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.

Note:  Haley's Bible Handbook, 24th Edition and The Holy Bible, new King James Version, Reference Edition, Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.were used in preparing the comments in this post.