Epaggelia

Both Psalm 6 & 7 address God’s furious anger, 6:1 & 7:11. In Psalm 6, his anger is  towards David in relation to his enemies, and in Psalm 7 towards David’s enemies. Both Psalms are almost repetitive but there is a change in David’s attitude towards God. In Psalm 6, he is expressing the need to repent, while in Psalm 7 he is expressing a need for justice.

Another aspect these two Psalms have in common is that they both refer to tunes which are most likely very lively. 6:1 “sheminith” which may refer to being forceful, and 7:1 “shiggayon” translated as “musical composition”, that is most likely fast with rapid changes of rhythm. So there is obviously a lot of passion in both of these Psalms. When do we sing robustly or with great feeling? There are quite a few Psalms that obviously have the Spirit’s endorsement on this type of music. 

Some of David’s remorse is related to something he did towards his enemies. There is a strong possibility that David felt he had sinned against God because of a moment of weakness, cowardice or maybe even simply retreating as a bad strategy? (6:4) Whatever went wrong in his action toward his enemy, it angered God and David was convinced of this. Probably because he felt sickness overtaking him, 6:3. This might refer to Philistines (1 Samuel 21:10–13), King Saul (1 Samuel 19:2), or his rebellious son, Absalom (Psalm 3). But in the next Psalm, it references an enemy from the Tribe of Benjamin, named Cush. David pleads with God to spare him, pointing out that a dead body can not worship or praise Him (Psalm 6:4–5).

Despite a period of fear and despair (Psalm 6:6–7), David resolves that God will rescue him. He warns his enemies to retreat, knowing that the Lord has heard him and will respond (Psalm 6:8–10). David’s confidence in having an answer (6:9) warrants us to likewise have faith in God’s answers. How do you know God has answered your prayer?

The desire David has in being right with God is so strong in Psalm 7:3-5 & v9, as strong as the Apostle Paul’s desire is to save the lost and be with God. Paul could wish his own salvation to be exchanged because of his love for the enemies of God, see Romans 9:1-3. Do you ever feel in turmoil because of people who are enemies. Do you believe this is why Jesus instructs us to pray for them? Matthew 5:44 & Romans 12:19. 

Praising God for his justice (Psa. 7:17) sometimes seems lacking because of our lack of faith in the perfect timing of God. See Romans 11:30-36 is written like a song with the same sentiment. Do we have any songs in our hymnal that even come close to praising God for his justice?

How do you begin your day? Probably when you’re trying to wake up, many of us try to start thinking about what is facing us? Preparation! The way David found the greatest blessings in life was to begin the day preparing to serve the Lord. He would first take his “GROANINGS” to God in prayer and ask to be heard. This was his experience because of an eternal truth expressed in Romans 8:26. It was true in ancient times for David and it can be true for you & me. 

V2-3, David knew what kind of God was the one and only true God, He was the king’s King. Little did he know that one day God would choose to come into our world as a baby in poverty and face enemies on a cross. But for now God had a house, that is a Temple. Literally it was physically a tabernacle, but in David’s heart, he knew the King of kings deserved a much better place or house to dwell in. So he offered him a sacrifice to show God his debt. David knew he could not produce what God deserved. A righteous holy life and a house made of the most expensive material, but David could show him his love and debt for God’s sovereign rule and protection over his life, so he started his day with a prayer and a sacrifice. 

V4-7, To understand why David would call the Lord’s house a Temple, instead of a tabernacle, which it was in his day, you need to back a few years before David was even born., In 1st Samuel 3:3, When Samuel was just a little boy, the tabernacle was called a Temple. It’s the very first occurrence in the Old Testament, where this word is used. Why? Because the future of a Messianic King for the throne eternal was to be promised through Samuel. God so desired to let the world know that the spiritual perspective of their future, would not refer to a big tent (Tabernacle) as anything other than a Temple. To the world and everybody outside Israel, it was just a big tent, but little Samuel would grow up to anoint David as King and God would give him a throne that would be eternal in Christ. See Revelation 22:16

v8-10, So David was brave before the Lord and spoke against his enemies brashly in prayer, because he knew his security in a Sovereign God. His enemies that he may face daily were violent liars v6, arrogant v5, & rebels against God, v10. So David knew he would win and was able to rejoice in God’s love.

v11-12, Here are some privileges we as God’s children get to enjoy.

“Take refuge in God” because of his powerful name that covers us like a shield of righteousness. “Sing for Joy” because of His blessings that are eternal & spiritual, are more to be desired than any physical property or riches. Do we sing like this?

There are a few Psalms (6, 67 & 76) written specifically for music to be played while singing the words. Many Christians feel awkward singing to God with instruments, because there is no example of a Christian congregation in the New Testament using any kind of instrumental music in praise to God. But there obviously was a time when God accepted it and was pleased with the congregation of Israel using instruments, there was also a time when God accepted the sacrifice of animal blood. So just because instrumental music was accepted with Jewish praise, doesn’t mean it’s accepted in Christian praise. Christian praise is exclusively centered and directed from the human heart directly and uniquely to the Spirit of Christ, nothing added and nothing taken away. Perhaps the reason instruments were used with this song in particular is because David was deeply distressed and found the sound of strings emphasized the feeling behind the words of truth that relieved his stress so well. God does use many different tools to treat human conditions and music therapy may indeed be as effective as aromatherapy for some ailments. But the ailment of the soul, which is sin, is not treated with anything better than the words and love of Christ. The gospel and presence of Christ’s Spirit is very effective in dealing with a Christian’s stress or distress and there is nothing that can enhance it. If we try to add anything, we venture into the fields of our will instead of God’s will and therein lay sin.

In verse 1, we find David stirring himself up to take hold of God’s strength. This is something that Israel really lacked during Isaiah’s day, See Isaiah 64:7, when he said “NO ONE” stirs himself up to take hold of You. Do we prepare ourselves for worshiping God? Do we stir ourselves up for prayer? If not, let me encourage you to learn more about Biblical meditation, 1st Timothy 4:15.

In verses 2-3, Despite the discouragement of his enemies, David may be disrespected publicly, but he finds that God answers his prayers. Do we focus on God’s answers when we are tempted and tried by the trials of life? There are many things that can stop us from seeing God’s answers to prayer, they are: 1-Not living in Christ Jesus (Jn. 15:7), 2-Unbelief (Mt. 17:20-21), 3-Bad marriages (1Pt. 3:7), 4-Unconfessed sin (Jas. 5:16), 5-Trusting in the length or style of prayer itself (Mt. 6:7) So we must do whatever it takes, to be heard, if not, the Bible gives us no certainty in an answer!
In verses 4-8, David used Biblical meditation, not the Eastern practice of meditation. In Biblical meditation, we fill our heart and mind with God’s word, the TRUTH. In eastern meditation, the idea is to empty the heart and mind, leaving us open potentially for LIES. David proclaims that the Lord’s goodness puts gladness in David’s heart. Here David sounds alot like Aaron’s High Priestly promise in Numbers 6:24-26 coming true and fulfilled in his life experience. Is this your experience in Christ?

A Psalm of David while he ran from Absalom his son; ref. 2nd Samuel, 15-18

v1-2, When human beings are led to think and accept that God can’t help them, we lose hope. Telling people God can’t help them, is horrible emotional abuse. Shimei did this to David, thinking David was just getting what he deserved, 2Sam. 16:7-8. This thought was painful for David because he had experienced blessings from God after he was repentant, so to use the disobedient rebellion of your child as a public stage for humiliation and blame it on God’s neglect, must have been very hurtful. 

v3-4, Truly, silent prayers are heard, indeed, but most Christians experience better & more fruitful prayers when praying out loud, even when they are alone, after all, we are not talking to our self! Speak up! The way God showed David that he was shielded and lifted up his head, may be a bit mysterious to us, but we know it had to do with David recognizing God’s influence. The word glory means exactly that, “influence”.  Men find glory or “influence” in all sorts of things; money, fame, power, prestige, or possessions. David found his influence or glory in the LORD. Be honest, do you, deep down inside, make God your glory/influence? Other people may boast in their money, beauty or position, but do you find in God, what others find in these? Where is your glory? If it’s in Christ, you will feel his security like a shield, (Ephesians 5:16) and your head won’t be droopy, but held up in dignity, not prideful arrogance.

v5-6, Know this: while we sleep, we’re unconscious, dead to the world – yet we breathe, our heart pumps, our organs operate and to a certain extent, in a small way, our muscles are refreshed. The same God who sustains us in our sleep, sustains us in our difficulties, don’t forget this. Because Christ as our shield, is who saves us, even if we die in our sleep one day. Afterall, God is bigger & better than any modern home security gadget & service. Christian courage is akin to Jewish courage from the Psalmist because their God is our Christ. Paul put it like this, “If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Rom. 8:31. Ultimately, the worst thing anyone can do to a genuine Christian, is make us endure suffering for the short time it takes us to change addresses, and our new address is Heaven!

v7-8, Arise, O LORD: David is quoting the words of Numbers 10:35 here, where Moses used this phrase as the children of Israel broke camp in the wilderness. It was a military phrase, proclaiming that God goes forward to defend Israel and lead them to victory. God will SHATTER the teeth of our enemies with one blow. UFC’s middleweight Devin Clark’s bottom front teeth were knocked out of place, by Ion Cutelaba on Sep 19, 2021 in Las Vegas. UFC featherweight Conor McGregor had the majority of his teeth fixed paying almost 500K to a Dentist in April 2021. Darren Till the British kickboxer revealed to journalists about his teeth and said, “They’re all fake. … .Aug 7, 2020. Even with our protective measures in our mouth and on fists, we still damage teeth, but God will not relent towards the unrepentant. There is a day appointed for judgment and their teeth will be shattered. For the Christian, God has already “Risen” in Christ. In a sense His victory is given to us and we are more than conquerors in Him, which doesn’t mean we don’t lose a battle here or there, but it does mean that the final season championship is ours! THAT is favor and grace shown to Christians by God. Rejoice!

Praise for The Rule of God

It’s likely that Nathan the Prophet during David’s reign wrote this Psalm, he asks why all the worldly people want to attack the King, which only results in making God very angry. He praises God for showing his justified wrath towards people who rebel against the Messiah. Do you have any idea why this message would be a song? Psalm 2 is not only about David and other kings of Israel. It is also about Jesus. The prophets said that the Messiah would be king of all the nations. David never ruled the whole world. Jesus Christ is still on course to rule the whole world & one day promises to destroy those will not submit to his Lordship. Jesus had a friend called Peter. Peter wrote that the message of the prophets was for us. The sovereignty of God is usually called “providence” by many Christians, if you do not use this word or have an understanding of what it is, please read Matthew 6:25-26 & 10:29  (Acts 24:2 & Romans 13:14 KJV “providence/provision”)

In Acts 4:25-26 Luke writes that Peter repeated Psalm 2:3. Herod and Pilate were the leaders that killed Jesus. Some of the people in the Psalm were the Jews that killed Jesus. They all decided that Christ (the Greek word for “Messiah”) must die.

v4 – 6: God put David in Zion as king. When David died his son Solomon became king and so on. Jesus was the last man that God put as king in Jerusalem. Herod, Pilate and the Jews killed Jesus, knowing that Jesus claimed to be a “type” of King, but they were so angry with Jesus that their rage blinded them from understanding what type of King Jesus claimed to be. Where Jesus died Pilate wrote, “The King of the Jews.” Really, Jesus offered himself and God said that he was king. “Sitting above the skies” means “in heaven.”

v7 – 8: The description here of angels, fire and wind, is surely pointing to the description of the coming of the Son’s Spirit of Christ in Acts 2, which the Hebrew writer points out in Hebrews 1:5 & 5:5. Jesus is the only person ever born on earth, as a truly faithful son of God. Adam is described as a son of God in Luke 3, but that was simply in the sense that God made him first from the dust of the earth. Adam’s earthly nature was weak and fell into sin, but not Jesus! Everyone else must become a son of God by becoming born again in Jesus. God then gives us new life. It is as though we start life again! In Acts 13: 33 Luke repeated another verse from Psalm 2. He wrote that the words “You are my son” came true as evidenced in power, when God raised Jesus from the dead”.

v9 – 12:His rod of iron is seen in Revelation 12:5 & 19:15, what does it represent?  This is important especially towards civil Government. If politicians do not see themselves as ministers for good and to execute justice against evil, nations will suffer.  We must all become servants of the LORD. If we do not, we will die. When we come to Jesus, he becomes our friend. But we must remember who he is. Jesus is God! Though we are friends, we are also servants that have God’s joyful satisfaction & sovereign security in our hearts.

The first 41 Psalms are categorized as Part One of the entire collection of Psalms by most orthodox Jews. They usually section them into 5 Parts corresponding to the 5 books of the Torah (Law) 

• 1-41, Man, God, & The Natural World.
• 42-72, The Royal House of Israel i.e., Spiritual Israel.
• 73-89, God’s Protection & Presence.
• 90-106, Our Lowliness & God’s Loftiness.
• 107-150, God’s Presence In Distress or Destruction

v1, Whether we are walking, standing or sitting, we need to be avoiding the wickedness, sinfulness or scoffing of worldly people Jesus loves. Jesus was well known to mingle and eat with sinners, but he showed the perfect way to avoid the sin!

“Blessed” in Greek from the O.T. Septuagint is μακάριος that is makarios, pronounced mak-ar’-ee-os. It is used in the beatitudes in Matthew 5 and Luke 6. It is said of God twice, 1 Timothy 1:11; 6:15. In the beatitudes the Lord indicates not only the people that are “blessed,” but the nature of that which is our highest good.

v2, When we have the privilege of actually doing what we have mediated on, it potentially brings a sense of fulfilment. How do you meditate on “commands”? John says “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments do not weigh us down” 1Jn. 5:3.

v3, This verse describes fruit bearing trees that are evergreen, a lot of fruit trees here in N. America are deciduous. But in many parts of the world they actually aren’t as rare as we might think, avocados, loquats, most citrus trees, tropical guava, papaya and lychee are seasonal in their fruit bearing, but continually in leaf. The Tree of Life in Rev. 22:2, shows continual fruit bearing, reflecting the powerful ability God gives Christians to bear fruit regardless of whatever is against us in this world, Galatians 5:23 & Matthew 19:26.

v4-5,  The lack of stability and strength in morals and virtues of Christ are the very reason they are never allowed to join the assembly of the godly even if they wanted to. Where do Christians get strength & stability morally? 

v6, Godly people need protection, because we live in a world that is wicked and without God’s protecting us spiritually, we are bound for the same degenerate destruction they are heading towards. Peter says they are “like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, they don’t understand whom they are insulting and consequently in their destruction they will be destroyed” 2Pt. 2:12

The heart of the gospel as expressed throughout the Scriptures and in the closing of Leviticus is the promise of communion with God: “I will make my dwelling among you. . . . And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people”, Lev. 26:11-12, see Ex. 6:7 & 29:45 and in 2nd Cor. 6:16 & Rev. 21:3-4. The Hebrew word translated “abhor” in Lev. 26:11, 30, 43, 44) expresses the sense of revulsion we should feel from something that makes the stomach churn. Leviticus uses this word to describe the kind of offense that human sin is in the eyes of God (v. 30). We fail to appreciate the true nature of our sin until we come to recognize the deep, stomach-churning offense it is before God. However, the blessing and cursing sections of Lev. 26, both culminate in the twice-repeated promise that God’s soul “shall not abhor you” any longer (26:11, 44). In Christ our life causes NO more offense! The marvel of the atonement is that human sin is so perfectly resolved that God’s people are clean and genuinely pleasing in his sight. Because of the atonement taught in Leviticus and accomplished by Christ, God’s soul can and does take true delight in his people.

Leviticus concludes on a negative note, in Chapter 27, not because God was a pessimist about the ability of Israel to live a holy life, but because He knew Numbers & Deuteronomy were next to be written in the Law of Israel. Victory and blessings were to be experienced and recorded. Holiness in the Nation’s lifestyle and economy was seen by God in the way a person made promises and/or vows to God. To vow or consecrate a person or thing to the LORD was done on a completely voluntary basis. Based on the holiness of God, consecrating or vowing the person or thing to God was done for several personal reasons. For example, a person from the Tribe of Judah in distress or out of gratitude or out of a sense of calling, if they wanted to consecrate a child to the LORD, He could not give his child to the service of the tabernacle because the child was not from a Levitical family/tribe. So to consecrate his child, he would need to follow these procedures in the Lev. 27. The beauty of these commands are that they gave the one making a vow of consecration something exact to do, the vow of consecration was therefore far more than mere words in a prayer, so it had a precise monetary investment, which prevented anyone from making empty vows to God. No one should make a promise to a holy God as really valuable unless they made an investment. God exemplified this way of making promises in that he gave his one and only Son, to keep his promise of forgiveness to anyone who will trust & obey the promise of God in Christ. God was truy holy and intended people to know what kind of severe punishment was in store for anyone who violated the seriousness of making a vow to Him. Therefore v28-29 prohibited people from trying to buy back or redeem devoted people. When God Himself makes a promise to devote his Son, His Son went through with it, even though he prayed for a possible alternative in the Garden of Gethsemane, He still gave Himself. There was no way to buy Himself out of it. Therefore He had to volunteer as the perfect sacrifice, keeping the promise of God, holy, consecrated for the forgiveness of our sin. 

Lev. 27:30-34 is another one of those exceptions God in his mercy & grace made clear when it came to making a promise. Tithes could be “bought back” from the Lord, instead of tithing good seed from a  field, a farmer could pay the value of the seed plus 20%. These were real rules with consequences. The ultimate consequence is that Christ would come and die for the way they broke laws of redemption. In conclusion: Leviticus teaches us that we can not measure up in our behavior as holy, especially in view of the perfect holiness God gives us as a Christian. We must depend on Him and show our appreciation in obedience to Him for the righteous holiness of God we are graciously given in His Spirit! See 2nd Cor. 5:21