Bible in one year 8/10/2022 Psalm 11-14 By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

Bible in one year 8/10/2022  Psalm 11-14

By Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                                          

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

 

 Psalm11  In this song of trust, David, faced with the temptation to flee(vv.1-3), expresses his faith in the Lord, who will destroy the wicked and deliver the righteous(vv.4-7). The setting may be Saul’s attempt to kill David (1Sam.18:11 and 19:10). Verses 1-3 Evidently the advice of well-meaning friends to yield to expediency and flee. Foundations. Of society.  Verse 4-7 David prefers the way of faith. God’s eyes (Lit., eyelids) narrow as He scrutinizes men.

 Psalm 11 :1-7 

 In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me:

“ Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (vv.1-3).

The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. (v.4).

 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. (v.5) 

On the wicked He will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face. (vv.6-7)

 

Psalm 12 In this lament psalm, David contrasts the trouble caused by the wicked words of evil men (vv.1-5) with his trust in the true words of the Lord.(vv.6-8). The aggressiveness of wickedness makes it seem to David that the righteous have disappeared from the earth. The words of evil men manipulate rather than communicate, and are described as empty talk (lies,) smooth talk (flattering), deceptive talk, and big talk(v.4). The Lord promises deliverance for the weak and needy. (v.5) God’s words are as pure and valuable as fully refined silver. (v.6). strut.(v.8). indicates arrogantly. 

Psalm 12  Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. (vv.1-2). May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “ We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips who is our master?” (vv.2-4). Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “ I will protect them from those who malign them.” (v.5). And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (v.6). O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever. The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.(vv.7-8).

             

Psalm 13 Here David laments his oppression by the enemy(vv.1-2), petitions God to deliver him(vv.3-4), and confidently resolves to praise God for that deliverance(vv.5-6). The fourfold repetition of How long indicates the extremity of David’s misery.(vv.1-2). David trusts in God’s loyal love(unfailing love) His salvation and His bountiful care.

Psalm 13: 1-6 

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and ever day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? (vv.1-2)

Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “ I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. (vv.3-4).  But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. (vv.5-6).

 

          Psalm 14  David laments the moral foolishness and corruption of the whole human race (vv.1-6) and longs for the establishment of the righteous kingdom of the Lord on earth(v.7). This psalm, with only slight changes in verses 5-6, is identical to Psalm53. Verse 1 the fool (one who is morally perverse, not mentally deficient) is described as to his belief (“ No God”) and behavior ( “ No good”). His is a practical rather than a theoretical atheism. Verses 2-3 Apostle Paul cites these verses in Rom. 3:10-12 in support of the universal and perennial sinfulness of mankind. Verse 7 King David longs for the establishing of the Messianic kingdom on earth (Isa.59:20-21; Rom 11:26-27).    

          Psalm 14: 1-7 

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

 The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. (vv.2-3).

Will evildoers never learn those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.(vv.4-5). 

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. (v.6)

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! (vv.6-7).

 

Bibliography,

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