorious things concerning His Church. [11]
“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” Psalm 87:4
Compared with other nations and places Zion is shown to be far superior. The Church of Christ possesses a glory and excellence that surpasses all the kingdoms of the earth. [12]
The psalmists acknowledge the greatness of other lands, saying, “I will make mention of Rahab” (that is, Egypt) “and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia.” [13]
Among these nations one might find notable individuals—men distinguished by wisdom, virtue, or influence. Some might even have become worshipers of the true God. Every nation could point to a few remarkable people who brought honor to their homeland. [14]
Some understand this verse as a prophecy of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church. In this view, God declares that Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will be counted among those who know Him. Though once strangers to the covenant, they will be received as His people through faith in Christ. [15]
These Gentile believers will be regarded as having been born in Zion—born again by God’s grace and granted the privileges of God’s covenant people. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:19, those who were once strangers and foreigners became fellow citizens with the saints. A converted Gentile will stand on equal footing with a believing Jew. [16]
In Isaiah 19:23–25, God prophesied saying, "Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance."
“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself shall establish her.’” Psalm 87:5
From Zion came prophets, kings, and faithful servants who enjoyed God’s special favor and became blessings to the world. The heroes of faith far surpass the celebrated figures of pagan nations, and their names endure in everlasting honor. [17]
Some understand the phrase, “one was born in her,” as a reference to Christ Himself—the Son of Man, who is fairer than the children of men. Though born in Bethlehem, near Zion, He became the supreme glory of Israel. According to Romans 9:5, the highest honor that was bestowed on the Jewish nation was that Christ came from them according to the flesh. [18]
This passage also points to the spread of the Gospel. The Word of the Lord went forth from Zion, and countless souls were born into God’s family. The Church is the birthplace of men and women distinguished not by worldly achievement, but by the gracious election of God. [19]
The strength and permanence of Zion do not depend upon human effort but upon God’s power. The converts from many nations will not weaken the Church, it will strengthen her. [20]
Since God Himself founded Zion upon an everlasting foundation, she will endure despite the upheavals of kingdoms and nations. Though heaven and earth may be shaken, God’s kingdom remains secure because it rests upon Him who cannot be moved. [21]
“The Lord will record when He registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there.’ Selah!” Psalm 87:6
God keeps a perfect record of His people. When He gathers His subjects and reviews His kingdom, He takes special notice of those who belong to Zion. All who have been born again by His Spirit are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. [22]
“Both the singers and the players on instruments say, ‘All my springs are in You.’” Psalm 86:7
Zion is filled with joyful worship. Singers and players of instruments are there. One of Zion’s greatest honors is that God is worshiped there with gladness and praise. His service is not a burden but a delight. [23]
The psalm concludes with the declaration that “All my springs are in You [Lord].” From the Lord flow the streams that refresh and gladden the city of God. Believers find spiritual nourishment in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and in their love for one another. [24]
The springs of a worldly person’s joy are found in wealth, pleasure, and earthly success. The springs of a believer’s joy are found in God and in the means of grace He has provided. [25]
Christ is the source of every spiritual blessing. All our springs are in Him. From Him flow every stream of grace, comfort, strength, and joy. The Father has been pleased that all fullness should dwell in Christ, and all believers rejoice that it is so. [26]
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2-26] Some portions of these paragraphs are derived from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served and worshipped God. [1]
“His foundation is in the holy mountains.” Psalm 87:1
As the psalmists contemplated the glory of God’s house in Jerusalem, they were overwhelmed by its significance. [2] The house of the Lord is founded on holy mountains. Mountains set apart by God for meeting with Him and hearing from Him. God did not create the world and leave it behind as some have suggested. No, He is active and is calling out to people to meet with Him.
Likewise, the Church has a sure foundation with Christ as her Redeemer. The Son of God is her head and husband. His heavenly Jerusalem includes both Jewish and Gentile believers in Him. In Hebrews 11:10, the patriarch Abraham is described as looking forward to “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” [3]
The foundation of God’s work is set upon the mountains. Mountains symbolize exaltation and stability. It is built high to be seen by many people. It is also built firmly, for mountains are rocky, and upon the Rock of Christ the Church stands. [4]
The world, by contrast, is founded upon the seas. In Psalm 24:1-2, we read, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” The seas ebb and flow. They have weak and unstable foundations. The seas necessitate an embrace of the everlasting Rock, Christ. [5]
In Isaiah 54:10, we read, “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.”
“The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” Psalm 87:2
The dwellings of Jacob speak of private worship. God delights in families who worship Him in their homes. Worship of God in our homes should never cease. [6]
The gates of Zion speak of congregational worship. God’s people congregate in a set location for worship and instruction. In Psalm 134:14, God had declared concerning Zion, “This is my rest forever. Here will I dwell. For I have desired it.” God met with His people, received their worship, and granted to them His grace at the gates of Zion. [7]
Zion also represents Christ. Christ gave His life for our salvation in Zion (Jerusalem). Jesus is the Way to the Father. He is the door to the sheepfold. In Him we are redeemed unto God.
“Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God! Selah!” Psalms 87:3
We should judge persons and institutions not by the opinions of the world, but by the estimate placed upon them in Scripture. The enemies of God’s city spoke many contemptuous things against it in an effort to make it appear insignificant and despised. Yet God, whose judgment is always true, speaks glorious things concerning it. [8]
Of His house, God declared in 2 Chronicles 7:16, “My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually” and “I have sanctified this house, that My Name may be there forever” [9]
In Psalm 48:2, Mount Zion is described as “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth.”
Yet even greater things are spoken of the Gospel preaching Church. It is the bride of Christ, purchased by His blood. It is a chosen people, a holy nation, and a royal priesthood. Against it, the gates of hell shall never prevail. [10]
Let us never be ashamed of the Church of Christ even when it appears to be weak and despised. Let us not be ashamed of those who belong to it, nor deny our connection with it because of reproach or opposition. God has spoken such glorious things concerning His Church. [11]
“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” Psalm 87:4
Compared with other nations and places Zion is shown to be far superior. The Church of Christ possesses a glory and excellence that surpasses all the kingdoms of the earth. [12]
The psalmists acknowledge the greatness of other lands, saying, “I will make mention of Rahab” (that is, Egypt) “and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia.” [13]
Among these nations one might find notable individuals—men distinguished by wisdom, virtue, or influence. Some might even have become worshipers of the true God. Every nation could point to a few remarkable people who brought honor to their homeland. [14]
Some understand this verse as a prophecy of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church. In this view, God declares that Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia will be counted among those who know Him. Though once strangers to the covenant, they will be received as His people through faith in Christ. [15]
These Gentile believers will be regarded as having been born in Zion—born again by God’s grace and granted the privileges of God’s covenant people. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:19, those who were once strangers and foreigners became fellow citizens with the saints. A converted Gentile will stand on equal footing with a believing Jew. [16]
In Isaiah 19:23–25, God prophesied saying, "Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance."
“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her, and the Most High Himself shall establish her.’” Psalm 87:5
From Zion came prophets, kings, and faithful servants who enjoyed God’s special favor and became blessings to the world. The heroes of faith far surpass the celebrated figures of pagan nations, and their names endure in everlasting honor. [17]
Some understand the phrase, “one was born in her,” as a reference to Christ Himself—the Son of Man, who is fairer than the children of men. Though born in Bethlehem, near Zion, He became the supreme glory of Israel. According to Romans 9:5, the highest honor that was bestowed on the Jewish nation was that Christ came from them according to the flesh. [18]
This passage also points to the spread of the Gospel. The Word of the Lord went forth from Zion, and countless souls were born into God’s family. The Church is the birthplace of men and women distinguished not by worldly achievement, but by the gracious election of God. [19]
The strength and permanence of Zion do not depend upon human effort but upon God’s power. The converts from many nations will not weaken the Church, it will strengthen her. [20]
Since God Himself founded Zion upon an everlasting foundation, she will endure despite the upheavals of kingdoms and nations. Though heaven and earth may be shaken, God’s kingdom remains secure because it rests upon Him who cannot be moved. [21]
“The Lord will record when He registers the peoples: ‘This one was born there.’ Selah!” Psalm 87:6
God keeps a perfect record of His people. When He gathers His subjects and reviews His kingdom, He takes special notice of those who belong to Zion. All who have been born again by His Spirit are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. [22]
“Both the singers and the players on instruments say, ‘All my springs are in You.’” Psalm 86:7
Zion is filled with joyful worship. Singers and players of instruments are there. One of Zion’s greatest honors is that God is worshiped there with gladness and praise. His service is not a burden but a delight. [23]
The psalm concludes with the declaration that “All my springs are in You [Lord].” From the Lord flow the streams that refresh and gladden the city of God. Believers find spiritual nourishment in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and in their love for one another. [24]
The springs of a worldly person’s joy are found in wealth, pleasure, and earthly success. The springs of a believer’s joy are found in God and in the means of grace He has provided. [25]
Christ is the source of every spiritual blessing. All our springs are in Him. From Him flow every stream of grace, comfort, strength, and joy. The Father has been pleased that all fullness should dwell in Christ, and all believers rejoice that it is so. [26]
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2-26] Some portions of these paragraphs are derived from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Resting In Hope – Psalm 86
“A Prayer of David.” Psalm 86 intro
While David did not sing all of his prayers, he often wove prayer into his songs.
The language of Psalm 86 is remarkably plain compared to some of David’s other writings. There are few poetic flourishes, reminding us that eloquence is not the chief ornament of prayer. [1]
“Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy.” Psalm 86:1
The imagery of this passage is of David being small compared to God who is great. He needs God the Creator and Sustainer of the universe to come down to his level and listen to Him. This is how prophets see God. In Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah declared that God “created the heavens and stretched them out.” Similarly, in Jeremiah 32:17, Jeremiah acknowledged God’s greatness in his prayer, saying, “Ah Lord God! behold, You have made the heaven and the earth by Your great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for You.”
God’s love for us is demonstrated in the fact that though He is the supreme and sovereign being over everything, He is still willing to listen to us when we call upon His Name.
David confessed his need of God, saying, “I am poor and needy.”
In the Gospels, we read of Jesus stopping by the waysides to help poor and needy people. For example, in Luke 7:11-17, seeing a grieving widow about to bury her only son, the heart of Jesus overflowed with compassion, and He brought the young man back to life. Which of us could do that for someone? Thus, we are poor and needy, but God is rich and powerful.
“Preserve my life, for I am holy. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You!” Psalm 86:2
David wanted God to preserve his separated-life for God’s glory. A holy person is a witness for God in a world that needs to know Him. How many people have offered their lives to God to love and serve Him? The world needs more of such people not less.
“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long.” Psalm 86:3
In Mark 10:46-52, when Jesus came to Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Many told him to be quiet, but he kept on crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you whole.” “Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
Though David was a king, and lived in a palace, he too cried out persistently to God for mercy. He cried to the Lord all the day long. He did not wait until the Sabbath Day to pray. He prayed daily. In Psalm 55:17, David wrote, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and He [God] shall hear my voice.”
David set for us an example. We too can plead for God’s mercy at any time and at any place, and He will hear our voice.
“Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 86:4
When God fills our soul with His presence, we overflow with joy!
Prayer is one of the chief means by which God nourishes the joy of His people. [2]
David saw himself as God’s servant. He sang, “I am Your servant.” Paul introduced himself in his letters to people as God’s servant. For example, in Titus 1:1, he wrote, “Paul, a servant of God.”
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications.” Psalm 86:5-6
The Lord’s goodness includes a readiness to forgive sinners—more ready to forgive than we are to repent. [3] His enemies called Jesus a “friend of sinners.” What a friend we have in Jesus!
In Ephesians 2:4, Paul wrote that God is rich in mercy. In Acts 20:35, he remembered the words of the Lord Jesus, how Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” Psalm 86:7
Unlike idols of stone and wood which cannot answer prayers, God answered David’s prayers. [4]
“Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:8
Among all the gods worshiped by the heathen, among angels, kings, and rulers, there is none like the Lord. No one can match His infinite wisdom. No one can fathom the depths of His love.
God works are works of love. He shares His power with us to heal our bodies. He shares His understanding with us to help us solve problems. He imparts wisdom to us to help us make wise decisions. He fills our hearts with love so we can love as He loves.
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your Name. For You are great and do wondrous things. You alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10
All nations derive their existence from God. Therefore, all peoples shall ultimately come and worship before Him and glorify His Name. This promise was partially fulfilled through those who embraced the worship of Israel’s God, but it finds its fullest accomplishment in the kingdom of Christ, when people from every nation are brought to worship the Lord (See Revelation 7:9). Since all things were created through Christ, it is Christ who gathers the nations to God. [5]
“Teach me Your way, O Lord. I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your Name.” Psalm 86:11
David’s life was well-founded on divine truth, yet he recognized his need for God’s continued guidance. [6] He wanted to walk in paths of righteousness for the Lord’s Name sake.
A hypocrite’s heart is divided. He acts as a servant of God but in his heart he is for himself. With our affections fixed on God, we bear fruit that brings glory to God and needed help to people.
“I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your Name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:12-13
David delighted in praising the Lord. He resolved to praise the Lord with all his heart and to glorify His Name forever. This determination sprang forth from his personal experience of God's mercy. He professed to God saying, “Great is Your mercy toward me.”
God's delivered David’s soul from “the lowest hell.” David understood that his sins deserved eternal condemnation, particularly after his grievous sin concerning Uriah. Yet God forgave him and spared him from destruction. [7]
Every believer owes his or her salvation not to personal merit but to God’s mercy. [8]
“O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life and have not set You before them.” Psalm 86:14
David lays before God the hostility of his enemies. They despise him. They seek to overpower him. His foes unite together to destroy him. They seek not only his downfall but his very life.
David’s enemies opposed those who served God. They lacked fear of God, and thus, did not restrain their evil intentions. However, in opposing God’s servant, they opposed God.
God’s sovereignty is absolute. His power is irresistible. His riches are inexhaustible. His dominion is unquestionable. His wondrous works demonstrate that He alone is God. All people should maintain lofty thoughts of God and a proper perspective of themselves before Him.
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15
The words of Psalm 86:15 are similar to Exodus 34:6. As the Lord passed by Moses, He said to Moses, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Those who know the Lord, know Him in this way.
“O, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant and save the son of Your maidservant.” Psalm 86:16
David asked for comforting mercy. When enemies attacked him and friends forsook him, David found comfort in knowing that God looked upon him with tender compassion. [9]
David asked God for His strength. Both he and his mother (God’s handmaid) served Him. [10]
“Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalm 86:17
David desired some unmistakable evidence of God’s blessing, not merely for his own assurance but so that those who hated him would see it and be ashamed of themselves. [11]
When God openly helps and comforts His people, it becomes clear that opposing them is opposing God. The joy of God’s servants becomes the shame of those who persecute them.
Thus, Psalm 86 closes with David resting in hope with the God who helps, comforts, strengthens, and delivers Him. We too can rest in hope when we have a close relationship with the Lord.
[1] Edited material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
[10] Ibid
[11] Ibid
While David did not sing all of his prayers, he often wove prayer into his songs.
The language of Psalm 86 is remarkably plain compared to some of David’s other writings. There are few poetic flourishes, reminding us that eloquence is not the chief ornament of prayer. [1]
“Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me, for I am poor and needy.” Psalm 86:1
The imagery of this passage is of David being small compared to God who is great. He needs God the Creator and Sustainer of the universe to come down to his level and listen to Him. This is how prophets see God. In Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah declared that God “created the heavens and stretched them out.” Similarly, in Jeremiah 32:17, Jeremiah acknowledged God’s greatness in his prayer, saying, “Ah Lord God! behold, You have made the heaven and the earth by Your great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for You.”
God’s love for us is demonstrated in the fact that though He is the supreme and sovereign being over everything, He is still willing to listen to us when we call upon His Name.
David confessed his need of God, saying, “I am poor and needy.”
In the Gospels, we read of Jesus stopping by the waysides to help poor and needy people. For example, in Luke 7:11-17, seeing a grieving widow about to bury her only son, the heart of Jesus overflowed with compassion, and He brought the young man back to life. Which of us could do that for someone? Thus, we are poor and needy, but God is rich and powerful.
“Preserve my life, for I am holy. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You!” Psalm 86:2
David wanted God to preserve his separated-life for God’s glory. A holy person is a witness for God in a world that needs to know Him. How many people have offered their lives to God to love and serve Him? The world needs more of such people not less.
“Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long.” Psalm 86:3
In Mark 10:46-52, when Jesus came to Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus began to cry out, and say, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” Many told him to be quiet, but he kept on crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you whole.” “Immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”
Though David was a king, and lived in a palace, he too cried out persistently to God for mercy. He cried to the Lord all the day long. He did not wait until the Sabbath Day to pray. He prayed daily. In Psalm 55:17, David wrote, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and He [God] shall hear my voice.”
David set for us an example. We too can plead for God’s mercy at any time and at any place, and He will hear our voice.
“Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” Psalm 86:4
When God fills our soul with His presence, we overflow with joy!
Prayer is one of the chief means by which God nourishes the joy of His people. [2]
David saw himself as God’s servant. He sang, “I am Your servant.” Paul introduced himself in his letters to people as God’s servant. For example, in Titus 1:1, he wrote, “Paul, a servant of God.”
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications.” Psalm 86:5-6
The Lord’s goodness includes a readiness to forgive sinners—more ready to forgive than we are to repent. [3] His enemies called Jesus a “friend of sinners.” What a friend we have in Jesus!
In Ephesians 2:4, Paul wrote that God is rich in mercy. In Acts 20:35, he remembered the words of the Lord Jesus, how Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” Psalm 86:7
Unlike idols of stone and wood which cannot answer prayers, God answered David’s prayers. [4]
“Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:8
Among all the gods worshiped by the heathen, among angels, kings, and rulers, there is none like the Lord. No one can match His infinite wisdom. No one can fathom the depths of His love.
God works are works of love. He shares His power with us to heal our bodies. He shares His understanding with us to help us solve problems. He imparts wisdom to us to help us make wise decisions. He fills our hearts with love so we can love as He loves.
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your Name. For You are great and do wondrous things. You alone are God.” Psalm 86:9-10
All nations derive their existence from God. Therefore, all peoples shall ultimately come and worship before Him and glorify His Name. This promise was partially fulfilled through those who embraced the worship of Israel’s God, but it finds its fullest accomplishment in the kingdom of Christ, when people from every nation are brought to worship the Lord (See Revelation 7:9). Since all things were created through Christ, it is Christ who gathers the nations to God. [5]
“Teach me Your way, O Lord. I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your Name.” Psalm 86:11
David’s life was well-founded on divine truth, yet he recognized his need for God’s continued guidance. [6] He wanted to walk in paths of righteousness for the Lord’s Name sake.
A hypocrite’s heart is divided. He acts as a servant of God but in his heart he is for himself. With our affections fixed on God, we bear fruit that brings glory to God and needed help to people.
“I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your Name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:12-13
David delighted in praising the Lord. He resolved to praise the Lord with all his heart and to glorify His Name forever. This determination sprang forth from his personal experience of God's mercy. He professed to God saying, “Great is Your mercy toward me.”
God's delivered David’s soul from “the lowest hell.” David understood that his sins deserved eternal condemnation, particularly after his grievous sin concerning Uriah. Yet God forgave him and spared him from destruction. [7]
Every believer owes his or her salvation not to personal merit but to God’s mercy. [8]
“O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life and have not set You before them.” Psalm 86:14
David lays before God the hostility of his enemies. They despise him. They seek to overpower him. His foes unite together to destroy him. They seek not only his downfall but his very life.
David’s enemies opposed those who served God. They lacked fear of God, and thus, did not restrain their evil intentions. However, in opposing God’s servant, they opposed God.
God’s sovereignty is absolute. His power is irresistible. His riches are inexhaustible. His dominion is unquestionable. His wondrous works demonstrate that He alone is God. All people should maintain lofty thoughts of God and a proper perspective of themselves before Him.
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15
The words of Psalm 86:15 are similar to Exodus 34:6. As the Lord passed by Moses, He said to Moses, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Those who know the Lord, know Him in this way.
“O, turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant and save the son of Your maidservant.” Psalm 86:16
David asked for comforting mercy. When enemies attacked him and friends forsook him, David found comfort in knowing that God looked upon him with tender compassion. [9]
David asked God for His strength. Both he and his mother (God’s handmaid) served Him. [10]
“Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” Psalm 86:17
David desired some unmistakable evidence of God’s blessing, not merely for his own assurance but so that those who hated him would see it and be ashamed of themselves. [11]
When God openly helps and comforts His people, it becomes clear that opposing them is opposing God. The joy of God’s servants becomes the shame of those who persecute them.
Thus, Psalm 86 closes with David resting in hope with the God who helps, comforts, strengthens, and delivers Him. We too can rest in hope when we have a close relationship with the Lord.
[1] Edited material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
[10] Ibid
[11] Ibid
Monday, June 1, 2026
Rejoicing in God Revived – Psalm 85
“To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.” Psalm 85 intro
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served and worshipped God. Psalm 85 was sent to the chief musician to be set to music. [1]
“Lord, You have been favorable to Your land. You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah! You have taken away all Your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.” Psalm 85:1-3
God’s favor is manifested to us as He sets us free from our various vices.
For example, in the past, being number one in whatever I did was a motivating factor for me. But the Lord was gracious to me and revealed to me what I could not see. I was foolish. I was sinful. My self-serving gains were actually losses, for by them, I was not like Christ to others.
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, we read, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
In Mark 9:35, Jesus sat down with His twelve disciples and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Sin distances us from God. The only back to Him is via repentance.
In Acts 3:19-20, Peter urged his listeners to repent and be converted, so that their sins would be blotted out, and that they would receive times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In Acts 3:26, he added, “God raised up His Servant Jesus to bless you by turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
“Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” Psalm 85:4-7
The singers of this song believed in God’s restorative grace.
In Matthew 13:12-14, Jesus asked His listeners, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
The one sheep that went astray put himself and ninety-nine others at risk. The Good Shepherd was compelled by mercy and love to rescue the straying sheep from harm. He brought the prodigal back into the sheep fold, and He rejoiced to have him back again among His flock.
The singers of Psalm 85 wanted God’s wrath against Israel to end, and His saving work to begin.
They looked to the Lord for salvation. They had tried to come to God by their own efforts and failed. Apart from God’s mercy, they had no hope that their appetite for sin would end and their appetite for God would begin and grow.
In Hebrews 7:25, we read, “He [Jesus Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
The singers of Psalm 85 wanted a revival of rejoicing in God.
“I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints, but let them not turn back to folly.” Psalm 85:8
Revival begins when people become desperate to hear and heed what God speaks.
God refers to people who seek and serve Him as being saints. They no longer seek to please the world. They seek to please God and bring Him glory.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
God’s peace comes to us as we are transformed and conformed to His image.
“Let them not turn again to folly.” All sin is folly. Sin is a departure from Him who loves us most.
“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalm 85:9
God demonstrates His respect for us who respect Him by saving us from all the works of the evil one. His deliverances yield from us praise, honor and glory to His Name.
In 2 Timothy 4:18, Paul wrote, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
“Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him and shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Psalm 85:10-13
In James 3:18, we read, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
In Hebrews 12:11, the Lord empathizes with us and encourages us by saying, “No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
In Ephesians 5:9, Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”
It is in Christ that mercy and truth come together. Righteousness and peace are from Him. In Christ, God shows mercy to sinners without compromising His holiness, truth, or justice. God remains righteous while justifying those who believe in Jesus.
“The Lord gives what is good.” 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.”
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [daily provisions] shall be added to you.”
“Righteousness shall go before Him.” God’s faithful promises and His sanctifying work in His people prepare the way for His blessings. Righteousness both encourages our hope and guides our conduct. It goes before us as a guide, directing us into the path of God’s steps so that we may walk in fellowship with Him and meet Him gladly when He comes in mercy. [2]
Christ, the Son of Righteousness, leads us to God and places us in the path that leads to life.
Righteousness is a sure guide both in approaching God and in walking with Him.
In Psalm 85:6-7, the singers asked God, “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” Rejoicing in God is a fruit of a revived soul. “Heavenly Father, please show us this mercy and grant us this salvation. For we desire this from You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2] Edited material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served and worshipped God. Psalm 85 was sent to the chief musician to be set to music. [1]
“Lord, You have been favorable to Your land. You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah! You have taken away all Your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.” Psalm 85:1-3
God’s favor is manifested to us as He sets us free from our various vices.
For example, in the past, being number one in whatever I did was a motivating factor for me. But the Lord was gracious to me and revealed to me what I could not see. I was foolish. I was sinful. My self-serving gains were actually losses, for by them, I was not like Christ to others.
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, we read, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
In Mark 9:35, Jesus sat down with His twelve disciples and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Sin distances us from God. The only back to Him is via repentance.
In Acts 3:19-20, Peter urged his listeners to repent and be converted, so that their sins would be blotted out, and that they would receive times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. In Acts 3:26, he added, “God raised up His Servant Jesus to bless you by turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
“Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” Psalm 85:4-7
The singers of this song believed in God’s restorative grace.
In Matthew 13:12-14, Jesus asked His listeners, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
The one sheep that went astray put himself and ninety-nine others at risk. The Good Shepherd was compelled by mercy and love to rescue the straying sheep from harm. He brought the prodigal back into the sheep fold, and He rejoiced to have him back again among His flock.
The singers of Psalm 85 wanted God’s wrath against Israel to end, and His saving work to begin.
They looked to the Lord for salvation. They had tried to come to God by their own efforts and failed. Apart from God’s mercy, they had no hope that their appetite for sin would end and their appetite for God would begin and grow.
In Hebrews 7:25, we read, “He [Jesus Christ] is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
The singers of Psalm 85 wanted a revival of rejoicing in God.
“I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints, but let them not turn back to folly.” Psalm 85:8
Revival begins when people become desperate to hear and heed what God speaks.
God refers to people who seek and serve Him as being saints. They no longer seek to please the world. They seek to please God and bring Him glory.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
God’s peace comes to us as we are transformed and conformed to His image.
“Let them not turn again to folly.” All sin is folly. Sin is a departure from Him who loves us most.
“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalm 85:9
God demonstrates His respect for us who respect Him by saving us from all the works of the evil one. His deliverances yield from us praise, honor and glory to His Name.
In 2 Timothy 4:18, Paul wrote, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
“Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him and shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Psalm 85:10-13
In James 3:18, we read, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
In Hebrews 12:11, the Lord empathizes with us and encourages us by saying, “No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
In Ephesians 5:9, Paul wrote, “The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.”
It is in Christ that mercy and truth come together. Righteousness and peace are from Him. In Christ, God shows mercy to sinners without compromising His holiness, truth, or justice. God remains righteous while justifying those who believe in Jesus.
“The Lord gives what is good.” 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.”
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [daily provisions] shall be added to you.”
“Righteousness shall go before Him.” God’s faithful promises and His sanctifying work in His people prepare the way for His blessings. Righteousness both encourages our hope and guides our conduct. It goes before us as a guide, directing us into the path of God’s steps so that we may walk in fellowship with Him and meet Him gladly when He comes in mercy. [2]
Christ, the Son of Righteousness, leads us to God and places us in the path that leads to life.
Righteousness is a sure guide both in approaching God and in walking with Him.
In Psalm 85:6-7, the singers asked God, “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.” Rejoicing in God is a fruit of a revived soul. “Heavenly Father, please show us this mercy and grant us this salvation. For we desire this from You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2] Edited material from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Blessed with Nearness to God – Psalm 84
“To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.” Psalm 84 intro
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served God as worshippers and doorkeepers rather than following their ancestor Korah’s fatal rebellion. Psalm 84 was sent to the chief musician to be set to music. [1]
“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1-2
The “tabernacle” refers to the place of God’s presence, including the various courts and holy places associated with worship. Though outwardly simple, the sanctuary possessed spiritual beauty because God’s presence was there. To the faithful soul, holiness and communion with God are exceedingly precious. [2]
Praise be to God for placing within our souls an intense longing for Him.
While I was at Elitch Amusement Park this week with my grandchildren, the thought crossed my mind, “Is this a judgment against me and those in this park that we are here and not serving Christ on mission fields where lost souls need to hear the Gospel?” While I enjoyed the rides and seeing my grandchildren happy, I also thought of better times in my past, when God’s Spirit helped me to die to self and live for Christ as His ambassador to China. Possessions-wise my family was poor back then, but spiritually speaking, we were rich in Christ. Thankfully, the Lord also gave to me moments of spiritual blessings with my grandchildren this week,
I like what Paul said while being tried in a court of law for his faith. In Acts 26:28-29, King Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Then, Paul replied, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
Being a witness for Christ was a wonderful experience for Paul. He gladly wore chains to magnify his love for Jesus, but his greatest hope for his listeners was that they, too, would believe in Christ and receive His salvation.
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.” Psalm 84:3
The psalmist is happy for the small birds who dwell near God’s altars. Their nests beside the sanctuary symbolize nearness, rest, and belonging in God’s presence. He would rather dwell humbly near God than live comfortably far away from Him.
The birds didn’t pass by God’s altars. They nested there. O that all of us would so desire not to merely to visit with God occasionally, but to dwell in His presence continually. The mention of the birds raising their young near the altar also suggests the godly desire for one’s children to know and love the Lord. [3]
The two altars in the tabernacle—the altar of sacrifice and the altar of incense—point spiritually to both atonement and intercession, fulfilled ultimately in Christ. [4]
“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, they will still be praising You. Selah!” Psalm 84:4
“Those continually engaged in God’s service are called blessed because their lives are filled with praise. The psalmist envies the priests and Levites who minister daily before God. Continual praise is portrayed as a foretaste of heaven itself, where redeemed saints and angels worship without ceasing.” [5]
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring. The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength. Each one appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7
The truly blessed person finds strength in God and delights in the ways that lead to Him. The pilgrim journey to Zion represents the believer’s spiritual journey toward God. [6]
The “Valley of Baca” symbolizes hardship, dryness, and sorrow. Yet faithful pilgrims transform it into a place of springs because God refreshes those who seek Him. Difficulties do not stop them from worship. No, instead, trials deepen their dependence upon God’s grace. [7]
“They go from strength to strength” describes continual spiritual growth. Rather than becoming weary, believers are renewed as they draw nearer to God. [8]
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Worship of God was never meant to be a legal obligation or drain on us. No, true worship of God yields renewed joy, peace, and energy for our souls.
“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer! Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah!” Psalm 84:8
The Lord God is over the hosts. The word for “hosts” in Hebrews is “צָבָא” which means a mass of people or things gathered for war. [9] The Psalmist wants the Lord God to employ His armies against that which would keep him from being close to God.
“The God of Jacob” is mindful of the covenant that He made with Jacob and by extension to his descendants. The singer of this psalm wants the Lord to be with him as He was with Jacob.
“O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed.” Psalm 84:9
In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abraham: “Fear not, Abraham, I am your shield.”
The names Christ and Messiah mean Anointed One. We ask God to look at us through face of Christ. It is in Messiah that we find mercy. It is in Christ that we have victory over all the works of darkness. In Luke 10:17, seventy disciples returned to the Lord, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.”
Though the singer of this song was far from a place where people worshipped God, God still remained with him, and gave him messianic blessings, and protection.
The singer of this psalm sees a Mediator. The words, “Look upon the face of Your anointed,” ultimately point to the Messiah. It is in Messiah that we come boldly to the throne of God’s grace to receive help in time of need. By faith we look to the Anointed One, and through Him God graciously looks upon us.
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10
Compared to days, years, or even ages spent in worldly pleasure, a single day devoted to God surpasses them all. One day in God’s presence is sweeter than long years consumed by worldly business or entertainment. Even the tabernacle, though only curtains outwardly, became more glorious than a palace because God’s presence dwelt there. [10]
Unlike the Pharisees who sought the chief seats in the synagogue, the Psalmist cared nothing for prominence or recognition. He learned by experience that though the Lord is high and lofty, and though He inhabits eternity, He also dwells with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. [11] In Isaiah 66:2, the Lord says, “On this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.”
Some associate the phrase “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” with Exodus 21:5-6. In Exodus 21:5-6, the Lord said to Moses, “If a servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.” [12]
The singer of this psalm desires a life filled with devotion to God. He or she prefers permanent service unto God over the greatest freedom to sin. Such communion with God is a delight. [13]
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12
What is God to His people? As a sun, God enlightens, guides, and gives life in a dark world. As a shield, He protects His people from danger and surrounds them with His favor. Those who walk in His light and remain under His protection will have His provisions. [14]
What does God give to His people? “The Lord will give grace and glory.” Grace includes both God’s favor toward us and His work within us. Glory includes both the honor He gives His children now and the eternal inheritance awaiting them. Grace prepares believers for glory, and glory perfects grace. Both are free gifts from God. Wherever He gives true grace, He will give glory. No one will receive glory who has rejected His grace. [15]
The Lord withholds no good thing from upright walkers. As we freely give to God offerings of upright living, He freely gives to us blessings that only He can bestow upon us.
Blessed are all who place their trust in God. Though access to public worship is a great privilege, even those deprived of it are not excluded from God’s blessings. If we cannot physically enter the house of the Lord, we may still go by faith to the Lord of the house. In Him we find true happiness, security, and peace. [16] Praise the Lord!
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Strong's (Hebrew & Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament)
[10] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[11] Isaiah 57:15
[12] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[13] Ibid
[14] Ibid
[15] Ibid
[16] Ibid
“The sons of Korah” were a guild of Levite musicians who served God as worshippers and doorkeepers rather than following their ancestor Korah’s fatal rebellion. Psalm 84 was sent to the chief musician to be set to music. [1]
“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1-2
The “tabernacle” refers to the place of God’s presence, including the various courts and holy places associated with worship. Though outwardly simple, the sanctuary possessed spiritual beauty because God’s presence was there. To the faithful soul, holiness and communion with God are exceedingly precious. [2]
Praise be to God for placing within our souls an intense longing for Him.
While I was at Elitch Amusement Park this week with my grandchildren, the thought crossed my mind, “Is this a judgment against me and those in this park that we are here and not serving Christ on mission fields where lost souls need to hear the Gospel?” While I enjoyed the rides and seeing my grandchildren happy, I also thought of better times in my past, when God’s Spirit helped me to die to self and live for Christ as His ambassador to China. Possessions-wise my family was poor back then, but spiritually speaking, we were rich in Christ. Thankfully, the Lord also gave to me moments of spiritual blessings with my grandchildren this week,
I like what Paul said while being tried in a court of law for his faith. In Acts 26:28-29, King Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Then, Paul replied, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
Being a witness for Christ was a wonderful experience for Paul. He gladly wore chains to magnify his love for Jesus, but his greatest hope for his listeners was that they, too, would believe in Christ and receive His salvation.
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.” Psalm 84:3
The psalmist is happy for the small birds who dwell near God’s altars. Their nests beside the sanctuary symbolize nearness, rest, and belonging in God’s presence. He would rather dwell humbly near God than live comfortably far away from Him.
The birds didn’t pass by God’s altars. They nested there. O that all of us would so desire not to merely to visit with God occasionally, but to dwell in His presence continually. The mention of the birds raising their young near the altar also suggests the godly desire for one’s children to know and love the Lord. [3]
The two altars in the tabernacle—the altar of sacrifice and the altar of incense—point spiritually to both atonement and intercession, fulfilled ultimately in Christ. [4]
“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, they will still be praising You. Selah!” Psalm 84:4
“Those continually engaged in God’s service are called blessed because their lives are filled with praise. The psalmist envies the priests and Levites who minister daily before God. Continual praise is portrayed as a foretaste of heaven itself, where redeemed saints and angels worship without ceasing.” [5]
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring. The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength. Each one appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7
The truly blessed person finds strength in God and delights in the ways that lead to Him. The pilgrim journey to Zion represents the believer’s spiritual journey toward God. [6]
The “Valley of Baca” symbolizes hardship, dryness, and sorrow. Yet faithful pilgrims transform it into a place of springs because God refreshes those who seek Him. Difficulties do not stop them from worship. No, instead, trials deepen their dependence upon God’s grace. [7]
“They go from strength to strength” describes continual spiritual growth. Rather than becoming weary, believers are renewed as they draw nearer to God. [8]
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Worship of God was never meant to be a legal obligation or drain on us. No, true worship of God yields renewed joy, peace, and energy for our souls.
“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer! Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah!” Psalm 84:8
The Lord God is over the hosts. The word for “hosts” in Hebrews is “צָבָא” which means a mass of people or things gathered for war. [9] The Psalmist wants the Lord God to employ His armies against that which would keep him from being close to God.
“The God of Jacob” is mindful of the covenant that He made with Jacob and by extension to his descendants. The singer of this psalm wants the Lord to be with him as He was with Jacob.
“O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed.” Psalm 84:9
In Genesis 15:1, God said to Abraham: “Fear not, Abraham, I am your shield.”
The names Christ and Messiah mean Anointed One. We ask God to look at us through face of Christ. It is in Messiah that we find mercy. It is in Christ that we have victory over all the works of darkness. In Luke 10:17, seventy disciples returned to the Lord, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name.”
Though the singer of this song was far from a place where people worshipped God, God still remained with him, and gave him messianic blessings, and protection.
The singer of this psalm sees a Mediator. The words, “Look upon the face of Your anointed,” ultimately point to the Messiah. It is in Messiah that we come boldly to the throne of God’s grace to receive help in time of need. By faith we look to the Anointed One, and through Him God graciously looks upon us.
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10
Compared to days, years, or even ages spent in worldly pleasure, a single day devoted to God surpasses them all. One day in God’s presence is sweeter than long years consumed by worldly business or entertainment. Even the tabernacle, though only curtains outwardly, became more glorious than a palace because God’s presence dwelt there. [10]
Unlike the Pharisees who sought the chief seats in the synagogue, the Psalmist cared nothing for prominence or recognition. He learned by experience that though the Lord is high and lofty, and though He inhabits eternity, He also dwells with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. [11] In Isaiah 66:2, the Lord says, “On this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My Word.”
Some associate the phrase “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” with Exodus 21:5-6. In Exodus 21:5-6, the Lord said to Moses, “If a servant plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free,’ then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.” [12]
The singer of this psalm desires a life filled with devotion to God. He or she prefers permanent service unto God over the greatest freedom to sin. Such communion with God is a delight. [13]
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:11-12
What is God to His people? As a sun, God enlightens, guides, and gives life in a dark world. As a shield, He protects His people from danger and surrounds them with His favor. Those who walk in His light and remain under His protection will have His provisions. [14]
What does God give to His people? “The Lord will give grace and glory.” Grace includes both God’s favor toward us and His work within us. Glory includes both the honor He gives His children now and the eternal inheritance awaiting them. Grace prepares believers for glory, and glory perfects grace. Both are free gifts from God. Wherever He gives true grace, He will give glory. No one will receive glory who has rejected His grace. [15]
The Lord withholds no good thing from upright walkers. As we freely give to God offerings of upright living, He freely gives to us blessings that only He can bestow upon us.
Blessed are all who place their trust in God. Though access to public worship is a great privilege, even those deprived of it are not excluded from God’s blessings. If we cannot physically enter the house of the Lord, we may still go by faith to the Lord of the house. In Him we find true happiness, security, and peace. [16] Praise the Lord!
[1] Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary, see also Numbers 16
[2] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Strong's (Hebrew & Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament)
[10] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[11] Isaiah 57:15
[12] Edited content from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[13] Ibid
[14] Ibid
[15] Ibid
[16] Ibid
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Saved From Hell – Psalm 83
Have you ever been attacked physically and/or verbally due to your faith in God? In Psalm 83, Asaph asks God to preserve His witnesses from being destroyed by their enemies.
“A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult, and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people and consulted together against Your sheltered one’s. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent. They form a confederacy against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them. They have helped the children of Lot. Selah!” Psalm 83:1-8
Psalm 83 of Asaph is a song in which he pleas for God to intervene on behalf of His glory. His people Israel are those who make His glory known. The challenge for Israel was that Satan, the hateful one, stirred up Israel’s neighbors to hate God, and to devise plans to completely destroy them from being God’s witnesses. And as if that were not enough, once Israel ceased to exist, they wanted to erase the memory of Israel from the minds of all people.
In his song to God, Asaph lists the names of those who are participants in the devil’s scheme.
The children of Lot spear-headed the attack while other nations happily helped them.
In Psalm 83:6-8, Lot was the patriarch of the Moabite and Ammonite nations. Their nations were located to the east of Israel.
In Psalm 83:6, Esau, the son of Isaac, was the patriarch of the Edomites. Ishmael, son of Abraham, was the patriarch of the Ishmaelites. The Edomites and Ishmaelites dwelt to the southeast of Israel. The Hagrites were likely descendants of Hagar (Ishmael’s mother). [1]
These nations were related to the nation of Israel by ancestry, but worshipped different gods.
Of the remaining people groups: Gebal, meaning “mountain” or “boundary,” is commonly equated with the Phoenician city of Byblos, modern Jubayl in Lebanon. [2] Philistia was to the south of Israel, Tyre to the north, and Assyria was to the far northeast. These regions are located in modern day Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Syria, and parts of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. [3]
The failure of this evil coalition to destroy tiny Israel magnified God’s preserving power. God kept Israel’s lamp shining forth. He ensured that their witness for Him continued.
Asaph described to God the problem that Israel needed resolved, and trusted God to solve it.
“Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera, as with Jabin at the Brook Kishon, who perished at En Dor, who became as refuse on the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, ‘Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession.’” Psalm 83:9-12
Jabin was the captain of King Sisera’s Midianite army. In Judges 4:15–5:21, God gave Israel the victory over the Midianites via the prophetess Deborah’s faith in God. She encouraged Israel’s general Barak to trust the Lord and after hearing God’s Word, he went forward into battle.
In Judges 7:25 and 8:12–21, God gave Gideon the victory over the nobles (Oreb and Zeeb) and over the princes (Zebah and Zalmunna) of Midian.
Asaph believes the testimonies recorded in God’s Word concerning Israel’s past victories over the Midianites. He believes God will continue to faithfully give Israel victory over their foes.
“O my God, make them like the whirling dust, like the chaff before the wind!” Psalm 83:13
Asaph asks God to make Israel’s enemies like restless and unstable dust and chaff. Some scholars interpret this imagery as a threshing wheel that crushes grain, symbolizing God’s judgment breaking the wicked apart. [4]
Proverbs 20:26 says, “A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them.”
“As the fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire, so pursue them with Your tempest, and frighten them with Your storm.” Psalm 83:14-15
Asaph asked God to frighten Israel’s enemies with fiery storms.
I probably would not be here today if I had not been warned about a fiery eternal hell. I remember driving my car at its maximum speed as a teenager and suddenly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of hell, and I immediately slowed down. I remember telling a so-called “friend” who tempted me to do wrong, “I don’t want to go to hell.” These are just two of many incidents, where the fear of ending up in the lake of fire, frightened me from going against God.
In Luke 16:19-31, Mark 9:43-48, Matthew 13:42; 25:30, Jesus described hell as a place of eternal torment from which you cannot return to warn your loved ones, a place of unquenchable fire where the worm does not die, a place where people gnash their teeth in anguish and regret, and a place of outer darkness. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus compared hell to ‘Gehenna’ which was a place where rubbish was burned and maggots abounded.
Jesus talked about hell because He loves people deeply.
In Romans 6:23, God says that the wages of sin is death. What is sin? Sin is any activity that is not of Jesus because Jesus is the standard by which we are to live. He is the expressed image of God. Thus, every person needs the merits of Christ applied to their account with God or else they will come up short of His glory, and be eternally lost.
You and I, and everyone else needs the atoning blood of Christ applied to our sins to wash them away. We need God to forgive us our sins and give to us His Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” God gives His Spirit to those who repent of sin and profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your Name, O Lord.” Psalm 83:16
I am so glad that the Holy Spirit makes me ashamed of sinning. Before I came to know of God’s love for me, I used to think it was unfair that I felt so ashamed of myself when I sinned while others seemed to have no problem with it. The Holy Spirit used painful memories of past shame to restrain me from sinning.
“Let them be confounded and dismayed forever. Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose Name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:17-18
O that all people would fear the Lord and turn to Jesus Christ, and be saved.
Asaph prays that the enemies of God would perish “that they may know You.” How many enemies of God have been converted to Him on their death beds? Suddenly, they realize how wrong they have been about God, and they ask Him to forgive them.
According to Luke 23:33-39, during Jesus’ crucifixion, two thieves were crucified beside Him. Initially, both mocked and blasphemed Him, as did many spectators. However, one of the thieves was graciously granted the gift of repentance before he died.
In Luke 23:40-42, the repentant thief rebuked the other one, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.” “Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’”
What did Jesus say to the repentant thief? In Luke 23:43, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
“Yes, Lord, please grant to those who hate and oppose You, a heart of repentance as You did to this unnamed thief. I would rather see them believe in You than to perish forever in their sin.”
[1] www.genz.bible/Psalms/83
[2] Ibid
[3] www.ucg.org/good-news/good-news-magazine-march-april-2013/biblical-prophecy-arab-confederation
[4] Matthew Henry’s Commentary
“A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult, and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people and consulted together against Your sheltered one’s. They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent. They form a confederacy against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them. They have helped the children of Lot. Selah!” Psalm 83:1-8
Psalm 83 of Asaph is a song in which he pleas for God to intervene on behalf of His glory. His people Israel are those who make His glory known. The challenge for Israel was that Satan, the hateful one, stirred up Israel’s neighbors to hate God, and to devise plans to completely destroy them from being God’s witnesses. And as if that were not enough, once Israel ceased to exist, they wanted to erase the memory of Israel from the minds of all people.
In his song to God, Asaph lists the names of those who are participants in the devil’s scheme.
The children of Lot spear-headed the attack while other nations happily helped them.
In Psalm 83:6-8, Lot was the patriarch of the Moabite and Ammonite nations. Their nations were located to the east of Israel.
In Psalm 83:6, Esau, the son of Isaac, was the patriarch of the Edomites. Ishmael, son of Abraham, was the patriarch of the Ishmaelites. The Edomites and Ishmaelites dwelt to the southeast of Israel. The Hagrites were likely descendants of Hagar (Ishmael’s mother). [1]
These nations were related to the nation of Israel by ancestry, but worshipped different gods.
Of the remaining people groups: Gebal, meaning “mountain” or “boundary,” is commonly equated with the Phoenician city of Byblos, modern Jubayl in Lebanon. [2] Philistia was to the south of Israel, Tyre to the north, and Assyria was to the far northeast. These regions are located in modern day Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Syria, and parts of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. [3]
The failure of this evil coalition to destroy tiny Israel magnified God’s preserving power. God kept Israel’s lamp shining forth. He ensured that their witness for Him continued.
Asaph described to God the problem that Israel needed resolved, and trusted God to solve it.
“Deal with them as with Midian, as with Sisera, as with Jabin at the Brook Kishon, who perished at En Dor, who became as refuse on the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, ‘Let us take for ourselves the pastures of God for a possession.’” Psalm 83:9-12
Jabin was the captain of King Sisera’s Midianite army. In Judges 4:15–5:21, God gave Israel the victory over the Midianites via the prophetess Deborah’s faith in God. She encouraged Israel’s general Barak to trust the Lord and after hearing God’s Word, he went forward into battle.
In Judges 7:25 and 8:12–21, God gave Gideon the victory over the nobles (Oreb and Zeeb) and over the princes (Zebah and Zalmunna) of Midian.
Asaph believes the testimonies recorded in God’s Word concerning Israel’s past victories over the Midianites. He believes God will continue to faithfully give Israel victory over their foes.
“O my God, make them like the whirling dust, like the chaff before the wind!” Psalm 83:13
Asaph asks God to make Israel’s enemies like restless and unstable dust and chaff. Some scholars interpret this imagery as a threshing wheel that crushes grain, symbolizing God’s judgment breaking the wicked apart. [4]
Proverbs 20:26 says, “A wise king sifts out the wicked, and brings the threshing wheel over them.”
“As the fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire, so pursue them with Your tempest, and frighten them with Your storm.” Psalm 83:14-15
Asaph asked God to frighten Israel’s enemies with fiery storms.
I probably would not be here today if I had not been warned about a fiery eternal hell. I remember driving my car at its maximum speed as a teenager and suddenly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of hell, and I immediately slowed down. I remember telling a so-called “friend” who tempted me to do wrong, “I don’t want to go to hell.” These are just two of many incidents, where the fear of ending up in the lake of fire, frightened me from going against God.
In Luke 16:19-31, Mark 9:43-48, Matthew 13:42; 25:30, Jesus described hell as a place of eternal torment from which you cannot return to warn your loved ones, a place of unquenchable fire where the worm does not die, a place where people gnash their teeth in anguish and regret, and a place of outer darkness. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus compared hell to ‘Gehenna’ which was a place where rubbish was burned and maggots abounded.
Jesus talked about hell because He loves people deeply.
In Romans 6:23, God says that the wages of sin is death. What is sin? Sin is any activity that is not of Jesus because Jesus is the standard by which we are to live. He is the expressed image of God. Thus, every person needs the merits of Christ applied to their account with God or else they will come up short of His glory, and be eternally lost.
You and I, and everyone else needs the atoning blood of Christ applied to our sins to wash them away. We need God to forgive us our sins and give to us His Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” God gives His Spirit to those who repent of sin and profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your Name, O Lord.” Psalm 83:16
I am so glad that the Holy Spirit makes me ashamed of sinning. Before I came to know of God’s love for me, I used to think it was unfair that I felt so ashamed of myself when I sinned while others seemed to have no problem with it. The Holy Spirit used painful memories of past shame to restrain me from sinning.
“Let them be confounded and dismayed forever. Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, that they may know that You, whose Name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:17-18
O that all people would fear the Lord and turn to Jesus Christ, and be saved.
Asaph prays that the enemies of God would perish “that they may know You.” How many enemies of God have been converted to Him on their death beds? Suddenly, they realize how wrong they have been about God, and they ask Him to forgive them.
According to Luke 23:33-39, during Jesus’ crucifixion, two thieves were crucified beside Him. Initially, both mocked and blasphemed Him, as did many spectators. However, one of the thieves was graciously granted the gift of repentance before he died.
In Luke 23:40-42, the repentant thief rebuked the other one, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.” “Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’”
What did Jesus say to the repentant thief? In Luke 23:43, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
“Yes, Lord, please grant to those who hate and oppose You, a heart of repentance as You did to this unnamed thief. I would rather see them believe in You than to perish forever in their sin.”
[1] www.genz.bible/Psalms/83
[2] Ibid
[3] www.ucg.org/good-news/good-news-magazine-march-april-2013/biblical-prophecy-arab-confederation
[4] Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Friday, May 29, 2026
Hallelujah, the Lord God Almighty Reigns – Psalm 82
“A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the godly. He judges among the gods.” Psalm 82:1
The Lord refers to leaders as the “godly” (אֵל - ‘el) for that is how they thought of themselves. He is judging these “gods” (Elohim). They are coming up short.
“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Selah! Defend the poor and fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy. Free them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know, nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are unstable.” Psalm 82:1-5
The self-assumed “gods” of Psalm 82:1 judged unjustly. They took sides with those the Lord condemned. They were a criminal enterprise. The poor, afflicted, and needy were pawns for advancing their agendas. There was no light of God in them. Those who based their hopes on their promises were greatly disappointed.
“I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men and fall like one of the princes.’” Psalm 82:6-7
In John 10:34-38, Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 to the religious leaders who accused Him of blasphemy. He said to them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’ If He called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me, but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
The Pharisees thought of themselves as gods to the people. Jesus acknowledge their inflated opinions of themselves, but wondered why they were accusing Him of blasphemy when He actually was doing the works of the Messianic Son of God. Jesus freely healed the afflicted, fed the poor and provided edifying teaching for the needy.
God says to evil rulers, “You shall die like men.” Those who abuse their power will not escape God’s judgment. Though honored among men, they remain mortal before God. Their status will not shield them from divine justice. [1]
When rulers become proud and imagine themselves to be above accountability, as the kings of Babylon and Tyre did, God brings them down to everlasting shame. [2]
“Arise, O God, judge the earth, for You shall inherit all nations.” Psalm 82:8
God maintains His authority over nations and rulers. Though evil men may appear dominant, God still governs the world and overrules human wickedness according to His purposes. [3]
According to Psalm 2:8, the nations belong to God’s Son. He shall inherit them. He will rule them with perfect justice. Upon His return, Jesus will replace injustice with righteousness, and cruel abuse with tender loving care.
Soon, all who trust in Christ shall be with Him and sing hallelujah’s to Him. In Revelation 19:6, the victorious in Christ say, “Hallelujah, the Lord God Almighty reigns.”
[1] Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[2] Based on comments from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Ibid
The Lord refers to leaders as the “godly” (אֵל - ‘el) for that is how they thought of themselves. He is judging these “gods” (Elohim). They are coming up short.
“How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked? Selah! Defend the poor and fatherless. Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy. Free them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know, nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are unstable.” Psalm 82:1-5
The self-assumed “gods” of Psalm 82:1 judged unjustly. They took sides with those the Lord condemned. They were a criminal enterprise. The poor, afflicted, and needy were pawns for advancing their agendas. There was no light of God in them. Those who based their hopes on their promises were greatly disappointed.
“I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. But you shall die like men and fall like one of the princes.’” Psalm 82:6-7
In John 10:34-38, Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 to the religious leaders who accused Him of blasphemy. He said to them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’ If He called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me, but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
The Pharisees thought of themselves as gods to the people. Jesus acknowledge their inflated opinions of themselves, but wondered why they were accusing Him of blasphemy when He actually was doing the works of the Messianic Son of God. Jesus freely healed the afflicted, fed the poor and provided edifying teaching for the needy.
God says to evil rulers, “You shall die like men.” Those who abuse their power will not escape God’s judgment. Though honored among men, they remain mortal before God. Their status will not shield them from divine justice. [1]
When rulers become proud and imagine themselves to be above accountability, as the kings of Babylon and Tyre did, God brings them down to everlasting shame. [2]
In Isaiah 14:14, the king of Babylon said, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will make myself like the Most High.” In Isaiah 14:15, God said to him, “You shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the pit.”
In Ezekiel 28:6-8, the Lord God said to the prince of Tyre, “Because you have set your heart as the heart of a god, behold, therefore, I will bring strangers against you, the most terrible of the nations, and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and defile your splendor. They shall throw you down into the Pit, and you shall die the death of the slain in the midst of the seas.”
God maintains His authority over nations and rulers. Though evil men may appear dominant, God still governs the world and overrules human wickedness according to His purposes. [3]
According to Psalm 2:8, the nations belong to God’s Son. He shall inherit them. He will rule them with perfect justice. Upon His return, Jesus will replace injustice with righteousness, and cruel abuse with tender loving care.
Soon, all who trust in Christ shall be with Him and sing hallelujah’s to Him. In Revelation 19:6, the victorious in Christ say, “Hallelujah, the Lord God Almighty reigns.”
[1] Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[2] Based on comments from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[3] Ibid
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Souls Satisfied in Christ – Psalm 81
“To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of Asaph. Sing aloud to God our strength. Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob. Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute. Blow the trumpet at the time of the new moon, at the full moon, on our solemn feast day.” Psalm 81:1-3
In verse one, the congregation does the loud singing and joyful shouting. In verse two, Levite singers and musicians play the songs with tambourines, harps and lutes. In verse three, priests sound shofars (ram’s horns). [1] The purpose of the ram’s horns were to call God’s people to the solemn feast day during the New Moon. [2]
“On the September new moon, the first day of the seventh month, was kept a great festival, called the ‘feast of trumpets’ (See Leviticus 23:24 and Numbers 29:1). The tenth day of the seventh month was the great day of atonement. The fifteenth day of the seventh month was the feast of tabernacles.” [3]
In Numbers 10:10, we read, “Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings, and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God.”
During New Moon worship services, Israel burned meat and incense to God. They filled the air with fragrant smoke and with the sound of horns. They feasted and fellowshipped together.
New Moon worship services symbolized new beginnings. These gatherings offered worshippers an opportunity to rededicate themselves to God. During these services, they sought God’s guidance for the month ahead. The moon represented light overcoming darkness. [4]
During these feasts, Israel celebrated God by recounting His mighty acts on their behalf, and by playing music and singing to Him.
“For this is a statute for Israel, a Law of the God of Jacob. This He established in Joseph as a testimony, when He went throughout the land of Egypt, where I heard a language, I did not understand. I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the baskets. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah!” Psalm 81:4-7
A key theme of the Old Testament is God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Their deliverance from slavery foreshadowed a greater deliverance, namely, God delivering them from sin and its horrific consequences through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The old covenant was called the Law of Moses. The new covenant is about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In John 1:17, we read, “The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
In Hebrews 3:3, we read, “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” Jesus is greater than Moses as a son is greater than a servant.
In John 5:45-46, Jesus said to the religious leaders, “Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.”
In Matthew 17:2-8, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. Then, they disappeared. A voice from a cloud, said, “This [Jesus] is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” Moses and Elijah appeared and disappeared, but Jesus remained. [5]
The Father told Peter, James and John that Jesus was the One that they should heed. Moses and Elijah were God’s faithful servants, but Jesus Messiah is God’s Son, and our Savior from sin.
“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O, Israel if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god.” Psalm 81:8-9
Don’t make a person, organization, denomination or a thing your god! In Matthew 17:5, God spoke from heaven and told Peter, James and John to listen to His beloved Son.
In John 10:30 and 14:9, Jesus claimed to be God’s Son. His execution as a blasphemer by Jewish authorities made it appear that His claims were false, but His resurrection confirmed His claim.
In Romans 1:4, Paul wrote that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead.” His resurrection serves as proof that His death was the perfect sacrifice for sin. If Jesus had remained dead, His teachings would have been discredited. [6]
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “When the mother-bird brings food she never has to ask the little ones to open their mouths wide. Her only difficulty is to fill the great width which they are quite sure to present to her. Appetite and eagerness are never lacking.”
“We open our mouths wide when we understand the greatness of the God we pray to. We open our mouths wide when we pray on Jesus’ merits, not our own.” [7]
“But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. ‘O, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries.” Psalm 81:11-14
God’s judgments included withdrawing His grace so Israel was left with sinful desires.
Asaph’s lament over Ephraim compares with Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”
“The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever.” Psalm 81:15
God’s enemies yield to Him because they fear His power, not because they desire a relationship with Him. The judgment of those who oppose or reject God is eternal. [8]
In Revelation 20:15, we read, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
“He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock. I would have satisfied you.” Psalm 81:16
Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life. When we receive Him, He satisfies our souls.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of our Salvation. He is the surest foundation to build our lives upon.
The words of Jesus Christ are honey to our souls. In Psalm 19:10, we read that God’s laws and commands are “sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” In Psalm 119:103, we read, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Asaph began Psalm 81 by remembering the days when Israel worshipped the Lord with loud singing and joyful shouts. He longed to see great crowds gather in worship to the Lord again.
In Matthew 13:2, we read that great crowds gathered to hear Jesus speak. Asaph’s longing was fulfilled in Christ.
In Revelation 7:9-11, John the Apostle saw “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” “They cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Angels, elders and four living creatures worshiped God as well, saying, “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Asaph would have been in that crowd worshipping as well.
In Psalm 42:1-2, the Psalmist wrote, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Yes, the human soul pants and thirsts for God. It wants to be with Him.
The Holy Spirit of Christ satisfies our souls with His presence while we wait for our redemption.
The days and years, we served selfish ambitions, God can and will forgive when we seek His forgiveness. But what about today, tomorrow and the next day?
“Heavenly Father, please grant to us a hunger and thirst for You that will exceed other desires. Please satisfy our souls with Your presence. Please fill our souls with Your Holy Spirit until our souls overflow with professions of faith in Jesus Christ, and love for all people. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.”
[1] Commentary on Psalms by C.F. Keil & Franz Delitzsch (Authors)
[2] Psalms 73-150 by Derek Kidner, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
[3] A Commentary on the Book of Psalms by George Horne
[4] Matthew Henry’s Commentary (edited)
[5] twojourneys.org/sermons/series/hebrews/jesus-is-greater-than-moses-hebrews-sermon
[6] billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/john-stott-the-cross-and-the-resurrection
[7] Enduring Word Commentary
[8] The Bible Hub
In verse one, the congregation does the loud singing and joyful shouting. In verse two, Levite singers and musicians play the songs with tambourines, harps and lutes. In verse three, priests sound shofars (ram’s horns). [1] The purpose of the ram’s horns were to call God’s people to the solemn feast day during the New Moon. [2]
“On the September new moon, the first day of the seventh month, was kept a great festival, called the ‘feast of trumpets’ (See Leviticus 23:24 and Numbers 29:1). The tenth day of the seventh month was the great day of atonement. The fifteenth day of the seventh month was the feast of tabernacles.” [3]
In Numbers 10:10, we read, “Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings, and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God.”
During New Moon worship services, Israel burned meat and incense to God. They filled the air with fragrant smoke and with the sound of horns. They feasted and fellowshipped together.
New Moon worship services symbolized new beginnings. These gatherings offered worshippers an opportunity to rededicate themselves to God. During these services, they sought God’s guidance for the month ahead. The moon represented light overcoming darkness. [4]
During these feasts, Israel celebrated God by recounting His mighty acts on their behalf, and by playing music and singing to Him.
“For this is a statute for Israel, a Law of the God of Jacob. This He established in Joseph as a testimony, when He went throughout the land of Egypt, where I heard a language, I did not understand. I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the baskets. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah!” Psalm 81:4-7
A key theme of the Old Testament is God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Their deliverance from slavery foreshadowed a greater deliverance, namely, God delivering them from sin and its horrific consequences through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
The old covenant was called the Law of Moses. The new covenant is about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In John 1:17, we read, “The Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
In Hebrews 3:3, we read, “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.” Jesus is greater than Moses as a son is greater than a servant.
In John 5:45-46, Jesus said to the religious leaders, “Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.”
In Matthew 17:2-8, Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. Then, they disappeared. A voice from a cloud, said, “This [Jesus] is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” Moses and Elijah appeared and disappeared, but Jesus remained. [5]
The Father told Peter, James and John that Jesus was the One that they should heed. Moses and Elijah were God’s faithful servants, but Jesus Messiah is God’s Son, and our Savior from sin.
“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O, Israel if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god.” Psalm 81:8-9
Don’t make a person, organization, denomination or a thing your god! In Matthew 17:5, God spoke from heaven and told Peter, James and John to listen to His beloved Son.
In John 10:30 and 14:9, Jesus claimed to be God’s Son. His execution as a blasphemer by Jewish authorities made it appear that His claims were false, but His resurrection confirmed His claim.
In Romans 1:4, Paul wrote that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead.” His resurrection serves as proof that His death was the perfect sacrifice for sin. If Jesus had remained dead, His teachings would have been discredited. [6]
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “When the mother-bird brings food she never has to ask the little ones to open their mouths wide. Her only difficulty is to fill the great width which they are quite sure to present to her. Appetite and eagerness are never lacking.”
“We open our mouths wide when we understand the greatness of the God we pray to. We open our mouths wide when we pray on Jesus’ merits, not our own.” [7]
“But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. ‘O, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries.” Psalm 81:11-14
God’s judgments included withdrawing His grace so Israel was left with sinful desires.
Asaph’s lament over Ephraim compares with Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!”
“The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever.” Psalm 81:15
God’s enemies yield to Him because they fear His power, not because they desire a relationship with Him. The judgment of those who oppose or reject God is eternal. [8]
In Revelation 20:15, we read, “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
“He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat, and with honey from the rock. I would have satisfied you.” Psalm 81:16
Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life. When we receive Him, He satisfies our souls.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of our Salvation. He is the surest foundation to build our lives upon.
The words of Jesus Christ are honey to our souls. In Psalm 19:10, we read that God’s laws and commands are “sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” In Psalm 119:103, we read, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Asaph began Psalm 81 by remembering the days when Israel worshipped the Lord with loud singing and joyful shouts. He longed to see great crowds gather in worship to the Lord again.
In Matthew 13:2, we read that great crowds gathered to hear Jesus speak. Asaph’s longing was fulfilled in Christ.
In Revelation 7:9-11, John the Apostle saw “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” “They cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Angels, elders and four living creatures worshiped God as well, saying, “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Asaph would have been in that crowd worshipping as well.
In Psalm 42:1-2, the Psalmist wrote, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Yes, the human soul pants and thirsts for God. It wants to be with Him.
The Holy Spirit of Christ satisfies our souls with His presence while we wait for our redemption.
The days and years, we served selfish ambitions, God can and will forgive when we seek His forgiveness. But what about today, tomorrow and the next day?
“Heavenly Father, please grant to us a hunger and thirst for You that will exceed other desires. Please satisfy our souls with Your presence. Please fill our souls with Your Holy Spirit until our souls overflow with professions of faith in Jesus Christ, and love for all people. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.”
[1] Commentary on Psalms by C.F. Keil & Franz Delitzsch (Authors)
[2] Psalms 73-150 by Derek Kidner, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries
[3] A Commentary on the Book of Psalms by George Horne
[4] Matthew Henry’s Commentary (edited)
[5] twojourneys.org/sermons/series/hebrews/jesus-is-greater-than-moses-hebrews-sermon
[6] billygraham.org/decision-magazine/articles/john-stott-the-cross-and-the-resurrection
[7] Enduring Word Commentary
[8] The Bible Hub
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