Psalm 7

King David is given credit for writing seventy-three of the one hundred fifty psalms and, he is mentioned in an additional thirteen psalms. I believe understanding King David’s relationship to God is essential to experiencing the spiritual depth of the psalms.

David began Psalm 7 with, “O Lord my God.” The word Lord in the Old Testament is a translation of God’s name. When God called Moses to lead the exodus, God revealed His name to Moses. However, in the following generations the Hebrews so revered God they would not speak or write God’s name. When writing God’s name they used four consonants; YHWH, which is rendered Lord in English translations of the Old Testament. Over time other people inserted vowels so as to pronounce the name of God, YAHWEH. This word was later rendered into Jehovah. So, David begins this psalm with a very personal and intimate calling to God, by name, and in confession that the Lord is David’s God.

David then asks the Lord for vindication. He opens himself before God and seeks God’s perspective by saying in effect “If I have done anything wrong then let your judgment fall on me.” As David continues with this lament he asks God to deal with his adversaries. David wants his enemies defeated and he wants the land to be at peace; however, he is asking God to both render His judgment against the enemy and to also execute the judgment. David trusted God with his life and thus ends the psalm with worship: “I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.”

In a similar setting, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat went to God in prayer. In God’s response, the nature of the Lord, who can be trusted with our lives, is revealed: (Selected passages from 2 Chronicles 20 15-21)

“This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

“Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

Jehoshaphat and his people obeyed God and went forth, “singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang:

“Give thanks to the Lord;

his faithful love endures forever!”

Sē’lah

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

May 8, 2012            Psalm 8