My Confidence is in God – Psalm 131

“A Song of Ascents. Of David.” [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Forgiven – Psalm 130

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Carrying the Credentials of Christ – Psalm 129

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Zeal From And For God – Psalm 128

“A Song of Ascents.” [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Unless the Lord Builds the House – Psalm 127

“A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.” [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Resurrection From The Dead – Psalm 126

A Song of Ascents. [1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Faith in God that Works – Psalm 125

A Song of Ascents. [1]

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1

In the Nicene Creed, we confess faith in God as “the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” We know how true this confession is when we rely on God and He helps us.

In Hebrews 11:1-2, it is written, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”

What is the substance of things hoped for? What is the evidence of things not seen? How do I obtain a good testimony? Faith in God is the answer. Not faith in my faith, but faith in the God of the Bible.

In Hebrews 11:3, it is written, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

Where did I learn that God spoke the earth into existence? The answer is in the Bible. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the Word of God that it is true. He helped me to believe and act on the words of the Bible.

I have numerous testimonies from moments in which I believed God, acted on His Word, and everything turned out for His glory. I will share with you one example below.

One day I woke up with fever and dysentery. On top of not feeling well, I had previously committed to witnessing for Christ at a pagoda. To reach the pagoda I would have to walk up hundreds of steps. So, I asked the Lord what to do, and He brought to my mind Luke 17:14 where the Bible says, “as they went they were cleansed.” The Holy Spirit gave me peace in believing that this would happen, and it did. As I started out by faith in Christ, He healed me. I shared the Gospel with a man in front of that pagoda that day and returned home healed.

In Hebrews 11:6, it is written, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

When we act on God’s Word, our action demonstrates to God and those around us that we really believe that He exists and that He does intervene for us who trust in Him.

Confidence in God has made my otherwise shaky life stable and productive. Like Mount Zion, I have been able to remain resolute about serving Him even when the odds seemed against me.

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.” Psalm 125:2-3

Praise God that He surrounds our faith and keeps it intact against all the attacks of the devil. Thanks to God’s grace and abiding presence in our lives, the devil cannot destroy our faith. As Jerusalem was surrounded by mountains that provided natural protection, so God’s surrounds us with His grace and love. He hides us under the shadow of His wing. [2]

Mountains may eventually wear away, and rocks may be moved from their places, but God’s covenant with us never fails. The promise that we will stand forever speaks of our eternal security. God Himself will surround us forever with His glory and love. [3]

“The scepter of wickedness” may bring suffering. It may affect our bodies, possessions, freedom, families, reputation, or other areas of life. However, it cannot destroy our souls. [4]

Troubles may come upon God’s people, but God will end the suffering in due season. He does not allow us to be tested beyond what we can endure. He will provide a way of escape. [5]

“Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.” Psalm 125:4

David prayed for those who sincerely seek to do what is right, that is, the upright in heart—those whose faith and goodness are genuine, not merely outward appearances. [6]

“As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!” Psalm 125:5

David describes the judgment of hypocrites and those who turn away from God. He does not take pleasure in the destruction of sinners. He is not praying for their downfall, but he warns that judgment will come upon those who abandon God. [7]

Some people turn away from God because they fear hardship and want an easier life. Instead of trusting in the Lord’s grace and power to help them, they join with sinners. [8]

Sinful paths are crooked paths. Sin seeks to cancel what is right. I heard evangelist Adrian Rogers once say, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Those that the Lord welcomed into heaven confessed that they were sinners in need of a Savior. They depended on His grace, His forgiveness, His love and His power to help them serve Him well. Their faith in God brought glory to HIM.

In Matthew 7:23, Jesus said to those who felt good about themselves just the way they were, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! I never knew you.”

The first and great commandment is to love God, and the second commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Love is of God! Without God’s love in our hearts, our good works are really about pleasing ourselves. People tend to focus on outward appearances, God looks at the heart.

Where is peace? The Bible says, “Peace shall be upon Israel.”

Israel is the place and people where the Word of God became flesh. In a sense, Israel is a reference to God and the Bible because it is the place and it is the people through whom God revealed Himself. So, yes, we want to remember Israel and pray for its peace.

The world is a much better place because of what God did in and through Israel. Any nation and any people through whom God works is a target of the devil’s hatred and attacks. Thus, we should pray for the peace of Israel and for the peace of all the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve who are seeking to serve and honor God.


[1] “The Song of Ascents refers to a specific group of fifteen biblical psalms (Psalms 120 through 134), also known as Pilgrim Songs. They are traditionally understood as songs of journey, temple steps, and returning hope.” – GotQuestions.org

[2-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Freed From A Trap – Psalm 124

“A Song of Ascents. Of David.” [1]

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, let Israel now say—If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us. Then the waters would have overwhelmed us. The stream would have gone over our soul. Then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Psalm 124:1-5

The Lord encourages us to look back on how He rescued us in the past both to remind us that He loves us and to assure us that He is able to rescue us today and in the days to come. [2]

We should remember the trials of the past, and praise God that those woes are in our past.

So often, the people of Israel have been one step away from being destroyed, but the Lord intervened for them with perfect timing to rescue them with grace, love and power. [3]

The psalmist wrote, “When rose up against us.” Their enemies bled red like themselves, yet they were determined to destroy them. Satan’s goal is to turn people against one another, and to get us hurt one another. God’s goal is to get us to love one another and heal with one another.

David’s own son, Absalom, turned against him. This was an exceedingly painful experience for him. He wept when he received the news that his son had been killed in a battle.

What caused their enemies to act this way? Their anger and hatred were stirred up against God's people. They allowed their anger to become destructive. [4]

“Their wrath was kindled against us.” Anger is cruel. Uncontrolled rage can lead people to do terrible things. [5] When one group of people becomes convinced that another group of people must die, genocide often happens.

The top ten modern genocides are: I. 6,000,000 Jews (1939-1945); II. 10,000,000 Ukrainians (1932–1933); III. 1,700,000 Cambodians (1975–1979); IV. 1,500,000 Armenians (1915–1923); V. 1,000,000 Rwandans (1994); VI. 1,000,000 Indonesians – mostly ethnic Chinese (1965–1966); VII. 3,000,000 Bengalis (1971); VIII. 110,000 Namibians (1904–1907); IX. 400,000 Sudanese (2003-2018); X. 80,000 Guatemalans (1981–1983). [6]

In Romans 3:10, we read, “There is none righteous, no not one.” In Romans 3:23, it is written, “There is no difference, we all have sinned...” The penalty for sin is death. In Genesis 3:19, after Adam and Eve sinned, God said to them, “Dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” We all deserve to die, and except for divine intervention, we will die. Only Enoch and Elijah were taken by the Lord directly to heaven (See Genesis 5:24, 2 Kings 2:11, Hebrews 11:5).

The good news is that God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die on the cross for our sins. He never sinned, yet He was severely beaten, scourged, mocked and crucified. Three days later, He resurrected from the dead, and He appeared to over 500 witnesses during 40 days. He ate with people and let them touch His wounds from His crucifixion to verify that it was really Him alive from the dead. Jesus testified in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

In Psalm 124, the flood “waters” represent the powerful and arrogant attacks of hostile people.

Israel would have been like a helpless lamb attacked by a lion, if it were not for the Lord who was on their side. They would have been swept away like land flooded by a powerful river or like sand covered by a rising tide, but they cried out to the Lord and He intervened for them. The emphasis is on God. “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side...” [7]

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers. The snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:6-8

God’s deliverance fills our hearts with a desire to bless His Name. He deserves all the glory. We fail to give God what He deserves when we receive His blessings but do not thank Him. [8]

The psalmist wrote, “The Lord has not given us as a prey to their teeth.” He compares their escape to a bird being set free from a hunter’s trap. Our enemy, the devil, sets traps to destroy us. When we call upon the Name of the Lord, He rescues us from being consumed.

The greatest trap to be rescued from is hell. Some people behave as though hell does not exist. They do not take God or the Bible seriously. Then, in a moment, the trap is sprung, and it is too late to believe in Jesus Christ and profess Him. They die without a personal relationship with God and hear Him say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” They who previously trashed God’s Son Jesus, are trashed into a place of ceaseless pain and torment.

Each soul’s need for salvation is why the Bible says in Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Proverbs 29:1 – “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Behold, now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.” Listen to God’s Spirit!

The psalmist concludes: “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” In Psalm 121:1, David wrote, “My help comes from the Lord.” Now. he applies the same truth to the needs of God’s people as a whole: “Our help is in the Name of the Lord.”

The God who created heaven and earth is ready to help us. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.”

“Heavenly Father, please deliver us and our neighbors (the human race) from evil. Please rebuke the devil for us. Replace his darkness with Your light. Please fill us afresh with Your Spirit of peace, power and love. In the Name of Jesus Christ Your Son, I pray. Amen.”


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

[2-5] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[6] https://www.woventeaching.org/timeline-of-modern-genocide
[7-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Moving Forward With God’s Mercy – Psalm 123

A Song of Ascents. [1]

“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1

God’s people express their faith and hope in Him. He dwells in heaven. [2] He sees the big picture. He is the Alpha and Omega; the first and last; the beginning and the end; the original source and the final destination.

Who better should we lift up our eyes to see?

Jesus taught us in “The Lord’s Prayer” to look to God as our Father in heaven. This does not mean God is limited to one place, but that heaven is where He especially reveals His glory, like a king sitting upon his throne. [3]

God sees from heaven the troubles of His people and He has the power and desire to save us. [4]

Sometimes it may seem that God has forgotten the earth, and unbelievers may ask, “Where is your God?” But we as God's people can confidently say in the words of Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in heaven.” [5]

God is the righteous Judge. His throne is established in heaven. Those who suffer injustice can appeal to Him. [6]

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us.” Psalm 123:2

Our eyes wait on God for His mercy. David compares his relationship with God to that of a servant looking to his master. God is overseeing the sustenance and management of the entire universe. Does He have time to stop and consider my concern? Who am I compared with Him?

In Acts 9:6, after Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what would You have me to do?” In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus instructed His disciples not to worry about their provisions. He promised that God knows what we need. He told them to focus on serving God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

Think about it! God set up the whole universe and made it livable for us. There’s the right mix of oxygen in the atmosphere for us to breathe. There’s the correct weight of gravity to hold us to the ground but not crush us. There’s a wide variety of edible foods on the earth to supply all the nutrients our body needs to be healthy. He gave us bodies that are fearfully and wonderfully made. Why do we ever doubt His ability and His desire to provide good things for us?

A servant cannot properly serve God without first listening to God’s clear instructions. So, he looks to his master for instruction and also for the tools that he needs to get the job done.

“Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” Psalm 123:3

A servant looks to his master for reinforcements when an enemy is overwhelming him. He prays, “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us.” He is happy to serve the Lord, but does not enjoy the way proud people mistreat him for doing so. Thus, he appeals to God, asking God to intervene and thwart the efforts of his enemy to make his service unto God miserable.

“Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorn of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.” Psalm 123:4

Those who mock God’s servants have a pride problem. They live to please their fleshly desires and the devil is happy to keep them there. He gives to them the kingdoms of the world. The problem for them is that the devil has an expiration date. In Revelation 20:10, it is written, “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Those who join with the devil will suffer the same eternity. In Revelation 20:15, it is written, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

In 1 Peter 4:12-13, Peter wrote, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul wrote, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

On the one hand, when people attack our reputation and treat us unfairly, we can pray: “Hear, O our God, for we are despised.” On the other hand, we can rejoice as Jesus said to do in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

When we stand for the Lord, those who oppose Him oppose us. When we do what is right, those who scam and abuse will hate us for exposing evil. It is better, however, to stand with the Lord than to fall with the wicked. Our suffering is temporary. Theirs is eternal.

The desire of God and His servants is as Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:4 that all people will “be saved an come to the knowledge of the truth.” Amen!


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

[2-6] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

You Must Be Born Again – Psalm 122

“A Song of Ascents. Of David.” [1]

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1

David was glad when he was invited to go to the house of the Lord. Such a feeling about being in the house of the Lord is evidence of God’s saving grace in his life.

In Psalm 51:5, it is written, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” When we are born into this world, we have a sin nature, not Christlikeness. To gain Christlikeness, we must be born again. In John 3:5-7, Jesus told a highly educated religious leader of Israel, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

In Ephesians 2:1, it is written, “You He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” A dead person cannot revive himself. He needs God to do that. Thus, every conversion to faith in and profession of Christ is a miracle of God. It is a spiritual rebirth in one’s soul.

In 1 Corinthians 2:14, it is written, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The natural man must receive the Holy Spirit. He or she must be born of the Spirit of God. God naturalizes sinners for His kingdom by applying the blood of Christ to their sin and thus blotting out their sins, and then, He fills us with His Holy Spirit, giving us new life.

Scammers want kingdoms without borders, but their outrage and protests will not remove the borders that God has set around His kingdom. A person must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Some interpret “water” in John 3:5 as a reference to baptism. I believe it symbolizes the Word of God. In Ephesians 5:26, God sanctifies and cleanses His people “with the washing of water by the Word.” In John 1:1, 14 and Revelation 19:13, Jesus is called the Word of God. It is through the preaching of the Word and the convictions of the Holy Spirit that souls are converted.

Outward water baptism symbolizes the work of God’s Word and His Spirit in one’s life. To God belongs the glory! In the Books of Acts, the people who were convicted of their sins and turned to Christ for salvation wanted to be baptized.

Thus, when believers willingly and joyfully gather for public worship, it is because God has done a work of grace in their lives and they are glad because of it.

“Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!” Psalm 122:2

For those who love the Lord, being in Jerusalem is a wonderful event. In Psalm 84:10, David considered even being a doorkeeper in God’s house a privilege. [2] Thanks be to God for volunteers who stand at the doors of God’s house and who welcome worshippers to enter!

“Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the Name of the Lord.” Psalm 122:3-4

Jerusalem was beautiful not only because of its location but also because of its design. Its houses were built closely together rather than scattered. Its streets were orderly, and the city was well planned and united. [3]

Jerusalem was where all the tribes of Israel gathered as one family under God. They were united as they joined their voices together in harmony to worship God our Creator and Savior. They thanked the Lord. One of the main purposes of public worship is to give thanks to God. [4]

“For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.” Psalm 122:5

Jerusalem is where much of the Word of God was proclaimed and documented. It is where Messiah atoned for our sins. It is where the Holy Spirit was poured out on believers in Jesus on the Day of Pentecost. True justice and good Law comes from the Word of God and Spirit of God.

In David’s day, the people of God loved Jerusalem not only because it was the center of worship but also because faithful rulers governed there. Under David, a man after God’s own heart, justice was upheld. The people’s civil well-being was protected along with their spiritual life. [5]

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’ Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.” Psalm 122:6-9

Ther Lord urges us to pray for the peace and well-being of Jerusalem. Throughout Scripture Jerusalem comes under attack both spiritually from false prophets and physically from evil kings who want to defraud and oppress the people under them. Wherever God is at work, the devil is also at work trying to sabotage and destroy the good that God is doing.

Even those who cannot do anything else to help Jerusalem can still pray for it. Prayer is not a small thing. Prayer is God's appointed way of bringing His blessings. [6] Hans Van Staden said of prayer, “When man works, man works. When man prays, God works.”

Peace is a gift of God. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” In James 3:18, it is written, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

The peace and prosperity of God’s work on earth should be in the prayers for every believer. [7]

“They shall prosper that love you.” God blesses those who love His people and His work.

David gives us words to pray: “Peace be within your walls.” We should pray for peace among all who live in Jerusalem. We should pray that the walls and defenses of the city would protect the people and that enemies would not overcome them. We should pray for those who govern and make decisions for the people. When leaders act wisely and prosper in their responsibilities, the whole community benefits. [8]

Jerusalem also represents the heart of the Kingdom of God. So, in a sense, when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we are praying for the whole people of God worldwide who love and serve Him. David cared for people more than brick and mortar. He cared for the faithful people of God. He considered them his family and very much enjoyed worshipping God with them.


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

[2-8] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Where Does My Help Come From – Psalm 121

A Song of Ascents. [1]

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help?” Psalm 121:1

Some translate David’s words as, “Shall I lift up my eyes to the hills?” In other words, “Should I expect my help to come from earthly powers, influential people, or mighty rulers who seem strong like mountains?” The answer is no. Jeremiah 3:23 reminds us, “In vain is salvation hoped for from hills and mountains.” Our confidence must be in God alone. [2]

Others translate the verse, “I will lift up my eyes above the hills.” This reminds us to look beyond human instruments to God, who alone gives them the ability to help. [3]

In James 1:17, it is written, “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.”

David declared, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills,” probably referring to the hills on which the temple stood. The temple in Jerusalem is where atonement for sin was accomplished. [4]

Once our sin is removed, we can enjoy fellowship with God. In Isaiah 59:2, it is written, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” In Ephesians 2:13, it is written, “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Christ was crucified, died, entombed, and resurrected in Jerusalem. We lift up our eyes to Jesus. He is our Savior and Redeemer.

“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

Our confidence grows as we remember that God created heaven and earth. He created the universe by His Word. He started the entire human race after creating one man. He certainly has the power to help us. [5]

“He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3

According to Psalm 91:11, God gives His angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways. His angels have kept me from death by cars, motorcycles, planes, trains, ships, and by gun violence. Have you ever been rescued miraculously from a near death experience?

“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.” Psalm 121:4-5

The One who “keeps Israel” is also “your keeper.” The Good Shepherd watches over the whole flock and also cares for each sheep individually. Not even the weakest believer is forgotten. He does not grow tired or become disillusioned with His ministry to us. [6]
The Lord is described as our shade. Just as a shadow stays close to a person and protects him from the burning sun, God stays close to His people to comfort and protect them. Since the right hand is the working hand, God is always ready to help us while we work for Him. [7]

“The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:6

The sun and moon are blessings from God, yet because sin has affected creation, they can also bring harm. God protected Israel in the wilderness with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. In Genesis 31:40, Jacob remembered suffering from heat during the day and frost at night, but God preserved his life. [8]

According to Revelation 6:12, a sign of the last days is the sun being darkened and the moon becoming like blood (red). In Revelation 8:12, the sun and moon are also darkened temporarily. In Revelation 9:2, the sun is darkened due to smoke. In Revelation 16:8, the heat of the sun is intensified on earth so that it scorches people. In Revelation 7:16, the saints who were saved by the blood of the Lamb out of the great tribulation no longer experience the sun’s scorching. In Revelation 21:23, the New Jerusalem has “no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.”

Matthew Henry suggests that the burning sun may symbolize persecution. “While the dangers of the night represent hidden plots and secret betrayals. God protects His people from both.”

“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. He shall preserve your soul.” Psalm 121:7

God preserves our soul from all evil. Our soul is eternal. It is the part of us that never dies. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus told the tale of two men. One died and his soul rested with Abraham in heaven, while the other died, and his soul ended up in the torments of Hades.

The greatest disaster that anyone can be rescued from is eternity in hell. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came down from heaven and took on human flesh. He lived a sinless life among us. He died and resurrected for us (the perfect sacrifice for our sins), to save us from hell. The greatest rescue!

“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:8

God also rescues us many times throughout our earthly lives from harm. And when we do experience harm, He turns it around for our good. [9] In Romans 8:28, it is written, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” In Genesis 50:20, Joseph told those who had sought to harm him, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

In 2 Corinthians 13:7, Paul prayed for his fellow Christians not to do evil: “Now I pray to God that you do no evil... that you should do what is honorable.” In Galatians 5:22-24, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” God’s indwelling Holy Spirit helps us to behave not as a reckless sinner does but as a Christ-like saint.

“From this time forth, and even for evermore.” God’s protection is lifelong and eternal. He guides His people throughout life, remains with them in death, and safely brings them into His heavenly kingdom. He will continue to protect His church and His people until the end of the world. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Preserver, will remain with us forever. [10]


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

[2-10] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Truth is Better than Lies - Psalm 120

“A Song of Ascents." [1]

"In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, or what shall be done to you, you false tongue? Sharp arrows of the warrior, with coals of the broom tree!” Psalm 120:1-4

God answered David’s prayer by rescuing him from liars and deceivers. [2]

Some liars pretend to be friends. They promise free gifts and reliability to gain trust. Some of the most dangerous enemies are those who hide their hatred behind a mask of friendship. [3]

Some liars make false accusations. They blame an innocent person for the mistakes or crimes of others. One of God’s Ten Commandments condemns bearing false witness against others. It is the ninth commandment. It is recorded in Exodus 20:16.

Lies damage reputations. Lies instigate hatred against individuals and groups of people. Then, what happens? Innocent people get hurt and killed!

The deeds of deceivers distressed David. He turned to God for help. He prayed, “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips.” In “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from evil.” In John 8:44, Jesus said of the devil, “There is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Is getting caught in a lie funny? In a popular rerun show on TV the main character is a liar and deceiver. Her husband and neighbors continue to love her despite the fact that she has broken their trust so many times. Lying is no laughing matter. It is of the devil. There’s a spirit behind it, and it is not the Holy Spirit.

Lying for laughs is foolishness. In the book of wisdom, Proverbs, God is against lying. In Proverbs 6:16-17, the Lord hates a lying tongue. Proverbs 19:5: “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.” Proverbs 19:9: “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish.” Proverbs 20:6: “Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.”

In Colossians 3:9, the Lord says, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” In Ephesians 4:25, the Lord says, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.”

“What will be given to you?” What does the righteous Judge do with liars? In Revelation 21:8, He says, “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” Talk about being pierced by a sharp arrow or burnt by a hot coal! How devastating it would be to hear God say the words of Matthew 25:41 to you, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

God’s arrows strike quickly and unexpectedly. They reach sinners before they realize what has happened. This same warning appears in Psalms 64:7, “God shall shoot at them with an arrow. Suddenly, they shall be wounded.” [4]

Unlike thorns that flare up quickly and burn out, juniper coals burn with intense heat for a long time, even after they appear to have gone out. [5]

“Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has dwelt too long with one who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” Psalm 120:5-7

What does a person gain by living among malicious and deceitful people? Nothing but the pain caused by their lies and hurtful words, described as sharp arrows and burning coals. [6]

David compared the people around him to the rude and hostile inhabitants of Meshech and Kedar. It is similar to saying today, “I live among people who act like pagans.” David longed to be worshippers of the one and only true God. [7]

In 2 Peter 2:1-6, Peter reminds us that God does condemn sin. “God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness.” God “did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.” God turned Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, “condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.”

Why was Lot reluctant to leave Sodom after the Lord warned him to flee from there? 2 Peter 2:7-8, Peter states that righteous Lot “was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked.” “His righteous soul was tormented from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deed.”

In 2 Corinthians 6:15, Paul wrote, “What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” In 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, he added, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

The people around David not only hated him, but they also hated peace itself. They chose conflict instead of reconciliation. Rather than seeking peace, they cherished conflict. [8]

Though David was a warrior, he wanted peace. He desired to live peacefully with everyone. In the original language, he simply said, “I peace.” Peace was his nature and his goal. He loved peace, prayed for peace, and worked for peace. He was willing to sacrifice, submit, and give up personal rights whenever it was reasonable in order to preserve peace. [9]

In James 3:17, the Lord says that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

David’s enemies looked for reasons to fight even with someone who wanted peace. David spoke respectfully and kindly. He offered reasonable solutions and words of love, but they refused to listen. They were determined to do evil. [10]

The enemies of Christ acted the same way. In return for His love, they became His enemies. In John 8:59, “They took up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” [11]

If we face people like this, we should not think it is unusual. Neither should we stop loving peace simply because our efforts seem unsuccessful. In Romans 12:18, the Lord says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In Romans 12:21, the Lord says, “Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” [12]

In Matthew 10:12-14, Jesus coached His evangelists with the following advice, “When you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.”

Isn’t it good to know that though we, like Jesus, long to see all people saved, He has advised us not to enter the homes of hostile people. One of my son-in-law’s reminds me from time to time, saying, “Look for good soil. Sow on good soil.”

While in college, I learned of the Battle for Verdun. It happened in 1916. It was the longest battle of the First World War. The Germans did not initially plan to win the French city of Verdun. Their goal was to turn it into a meat grinder. French pride would keep defending it while German cannons kept killing them. However, as the battle dragged on, the original concept of a purely mathematical slaughter morphed into a desperate, prestige-driven fight to capture the ground, sucking the German army into the same high-casualty trap they set for the French. [13]

“Dear Lord Jesus, You who taught fishermen how to be fishers of men, please lead us, Your people, to the best place to cast our Gospel nets so that the greatest number of souls are saved with the least amount of avoidable losses. I pray this in Your Name, Jesus, Amen.”


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

[2-12] Material developed, edited, amended from Matthew Henry’s Commentary
[13] Google sources

My Soul Glorifies The Lord – Psalm 119:169-176

ת TAU [1]

“Let my cry come before You, O Lord. Give me understanding according to Your Word. Let my supplication come before You. Deliver me according to Your Word.” Psalm 119:169-170

David wanted God’s attention and help. His request was emphatic: “Let my cry” and “Let my supplication come before You!” His prayer was a cry. His need was urgent. His voice was full of emotion. He was humble. He approached God as a poor man coming to a great man’s door to plea for help. He checked all his options. His only hope for rescue was God’s mercy.

David desired that nothing would stand between him and the Lord—that no guilt, sin, or spiritual weakness would prevent his prayers from being accepted. He based his hope for resolution of his problems on the promises of God. [2]

David asked for wisdom. “Give me understanding.” He asked God for deliverance from his troubles. “Deliver me.” [3] He was certain that God would provide a way forward where there seemed to be no way. His confidence was based on God’s Word.

David knew that his prayer agreed with God’s Word. God would answer him. His confidence was based on God’s character. God is generous and always keeps His promises. [4]

“My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.” Psalm 119:171

David praised God for taking him under His wing and teaching him His statutes. To have God as your mentor and instructor is a great privilege. [5] When God opens our understanding, changes our hearts, and instructs us how to emulate Him, we should praise Him. If we are not praising God, then, something is amiss. We should always thank and praise God for His revelations to us.

“My tongue shall speak of Your Word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:172

God’s Word is the perfect standard and measure of what is right and good. [6] It reveals to us the right way to live. David shared God’s righteous commandments with others.

“My tongue shall speak of Your Word.” David glorified God. He praised God privately, and spoke for God publicly. [7] He wanted truth to have a voice and a face in his generation. He wanted others to experience the joy of glorifying the Lord.

“Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your Law is my delight.” Psalm 119:173-174

“Let Your hand help me.” David recognized that his strength was insufficient to put into practice God’s mandates and Law. Though he chose God’s mandates and delighted in His Law, he needed God’s Spirit to empower him to obey God. [8]

In Romans 7:15-8:11, Paul wrote of how he knew what was right to do, but his flesh did not want to do it. The solution to overcoming his flesh was to have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead to live in and live through him.

David longed for the Lord’s salvation. Although God made him a king, he did not allow kingly glory to become his first love. He looked beyond his kingship to the everlasting King of kings.

David experienced joy while obeying God’s Law. He wrote, “Your Law is my delight.” He did not reluctantly obey God’s law—he loved it and found it perfectly satisfying. [9]

“Let my soul live, and it shall praise You. And let Your judgments help me.” Psalm 119:175

David’s greatest desire was not to serve his own interests, or accomplish his own plans. He asked God to preserve his soul so that he could keep on praising Him. [10] Praising God forevermore is what we will want to do once our soul enters God’s eternal kingdom.

When David prayed, “Let my soul live,” he wanted God to continue sanctifying, strengthening, and comforting his soul. True life is found in a heart that is made holy and filled with God’s peace. Our souls were created to praise God, and we should ask Him to give us the will and pleasure to do so. [11]

David prayed, “Let Your judgments help me.” In Revelation 6:9-10, those who had been slain for the Word of God, cried to God, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” God’s judgments are aimed at those who mistreat people. He judges the world in righteousness.

In Isaiah 57:1, it is written, “The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”

“I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.” Psalm 119:176

Although David went astray, he did not forget God’s commandments. His failure was not a rejection of God’s ways. His heart still loved God’s truth. He desired to return to obedience. Thus, he humbly confessed his failures and appealed to God for mercy. [12]

When we stray from God, we lose the joy and peace that come from knowing that He is near to us. We also expose ourselves to danger. Thus, David prayed, “Seek Your servant.” David’s final words remind us that our hope is not in our own perfection, but in the faithfulness and mercy of the Shepherd who seeks us His wandering sheep. [13]


[1] From Googles sources and Bible Gateway: “Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem. It contains 176 verses divided into 22 sections, with each section named after one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Instead of just one line per letter, all eight verses in a given section begin with that specific letter. For example, verses 169–176 start with the ת TAU, and this exact pattern continues sequentially all the way through from the first letter to the final letter, Tau (ת).

תִּקְרַ֤ב רִנָּתִ֣י לְפָנֶ֣יךָ יְהוָ֑ה כִּדְבָרְךָ֥ הֲבִינֵֽנִי׃
תָּב֣וֹא תְּחִנָּתִ֣י לְפָנֶ֑יךָ כְּ֝אִמְרָתְךָ֗ הַצִּילֵֽנִי׃
תַּבַּ֣עְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣י תְּהִלָּ֑ה כִּ֖י תְלַמְּדֵ֣נִי חֻקֶּֽיךָ׃
תַּ֣עַן לְ֭שׁוֹנִי אִמְרָתֶ֑ךָ כִּ֖י כָל־מִצְוֺתֶ֣יךָ צֶּֽדֶק׃
תְּהִֽי־יָדְךָ֥ לְעָזְרֵ֑נִי כִּ֖י פִקּוּדֶ֣יךָ בָחָֽרְתִּי׃
תָּאַ֣בְתִּי לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֣ יְהוָ֑ה וְ֝תֽוֹרָתְךָ֗ שַׁעֲשֻׁעָֽי׃
תְּֽחִי־נַ֭פְשִׁי וּֽתְהַֽלְלֶ֑ךָּ וּֽמִשְׁפָּטֶ֥ךָ יַעֲזְרֻֽנִי׃
תָּעִ֗יתִי כְּשֶׂ֣ה אֹ֭בֵד בַּקֵּ֣שׁ עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֥י מִ֝צְוֺתֶ֗יךָ לֹ֣א שָׁכָֽחְתִּי׃

Historically, each letter name corresponds to a concrete object. Over time, these pictures evolved into the letters used today. For example, ת TAU was originally the symbol for good.

[2-13] Material developed, added to and edited from Matthew Henry’s Commentary