16 June
Bible In 365 Days 
Psalms 17-20
Psalm 17
This psalm is generally conceded to be closely linked with the preceding one. There is an evident similarity of outlook. In each case the singer declares his abstention from complicity with ungodly men. In both psalms God is appealed to, and the final hope of the soul is for fuller communion with Him. Yet, of course, the chief impression of comparison is the contrast. In the former, peril is referred to incidentally. Here, it is described and is the occasion of the outpouring of the soul.
The two exercises of priesthood are exemplified in the psalms. In the first the sacrifices of praise are offered. In this the petitions of need are presented. First, the ground of appeal is the singer's uprightness of heart, and speech, and action. It then moves into another and higher realm, the singer's confidence in God. He is known to be One who saves the trusting. The consciousness of His tenderness appears in the expressions used:
"Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of Thy wings." (Psalm 17:8)
After a description of the immediate peril the singer again appeals for help, and the song ends with the expression of assured blessing and the declaration of the one and only full satisfaction.
Psalm 18
This is one of the most majestic and beautiful of the worship psalms. It is at once a perfect pattern of praise and therefore a great revelation of the method and might and mercy of God. So clear and simple is it in its movement and language that nothing need be said of it save, perhaps, to suggest an analysis to aid in its study.
Prologue of Praise (verses 1-3). Here the psalmist pours out the gladness and gratitude of his heart which thrills with the highest spirit of adoration.
The Peril and Deliverance (verses 4-19). The terrible nature of the peril is first made clear, and then the story of the might and majesty of Jehovah's process is told and the fact of deliverance declared.
The Principle (verses 20-29). The reason of the divine deliverance is declared and the truth of perpetual importance, that God is to man what man is to God, is bed.
The Resultant Confidence (verses 30-45). Again the song breaks forth in almost tumultuous joy. Absolute confidence in God, and assurance of continued triumph are based upon experiences already gained of His goodness.
Epilogue of Praise (verses 46-50). The anthem ends with further sentences which group the benefits conferred on the king by his God and attest his determination to praise God among the nations.
Psalm 19
The burden of this psalm is the twofold revelation of Jehovah. He is revealed in Nature and in law. Yet in Nature Jehovah is revealed as God and not by those especial qualities suggested by the great name Jehovah. Moreover, it is in the law that God is revealed as Jehovah rather than by the facts of His wonder-working power. This differentiation is justified by the names as used. In the first six verses, which deal with the Nature revelation, the name "God" appears once and "Jehovah" not at all. In the last eight verses, which speak of the law revelation, the name "Jehovah" appears seven times and God not at all.
It is one Sovereign Ruler who is revealed and He is referred to by name eight times in all. Nature speaks to Nature. Day has its message to itself and night to itself. Without articulation the message is constantly delivered in the circuit of the sun. To man, higher than all Nature (Psalms 8:1-9), an articulate message is given. A word is spoken. It is the great law of Jehovah, "perfect," "sure," "right," "pure," 'clean," "true," "righteous." Mark well the sevenfold description and how perfectly all the needs of man are met. Great and wondrous, God is known in Nature by Nature through the speech of a great silence, and is revealed to man in messages which answer all his questioning and govern all his ways.
Psalm 20
This and the next psalms are certainly closely connected. The first is the prayer of the people on behalf of the king as he goes forth to battle. The first five verses were sung in chorus and express the consciousness of the supreme need in this day of trouble. The foes are gathered, the battle must be fought. Help must come from the sanctuary and strength from Zion. In the name of God the banners must be set up. The next verse is a solo. The voice of the king is heard announcing his confidence in Jehovah. Immediately the chorus takes up the music and contrasts the confidence of the foe in chariots and horses with the confidence of those who follow the king in the name of Jehovah, who is their God.
Following the contrast of confidence is that of issue: They are bowed down and fallen; But we are risen, and stand upright.
The whole ends with a prayer in such form as recognizes the kingship of Jehovah. Today, the weapons of our warfare are no longer carnal, but we have a conflict to wage and the secrets of strength for us are revealed as clearly here as for those of olden times.
