Psalter Notes #9: Psalm 146

Text and tune for this Psalm can be found here.

Psalms 146-150 constitute the final doxology of the Psalter, beginning with a rousing call to praise the Lord (146:1). Psalm 146 emphasizes the protection which the Lord provides for those who cannot help themselves- the oppressed (v. 7a); the hungry (v. 7b); the prisoners (v. 7c); the blind (v. 8a); those who are bowed down (v. 8b); the righteous (v. 8c); the sojourners (v. 9a); the widow and fatherless (v. 9a). Those who are despised by the world are the favorites of the Lord. And only He can afford protection against the church’s enemies since human protectors are weak and subject to death (v. 3). The Lord, however, is the omnipotent and gracious protector who created all things (v. 6). The biblical logic of the Psalmist is that if God exercised his infinite power in the creation of the world, surely he exercises his power in the preservation of the world, but in particular, the people of God. The doctrines of creation and providence provide rich food for the helpless believer in need of divine protection. Question and answer 28 of the Heidelberg Catechism beautifully illustrates this truth. The Catechism asks:

Q:  What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?  Answer: That we may be patient in adversity; (a) thankful in prosperity; (b) and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, (c) that nothing shall separate us from his love; (d) since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.

Dear believer, if you are united to Jesus Christ, his almighty resurrection power- that power which created and sustains this world- ceaselessly exerts itself on your behalf, protecting and preserving you from all your enemies so that apart from God’s gracious and powerful hand, you cannot so much as move. That power, the power “that enables him to bring everything under his control” (Phil. 3:21) will one day manifest itself in the eternal reign of the Triune God in a new creation where righteousness dwells: “The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” (v. 10).

Psalter Notes #8: Psalm 119:89-97

The text and tune for the metrical version of Ps. 119:89-97 can be found here.  It’s the first Psalm we’ll be singing this Lord’s day.

The God of the Bible is a God who speaks. All things were brought forth by His Word (John 1:3); all things are sustained by his Word (Heb. 1:3); his covenant promises are enacted and ensured by His Word (Heb. 6:13); and He reveals Himself to us AS Word- the Son of God is the eternal speech of the Father, revealing his perfect character (John 1:14). It’s no surprise then, given the emphasis in Scripture upon the Word of God, that the Psalmist, in v. 89, ascribes eternal permanence to that Word, a Word which is “firmly fixed in the heavens.” God’s “word” here is synonymous with God’s “law” and refers to the written revelation of God in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the moral law or the ten commandments. According to the Psalmist, the law provides a clear expression of God’s character and is therefore righteous (v. 75, 137, 144); trustworthy (v. 86; 138); everlasting (v. 89, 152, 160); and true (v. 142, 151, 130). Contrary to many Christians today who think of the law in exclusively negative terms, the Psalmist possesses a high regard for God’s law, expresses his deep love for God’s law, and teaches us that keeping God’s law, for those who have been redeemed, brings life and blessing. As chapter 19 of the Westminster Confession of Faith states so beautifully, the uses of God’s law for the believer are not “contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely, and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requires to be done” (WCF 19:7).

While uncertainties, questions, and restlessness abound in our ever-changing world, there is one reality that remains forever sure- the unfailing and unchanging law of Almighty God. Those who seek to know and experience the faithfulness of God find that faithfulness shining most brightly in his infallible revelation (v. 90). Those who suffer and groan under affliction find life and strength in the precepts of God’s moral law (v. 93). For those who are redeemed by the One who embodies the Law in his very flesh, the One who came not to destroy but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, the law is no longer an enemy but a friend, a gracious guide to life in the midst of hardship. The true believer who has come to know and love the Word and law of God can say with Charles Spurgeon:

The pleasures arising from a right understanding of the divine testimonies are of the most delightful order; earthly enjoyments are utterly contemptible if compared with them. The sweetest joys, yea, the sweetest of the sweetest falls to his portion who has God’s truth to be his heritage.

Psalter Notes #7: Psalm 148

Psalms 146-150 serves as a concluding doxology to the Psalter. In this particular Psalm, the Psalmist calls upon the created order (v. 1-6), the inhabitants of earth (v. 5-12) and Israel (v. 13-14) to praise the Lord. The entire cosmos ought to praise the Lord because, as the Psalmist tells us in v. 5-6, the Lord “commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.” Unlike the modern scientist who attributes the existence of this earth and all that is in it to an undirected process of chance, Psalm 148 celebrates the truth that all life was created by God’s sovereign power alone. The doctrine of creation, therefore, is not an uncertain theory that needs empirical verification but a fact that demands the whole-souled worship of God. As the new Israel of God called out from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, we simultaneously worship and groan with the created order because, while “the heavens declare the glory of God,” they also “reveal the wrath of God” against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, bearing the effects of mankind’s tragic fall into sin. Our worship in the “already” is broken hearted but inexpressible and full of glory (1 Pet. 1:8), infused with the hope of “a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet. 3:13). The tune and text we’ll be using can be accessed here.

Psalter Notes #6: Psalm 8

Our opening Psalm this week is Psalm 8:1-6, 9. The text and tune can be accessed here. Psalm 8 is a wisdom Psalm which celebrates the glory of God as it is made known in the created order. The Psalmist also expresses wonder and amazement that the Lord has exalted mankind to such a high position within this order, a position that is “a little lower than the heavenly beings” (8:5) and marked by the exercise of regal dominion over the earth. It’s clear that Genesis 1:26, where mankind is made in the image of God and given dominion over the earth, forms the background to this Psalm. We learn from this Psalm that the exercise of kingly role over the created order by God’s vice-regents, while incapacitated and marred by the fall, remains in force. What we see throughout the Old Testament, however, is the failure of God’s people to righteously fulfill this creation mandate. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Israel, David, and the kings of Israel all fail to perfectly and righteously exercise dominion over God’s good creation. That’s why, in the fulness of time, the Father sent His Son to fulfill what the first Adam and his successors failed to accomplish. In Jesus Christ, the creation mandate is perfectly fulfilled. In Jesus Christ- perfect deity and perfect humanity united in one person- righteous dominion over all of God’s works is realized. According to the author of Hebrews, when we look to Jesus Christ, we see “Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9). United to the perfect man- the righteous King, the second Adam- believers now reign with Him in the heavenly places, obediently living under the authority of the King of kings as vice-regents called to set apart every square inch of life and thought for his glory.

Psalter Notes, #5: Psalm 9

This coming Lord’s day we will be singing v. 1-2 and 7-11 of Psalm 9.  The text and tune can be accessed here.  Psalms 9 and 10 are an acrostic poem in which each poetic unit begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet- Psalm 9 presenting the first half and Psalm 10 the second. According to Longman “the psalm both celebrates past victories of God the Warrior and calls on God to ‘arise’ to meet a new threat (9:19; 10; 12).”  The theme of the Psalm, therefore, is God the Divine Warrior who protects and defends his people  (v. 3; 9; 10;12;18) by judging and destroying their enemies (v. 3; 5; 6; 8; 12; 15; 16; 17; 19; 20).  The metrical version of the Psalm we’ll be singing this week includes v. 1-2 and 7-11.

The Psalm begins with David thanking the Lord by recounting his wonderful deeds (v. 1).  Even though this Psalm can be classified as a Psalm of lament, the Psalmist nevertheless opens with thanksgiving and gladness.  In the midst of the darkness, the Psalmist gives thanks.  Though confronted by very real pain and overwhelming threats from his enemies, he finds in the Lord a gladness that sweetens even the most tragic of circumstances.  This is an important lesson for the contemporary church to learn, living as we are in an increasingly hostile and hateful culture opposed to the Lord and his church.  Genuine joy does not consist in the absence of pain but flourishes in the midst of and alongside of it.  Christian joy is cruciform- shaped by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, simultaneously broken-hearted and hopeful, deeply afflicted and deeply gladdened by God’s wonderful deeds- the greatest of which is the sending of His Son to take upon Himself the judgment of those whose mouths are “filled with cursing and deceit and oppression” (10:7; Rom. 3:14).  The rebuke of the nations (v. 5); the perishing of the wicked (v. 5); the everlasting ruin of God’s enemies (v. 6); the righteous judgment of God (v. 7)- all fell upon the sacred head of Him who knew no sin (2 Cor. 5:21) so that the oppressed and afflicted might find in Him a stronghold in the time of trouble.  In Christ we give thanks and rejoice with a joy that, though brokenhearted, is nevertheless inexpressible and full of glory (1 Peter. 1:8).  Beloved Christian, don’t try to ignore or suppress your grief when the dark storm clouds of life in a fallen world loom over your weary soul.  Grieve, lament, and cry out to God with the assured confidence that because Christ is yours and you are Christ’s, He hears you, loves you, protects you, and will soon make all things right in a new creation where righteousness dwells, world without end.

Psalter Notes, #4: Psalm 23

The second Psalm we’ll be singing this Lord’s day is Psalm 23.  The text and tune can be found here.

One of the most well known and beloved of the Psalms, Psalm 23 is a song of confidence and trust in the Lord that uses two metaphors to express the reality that God protects, preserves, and provides for his people.  The first metaphor, used in v. 1-4, describes God as shepherd and the psalmist as his sheep.  As Longman notes in his commentary, the metaphor is not just pastoral but also royal.  Israel’s leaders were called to shepherd the people of God, a task they repeatedly failed to fulfill (Ez. 34). David, however, is set forth in the Old Testament as the archetypal shepherd-king, fulfilling the call to shepherd the people of Israel (2 Sam. 5:2) in spite of his failures. The point of the Psalm is that only Yahweh is the perfect shepherd-king- the protector, provider and preserver of his sheep.

In v. 2-3, after extolling the all-sufficiency of the Shepherd, the Psalmist provides us with four particular descriptions of how he cares for his sheep: he leads the sheep into green pastures where they are fed (v. 2); by the still waters where they can drink (v. 2); provides refreshment or restoration (v. 3); and leads them in righteous paths for his own glory (v. 3).  The Psalmist continues the path metaphor in v. 4, writing that even in the times of deepest distress and darkness, the Lord is present with his people. This reality eliminates all forms of ungodly fear. As the Lord’s people walk in darkness, He walks that dark road with them and provides comfort for their every sorrow.

The second metaphor is that of the host (v. 5-6).  The Lord is described as the host of a great banquet who feeds, anoints, and blesses his people in the most dire of circumstances.  The Psalmist is so secure that he can even feast at the Lord’s banquet table while surrounded by his enemies (v. 5).  Verse 6 personifies the Lord’s attributes of goodness and love (hesed- covenant loyalty) and presents them as literally pursuing, running after, chasing down the Psalmist. As Longman observes, “goodness and love act like the shepherd’s sheepdogs, helping the sheep to keep going in the right direction.”

As Christians, we see in this Psalm a glorious portrait of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd- King who protects, preserves, and provides for his people and leads them into the rich, green, satisfying pastures of ressurection life, even as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death and the darkness seems like it will never lift. Those who drink from the Incarnate fountain of life will never want or be spiritually thirsty again (John 4:13). Jesus is not only the host of the feast, but the feast itself-  the heavenly manna, the bread sent from heaven, the bread of life- and those who eat this bread will never be hungry again (John 6:51). And it this same bread from heaven that is set before the people of God today as they walk as sheep through the wilderness, surrounded by their enemies.  Jesus is the enfleshment of God’s goodness and covenant faithfulness, pursuing us and persevering with us in the darkest and most distressing of circumstances. Though troubles assail us and dangers afright, our Good Shepherd-King will continue to satisfy us with Himself and lead us toward our eternal home- protecting us from our enemies; preserving us from our own proneness to wander; satisfying our souls with the solid joys and lasting pleasures that none but Zion’s children know.

Psalter Notes, # 3: Psalm 29

The first Psalm we’ll be singing this coming Lord’s day is a metrical version of Psalm 29, on page number 27 in the Trinity, and we’ll be singing it to the tune “Adeste Fideles” (O Come All Ye Faithful). You can listen to the tune and find the text here. A few brief comments about the Psalm.

Psalm 29 celebrates the power of God over the raging storm.  In the Old Testament, the sea and the storm often represent the forces of chaos and darkness that threaten the people of God.  According to Longman, “the power of the storm with its lightning and thunder demonstrates God’s strength. A reflection on the relationship between God and the storm leads the Psalmist to extol God as King” (Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary).  The instrument of God’s power over the created order is identified as His voice (v. 3; 4; 5; 7; 9). Just as the voice of God was the all-powerful agent in the creation of the world (Gen. 1:3), so the voice of God continues as the all-powerful agent of preservation, reigning sovereign over all of the forces of chaos and darkness which threaten God’s people.

This power, however, is different from the power which was then attributed to pagan gods like Baal who was worshiped at that time as god of the storm. This power is not a raw show of force by an unfeeling deity, but a source of strength and peace for his people (v. 10-11).  In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the Creator and sustainer of all things, in particular the Lord who rules over the raging storm.  In Matthew 8, when Jesus arises from slumber, rebukes the sea, and calms it by the word of his power, Matthew is identifying Jesus Christ as Lord- Yahweh- the King who rules over all the forces of chaos and darkness for the good of his people. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God’s power, voice, strength and peace- the sovereign king who by his blood conquered all of the forces of darkness on behalf of his people and now sits enthroned at the Father’s right hand as David’s son and David’s Lord.

As we look around us today and see the groaning of the created order- the hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes which have caused so much devastation- we grieve, we mourn, we cry out to the Lord, we lament the tragic effects of the fall upon the created order.  But in our grief, we worship and look to the ruler of the waves who will return to make all things new and sit enthroned as King over a restored creation, together with his people, world without end.  We sing this Psalm with the rock solid confidence that the sovereign Lord who reigns over the storm will soon return to quiet its raging forever.

Psalter Notes, #2: Psalm 46

The second Psalm we’ll be singing this Lord’s day is Psalm 46, found on page 37 of the Trinity hymnal.  The tune is very familiar and can be listened to here.  This metrical version of the Psalm is divided into five parts. The theme of this Psalm is the protection of God and the confidence of his people.  Spurgeon called this Psalm “The Song of Holy Confidence.”  Each stanza highlights the fact that God’s people are protected, strengthened, and helped, even in the most perilous of providences.

In the first stanza (46:1-3), the Psalmist envisions the ruin and destruction of the created order, “the most terrible commotions within the range of imagination” (Spurgeon).  If God is our refuge and strength in the darkest of conceivable providences, then surely God is our refuge, our strength, our “ever present aid” no matter how dark and frightening the circumstances of our lives may be. We are safe in the hands of a good, gracious, and omnipotent God.

The second stanza (46:4-7) reveals that the presence of the Lord is the great delight of his people, even in profound trouble.  The souls of weary saints are refreshed by the abiding presence of the Lord.  The church is a kingdom of solid joys and lasting pleasures living in the midst of a raging and unhappy world.

In the third stanza (46:6-7), the Psalmist emphasizes the rock solid reality that the people of God are safe, even when her enemies lash out in furious rage.  His mighty word brings forth peace in the midst of chaos.  The Lord will never leave his church a prey to her persecutors.

The fourth stanza (46:8-9) is a call to behold the wondrous works of the Lord, in particular the cessation of warfare and violence. The “desolation” of the Lord is unlike the violent desolations of the wicked which leave bloodshed, violence, and war in their train.  The “desolation” of the Lord brings restoration and peace, healing wounds rather than making them.  The Psalmist looks, with the inspired eye of future hope to a time when the violent kingdoms of the earth will be supplanted by the peaceable kingdom of God.

The last stanza calls upon the nations (some see this command as addressed to the people of God) to, literally, “Be quiet!”  The nations are called to lay down their arms and cease from their attempts to rebel against the Lord and destroy his people.  In Jesus Christ, the raging of the nations has ceased; men, women, and children from every tribe, tongue, people and nation have laid down their arms, beating their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; exalting their just Judge who is also their loving Father, the Lord of all the earth in whose hands they are forever secure.

God is our refuge and our strength,
Our ever present aid,
And, therefore, though the earth remove,
We will not be afraid;
Though hills amidst the seas be cast,
Though foaming waters roar,
Yea, though the mighty billows shake
The mountains on the shore.

A river flows whose streams make glad
The city of our God,
The holy place wherein the Lord
Most high has his abode;
Since God is in the midst of her,
Unmoved her walls shall stand,
For God will be her early help,
When trouble is at hand.

The nations raged, the kingdoms moved,
But when his voice was heard
The troubled earth was stilled to peace
Before his mighty word.
The Lord of hosts is on our side,
Our safety to secure,
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.

O come, behold what wondrous works
Jehovah’s hand has wrought;
Come, see what desolation great
He on the earth has brought.
To utmost ends of all the earth
He causes war to cease;
The weapons of the strong destroyed,
He makes abiding peace.

Be still and know that I am God,
O’er all exalted high;
The subject nations of the earth
My name shall magnify.
The Lord of Hosts is on our side,
Our safety to secure,
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.

Psalter Notes, #1: Psalm 22:23-27

The first Psalm we’ll be singing this coming Lord’s day is on page number 6 in the Trinity Hymnal (Ps. 22:23-27). After a call to praise and revere the Lord, the Psalmist specifically praises the Lord for 1) His grace in answering the prayers of his people, 2) His goodness which draws forth public praise within the congregation, 3) His kingly righteousness which will extend to all of the nations, a promise fulfilled in Jesus (Rev. 1:5; 5:9-10). In his face these attributes shine most brightly. The tune is “Park Street” and can be accessed here: https://www.opc.org/hymn.html?hymn_id=31

All ye that fear Jehovah’s Name,
His glory tell, his praise proclaim;
Ye children of his chosen race,
Stand ye in awe before his face,
Stand ye in awe before his face.

 
The suffering one he has not spurned,
Who unto him for succor turned;
From him he has not hid his face,
But answered his request in grace,
But answered his request in grace.

 
O Lord, thy goodness makes me raise
Amid thy people songs of praise;
Before all them that fear thee, now
I worship thee and pay my vow,
I worship thee and pay my vow.

 
The Lord’s unfailing righteousness
All generations shall confess,
From age to age shall men be taught
What wondrous works the Lord has wrought
What wondrous works the Lord has wrought.