30 June

Bible In 365 Days                     

Psalms 86-89

Psalm 86

This psalm is peculiar in many ways. Its first peculiarity is that the name of God which dominates is Adonai, or "Lord", which indicates absolute Lordship, and by the use of which the singer shows his sense of submission and loyalty. The name Jehovah is used four times, thus revealing the singer's sense of God as Helper; and the name God five times, thus revealing his consciousness of the Divine might. The supreme sense however, is that of the Divine authority.

The next matter of special note is that while the psalm is a beautiful and consecutive song, it is largely composed of quotations from other psalms, thus revealing the singer's familiarity with them.

Finally, the psalm is unique in its method of urging a petition upon the ground of some known fact. This is clearly seen if the use of the word "for" is noticed (Psalms 86:1-5; Psalms 86:7; Psalms 86:10; Psalms 86:13). In the first four verse the facts are those which indicate his attitude toward God. In the first four verses the facts are those which indicate his attitude toward God. In the last four the facts are those revealing God's attitude toward God. In the last four the facts are those revealing God's attitude toward him. The revelation for us is that of true approach to God in times of need. This must be based upon our relation of absolute submission to Him. It must be expressed in harmony with spiritual desires as expressed by the fellowship of the faithful. It must be urged in consecration and courage.

Psalm 87

This is a prophecy. The singer is looking on. The order of the earthly realisation of the Kingdom of God is seen as established. First, the city is contemplated at the center of everything, with the Lord as its God. Then the peoples of the earth are seen in their true relation to that city.

It is a most remarkable utterance. Though brief, it is as comprehensive and full of beauty as any of the inspired predictions. Without specific statement, the sovereingty of God is taken for granted. There is no argument given for this. It is a fact beyond dispute and needing no proof. Thus God has the city of His chosen people as the center and foundation of His administration. His love is set upon the city, and her fame is wide-spread; glorious things are spoken of her. The outcome is seen in the effect produced upon the surrounding peoples. Her ancient enemies are finally to be born, that is realise their true life, through this governing city of God.

This is the highest function of the chosen people according to the purpose of God. Under His government they are to bring the other nations to Him, so that they also shall find their highest in His Kingdom. This is not a story of Israel conquering by force of arms, but of that higher victory not yet won, when by manifestation and administration of the Divine government, the peoples shall dance and sing in the finding of their fountains and fulness in God.

Psalm 88

This is a song sobbing with sadness form beginning to end. It seems to have no gleam of light or of hope. Commencing with an appeal to the Lord to hear, it proceeds to describe the terrible sorrows through which the singer is passing. He is whelmed with trouble, and nigh unto death. Moreover he is alone; his acquaintances are put away from him. Death is a terrible outlook, for the singer sees no light in it. Therein God Himself will be unknown, and unable to succour.

Again the song sings in yet profounder notes of sadness, which are like the breaking of great waves over the soul; which seem as though they must silence it utterly. The last declaration is a most terrible one of utter loneliness, "lover and friend" are put away from him, and the final word is "darkness." One cannot help the consciousness that this psalm was a foreshadowing of realisation in the Messiah. The not of present value however, is that while, as we said at the beginning, there seems to be no light, there is light everywhere. The singer is in great sorrow, but he comes to God. He is afraid of going into death because there the Lord cannot help him; but he has come there, and therefore still cries out for God. While the sense of God abides, darkness has not triumphed.

Psalm 89

Taken as a whole, this song is one of the finest in the collection as a revelation of how the man of faith is compelled to view circumstances of calamity. In a poem of great beauty he first sets forth the praises of God (Psalms 89:1-37). Then he surveys the present condition of His people, and so creates a contrast (Psalms 89:38-52). No present defeat can dim the glory of past history as it reveals the facts of Divine majesty. Yet these past facts and confidences may be the reason of present enquiry and approach to God.

In the first part, which is a song of praise, the singer tells of the covenant made with David, and then breaks out into adoration. The heavens and the angels witness to His greatness (Psalms 89:5-7). The earth and men also. All nature, the sea and the mountains, the north and the south, are conscious of His power. In His government the foundations are unshakeable, and the method full of tenderness (Psalms 89:8-14).

It follows naturally that the people who are peculiarly His own are indeed blessed (Psalms 89:15-18). This is not theory only; it is experience. For them Jehovah had found a king, and had made him and the people under him invincible in the days of their obedience. Such facts issue in confidence that the future must be one of victory and blessing.

"But", and the word suggests a change, and a great change it is. Instead of the glowing picture of the former verses is a dark one of present experience. The people are scattered, their defences broken down, their enemies triumphant, and their king is robbed of glory, and covered with shame (Psalms 89:38-45).

Yet most carefully notice that all this is spoken of as the work of Jehovah. The key phrase to this portion is "Thou hast." The mighty One Who had found the king and blessed the nation is the One Who has broken the nation and cast out the king. Upon the basis of that conviction the final prayer rises, "How long, Jehovah." This is the true attitude of the interceding soul in the day of calamity. First, a sense of the greatness and goodness of God, as revealed in the first part of the song. Then the conviction that this same One is visiting the people in discipline. To know the faithfulness of god is to know that when He afflicts there is meaning of mercy in it. When that is recognised, prayer for deliverance is proper, for it must inevitably be accompanied by a turning back of Jehovah from those things which have been the reason of His punishments.

The psalm ends with the doxology which closes the book, and expresses the worship of Jehovah as the essential Helper of His people.