Psalm 9

Psalm 9

Comments: Psalm is too long to tackle it verse by verse. So, we’ll pick up the main themes.

Thankfulness to God (my whole heart). Even though the psalm will tackle some tough themes, David begins with the words of thanksgiving. If I have to limit the signs of godliness to one element it would be “thankfulness” – a missing link in the Garden story. If we compare what Jesus does at the Last Supper and Adam and his wife, we can notice the lack of thankfulness. Because it is impossible to be thankful for a stolen fruit…

Enemies in life of a believer – who are they? This is tri-folded question. First, we need to think about people wo opposed the rule or life of David. His life was a life of struggle. His father-in law brought him closer only for a single purpose – it would be easier to get rid of a young lad. Then he had to face armies and armies of neighbors – Philistines, you name it… There was a moment when his own son became a mutineer. Many people can be marked in the life of David as “enemies.” Second, there is a spiritual aspect of these assaults. From the time of the Garden the “enmity” is between the humans and the serpent… (no wonder Goliath is armed or covered with scales, which makes him look like a snake/serpent). Sometimes the lives of people are the battleground for God and diabolical forces (see the evil spirit attacking king Saul, 1 Samuel 16). Third, there are inner sinful inclination with a person – in theology it’s called fleshly desires. David’s story with Bathsheba is not a conspiracy of the Philistines or an attempt to compromise his kingship by some court provocateurs… No, it was his own inability to overcome sexual passions. So, there are three types of enemies: people/world, demons, and flesh.       

Another very big theme in the psalm is the actions of the nations or, saying it differently, a global scale of God’s influence. After the Flood and rebellion at the Tower of Babel, God chose a single family – Abram and Sarai. Through their descendants He developed them into a nation – people of Israel. He gave them the land. After the loss of the land and going through the Babylonian exile, they became a part of the empires that God erected. Then with the coming of Jesus Christ everything found its consummation – He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. But throughout of all the periods of salvation history the people of God should’ve been witnessing to their neighbors. David, who lives in the period of the kingdom of Israel in the land, brings the good news to some Philistine territories (see 1 Samuel 27:1-7). So, even when the nations conspire against God and His anointed (see psalm 2:1-2), God will turn the tables, and they will sing in their own pits (v. 15). Reflecting on the beginning of the psalm: nations have the same choice as individuals – giving thanks or to sing to the pit of our own makings.     

Death and resurrection. The more I read Psalter, the more I see this theme. Every person should have the answers for the ultimate questions – purpose of life, what will happen after death etc. v. 17 says that the wicked will go to Sheol – a place of abandonment. The reason is – they forgot God, on the national level. There ungodly nation has godly people (see Genesis 18, an argument of Abraham and God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah). Their spiritual needs and hopes will be answered (v. 18), but it is important to share the Gospel with the people on a national level. For the countries and nations can come and go – the Church is going to stand forever.      

Man vs. God. The psalm presents a strong case for rebellious human anthropology. On national and individual level men rebel against God (vv. 5, 19, 20). They try, try hard to set their own plans in motion, but God is stronger, and justice is His. That’s why David, being a man, asks the LORD to rise (v. 19). Risen Lord Jesus is the One Who prevails over men (see Acts 9 – meeting of Saul and Jesus on the road to Damascus), and He judges the nations according to His standards.    

Romans: Love One Another

Love one another

Text: Romans 13:8-14

Structure:

A. 13:8-10, don’t commit adultery 

  B. 13:11a, it is the hour

    C. 13:11b, our salvation is nearer than we first believed

  B’. 13:12-13a, the day is at hand; description of the day

A’. 13:13b-14, no orgies and drunkenness

Commentary:

St. Paul begins with an exhortation to love one another. He leaves no room for modern misgivings of psychoanalysis. Even Eric Berne’s ideas of transactional analysis are brought to an ultimate paradigm: regardless of a role one plays (parent, adult, or child), love is the approach a Christian wants to use in any circumstances. He supports his point by referring to the foundation core of Torah: even the Second tablet of 10 Commandments is based on love (Leviticus 19:18). IN our current culture, though, “love” is a difficult term to interpret – not every sexual or emotional desire IS love. Every time we see love we need to think about God’s expression of love on the Cross paying for the SINS of the world. Also, love should not become a tool/means to “climb a stairway to heaven.” We don’t earn God’s grace by loving our neighbor, we love our neighbor because we were loves by God, forgiven, and given grace.    

Jesus uses “the hour” metaphor in the Gospel of John (John 2:4; 4:21,23; 5:25,28 etc.). It is this decisive moment! Then beginning with chapter 12 He says that the hour has come (12:23,27,13:1 etc.) – for the history of the world came to the Passion Week. Using same paradigm the apostle applies “the hour” as a reference point in one’s life when it is time to “awake from sleep.” (13:11). He speaks in a similar term in his Letter to Ephesians (5:14). One of the possible reasons is the fact that God has a limit on His patience – at some point He leave sinners to their own sins (see, Romans 1:18-32, note how St. Paul uses “God gave them up” twice, v. 24 and 26).      

The central point for this block is the statement that Salvation is nearer. It can be understood in three ways (not self-exclusive). (1) It is nearer (easier to access) for the Gentiles; (2) it is at closest proximity and is available because Messiah has come; (3) regardless of the fact that the date for the return Christ is unknown, we are closer to it. First, prior to the Nativity Gentiles could be in relationship with God on two levels: fully convert and become Jewish (losing their Gentile identity) or being a God-fearer but this meant inability to participate at the Passover Table (which was foundational for the liturgical life under the Old Testament regulations). Now, as Paul argued above (chapter 4 – discussion of righteousness by faith exemplified in Abraham), faith gives an access to God for everyone: both Jew and Gentile alike.

Second, before Jesus came into this world, the people of God had to wait for the fulfillment of the promises. Since Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies and promises of OT Scripture, those who live after the first Christmas, can have an instant complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God (2 Cor. 5:19).

Third, even though there many arguments about the Second Coming of Christ and some groups want to base their theology of their precise prediction, we understand and confess that it will happen (sooner or later). Therefore, historically, we are closer/nearer to this moment day after day.           

Day vs. night – two aspects: moral and typological. On one hand, he brings moral examples of “night-type” behavior (see a parallel in Colossians 3:5-9). It’s an important to learn this “visual” for our conduct. On the other hand, we can read it typological: before the SUN of righteousness came into the world, it was “night” time of God’s creation (Malachi 4:1-2). At the initial creation God sets the model: there was evening, there was morning (see Genesis 1:5 etc.). Therefore, life under the institutions of the Old Covenant was a nightshift. A parade example of this we can see in John 3, visit of Nicodemus. Now, with Jesus we have the Day, or [at least] a Dawn, with the Day reaching the full strength at His Second Coming.   

Psalm 7

Psalm 7 - end of wickedness

Structure:

a. 1-2, initial plea

  b. 3-5, defense against the wicked man  

    c. 6-8, LORD as a judge

      d. 9, repentance of the wicked

    c’. 10-13, LORD as a judge

  b’. 14-16, how a wicked man conceives evil

a’. 17, final praise

Main themes:

First, as talked last time – this is a great example when the psalmist runs back to God when he encounters himself in a difficult situation. Please note that now David develops from his plea to praise at the end of the psalm (v. 17).

There are two types of righteousness as there are two [main] types of relationships: vertical and horizontal. Vertical one is the righteousness/relationship with God, while horizontal one describes the relational aspect with other people. Why is this so important? Because if we do not differentiate between these, we will see David as an arrogant, boasting, and self-promoting man. Yet, when we read what he says very carefully, we see that he mentions only interaction between him and people who attack him. So, he presents himself as a man who keeps his “horizontal” relationship in order (vv. 3-5).

Then, what about “vertical” righteousness? We see references to God as a Judge. It is Him, Who set up the standards, it is He, Who was offended in the Garden when Adam and his wife broke the agreement and then run away and hid from His gracious invitation for the reconciliation. He is the One Who passes judgements on our behavior (vv. 6b). Then David brings up crucial point: judge me, o LORD, according to my righteousness (v. 8). On a human level the only thing we can say is: David, are you crazy?!?!?! But he knew the character of God as the loving Father. That’s why the righteousness he talks about is given or imputed (to use a scholarly word) righteousness. We know it from the other David’s psalms, but we can see his understanding of this distinction even here: if a man does not repent, God will whet His sword (v. 12). The only righteous way to present ourselves to God is to rely on HIS righteousness given to us in Jesus Christ.

That’s why, when David asks for the end of the evil of the wicked, he is not asking for the destruction of a human, he asks for an intervention of the Holy Spirit guiding the wicked one to conversion/repentance. Psalmist knows that Gid is the One Who tests the minds and hearts, therefore without faith and faithful relationship with Him we can not pass “the judgement” (v. 9).         

Even though He might FEEL indignation every day, He does not act upon it – He is the shield for those who upright in heart for it He Who SAVES them. It is not their own achievement, it is His gracious act, expressed most vividly on the Cross of Calvary (John 3:16).

And then He uses His armor to defend His children against the assaults. In the psalm we see a shield, a sword, and arrows etc. (vv. 10-13). So, should we sharpen the swords and go and “purge the land.” No, because there are different “rules of engagement” so to speak for the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament the people of God would literally fight (using the armor and armies) with the people for the land and life. Now, in the times of the New Testament, after the incarnation of God, we actually deal on a higher level – the spiritual level. St. Paul explains it in the Letter to Ephesians: for our wrestle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Then he lays out the similar list of armory assigning to each item a spiritual significance – Ephesians 6:4-17: (1) Belt of truth, (2) breastplate of righteousness, (3) shoes of readiness to spread the Good News, (4) shield of faith, (5) helmet of salvation, (6) sword of the Spirit, (7) praying at all times.               

As I said in the beginning. David concludes with praise due to HIS (LORD’s) righteousness and to His Name (see Proverbs 18:10 and John 17:6, 11-12). 

PSALM 6 - NIGHT CRY

Psalm 6 – night prayer

Structure:

a. 6:1-4, appeal for help: o LORD, save my life [bones are troubled, turn…]

  b. 6:5-7, description of despair 

a’. 6:8-10, appeal for help: LORD have heard my supplication! [enemies are troubled, turn…]

Commentaries:

Three important notes before we’ll go into the text. First, the psalm is a night cry for help. Somehow David finds himself in trouble, deep trouble. His situation impacted his emotional life, spiritual life, and even physical aspects of life (bones are troubled, v.2). It is “natural” to experience troubles in life. They can be caused by other people or being self-afflicted. The main thing: it is a myth that Christians don’t have turmoil in their lives. Or, saying it differently, the turmoil is a result of your sin. Maybe, but maybe not…

Second, in any trouble it is important to reverse the steps of Adam. He walked away from God (Genesis 3:10). Instead of that, a believer should come closer to God. Even if it is “my” fault/sin – Father invites me to come, confess and be restored. Dr. Martin Luther wrote it this way: In all trials and affliction man should first of all run to God; he should realize and accept the fact that everything is sent by God, whether it comes from devil or man… for this is the way to learn patience and the fear of God (LW, 14:140).

Third, in the midst of troubles and trials, coming to God, it is normal to cry. We are not emotionless robots. Even Jesus expressed anger (John 2:13-17), fear (Matthew 26:38), sorrow, shedding His tears (John 11:33,35). That’s why it is good to study Psalter – then, when temptations come, a believer will be ready to react in a godly way.

A, vv. 1-4. When David addresses the LORD, he understands that there are two ways to approach Him: on our own or in His grace. Let’s start with the second one – even in the times of the Old Testament, the believers knew of gracious God, merciful LORD, whose steadfast love abounds to His children. It was fully realized in Jesus on the Cross. The sacrifice of Calvary provides an “umbrella” for us. On the other hand, when we come on our own, we are stepping out of this umbrella – God’s wrath hits us with the full force.

The gracious God is the source of healing – completely: physically (bones), emotionally/mentally (soul), and spiritually (deliver my life).

B, vv. 5-7. This leads to David’s meditation about the grave and Sheol. The verb – to remember is an interesting example of a great translation. On one hand, it is a mental exercise of bringing something from memory. On the other, it can be read is reassembling of members: re-member – that’s what death does: members of a body slowly but surely come to decay. As a result, this body without remembrance will not be able to “worship” God (no praise, v. 5). Similar idea can be found in Ps. 115:17-18.

Thinking of this, David is “crying himself to sleep,” flooding bed with tears and couch with weeping. This, again, reflects on the physical condition – growing weak (v. 7).   

A’, vv. 8-10. The final block begins and ends with a pushback toward the evil ones and enemies. Now, they shall be troubled (like the bones of the worshiper used to be). The reason for this is the acceptance of prayer (night cry) by God. The personal Name is repeated three times (see, Numbers 6:24-26). The LORD has heard the sound, the plea, and accepts the prayer. The first two use the same verb with two aspects of its meaning: hearing the sound and paying attention (hear and listen). As a result, psalmist is sure that his prayer is accepted!

Being accepted by the Creator of the Universe is a great privilege we have in Jesus. It is He, Who restored us to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:19); it is He, Who gives us words to talk to God (Philippians 4:6-7); it is He, Whom we praise, to Whom glory belongs (Revelation 5:13)! 

Psalm 5

Psalm 5

Introduction:

Structure:

Intro: superscription

A. vv. 1-3, Hear my cry for help

  B. vv. 4-6, You destroy all who speak falsely

    C. v. 7-8, I can worship in Your holy Temple

  B’. vv. 9-10, Declare them guilty

A’. vv. 11-12, You cover/surround him with favor

Superscription: What is interesting in the superscription is the instrument mentioned here is a flute. Flute is a very soft and gentle instrument, while the theme of the psalm is crying and pleading of the righteous with his request to God to declare the evildoers guilty (v. 10).

A. vv. 1-3, David had many people opposing him. In life, in ministry, in warfare… At the same time, he is reaching out to God – hoping that God will pay attention to his words, consider the groaning, listen to the prayers etc. Psalmist prepares a sacrifice, but the main “line” is his unity with God in prayer and waits. We can assume he waits for a response, any response: yen, no, later.

And while he prays to the LORD, he confesses Him to be his King and God. That’s the words that Thomas will use responding to the appearance of resurrected Jesus (John 20:28). Saying King, he pledges his loyalty. Saying God, he identifies YHWH as the only object of worship.       

B. vv. 4-6, 7 characteristics of sinful life: wickedness, evil, boastful, evildoers 9lit. workers/doers of iniquity), speaking lies, bloodthirsty, and deceitful. God rejects them all.  

C. vv. 7-8, David builds up the contrast with the wicked people – “but as for me” would be a better translation than “but I” (however literal it is). This is the first in Psalms when the word hesed appears. Very often it is translated as “steadfast love” (like here). Or mercy, grace, compassion, patience etc. The main aspect of this divine attribute is faithfulness. Faithfulness in a sense that nothing (grace, mercy, compassion etc.) is one time event – it has divine longevity. From the beginning of creation until we see Him face to face, He holds us in His arms and supports us by His love – all the time, that means faithfulness. Knowing this quality of God, psalmist is not looking for his way but is in search of Lord’s way.  

B’. vv. 9-10, now the psalmist goes into a comparison or response mode

	wicked	Response
1	No truth in their mouth	Make them bear their guilt
2	Their inmost is destruction	Fall by their own counsel
3	Throat is an open grave	Cast them out, for transgressions
4	Flatter with their tongue	For they have rebelled

 

A’. vv. 11-12, The LORD is a place of refuge for a godly person. See. Psalm 7:1, or Proverbs 18:10. David begins with the Name of the Lord and concludes that in Him – personally – he finds safety. We find safety being forgiven by God, reconciled with God, and restored to the right place in the presence of God.