Psalm 26 A Song of Trust (HBH) Although this psalm is in the form of a "negative confession" (see Job 31), it is not a prideful boast on the psalmist's part (as in Luke 18:11-12). Rather, it teaches the kind of life one must follow to be a part of GOD's assembly.

Psalm 26:1 See section 5 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.

Psalm 26:1 The psalmist's trust in Jehovah characterizes this plea in a very different way than that employed by the Pharisee who praised himself in the passage of Luke 18:11-14.

Psalm 26:2 Innermost thoughts (KJV-heart): In other words, my conscience.

Psalm 26:6 I will wash my hands in innocence: This seems to have been an ancient ceremony or a vow (Deut. 21:6,7) that was also carried out by Pontius Pilate in the judgment of Jesus (Matt. 27:24). See Psalm 73:13.

Psalm 26:8 I have loved: This gives us an idea of why David pleased GOD's heart. When love for the house of GOD is a priority in our life, GOD responds, showering his own indescribable love ("mercy", v.11) upon us.

Psalm 26:10 Bribes: That power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely is something that is well documented in the political history of the world. It is necessary to have a morally developed and truthful conscience to maintain "integrity" (v.11).

Psalm 27 A Song of Trust (HBH) True righteousness is above all love for GOD and the joy of worship (27:4). The one who so loves GOD is secure even in the tribulations of life because he or she is accepted in the arms of GOD (27:5,10).

Psalm 27:4 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.

Psalm 27:4 This desire of David's allows us to understand why "GOD carried him in his heart" and he was so beloved and blessed by Him.

Psalm 27:7-14 After the praise that occupies the first half of this psalm, it goes on to a prayer that ends with the key to a victorious life: Wait on Jehovah.

Psalm 27:10 This is the form that the psalmist employs to say that GOD is more concerned for our wellbeing than our father or mother would be. GOD's love goes beyond filial love. The verses should be considered as a proverb and interpreted as if David's parents might have abandoned him.

Psalm 28 A Song of Trust (HBH) The psalmist prayed for mercy for himself even as he prayed that GOD would punish evildoers. This came not from selfishness but a profound sense of right and wrong. For those who hate Him to go unpunished would be a perversion of GOD's justice.

Psalm 28:1 Rock is a symbol applied to GOD that emphasizes his attributes: The LORD protects and gives refuge.

Psalm 28:6-9 Blessed: The order of prayer and praise here is the opposite of the previous psalm; but still, both elements should be considered as necessary ingredients of a conversation with GOD.

Psalm 28:6 He heard: Is probably a declaration of faith, because praise sometimes includes this element of faith (Mark 11:24).

Psalm 28:7 Song: Not only mental gratitude, but it conveys verbally expressing praise when GOD sheds his grace on our lives.

Psalm 29 A Hymn (HBH) A terrible storm displays the power of GOD. The thunder and rain (29:3), lightning (29:7), and wind (29:5,9) all speak of His power. It provokes His people to praise (29:1,2-9).

Psalm 29:1,2 See section 4 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of book 1 of Psalms.

Psalm 29:3 In the description of the storm, the superstitious fears that are characteristic of pagan cultures aren't evident (Jonah 1:4-6), nor is See GOD identified with the lightning and thunder, which occurs in polytheistic religions; here GOD is over and above nature, governing it through his voice, as in the relation of the Creation (Gen. 1).

Psalm 29:6 Jump (KJV-skip): The psalmist refers poetically to an earthquake, which in the Lebanon mountain range and on Mount Sirion (Mount Hermon) break enormous trees, the powerful cedars, as if they were branches.

Psalm 29:7 This psalm is traditionally recited in the synagogues on the Day of Pentecost and alludes to the phenomenon related in Acts 2:1-4; strong wind and tongues of fire.

Psalm 29:9 Toe roar rips out the oaks, but GOD's temple is in a tranquil and secure place where all proclaim his glory.

Psalm 29:11 The GOD who controls storms is also the GOD who restores peace.

Psalm 30 An Individual Song of Thanksgiving (HBH) GOD's anger against His children is for only a moment, but His favor is forever (30:5). David confessed, "Thou hast drawn me up" like a bucket from a well (30:1, RSV). David proclaimed the danger of complacency (30:6) and the value of prayer (30:8).

Psalm 30:1-12 The formal dedication ceremonies in which declarations were adjusted to the occasion were common in Israel's history (Deut. 20:5; Ezra 6:16). It's not known which house of David (see the title of the psalm) this song dedicates (II Sam. 24; I Chron. 22).

Psalm 30:2,3 You healed me: This may be a reference to the plague of I Chronicles 21. An immediate prayer of repentance saved him and Israel; hiding the sin would have been fatal.

Psalm 30:5 A lifetime (the Biblia Plenitud verse is, "But his favor lasts a lifetime"; the KJV has, "In his favor is life"): The plague lasted all day, which is why the weeping will last for a night. This is a good example of Parallelism in Hebrew poetry.