Psalm 9
David begins with praise of the Lord 1. Heart filled praise
includes telling of God's wonders, being glad and rejoicing in the
Lord, along with singing to His name, the Lord Most High 1b-2.
David then prays, asking God to deal with his enemies 3 and
describes the judgment of God which befalls the wicked, including
the nations 4-8. God is a refuge for those who trust in Him 9-10.
Note: God does and will judge all individuals and all the nations
of the world 13-17. I also see here principles that nations suffer
the consequences of choices which they make 15, and are even
'caught' in their scheming 15-17. The same is true for the
individual. David wants to see God's justice so that all will
recognize that they are 'just men' 19-20. Note: Every person will
give account of himself/herself to God (Romans 14:12, Hebrews
4:12-13). It is a comfort, on one level, to know that the Lord will
ask an accounting of all nations, considering all the sin, evil,
and injustice that many have suffered through the ages.
Psalm 10
Some suggest that this psalm is a continuation of the previous,
since the two (together) form an acrostic 'with each verse starting
with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet' (NIV Bible
Note. The theme of the wicked also continues. God 'appears' to be
standing far off as the wicked 'succeed and prosper' in their
schemes' 1-11. Note: Many who live according to their own desires
will take advantage and crush others to gain an advantage. The
scheming is deceptive, since they plot and 'lie in wait' for
victims 8-9. In arrogance, they live as though God does not see 11
and by implication, will not act against them. David is troubled by
their 'prosperity' and calls on the Lord to act 13-15. Note: I
wonder how a believer (today) is to pray with the same desires and
intensity as David did ? (He was a man after God's own heart). The
psalm ends with a proper focus on the Lord, who is King. HE is the
one who will judge the wicked and uphold the cause of the oppressed
16-18. The motive for such prayer is that 'man, who is of the
earth' (created by God from the dust of the ground) may terrify no
more 18
Psalm 11
David takes refuge in the Lord, thus he will not flee 1. Who was
suggesting that he run away from the threats of the wicked ? Note:
Wicked people oppose and want 'take out' those who are 'upright in
heart' 2 (those who have a righteous character from the Lord).
Verse 3 is a question for us to ponder and answer by God's grace
and leading ! David turns his focus to the Lord who is in His holy
dwelling in heaven 3. But far from being 'removed' from the scene,
the Lord examines and executes judgment 4b-6. The Lord loves
justice (so should His people). They will see His face 7 ! Note:
The placement of this psalm with the previous two, continue the
theme God's dealings with the wicked who are among the
righteous.
Psalm 12
David cries for help, since the godly and faithful are no where to
be found 1.David sees that lying and flattery are the norm, so is
boasting 2. Note: Notice the premium that is placed on 'speeches'
and 'great oratory' 4. David prays for them to be cut off 3 and the
Lord states that He will protect the weak 5. Note: When you or I
are unjustly accused or maligned, do we look to the Lord to
vindicate us as David did 7 ? Verse 8 is an apt description of many
in our culture today.
Psalm 13
God appears to be 'aloof' from David and the things he was
wrestling with 1-2. Note: Do you ever feel as if the Lord were
distant from you and your struggles ? You are not unique or alone,
for even David had this struggles. David asks for the Lord's
deliverance, lest the enemy have a reason to boast 3-4. He trusts
in the revealed character of the Lord (His unfailing love) and
rejoices in his heart in the Lord's salvation. Note: When the Lord
'appears' to be distant, focus on the Lord and His salvation. Sing
to the Lord 6a and remember all the good HE has bestowed on you 6b.
(consider: Philippians 1:6).
Psalm 14
The fool (as mentioned throughout the Scriptures) is described here
in verse 1. A fool say 'NO God' and is corrupt, vile, and unable to
do good. The Lord evaluates all people and 'finds' that
everyone is corrupt and that no one does good. Paul, in Romans
3:9-20 quotes these verses to show the universality of sin among
all humanity. (Some use the term 'Total Depravity'). Note: We are
all fools apart from a personal, saving, faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ (see: Titus 3:3-8). The Lord does act to deal with such
individuals 4-6. The Lord is present with the righteous and is
their refuge 5b,6b. How are we to understand the final petition
found in verse 7 ? When is the 'when' of restoring the fortunes of
His people...? I do not know ??
Psalm 15
David asks who may dwell in the Lord's presence 1 ? The 'holy hill'
may be a metaphor for heaven. David lists 10 'characteristics
of a citizen of heaven' 2-5. He begins with one whose walk (life)
is blameless and does (actions) are righteous 2. This and what
follows can not be a 'work your way to salvation' passage since we
just read 'there is no one who does good, not even one'(14:3b). It
can be understood to be reflective of those who are blameless and
righteous before God because of His saving work. (This is
explicitly taught elsewhere in Scripture. Ephesians 2:8-10, James
2:14-26, and the entire letter of 1 John; the theme of which is
'knowing and showing' Christ ! ) If you even wonder how God desires
His people to live, look to the 10 Commandments and to these verses
also. Speak the truth, do not slander, despise evil, honor God
fearers, keep your word, do not take advantage of others, and don't
take a bride. The promise of a godly life (as described) is not to
be shaken (the judgment of God ? ) 5b. They will also be those who
dwell in heaven 1. (see: Revelation 21:27; 22:14-15)