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.

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.