Bible in one year 8/31/2022 Psalm 61-63 & worship song by Rev.Katherine Liu Bruce

My soul find rest in God alone (Psalm62) I composed, recorded and produced during 2011 to 2013 reflected psalmist's heart waits on God, and warns others to put their trust in God rather than in the folly of ill-gotten gain or human strength. 

Bible in one year 8/31/ 2022  Psalm 61-63

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

Psalm 61 A psalm of David. Disheartened, David prays for strength and security(vv.1-2), based on the comfort that comes from God’s character(vv.3-4) and on the confidence that comes from His faithfulness to His promises(vv.5-7), all of which motivates the psalmist to praise and give thanks to God(v.8). Verse 2-4 the rock that is higher than I. An asylum which gives protection and security. God is that asylum, pictured by four figures of speech: refuge, strong tower, tent, and shelter. David appeals to God’s covenant with him(2Sam.7:16).

            Psalm 61:1-8

             Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (v.1-2).

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (v.3). I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (v.4).

For you have heard my vows, O God, you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (v.5).In crease the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. (v.6).

May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. (vv.7-8).

 

Psalm 62 A psalm of David.  David waits on God(vv.1-7) and warns others to put their thrust in Him, rather than in the folly of ill-gotten gain or human strength (vv.8-12)

            Psalm 62:1-11

            My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (vv.1-2).

            How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down—this leaning wall, this tottering fence? They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place.; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.(vv.3-4).

          

  

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (vv.5-6).

         

  

 

My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.(vv.7-8).

Lowborn men  are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increased, do not set your heart on them.(vv.9-10).

            One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. (vv.11-12).

            Psalm 63 A psalm of David. When he was  in the Desert of Judah, separated from the sanctuary in Jerusalem, David fellowship with God, who is the desire of his being(vv.1-4), the delight of his soul (vv.5-8), and the defense of his life(vv.9-11).

 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (v.1).

            I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (vv.2-3).

            I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.(vv.4-5).

            On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (vv.6-8).

            They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. (vv.9-10).

            But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced. (v.11).

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.

 

Bible in one year 8/30/ 2022 Psalm 58-60 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

 Bible in one year 8/30/ 2022  Psalm 58-60

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

Psalm 58 A psalm of David. To the tune of “Do not destroy”. An imprecatory psalm. David indicts unrighteous judges (vv.1-5) and calls for their swift destruction(vv.6-9) so that the righteous can rejoice in God’s justice (vv.10-11). Verse 1 rulers, or gods, or mighty ones. Though the meaning of the Hebrew word is obscure, the reference is clearly to unrighteous judges, who either are being referred to sarcastically as “ gods” or who had taken that as as honorific title. Verses 3-5 from the womb. Because of inborn sinfulness, men lie, poison others, and are deaf to all appeals (like a snake who will not obey a snake charmer). Verse 9 a reference to two kinds of branches for firewood, and picturing God’s judgment on the wicked.

Psalm 58:1-11

Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men? No. in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. (vv.1-5).

Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O Lord, the fangs of the lions! Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted. Like a slug melting away as it moves along, like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun. Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns whether they be green or dry –the wicked will be swept away.(vv.5-9).

The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “ Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is  a God who judges the earth.” (vv.10-11).

 

Psalm 59  A psalm of David, when Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. In this imprecatory psalm, David appeals for God’s help(vv.1-5), describes his dangerous situation (vv.6-10), asks for judgment on his enemies(vv.11-15), and ascribes praise to God(vv.16-17). Do not destroy., Heb., Al-tashheth. (see Psalm 57 also Psalm 16). For the historical background see 1 Sam.19:11-12.  David asks that the punishment of the wicked would be such as to teach the people the seriousness of sin, especially sins of speech (vv.11-12).

Psalm 59:1-17

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men.(vv.1-2).

See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine; O Lord. I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! (vv.3-4).

O Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.(vv.5-6)..

See what they spew from their mouths –they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, “Who can hear us?” But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations. (vv.7-8).

O my strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. (v.9).

God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. (v.10).

But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. (vv.11-13).

They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. (vv.14-15).

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress my loving God. (vv.16-17).  

Psalm 60 A psalm of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. While David was fighting in the north with Aram Naharaim (Mesopotamia) and Aram Zobah (between Damascus and the Upper Euphrates), Edom, invading from the south, defeated Israel. Joab was dispatched and achieved an important victory over the Edomites(2Sam.8;1 Chron.18). The psalm may be outlined as follows: the predicament of the nation (vv.1-5), the promise of God (vv.6-8), and the petition of David (vv.9-12). Verse 4 Since God had raised a banner to summon them to fight victoriously, their defeat seemed inexplicable. Verses 6-7 God assures them that He who apportioned the land is still in control of it. Other nations are put in their places: Moab, to bathe the feet; Edom, the servant to whom the sandals are thrown; Philistia, to provide the topic for a victory song(v.8).

Psalm 60: 1-12

You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry –now restore us! you have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.(vv.1-3).

 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered (vv.4-5).

God has spoken from his sanctuary: “ In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; Over Philistia I shout in triumph.” (vv.6-8).

Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (vv.9-12).

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.

 

Bible in one year 8/29/ 2022 Psalm 56-57 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/29/ 2022  Psalm 56-57

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

             Psalm 56 This lament contains a plea for help (vv.1-6), appetition for vengeance(vv.7-11), and a promise to pay vows(vv.12-13).This historical background is David’s feigning insanity in Gath(1Sam.21:10-15) When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Verse 4 implied answer to the question is, “Nothing that God does not permit” God is attentive to every detail of his life.(v.8).

 Psalm 56:1-13 A psalm of David.

 Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. (vv.1-2).

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (vv.3-4).

All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. (vv.5-6).

On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll are they not in your record? (vv.7-8)

Then my enemies with turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. (v.9)

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise.(v.10)

In God I trust ; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (v.11).

I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.  For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. (vv.12-13).

Psalm 57 Fleeing Saul, David voices prayer(vv.1-6) and praise(vv.7-11) for deliverance. Do not destroy. Heb., Al-tashheth. Possibly a tune indication (Pss.58-59,75). Verse 3 God’s steadfast love. David had to hide from men whose heart were aflame with enmity, hostility or animosity. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

 Psalm 57: 1-11 A psalm of David

            Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. (vv.1-2).

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and his faithfulness. (vv.3).

            I am in the midst of lions, I lie among ravenous beasts-men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. (v.4).

            Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.(v.5).

 They spread a net for my feet—I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path – but they have fallen into it themselves. (v.6).

My heart is steadfast , O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. (v.7).

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. (v.8).

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the people. (v.9).

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (v.10).

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. (v.11).

 

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

 

Bible in one year 8/28/ 2022 Psalm 54-55 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/28/ 2022  Psalm 54-55

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

Psalm 54 Reflecting on the treachery of the Ziphites, who revealed to Saul that David was hiding among them (1Sam.23), David petitions God for deliverance from his enemies (vv.1-3) and praises Him for the answer (vv.4-7).

 Psalm 54:1-7 A psalm of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “ Is not David hiding among us?”

 Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. Strangers are attacking me, ruthless men seek my life. Men without regard for God. (vv.1-3).  Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. (v.4).

Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them. I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you, I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good (v.5-6).  For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. (v.7).

 

 Psalm 55 Because of the treachery of an intimate friend (vv.12-13), David prays in anguish (with respect to himself, vv.1-8), in anger (with respect to his enemies,vv.9-15), and in assurance (with respect to God, vv.16-23).  Verse 9 may means such confusion and division as occurred at Babel happen to my enemies (Gen.11:7,9).  Verses 10-11 As king, David was especially concerned that the city had become a parade ground for revels and terrorists. Verse 13 we cannot be sure who this traitor was, though verses 20-21 tell us who he acted. Let them go down alive to the grace. I.e., let God’s judgment be immediate and startling (as was that upon Korah, Num.16:30-32), not for personal vindication but because the treachery was against God’s appointed leader.

            Psalm 55 1-23 A psalm of David

 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked; for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. (vv.1-3).

My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. I said, “ Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest- I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm. (vv.4-8).

Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets. (vv.9-11)

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friends, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. (vv.12-14).

Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodging among them. But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. (vv.15-17).

He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them –men who never change their ways and have no fear of God. (vv.18-19).

My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. (vv.20-21).

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.(v.22). But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you. (vv.23)

           

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

 

Bible in one year 8/27/ 2022 Psalm 51-53 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/27/ 2022  Psalm 51-53 

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 

 Psalm 51 In this penitential psalm, David pleads for forgiveness and cleansing (vv.1-2), confesses his guilt(vv.3-6), prays for pardon and restoration(vv.7-12), resolves to praise God (vv.13-17), and prays for the continued prosperity of Jerusalem(vv.18-19).The psalm elaborates David’s confession of his sin with Bathsheba (2Sam.11-12 especially 12:13). In his unworthiness David pleads God’s unfailing love (love based on the covenant and compassion. Though David’s sin involved others, he recognized that it was primarily against God. (v.4). It is not that the acts of giving birth or conceiving are in themselves sinful, but that form the moment of conception a person possesses a sinful nature.(v.5). Hyssop (v.7), it was used in cleansing the house of a leper(Lev.14:49) and in purification form defilement by death (Num.19:18-19). Verse 11 In the O.T. economy, the Holy Spirit was particularly related to service, rather than salvation (Judg.3:10;Rom8:9). Here David is asking God not to take away his service as the anointed king of Israel (Sau, 1Sam.16:13-14). bloodguilt (v.14)., Lit., bloods, the sentence of death for the murder of Uriah.

Psalm 51:1-19 A psalm of David, after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (vv.1-5)

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (vv.6-9).

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (vv.10-12).

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (vv.13-15).

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar. (vv.16-19)

Psalm 52 Contrasting the wicked and the righteous, this didactic psalm may be outlined this way: the description of the wicked(vv.1-4), the doom of the wicked(v.5), the delight of the righteous(vv.6-9).Four striking figures describe the doom of the wicked (v.5). The righteous fear (stand in awe of) God and laugh (in derision) at the wicked.

 Psalm 52:1-9 A psalm of David. When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him : “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.”

Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man?  Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, O you deceitful tongue! (v.1-4).

Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you form your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.(v.5-6).

The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying, “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!”(v.7).

 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing glove for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints. (vv.8-9).

Psalm 53 In this psalm (essentially identical with Psalm14), David laments the moral foolishness and corruption of the human race (vv.1-5) and longs for the establishing of the righteous kingdom of the Lord on earth (v.6) mahalath. A term meaning “sickness” (also in Psalm 88), possibly the first word of a well-known tune to which this psalm was sung. Verse 5 suggests a miraculous deliverance as the background for adapting Psalm 14 for the occasion.  

 Psalm 53:1-6 A maskil of David

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. (v.1).

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek of God.(v.2).

 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.(v.3).

 Will the evildoers never learn those who devour my people as men eat bread. There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them. (vv.4-5).

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (v.6).

 

 

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986. 

 

Bible in one year 8/26/ 2022 Psalm 49-50 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/26/ 2022  Psalm 49-50

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

Christian Arts Ministries : Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling 

            Psalm 49 This wisdom psalm, written to instruct men rather than to praise God, calls on the world to hear the truth (vv.1-4) concerning the temporary glory and false security of the wicked rich(vv.5-14), whose doom is certain, in contrast to the everlasting hope of the righteous (vv.15-20). Man cannot purchase from God additional days in order to extend his life (vv.7-9). Verse 12 does not deal with the question of life after death, but with the fact that the hope of wicked men are restricted to this lfe. Death will guide them directly to Sheol.(Gen.37:35). The righteous will ultimately triumph over the wicked, either in this life or in the life to come (morning). God pays the ransom, which man could not pay (v.7-8).

Psalm 49:1-20 A psalm of the Sons of Korah

 Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding. I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle: (vv.1-4).

Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him. The ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough that he should live on  forever and not see decay. (v.5-9).

For all can see that wise  men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. (vv.10-11).

But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. (vv.12-13).

Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. (vv.14-15)

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—and men praise you when you prosper –he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.(vv.16-19).

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (v.20).

 Psalm 50 This warning from Asaph reports an appearance of God for judgment (vv.1-6) and presents God’s indictment of His people for insincere sacrifices (vv.7-13), with instruction for correction(vv.14-15), and His indictment for unethical practices (vv.16-21), with instruction for correction (vv.22-23).  Verses 5 my consecrated ones, I.e., Israel, with whom God made the Mosaic covenant (Ex.24:7) and whom He accuses(v.7). Verses 8-13, God does not reprove them for failing to bring their offerings (v.8), but for bringing them with the motive of trying to make the God who with the motive of trying to make the God who owns everything dependent on their generosity. Verses 16-17 God now accuses them of giving lip service to His laws(v.16) while violating them (v.17). Details are listed in verses 18-20.

Psalm 50:1-23 A psalm of Asaph

The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge.(vv.1-6).

Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. (vv.7-10)

I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? (vv.11-13).

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. (vv.14-15).

But to the wicked, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. (vv.16-18).

You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you, But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.(vv.19-21).

Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescure: He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. (vv.22-23).

 

Bibliography,

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie study Bible (NIV). Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1986.