Wisdom Class 13: Psalms 52-62

The required reading for Sunday, June 13 is Psalms chapters 52-62

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll review next eleven Psalms:

1. Psalm 52: The End of the Wicked and the Peace of the Godly (David's Trust in God)
2. Psalm 53: Folly of the Godless, and the Restoration of Israel (Universal Sinfulness of Men)
3. Psalm 54: Answered Prayer for Deliverance from Adversaries (David's Cry to God)
4. Psalm 55: Trust in God Concerning the Treachery of Friends (Betrayed by Friends)
5. Psalm 56: Prayer for Relief from Tormentors (Prayer for Deliverance)
6. Psalm 57: Prayer for Safety from Enemies (David's Prayer)
7. Psalm 58: The Just Judgment of the Wicked (Destruction of the Wicked)
8. Psalm 59: The Assured Judgment of the Wicked (Another of David's Prayers)
9. Psalm 60: Urgent Prayer for the Restored Favor of God (A Psalm of Discouragement)
10. Psalm 61: Assurance of God's Eternal Protection (A Hymn of Confidence)
11. Psalm 62: A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God (A Poem of Fervid Devotion)

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Sunday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 52: The End of the Wicked and the Peace of the Godly (David's Trust in God)

David's trust in God contrasted with the wicked boastfulness of his enemy Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 21:7; 22:9), confident that he would be delivered.

Psalm 53: Folly of the Godless, and the Restoration of Israel (Universal Sinfulness of Men)

Similar to Psalm 14. Quoted in Romans 3:10-12. Mahalath, in title, may be a melancholy tune. Maschil, a meditative (contemplative) poem. Keeping with the title, it contemplates the ways of those who would reject God and ends rejoicing in the salvation that will come when "God brings back His captive people."

Psalm 54: Answered Prayer for Deliverance from Adversaries (David's Cry to God)

David's prayer when the Ziphites told Saul where David was hiding (1 Samuel 26). Other Psalms composed while David was in flight from Saul are 7, 34, 52, 54, 57, 59, 63, and 142.

Psalm 55: Trust in God Concerning the Treachery of Friends (Betrayed by Friends)

Like Psalm 41, it seems to belong to the time of Absalom's rebellion, and specifically to refer to Ahithophel (12-14; 2 Samuel 15:12-13). How often we have felt like David when in times of trouble, just wishing we "would fly away and be at rest" (6). This Psalm's theme sounds like a foregleam of Judas. David shows his trust in God. As we see in the new testament (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-31), all we need to do is "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved" (22).

Psalm 56: Prayer for Relief from Tormentors (Prayer for Deliverance)

David's prayer for deliverance from the Philistines, like Psalm 34, 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David used his own resources to the limit, even feigning himself to be insane. Yet he prayed and trusted in God for the result. Psalm 34 is his song of thanks for escape.

Psalm 57: Prayer for Safety from Enemies (David's Prayer)

In the cave of Adullam, while hiding from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1; 24:1; and 26:1). His heart was fixed in trusting God (7).

Psalm 58: The Just Judgment of the Wicked (Destruction of the Wicked)

The day of retribution for the wicked is sure. David complained much about the prevalence of wickedness and repeated over and over that it does not pay. It is still so.

Psalm 59: The Assured Judgment of the Wicked (Another of David's Prayers)

When Saul sent soldiers to entrap David at home (1 Samuel 19:10-17) David trusted in God. 

Psalm 60: Urgent Prayer for the Restored Favor of God (A Psalm of Discouragement)

At time of reverses in war with Syrians and Edomites (2 Samuel 8:3-14). Other Psalms in time of national reverse are 44, 74, 79, and 108. David's prayer was answered (2 Samuel 8:14).

Psalm 61: Assurance of God's Eternal Protection (A Hymn of Confidence)

While David, apparently, was away from home, on some distant expedition (2); or, possible, at the time of Absalom's rebellion.

Psalm 62: A Calm Resolve to Wait for the Salvation of God (A Poem of Fervid Devotion)

To God and unwavering trust in Him. David had a lot of trouble. But he never failed to trust in God.

Wisdom Class 12: Psalms 41-51

The required reading for Wednesday, June 9 is Psalms chapters 41-51

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll review next eleven Psalms:

1. Psalm 41: The Blessing and Suffering of the Godly (A Prayer for Deliverance)
2. Psalm 42: Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses (Thirst for the House of God)
3. Psalm 43: Prayer to God in Time of Trouble (Thirst for the House of God)
4. Psalm 44: Redemption Remembered in Present Dishonor (A Cry of Despair)
5. Psalm 45: The Glories of the Messiah and His Bride (Nupital Song of a King)
6. Psalm 46: God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations (Zion's Battle Song)
7. Psalm 47: Praise to God, the Ruler of the Earth (God Reigns)
8. Psalm 48: The Glory of God in Zion (God Reigns)
9. Psalm 49: The Confidence of the Foolish (Vanity of Riches)
10. Psalm 50: God the Righteous Judge (Vanity of Riches)
11. Psalm 51: A Prayer of Repentance (Prayer for Mercy)

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Wednesday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 41: The Blessing and Suffering of the Godly (A Prayer for Deliverance)

Thought to belong to the time of Absolom's usurption (2 Samuel 15), when David's sickness (3-8), gave opportunity for the plot to mature. The familiar friend (9), must have been Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12; John 13:18).

We are reminded of the beatitudes of Matthew 5 in this Psalm's first three verses beginning with: "Blessed is he who considers the helpless (or powerless); The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble."

Psalm 42: Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses (Thirst for the House of God)

We now begin BOOK TWO with Psalm 42.

On the part of an exile, in the Hermon region, east of the Jordan (6), among ungodly and hostile people. Psalms 42 and 43 form one poem. Sons of Korah, in the title of Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, and 88 were a family of poetic Levites, organized by David, into a musical guild (1 Chronicles 6:31-48; 9:19, 22, 33).

From this Psalm the Hymn "As the Deer" draws its inspiration.

Psalm 43: Prayer to God in Time of Trouble (Thirst for the House of God)

Notice how this Psalm does not have a title as only Psalms 1, 2, and 33 have had to this point. See comments above for Psalm 42 as it relates to Psalms 42 and 43 together.

Psalm 44: Redemption Remembered in Present Dishonor (A Cry of Despair)

Written at a time of national disaster, when their army, it seems, had been overwhelmingly defeated. We see that no matter the trial, God will continue to prevail and we can have confidence that though we are "killed all day long" for God's sake, he will overcome (22; Romans 8:31-39)

Psalm 45: The Glories of the Messiah and His Bride (Nupital Song of a King)

Bearing the name of God, seated on an eternal throne. It may, in part, have referenced to David or Solomon, but some of its statements are wholly inapplicable to either, or to any other human sovereign. It surely seems to be a song of the Messiah, anticipating the marriage of the lamb (Revelation 19:7).

Psalm 46: God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations (Zion's Battle Song)

Basis of Luther's famous hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," song of the reformation.

Psalm 47: Praise to God, the Ruler of the Earth (God Reigns)

God is King. Zion is the city of God. This God is our God forever. God is on the throne. Let the earth rejoice. But just as today, they would "Sing praises with understanding," not simply empty emotion but communicating to God our praise (7; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

Psalm 48: The Glory of God in Zion (God Reigns)

The glory of God is presented figuratively as the glory of His city with an emphasis on the physical structure (height, palaces, towers, and bulwarks).

Psalm 49: The Confidence of the Foolish (Vanity of Riches)

God the owner of the earth and all that is therein. In giving to God we merely return that which is His own. Vanity of life. Death comes to all, so don't be afraid when on becomes rich (16), "For when he deis he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend ahead of him" (17). Similar to Psalm 39.

Psalm 50: God the Righteous Judge (Vanity of Riches)

God judges rightly, he accepts the sacrifices of the righteous and rejects the ways of the wicked.

Psalm 51: A Prayer of Repentance (Prayer for Mercy) 

Aftermath of David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11, 12). A penitential psalm (see Psalm 32). Create in me a clean heart (10), a prayer we would do well to pray constantly.

Wisdom Class 11: Psalms 30-40

The required reading for Sunday, June 6 is Psalms chapters 30-40

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll review next eleven Psalms:

1. Psalm 30: The Blessedness of Answered Prayer (Dedication of David's Palace)
2. Psalm 31: The Lord a Fortress in Adversity (A Song of Trust)
3. Psalm 32: The Joy of Forgiveness (A Psalm of Penitence)
4. Psalm 33: The Sovereignty of the Lord in Creation and History (A Psalm of Joy and Praise)
5. Psalm 34: The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God (David's Thanks for Deliverance)
6. Psalm 35: The Lord and Avenger of His People (An Imprecatory Psalm)
7. Psalm 36: Man's Wickedness and God's Perfections (Trust in God) 
8. Psalm 37: The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked (Trust in God)
9. Psalm 38: Prayer in Time of Chastening (A Psalm of Bitter Anguish)
10. Psalm 39: Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness (Frailty and Vanity of Life)
11. Psalm 40: Faith Preserving in Trial (Praise for a Great Deliverance)

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Sunday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 30: The Blessedness of Answered Prayer (Dedication of David's Palace)

Dedication of David's palace after he had conquered Jerusalem, and made it his capital (2 Samuel 5:11; 7:2). David had often been near death, but God brought him through every time. He would sing praise to God forever.

Psalm 31: The Lord a Fortress in Adversity (A Song of Trust)

David, in constant danger, trouble, grief or humiliation, always implicitly trusted in God. Jesus quoted His dying word from this Psalm (5; Luke 23:46)

Psalm 32: The Joy of Forgiveness (A Psalm of Penitence)

Occasioned, no doubt, by David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12). He can find no words to express his shame and humiliation. Yet this is the same David who repeatedly avowed his righteousness (Psalms 7:3, 8; 17:1-5; 18:20-24; 26:1-14).

From verse 1 we see David showing gratefulness for God's forgiveness from sins. Verses 3-4 illustrate how concealing his sin really caused David physical illness as his "bones grew old" and "day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;" from David's regret. We can conclude that David improved upon acknowledging his sin to God, verse 5. David then declares that everyone should turn to God for preservation and deliverance, verses 6-7. The speaker appears to become God in verses 8-9 where He will "instruct and teach" and "guide you with My eye" so we shouldn't be line animals without understanding who must be restrained to cooperate. The final two verses return to David speaking and rejoicing in the Lord.

Along with Psalm 32, the other Penitential Psalms are 6, 25, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143.

Psalm 33: The Sovereignty of the Lord in Creation and History (A Psalm of Joy and Praise)

Another Psalm of rejoicing in the Lord, praising Him with singing and instruments. It mentions a new song in verse 3, and in 40:3, 96:1, 98:1, 144:9; and Revelation 5:9 and 14:3. Just as David sang to the Lord with a new song here, the faithful will be singing a new song to the Lord at the end.

This Psalm also includes a lesson in why we should fear the Lord, He created the heavens and earth (6-9), He will bless the nations whose God is the Lord (10-12), and His eye "is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy," (18) "To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine" (19).

Psalm 34: The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God (David's Thanks for Deliverance)

We need to strive for David's devotion and "bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." For those who fear God, "the angel of the Lord encamps all around." The eyes and ears of the Lord are toward the righteous, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. As this Psalm closes, it reminds us that the life of a Christian will be difficult "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all."

Psalm 35: The Lord and Avenger of His People (An Imprecatory Psalm)

Other imprecatory Psalms include 52, 58, 59, 69, 109, and 137. They breathe vengeance on enemies. They are not God's pronouncements of His wrath on the wicked, but are the prayers of a man for vengeance on his enemies, just the opposite of Jesus' teaching that we should love our enemies. How can we explain this?

Many people want to believe that God allowed man to kill man during the old testament times because it preserved the Nation of Israel until Christ and that God now is all merciful and would never harm a soul. But God is just and fair and will still bring destruction upon those who don't obey his commandments. As we see in 1 Thessalonians 5 concerning the day of the Lord will come as a "thief in the night" and those unprepared will suffer "sudden destruction" just "as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they will not escape." God is just to reward those who obey and just to punish those who disobey when the day of the Lord comes, judgment day and the end of the earth.

The primary difference between the time of David and today is that the judgment of God came while people still walked on the earth through wars and blessings at the hand of God, while today the judgment will come after we die or if the Lord returns while we are still alive. To me, it is more fearful today because we can't witness the punishment of God first hand to increase our faith (fear) in God, but we must read from the bible and believe that God is with us and that our reward will be there when we die, faithfully.

Psalm 36: Man's Wickedness and God's Perfections (Trust in God)

We see the true wickedness of man illustrated, with no fear for God. In Contrast, David describes the awesome mercy, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgments of the Lord and concludes requesting that the workers of iniquity be cast down and not be able to rise.

Psalm 37: The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked (Trust in God)

Continuing the theme from Psalm 37, but making it personal David declares "Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And whither as the green herb." As the faithful, we should "Trust in the Lord" (3-4), Commit our way to the Lord (5-6), and "Rest in the Lord" (7-8) because we have nothing to worry about, "He shall deliver them [the faithful] from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him." (40)

Psalm 38: Prayer in Time of Chastening (A Psalm of Bitter Anguish)

One of the Penitential Psalms (see on Psalm 32 above). It seems that David was suffering from a loathesome disease, caused by his sin, on account of which his closest friends and nearest relatives had become estranged, and enemies had multiplied and become very bold. It shows how the "man after God's own heart" sometimes went to the depths in sorrow and humiliation for his son.

Psalm 39: Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness (Frailty and Vanity of Life)

Jeduthun in this, and titles of 62 and 77, was one of David's three music leaders, the other two being Asaph and Heman (1 Chronicles 16:37-42). Also he was the king's seer (2 Chronicles 35:15).

Through this Psalm we see David trying to guard his ways to avoid sinning and asking for God's help by hearing his prayers.

Psalm 40: Faith Preserving in Trial (Praise for a Great Deliverance)

The law of God was in his heart (8). Yet he was utterly crushed by his iniquities (12). The last part of this Psalm is the same as Psalm 70. It seems to have Messianic reference (7, 8; Hebrews 10:5-7; 1 Peter 5:7).