Psalm 17 An Individual Complaint (HBH) David asserted his innocence as a prerequisite to his prayer for deliverance from his enemies. He did not claim sinless perfection in 17:3-5, nor did he deny the universal sinfulness of humanity. But he understood that he could not expect GOD to save him from his enemies if he cherished deceit or violence in his own life.
Psalm 17:1 Hear...a just cause: Records the words of a just man acting as his own attorney and establishes the tone of this prayer of David.
Psalm 17:3 See section 7 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.
Psalm 17:3 You have put me to the proof: Is equivalent to having been put over a crucible without stains or impurities being found.
Psalm 17:7 Mercies (KJV-loving kindness): (in Hebrew, chesed): to receive righteousness and protection, David appeals, not only to his own innocence and integrity, but to GOD's goodness and compassion.
Psalm 17:8 This phrase is taken from Deuteronomy 32:10 and refers to the sense of sight which is diligently protected and cared for.
Psalm 17:9 The incident with Saul in I Samuel 23:26 gives an idea of the enemies who sought David's life.
Psalm 17:10 Fat: Allusion to a life of luxury and abundance.
Psalm 17:14 Portion: The men of the world are those who are only interested in the material things of this world and accumulate treasures to leave to their children.
Psalm 17:15 To your likeness This was perhaps the verse that the Apostle John had in mind when he wrote about the future resurrection and the rewards that those who had been mistreated in this life would receive (I John 3:2).
To the head musician. Psalm of David, servant of Jehovah, who directed the words of this song to Jehovah the day that Jehovah freed him from all his enemies, and from the hands of Saul.
Psalm 18 An Individual Song of Thanksgiving (HBH) As the superscript says, David gave thanks for the many victories GOD had given him. In 18:7-15 David described the fury of the LORD in terms reminiscent of the Sinai appearance. Similar language is also found in the ancient Canaanite texts from Ugarit in Syria.David saw his salvation not as personal or private but claimed that GOD moved heaven and earth - that He set His great power in motion - to save him. GOD's vindication of David extends to his whole dynasty (18:50) and thus to the Messiah.
Psalm 18:1-50 This psalm repeats the extensive song recorded in II Samuel 22, and is the longest of those that appear in the "First Book".
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Psa. 18:3 Praise emphasizes GOD, THE WAY OF PRAISE. Here we encounter the most important reason for praising GOD. "He is worthy of being praised" (from the Heb. halal, "praise in a loud voice"). Halal means roughly "to make shine". With our praise we make GOD the center of our attention, worthy and deserving of being praised and glorified. The more we concentrate on GOD, the more we shine. Modern medicine has pointed out the value of bringing a depressed person to a well lit home, recognizing thus that the light helps heal the depression in a great measure. How much more will praise do, supplying us with the light of GOD and providing us his joy! (Psalm 7:4-17/22:3,4) C.G.
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Psalm 18:7-15 Moved and trembled: David blends verses filled with color when he compares GOD's intervention in his favor with spectacular natural cataclysms.
Psalm 18:20 My righteousness: This isn't an arrogant declaration, but one of innocence and integrity, taking into account the mistreatment received from Saul.
Psalm 18:25-27 Merciful: Jesus reinforced these moral standards in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:7,8).
Psalm 18:42 And I ground them: The total physical conquest spoken of here formed part of the Old Covenant and shouldn't be used as an example in the age of the New Covenant and Christ's spiritual kingdom (Matt. 5:43,44).
Psalm 18:6 See section 7 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.
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Psalm 18:46 exalted, rum; Strong #7311: Elevate, raise, ascend, exalt, go up, keep, magnify; making something or somebody powerful. Since GOD is on high, and is the "Most High" ('El 'Elyon), he can't occupy a higher place than the one he already occupies; but, he can be exalted in our mind. The words 'Abram (Abram) and terumah are related to ram. The name Abram means "Father of the heights", that is, "exalted Father" or "man of stature". Teramah means "elevated offering", a present that was evidently thrown upward while it was offered.
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Psalm 18:49 This was cited by the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:9 as proof that Christ came as Savior as much for the Gentiles as for the Jews.
Psalm 19 A Torah Psalm (HBH) GOD's revelation through nature and through Scripture each have their place. The natural world gives plain evidence of the glory and power of GOD (19:1-6; see Rom. 1:19-20). The law, however, goes beyond that and instructs and revives the human heart (Ps. 19:7-11). Walking in this light, the believer is moved to seek divine forgiveness and approval (19:12-14).
Psalm 19:1-14 This psalm properly joins the two ways through which GOD has revealed himself to mankind: through the general revelation of his creation (verses 1-6; Rom. 1:19,20); and through the specific revelation of his Word (verses 7-14; Heb. 1:1).
Psalm 19:1 The firmament: The open space of the heavens.
Psalm 19:4 Their voice went out (KJV-Their line): The Apostle Paul used this verse to show that the Jews have known the Word of truth, but having heard, refused to obey it, with the result that the door was opened to the Gentiles so that they may hear the Word (Rom. 10:18).
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Psa. 19:7 The complete integrity of the Bible, THE WORD. The mention that the Law of the LORD is perfect" represents a direct reference to the absolute, complete and undoubtable integrity of the Sacred Scriptures. The Word of GOD is perfect in its certainty and sure in its trustability. Generally, two terms are used to describe these aspects of GOD's Word: 1) inerrant (perfect), which means that in the original copies written by the author or authors of each manuscript, of each one of the books of the Bible, nothing has been affected by error. (Furthermore, the excellent protection of the Scriptures through the centuries assures us that the copies that reached our time essentially reproduce the originals. Even literary critics, who claim they don't have faith in the truth of the Bible, testify that, due to having remained inalterable and exact, this is the most trustworthy work handed down from antiquity.) 2) Infallible refers to the fact that the Bible doesn't lack as an absolutely trustworthy guide for our faith (belief in GOD) and practice (life and behavior). It's because GOD is faithful (John 3:33; 17:3), his Word true (John 17:17) and he cannot lie (Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18). (II Tim. 3:16/Prov. 30:5,6) J.W.H.
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Psalm 19:7-11 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.
Psalm 19:7 The general revelation of GOD is initiated invoking the generic name of the divinity (El, v.1); but the specific revelation is characterized because GOD's own name is revealed (in Hebrew, Yahweh), translated six times in verses 7-9 as Jehovah.
Psalm 19:12-14 Free me (KJV-cleanse): The correct reaction to seeing and hearing the revelations of GOD is personal introspection (James 1:21-25).
Psalm 19:12,13 See section 6 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.
Psalm 19:14 See section 2 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.
Palm 19:6 And its course (KJV-his circuit): David describes the rotation of the Earth as a poet and man of his time, so this doesn't constitute any scientific doctrine. In the same way, we use the phrases, "the going down of the sun" and "sunset" to describe the Earth's rotation, although technically we know that the sun doesn't revolve around the Earth.
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Psa. 19:14 Sayings pleasing to GOD, CONFESSION OF FAITH. This much cited verse points out the importance that our words and thoughts be consistent with the divine Word and will. The text literally says, "Permit that which I speak and that which my heart murmurs may be a delight to you, Jehovah". Naturally, so that our words may be pleasing in GOD's sight, they have to reflect what our hearts feel and think. The truth of this text urges us to always pronounce the type of words that confirm what we believe or think in our hearts about GOD, his love and his power. It's not acceptable in GOD's sight that, if we believe, we contradict this belief with careless words. Let's remember the lesson of Cain's sacrifice (Gen. 4:1-7): That which is unacceptable to GOD is not only unbelieving and unfruitful, but also fatal. (II Chron. 6:24-31/Prov. 16:23,24) R.H.
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| THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD PRESENTED IN THE PSALMS | |
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| CHARACTERISTICS | SELECTED PASSAGES |
| Anger | 5:6; 6:1; 27:9; 30:5; 73:20; 76:7,10; 89:38; 103:8; 106:29,32,40; 108:11; 145:8 |
| Avenger | 9:12; 24:5; 26:1; 53:5; 58:6; 59:4; 69:22; 72:4; 86:17; 112:8; 139:14; 148:7 |
| Creator | 8:3; 22:9; 24:2; 78:69; 86:9; 93:1; 95:4; 96:5; 119; 73; 91; 121:2; 124:8; 136:5 |
| Deliverer (Savior) | 7:1,10; 9:14; 24:5; 27:9; 37:39; 39:8; 71:2; 80:2; 105:37; 119:41,94,123,146,173; 132:16 |
| Faithful | 40:10; 54:5; 91:4; 92:2; 94:14; 98:3; 100:5; 106:26; 115:1; 119:75; 143:1 |
| Forgiving | 25:11; 32:5; 65:3; 78:38; 79:9; 85:2; 86:5; 99:8; 103:3,12; 130:3 |
| Glory | 8:1; 24:7; 26:8; 29:1; 63:2; 66:2; 79:8; 89:17; 97:6; 106:20; 113:4; 115:1; 138:5 |
| Good | 13:6; 25:7; 27:13; 31:19; 34:8; 73:1; 86:5,17; 100:5; 106:1; 119:65,68; 125:4; 145:7,9 |
| Gracious | 67:1; 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 119:58; 145:8 |
| Healer | 6:2; 30:2; 103:3; 107:20; 147:3 |
| Holy | 16:10; 19:1; 20:6; 22:3; 29:2 30:4; 68:5,35; 71:22; 77:13; 78:41; 89:7,18,35; 99:3,5,9 |
| Jealous | 75:58; 79:5 |
| Judge | 7:8,11; 9:4,7-8; 50:4,6; 52:5; 75:2,7; 98:9; 103:9; 106:15; 110:6; 120:4 |
| Justice | 7:6; 9:8,16; 11:7; 33:5; 36:6; 67:4; 96:10; 99:3; 101:1; 103:6; 140:12 |
| King | 5:2; 9:7; 11:4; 44:4; 47:2-9; 66:7; 68:16,24; 74:12; 89:14; 96:10; 97:1; 145:1,115 |
| Living | 18:46; 42:2; 84:2 |
| Love | 6:4; 21:7; 25:6; 47:4; 48:9; 52:8; 60:5; 62:12; 66:20; 98:3; 103:4,8,11,17; 106:1,45; 112:4; 117:1; 119:41,64 |
| Majesty | 8:1; 68:34; 76:4; 93:1; 96:6; 104:1; 111:3; 145:5 |
| Mercy | 4:1; 5:7; 9:13; 26:11; 30:10; 31:9; 41:4,10; 57:1; 77:9; 78:38; 116:1; 119:132,137 |
| Only GOD | 18:31; 35:10; 73:25; 95:3; 96:4-5; 97:7; 113:5; 135:5 |
| Perfect | 18:30; 92:15; 115:3; 135:6 |
| Present | 16:11; 22:19; 23:4; 35:22; 38:21; 48:3; 73:23; 75:1; 89:15; 105:4; 110:5; 114:7; 139:7-12 |
| Protector | 3:3; 5:11; 7:10; 16:5; 33:20; 66:9; 89:43; 97:10; 115:9; 127:1; 145:20 |
| Provider | 67:6; 68:9; 78:23-29; 81:16; 85:12; 107:9,36; 132:15; 136:25; 144:13; 145:15 |
| Redeemer | 19:14; 25:22; 55:18; 106:10; 107:2; 119:134,154; 130:8 |
| Refuge, Rock | 7:1; 14:6; 19:14: 27:1; 28:1; 42:9; 62:1,8; 73:28; 89:26; 91:2,9; 92:15; 118:8 |
| Repent | 7:12; 90:13; 106:45 |
| Righteousness | 4:1; 11:7; 22:31; 36:6; 50:6; 65:5; 72:1; 89:14; 96:13; 111:3; 119:40; 129:4 |
| Shepherd | 23:1; 28:9; 74:1; 77:20; 78:52; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; 100:3 |
| Spirit | 51:11; 104:30; 106:33; 139:7; 143:10 |
| Universal | 24:1; 50:1,12; 59:13, 65:2,5; 66:4; 68:32; 69:34; 86:9; 96:1,7; 99:3; 100:1; 138:4; 150:6 |
| Wisdom | 104:24 |
| Wonder Worker | 40:5; 46:8; 65:5; 66:3,5; 68:7; 72:18; 73:28; 74:9,13; 78:4; 81:10; 86:8,10; 98:1; 107:8,15; 119:126; 135:8; 136:4,10; 145:4 |
| HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS REPESENTED IN THE PSALMS | |
|---|---|
| CHARACTERISTICS | SELECTED PASSAGES |
| Afflicted, Poor, Needy | 12:5; 14:6; 22:26; 25:16; 34:2,6; 49:2; 68:5,10; 72:2; 74:19; 76:9; 82:3; 113:7; 136:23; 145:14 |
| Anger | 37:8; 124:3; 138:7; 139:21 |
| Blessed | 1:1; 2:12; 3:8; 5:12; 24:5; 34:8; 41:1; 65:4; 84:4,12; 106:3; 119:1; 129:8; 132:15; 134:3 |
| Confident | 3:5; 4:8; 27:1; 30:6; 41:11; 71:5 |
| Covenant | 25:10; 50:5,16; 74:20; 78:10,37; 89:3,28,34,39; 103:18; 105:8; 106:45; 111:5,9; 132:12 |
| Death | 6:5; 16:10; 23:4; 31:17; 44:22; 49:9-20; 55:4,15,23; 68:20; 78:33,50,57; 82:7; 89:4-8; 103:15; 104:29; 115:17 |
| Enemies | 3:1,7; 4:2; 6:10; 8:2; 9:3; 18:37,48; 27:2; 41:2,7; 66:3; 68:1,21; 78:53,61,66; 81:14; 107:2; 108:12; 129:1; 132:18 |
| Faithful, Godly | 4:3; 18:25; 26:1; 31:23; 37:28; 73:1; 84:11; 85:10-11; 86:2; 97:10; 101:2; 108:1; 125:4; 131:1; 139:23-24 |
| Fool | 14:1; 53:1; 74:18,22; 85:8; 92:6; 94:8; 107:17 |
| Humans | 22:6; 33:13; 49:7; 55:13; 56:4; 62:9; 82:5; 89:47; 115:16; 133:1; 139:16; 146:3 |
| Joy | 4:7; 16:9; 20:5; 21:1; 27:6; 28:7; 34:2; 47:1; 48:11; 53:6; 63:11; 68:3; 81:1; 90:14; 98:4; 100:1; 107:22; 145:7 |
| King of Israel | 2:2,6-8; 20:6; 28:8; 45:1,6; 61:6; 63:11; 78:70; 84:9; 92:10; 119:14,74; 122:5; 144:10 |
| Kings of Earth | 33:16; 48:4; 58:1; 68:12; 76:12; 94:20; 102:15; 106:41; 110:5; 119:23,46,161; 138:4; 146:3; 149:8 |
| Loving GOD | 5:11; 18:1; 69:36; 70:4; 91:14; 97:10; 116:1; 119:32; 145:20 |
| Nations | 9:5,15,19; 22:27; 44:11; 46:6; 59:5; 67:2; 68:30; 72:17; 78:55; 82:8; 99:1-2; 105:1,13,38; 110:6 |
| Righteous | 5:12; 11:5; 14:5; 15:1; 17:1,15; 18:20; 23:3; 33:1; 34:15; 37:6,12,16,21,25,30; 55:22; 58:10; 68:3; 72:2; 92:12; 97:11; 106:31; 125:3; 147:2; 146:8 |
| Sacrifice | 4:5 |
| Sin | 5:10; 14:3; 18:22; 19:13; 25:7; 36:1-2; 51:1,5,13; 52:2; 58:3; 66:18; 68:21; 89:32; 99:8; 103:10,12; 106:6,13-39,43; 107:11,17 |
| Suffering | 22:24; 31:7; 38:3; 41:3; 55:3; 119:50,107,153 |
| Trust | 4:5; 9:10; 13:15; 20:7; 22:4,9; 28:7; 37:3; 40:3; 52:8; 62:8; 84:12; 112:7; 115:9; 116:10; 125:1 |
| Wicked | 5:4; 6:8; 7:9,14; 11:2; 23:4; 26:5; 27:2; 32:10; 52:1,7; 53:1,4; 55:3; 58:3; 59:2; 68:2; 73:3; 82:4; 84:10,22; 94:3,13,16,23; 104:35; 107:34,42; 119:53,95,119,150,155; 147:6 |
| Wisdom | 90:12; 107:43; 11:10; 119:98 |
