Author: kittycool only

Psalm 3 – God, Our Security

1.0 The Statement

Psalm 3 is the First Psalm with a title, called “A Morning Psalm” Psalm 3:5). The Contents of Psalm 3 described the several difficult circumstances/situations which David experienced when he {David} fled from Absalom, his son. Psalm 3 is One of the Fourteen Psalms that are linked with Historical Episodes, all in David’s Life (Psalm 3; Psalm 7; Psalm 18; Psalm 30; Psalm 34; Psalm 51; Psalm 52; Psalm 54; Psalm 56; Psalm 57; Psalm 59; Psalm 60; Psalm 63; Psalm 142).

David’s flight from Absalom is recounted in 2Samuel 15:13. The word rendered “Psalm” in this Title appears 57 times in other Titles. The historical background for this Psalm is found in 2Samuel Chapters 15 to 18 where David had to take flight from his own palace to hide himself from his rebellious son, Absalom, as indicated by the historical note at the top of Psalm 3.

Many refer to this as a “Morning Prayer” to God (Psalm 3:5). This Psalm has been a favourite of many people facing troubles. If worry (discouragement – Psalm 3:1-2) keeps us from getting a good night’s sleep, Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are what we need, because God never sleep (Psalm 121:3-4), so why should we stay awake and worry.

Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are related as being Prayers of the morning and evening, in each case following a period of great danger and God’s Protection. A careful reading of Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 will show that they are closely related in structure, circumstances, and time.

  • Psalm 3 and Psalm 4, in each Psalm are four stanzas of 2 Verses each.
  • Psalm 3 and Psalm 4, each reflects a time of great danger, and the danger appears to be one and the same in both Psalms. Both tell of the faith of God’s Anointed (David) when the Kingdom was opposed, not from without (Psalm 2), but from within.
  • The Titles of both Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 are ascribed to David. Psalm 3 and Psalm 4 were written when David was exiled from Jerusalem because his son, Absalom, had stolen the Kingdom (2Samuel chapters 15 to 18).
  • Psalm 3 is “a Morning Prayer” (Psalm 3:5) and Psalm 4 is “an Evening Prayer” (Psalm 4:8).

The occasion indicated by the Title is completely suitable to the content of the Psalm 3. David’s distress of heart arose from the magnitude of the rebellion (Psalm 3:1, 6; cf 2Samuel 15:13). Troubles drives David to God in Prayer, not from Him in disbelief (Psalm 3:3; cf 1Samuel 30:6). David knew that God was for him:

  • God surrounds him (Psalm 3:3) – Protection (Shield), Presence (Glory), Restorer of his dignity (Lifter of his head).
  • God sustains him (Psalm 3:5).
  • God saves him (Psalm 3:7).. 

Psalm 3:3-8 expresses David’s reaction, are a sublime expression of unquenchable trust in God. 

1.1 David’s Distress

Psalm 3:1-2 “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there are who say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. Selah.” – David was in distress as set forth in Psalm 3:1-2.  David wrote Psalm 3 when he ran away from his son, Absalom.  Absalom was the third son of David (2Samuel 3:3), and he (Absalom) usurped the Kingdom of Israel from his father, David.

We know nothing about the second son named Chileab or Daniel (1Chronicles 3:1). The oldest son, Amnon, was in line to be the King after David, but he sinned against his sister and Absalom killed him (2Samul 13:14,28).

So, Absalom was the oldest son in line for the throne, but he could not wait for his father, David to die. He stole the hearts of the People for himself and then to take the throne of his father (2Samuel 15:6,10). At first David ran away from Jerusalem, but he returned when Absalom had been killed. David wrote this Psalm 3 as a Prayer that God would save him from his Enemies.

1.1.1 The Increase

Psalm 3:1a “LORD, how are they increased that trouble me!” –  David laments to the LORD that his enemies are numerous and increasing, in their opposition against him. These formidable enemies had joined with Absalom, David’s son, in the rebellion against him (David). Three times the Hebrew root for “many” occurs (translated “increased” in Psalm 3:1).

  • David’s son, Absalom has gathered a formidable force against David, his father (2Samuel 15:1-6). Absalom stole the hearts of the People of Israel – 2Samuel 15:6 “In this manner Absalom acted toward Israel who came to the King for judgement. So, Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”  
  • The Book of Samuel records that “the conspiracy was strong, for the People increased continually with Absalom” (2Samuel 15:12). Again, “Absalom, and all the People, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.” (2Samuel 16:15).

Ahithophel proposed to pursue David with 12,000 men (2Samuel 17:1-3), until David becomes tired and discouraged. Then they would strike David and return David’s men to Absalom. This plan, Ahithophel said, would bring peace to Israel. 2Samuel 17:4, states that “this advice seemed right in the eyes of Absalom and all the Elders of Israel.” The actual number that goes against David is larger than 12,000 men, as 2Samuel 18:7 states that some 20,000 men were killed. Whenever adversity strike, we have a choice:

  • We can turn from God, or we can turn to God.
  • We can use suffering to justify unbelief, or we can use suffering as a spur to belief.

This threat of pursuit by thousands of Absalom’s men, is the background of David’s plea in Psalm 3. David leads the way; he turns to God in direct address. To be in the minority is itself a test of nerve; more so when the minority is shrinking. David’s Enemies were becoming more numerous than they have ever been before. Physically, David is in grave danger:

  • David is compassed with foes. There is a consciousness of danger.
  • Surrounded with plots and snares. There is a feeling of being abandon by friends.
  • Scoffed at for his Piety: “There is no help for him in God.” There is a feeling of helplessness.

1.1.2 The Opposition

Psalm 3:1b “Many are they that rise up against me.” David’s Opposition is active – “Rise up against me.”  With the troubles of David mounting, many of his distrustful friends deduced that he is doomed to death. Thus, they abandoned him (David).

If we must struggle hard with Opposition, let us remember that we have “Companion in tribulation” and that the experience of David recorded in Psalm 3 is here to help us.  We may not lead Nations, but if we take a bold stand for Christ our Enemies will increase. Our families, our circle of friends, our business associates, our “public” will feel the effect. Harry Truman stated: “The Price of Leadership is loneliness.” Harry Truman used to say: “If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”  

1.1.3 Their Justification

Psalm 3:2 (NKJV) “Many are they who say of me, there is no help for him in God. Selah.” – The “bottom line” of David’s adversity lies not simply in the strength of his (David’s) Enemies but also in the charge: “There is no help for him in God.” Here is the threat of practical Atheism. It bears many nuances:

  • The first attack is that God has abandoned David.
  • The second attack is that David is not worth God’s attention, anyway.
  • The third attack is in the conclusion that David should give up his faith in God and turn elsewhere for help.
  • David’s spirit was weighed down by his Adversaries taunts to the effect that he is beyond the help of God.

The Accusation – For the thrust is primarily against David rather than God. These disheartening comments of “unkind cut,” are like those directed toward Job (Job 2:11-13).

  • When David’s Enemies declared that God has forsaken him (David), it is intended to create fear in him that he (David) has been abandoned by God, in his difficulties.
  • When Absalom rebelled against David, there is no doubt that many expected Divine intervention on behalf of David against the Rebel. But when David fled, and with so few Followers (2Samuel 15:18), and in his flight spoke so doubtfully of his prospects (2Samuel 15:26).
  • And when no help seemed to arise from any quarter, then their opinion changed, and they concluded that David is God-forsaken and would succumb to his Enemies.

Absalom saw in David’s expulsion from the city as Divine judgement (2Samuel 16:8). The word “help” is the same word as “salvation” in Psalm 3:8.

“Selah” (Psalm 3:2, 4, 8) – In this Psalm each Stanza, except the third, ends with “Selah.” Selah first occurs in this Psalm, where it is found three times. The word “Selah” is found 73 times in the Book of Psalms and three times in the Book of Habakkuk.  It is probably derived from the Hebrew root “Salal” meaning “Lift up.”  “Selah” means “Stop and Pray.” The frequent use in Psalms of the Hebrew word, “Selah,” possibly marks those places where a musical rest in the chanting or a change of instrumental accompaniment stressed a shift of mood. The word “Selah” often comes after an impressive statement, hence the pause for intensified reflection.

1.2 David’s Deliverer

Psalm 3:3-4 “But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from the holy hill.” – David now moves from the Character of his Enemies to the Character of God.  In the midst of his troubles, David remembers God’s past Deliverance. David’s trust in God grows from reassurance to buoyant confidence. He testified on Four Facts about God’s Deliverance:

1.2.1 David’s Shield

Psalm 3:3a “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me.” –  David is exposed to the darts of false friends and false accusation, but God is his “Shield” – To protect him, as the Rebels had attacked his Person.

  • David focuses on God’s Protective Power, the Power that is also Personal: “You…are a shield for me.”
  • The God who rules the Heaven guards David’s heart. The expression has a special significant to David, being a “Man of War,” he fully appreciates the Protecting Power of the Shield.  
  • David also knows that God had promised to be the Shield for Abraham (Genesis 15:1), and he believed that God would be the Shield for him.

David discovered what Corrie ten Boom witnessed in the Nazi Concentration Camp at Ravens brook when she and her sister were condemned to death for hiding Jews from the Gestapo, she said that in the depths of despair God was deeper still.

1.2.2 David’s Glory

Psalm3:3b “My glory.” – David appeared to be plunged into gloom, but God is David’s “glory” – To restore his dignity, as the Rebel desired his Kingdom:

  • Dignity and Power – When Joseph said to his brothers “You shall tell my father of all my glory,” he meant the dignity and power to which God’s Wonder-working Providence has raised him from the dungeon.
  • Provision – God is also David’s Provision, his Victory, his Glory. The word “Glory” (Kabod) literally means “Heavy.” Troops going to battle went out light, and when they are victorious, they came back heavy, bringing the spoils with them. Thus, they brought “Glory” and they received “Glory” for their triumph. In this battle the spoils, the “Glory” is God’s not David’s.
  • God’s Glory is Eternal, Essential, and Unchangeable, His own: “My Glory will I not give to another.” But David by faith requested God to bestow his “glory” (dignity).

1.2.3 David’s Lifter

Psalm 3:3c “And the Lifter up of mine head.” – The verb “lift” may echo an earlier use of the term in Psalm 3:1. Lowered head signifies shame and humility. God is to be trusted as the Person who shall vindicate David against his (David’s) Enemies and Detractors, to lift David’s head (honour).

Before his rebellion, Absalom had been rejected by David and then restored to favour. This restoration is recorded in 2 Samuel 14:33: “He (Absalom) came to the King and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the King.”

What David does next, lift him (Absalom) up: “Then the King (David) kissed Absalom.”  Later David’s head is lowered in shame by Absalom’s revolt, but the God who Protects and Provides will go on to lift David’s head in triumph.  

Although David’s Enemies rose, God raised him, yet higher. Man had cast David down, but God “lifted him {David} up.” God as his (David’s) Lifter – To give him (David) new courage, as the Rebels sought his downfall. As God had raised David to the Throne (2Samuel 5:3-5; 1Chronicles 11:3) and prospered in his wars (2Samuel 8:1-14) and exalted him above all the other Kings of the period, so God is able to restore him to his rightful place, as the King.

1.2.4 David’s Prayer

Psalm 3:4 “I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and He (God) heard me out of His holy hill. Selah.” – David derives comfort from past experiences. His cry is both constant and earnest. It has been his habit to Pray, and the LORD had always answered him:

  • Audible – David’s Prayer is audible. He “cried out.” If our mind wanders in Prayer, try praying out loud. It is an excellent discipline; it will help to keep us focused on God.
  • Effective – David’s Prayer is also effective; “he {David} got through {“He heard me out”}” – God hears. There is a confidence that comes in Prayer itself, not simply in answers to Prayer. When we pray in faith and are open to the Holy Spirit, we receive the assurance that God hears, that we are in Communion with Him.
  • Directed – David’s Prayer is directed toward Mt Zion, God’s “Holy Hills,” where God’s Presence is symbolised by the Ark of the Covenant. Though David is in exile at Mahanaim (2Samuel 17:24), his {David’s}thoughts revert to Jerusalem, to the Holy Hill of Zion, and the Ark of God, which he {David} has there “Set in its Place.” (2Samuel 6:17); and he knows that God, who “Dwells between the Cherubim” (1Samuel 4:4), will hear him, though so far off.

The Sombre Developments of the Day are summed up in David’s Morning Prayer and left with God in confidence that He (God) has heard and heeded:

  • The Rebels has attacked his (David’s) Person – In his danger, God is his (David’s) Shield (Psalm3:3a) – “Shield” = To Protect him (David). 
  • The Rebels desired his (David’s) Crown – In his (David’s) humiliation, God is his (David’s) Glory {Honour – Psalm 3:3b} – “Glory” = To Restore his (David’s) Dignity.
  • The Rebels seek David’s Downfall – In their (Rebels’) Accusation, God is the Lifter of his (David’s) head (Psalm 3:3c) – “The Lifter of my (David’s) head” = To Restore David’s Honour.
  • The Rebels has driven David from Zion – In fleeing, God is David’s Sanctuary (Psalm 3:4). “The Holy Hill” = God’s Presence.

The Verbs of Psalm 3:4 should be frequentative: “Whenever I call, He (God) Answers!” Having God, David has everything, even if he is bereft of all else (2Corinthians 4:7-11), and God is trustworthy, as the Person who shall vindicate David against his (David’s) Enemies and Detractors, to lift David’s head (honour).

All of David’s Confidence rests upon the experiences of Answered Prayer (the Verbs represent unvaried custom), and upon Revelation of God’s Nature, as He (God) has shown Himself “On His Holy Hills,” this refers to Zion. It is this knowledge of God which enabled David to sleep (Psalm 3:5).

The Sequence of Action from Psalm 3:3 to Psalm 3:4 shows us the Secret of Effective Prayer. We begin by Worshipping God and Calling to Mind of God’s Character. As we described Him (God) and remembered what He had done, our Faith Grows. The Vitality of our Prayers will reflect our understanding of God. Dr. Louis Evans, Jr., said of the Great Christian Educator, Henrietta Mears that when she Prayed, she reached up to Heaven and shook God’s Throne. She Prayed Mighty Prayers because she had the Mighty God.

1.3 David’s Confidence

The Consequences of David’s Cry to God are sketched in Psalm 3:5-6. God sustains him (David). The freshness of body and serenity of faith with which David awoke the next morning are due to an implicit Assurance of Divine Mercy and Preservation. This not only rid ominous (worrying) circumstances of any Power to intimate but initiated a claim to actual triumph over them.  Psalm 3:5-6 mentions features of David’s Deliverance.

1.3.1 The Lord Sustains

Psalm 3:5 “I lay down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.” – David’s freshness of body and serenity of faith with which he (David) awakes the next morning are due to an implicit Assurance of Divine Mercy and Preservation.

  • It could be stated this way: “I, for my part,” he says, “confident in God, calmly laid me down and slept; I did not allow the danger which I was in to interfere with my repose at night.”
  • When Morning came, that is, David awoke, as usual, from a quiet and refreshing slumbers, because now and always David is sustained by God.
  • David is sustained in sleep. Sleep is the Sign of God’s Peace. David is able to sleep because God is awake (Psalm 121:3-4), and David has given his (David’s) burdens to Him (God). Now through the night David is kept by God: “He gives His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2).
  • David awakens: “For the LORD sustained me.” Thus, Psalm 3 is Composed in David’s Morning Devotions.
  • David’s Confidence (Trustfulness) – the Peacefulness of David’s sleep.
  • David’s Present experience also, justified his (David’s) Confidence, in God. David is speaking of the morning after a night of refreshing sleep – not in bed, but out in the open and beneath the stars, hunted by his enemies (2Samuel 22:1).
  • It is not the sleep of exhaustion, but of trust in God, who sustains him (David) all the time (Hebrew).

The Knowledge that God is his (David’s) Helper and Protector makes his sleep possible. Upon awaking, he realizes that it is the LORD who sustained him. Watson: “A good conscience can sleep in the mouth of a cannon; grace is a Christian’s coat of mail, which fears not the arrow or bullet.”

1.3.2 The Lord Protects

Psalm 3:6 “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of People, who have set themselves against me round about.” – David is calm before his (David’s) Enemies. Here is the Fundamental Answer to Prayer as David’s Faith triumphs over his Fears. As is often said, God never Promises to change our circumstances; God always Promises to change us. David knows that there is no real might in “the multitude of a Host” (Psalm 33:16). God could save equally with many or with few, and against many or against few (2Kings 6:15-17).   

David’s Courage (Fearlessness).  David is sure that the LORD would protect him (David), and David could face ten thousand Enemies without Fear. The Hebrew for “ten thousand” is a reminder of the word for “many” in Psalm 3:1-2; and although encirclement (“round about”), now intensifies the Threat, David could confidently face the worst. Numbers are not everything. Absalom had the crowd, but David had God, and the Person with God is the Majority.

1.4 David’s Prayer

But one night of safety has not dispelled the danger, and Prayer remains David’s Resource. Psalm 3:7b “For You has smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbones; You has broken the teeth of the ungodly,” could be a reference to Past Deliverances.

David’s Past-Experiences stand him in good stead and encouragement. David recalls the Changelessness, Faithfulness of God, and then Psalm 3:8 looks to Him as the Sole Deliverer of Deliverance or Salvation, and the Sole Source of His People’s Blessedness. Psalm 3:7-8 Contains the Prayer of Deliverance, but also includes Statements of God’s Past Accomplishments. Two Verbs form the basis of the Prayer:

  • Psalm 3:7a “Arise, O LORD;”
  • Psalm 3:7b “Save me, O my God!”

The Power and Deliverance of God are invoked by this Petition, as David seeks Divine Intervention.

1.4.1 Prayer for Himself

Psalm 3:7 “Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God; for YOU has smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.” –

David’s Prayer: “Arise, O LORD.” God’s Power and Deliverance are involved God’s Power and Deliverance are invoked by this Petition, as David seeks active intervention. He is either recalling what God has done on previous occasions or using the Prophetic Perfect. David was in imminent danger:

  • All Israel had come against him (David) (2Samuel 16:15).
  • David Short of Supplies (2Samuel 17:29).
  • David is doubtful how God is disposed toward him (2Samuel 15:25-26).

It is the time, unless God delivers, there is no hope. Hence the intense earnestness of David’s Prayer. With God’s Assurance, David experienced God’s Peace in his heart. David is ready for Battle.

  • David called upon the LORD to fight and is confident of the Outcome. The Call “Arise, O LORD; Save me, O My God” is David’s Petitions to God to go to war, on his behalf. It is Yahweh who fights Israel’s battles. He (God) is the “Commander of the Army” (Joshua 5:14).
  • David’s Psalm of Security concludes with the Statement that the LORD “Has smitten all his (David’s) Enemies upon the check bone,” (Psalm 3:7c), the point of contact (of the check bone) which inflicts the greatest pain and the highest degree of insult (1Kings.22:24; Job 16:10; Micah 5:1).

The “breaking of the teeth” of the ungodly (Psalm 3:7d; Job 4:10; Psalm 58:6) represents the Destruction their Weapons (Teeth).  In our battle against Satan, we are reminded that our Lord Jesus Christ, “the Seed of the Woman” (Genesis 3:15), has mortally bruised the head of the Serpent – Colossians 2:15 “Having disarmed Principalities and Powers, He (Jesus) made a Public Spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

1.4.2 Prayer for the People

Psalm 3:8 “Salvation belongs unto the LORD; Your blessing is upon Your People, Selah.” – The Ungodly scoffed at David: “There is no help for him in God,” (Psalm 3:2), but David expresses his Confidence: “Salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8). “Salvation” is the same Hebrew word as in Psalm 3:2 “Help” or “Deliverance.” It means Deliverance/Help in any time of trouble:  

  • It is God who delivers the Godly from their Enemies and brings Victory.
  • It is God who bestow Blessing.

A Leader’s Heart – David has the heart for the People, as he is not deterred, by the revolt of almost the whole Nation against him, from commending them to God, entreating God’s Blessing upon them, and desiring their welfare. He echoes Moses (Exodus 32:31-32). Delivering David from his Enemies, then, is not an end in itself; it is for the sake of blessing the Nation.  God’s People – Psalm 3 ends by looking beyond the “I” and “me” of all the previous Verses to Your {God’s}People (not even “my people”), and Your {God’s} blessing, which goes as far beyond Victory as Health and Fruitfulness go beyond Survival.  Psalm 3:8 is a Benediction, but it is also a Prayer, adapting the Psalm 3 to Public Worship. David joyfully exclaims “Salvation belongs unto the LORD.” God is the Author and Originator of our Salvation, and David glories in the fact that Salvation (Deliverance), as God’s Gift to him is certain.  

Second Psalm – The Messianic (Part 3)

1.4 Submission

Psalm 2:10-12a “Now therefore, be wise, O Kings; be instructed, you Judges of the Earth. Serve the LORD with fear (reverential fear) and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.” The Admonition of God the Father is to the Kings and Rulers of the Earth, the Executive and Judicial Branches of Government. True wisdom is in submission while there is time and before the judgement falls. If the rebellious men do not bend, they will break. In the light of this, Five Important Instructions are given to the Totality of God’s Requirements:

1.4.1 Be Wise

Psalm 2:10-12a “Now therefore, be wise, O Kings; be instructed, you Judges of the Earth. Serve the LORD with fear (reverential fear) and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.” The Admonition of God the Father is to the Kings and Rulers of the Earth, the Executive and Judicial Branches of Government. True wisdom is in submission while there is time and before the judgement falls. If the rebellious men do not bend, they will break. In the light of this, Five Important Instructions are given to the Totality of God’s Requirements:

1.4.2 Be Instructed

Psalm 2:10b “be instructed (taught), you Judges of the Earth.” – Be taught by experience, as addressed to the Judicial Officers – if they (Judicial Officers) are not wise enough to know beforehand, that opposition towards God, is futile. Learn the Divine Purpose and Plan concerning His Son, the Anointed One (Jesus Christ). Compare the advice of Gamaliel (Acts 5:38-39). A colloquial translation might render the first two instructions: “Wise up; get smart.” With such enlightened attitudes and divinely illumined spirits they then could Serve, Rejoice, and Kiss (pay homage) to the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

1.4.3 Serve the Lord

Psalm 2:11a “Serve the LORD with fear (reverential fear).” – The term “Serve” includes the surrender of the will and the submission of the heart. It means to come under King Jesus’ Rule and to obey Him. The NASB renders Psalm 2:11a: “Worship the LORD with reverence.” In the Old Testament and New Testament, Serve is often used in parallel with the attitude of “Worship” (Deuteronomy 6:13; Deuteronomy 10:20; Matthew 3:10; John 9:31; Romans 1:25):

  • Psalm 100:2 summons us to Worship: “Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His Presence with Singing.”
  • That Worship means Submission is seen in Psalm 95:6 “Oh come, let us Worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.”

The Fear (Reverence) in Service comes from a sense of awe and even terror before God’s Majesty, Power, and Holiness (Exodus 20:18-21).  If the Rebels will not Serve Him (Honour and Obey Him) from love, they will do it from fear, when God’s Wrath is kindled.

1.4.4 Rejoice

Psalm 2:11b “An rejoice with trembling.” – Worship includes joy; do not content with fear. Go on from fear to joy. A good Person “Rejoice in God always” (Philippians 4:4). This joy comes from the God’s Presence: “In Your Presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). It is not sentimental, however; it includes the “fear” (reverence) of the previous phrase now manifest by “trembling.” So, such rejoicing must be “with trembling;” or, with reverence, since no service is acceptable to God, but such as is rendered “with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). Fear (Reverential Fear) without joy is torment; and joy without holy Fear (reverence), would be presumption.

Perhaps the typical Charismatic Church needs: “Rejoice with trembling” underscored. We sometimes forget that it is possible to put these two things (“rejoicing with trembling”) side by side. Often when we rejoice, we lose our sense of dignity, and when we fear God, we forget to enjoy our positions of Sonship to rejoice.

1.4.5 Kiss the Son

Psalm 2:12a “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.” – The attitude of submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and joy and awe in His (Christ’s) Presence leads then to an Act (“Kiss” = Honour) of submission. Kissing the Son is an Act of Worship and Honouring. It is the Sign of Surrender. Thus, the Greek word for Worship, Proskuneó, means “Come toward to Kiss.”

To Surrender to our Lord Jesus, to Rejoice in His Presence, and to Kiss (Worship) Him (Jesus) in an Act of Submission, means that Rebellion is over, and Reconciliation has taken place. Apart from this, there is only His (God’s) Anger, Wrath, and the Perishing.

  • Repentance – In Luke 7:38 it is a Sign of Repentance. The poor woman who came into the house of Simon and stood behind Jesus did five things: She wept, she washed His feet with tears, she wiped them with the hairs of her head, she kissed His feet, and she anointed them with the ointment. The tears and the kiss were evidence of true Repentance. Our Lord Jesus said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.”
  • Forgiveness – The Kiss is also a token of Forgiveness (Luke 15:11-24) the Prodigal Son came back home to his father, and after his confession, received a Kiss of Forgiveness, a ring, a robe, shoes on his feet, and a welcome home banquet.
  • Homage and Loyalty – (Genesis 41:40; 1Samuel10:1). The ARV renders the expression, “with trembling kiss His feet.” The Kissing of Royal feet and hands was a symbol of Homage. The negative example is Judas, who crowned his treachery with a kiss

To “Kiss the Son” means more than to pay homage to Him. It means to embrace Him, depend entirely upon Him; to kiss Him, and not be ashamed of that fact (Song of Sol. 8:1). “Kiss the Son” is the Old Testament way of saying: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31)

1.5 Son

Psalm 2:12a “Kiss the Son.” –  It is interesting to notice that two words for “Son” are used in Psalm 2:

  • Psalm 2:7, the term “Son” is “ben.”It is the Jewish word “Ben-jamine”
  • Psalm 2:12a, the term “Son” is “bar.”  It is a Gentile word “Bar-abbas.” 

Why the difference? The first “ben” (Psalm 2:7) is Christ relationship with God as the Son of His Right Hand; the second “bar” (Psalm 2:12a), Christ relation to the Gentile Powers referred to in Psalm 2. At the Crucifixion they cried, away with Him, give us Bar-abbas. The use of the word here would be a stab at their conscience. Judas gave Him the kiss of hypocrisy and treachery, but here the admonition is to Kiss the Son in true Contrition and Repentance. If Psalm 2 was written at the time of the Absolom’s rebellion, what a tragic local reference it has!

1.6 The Pleas

Psalm 2:12a “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.” – Psalm 2 ends with two Powerful Pleas:

  • God’s Anger – “Lest He (God) be angry” – The omission of a customary token of respect is an insult which naturally angers the object of it. The compassion, gentleness, tenderness of Jesus, are sometimes dwelt on to the exclusion of His (Jesus’) Majesty and Righteousness. There is no more greater Warning in the Scripture that the “Wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16-17).
  • Perish – “And ye perish from the Way.” If an Individual refuses, he perishes from the Way (the Lord Jesus Christ – John 14:6); the Individual wanders; he misses the Way (Jesus) and is seriously lost; he perishes as the result of being lost. Professor Cheyne’s rendering is: “You (Individual) goes to ruin.”  To make the Son (Jesus) is to bring destruction on himself or course in life –because of God’s Wrath – “When His (God’s) Wrath is kindled but a little.”

1.7 The Blessings

Psalm 2:12b “Blessed are all they who put their trust in Him.” – Psalm 2 ends of “blessing” echoes Psalm 1:1 and links the two Psalms together. It ends with the phrase described the Believer’s Place of Blessedness. The Person arrives there by putting his trust in God. Psalm 2 ends with the Promise, using the same line of thought with which Psalm 1 begins: “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.”

It is foolish to fret and chafe against God’s Government. All Mankind is under Christ, whether in this state of being or in any other. Christ has the Heart of Love as well as the Sceptre of Power; and He rules to Save. Those who will not submit to the Sceptre of Christ’s Grace must feel the weight of His iron rod. True Blessedness is found in submission to Christ; this Blessedness is Greater than Tongue can Express or Heart Conceive.

  • In Psalm 1 we see the Wicked driven away like chaff (Psalm 1:4); in Psalm 2, we see the Wicked (Rebellious) broken in Pieces like the Potter’s Vessel.
  • In Psalm 1, we beheld the Righteous, are blessed and like the Tree planted by the Rivers of Water (Psalm 1:3); and in Psalm 2 we contemplate Christ the Covenant Head of the Righteous, made better than a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water, for He is made King of the whole Universe, and all the Nations and People will bow before Him (Philippians 2:10).

1.8 Evangelistic

Psalm 2 is Evangelistic. It is addressed to the Nations. It beats with Missionary Heart. It is the Nations who are in revolt against Christ (Psalm 2:2). It is the Nations, however, who are promised to Him (Psalm 2:8). And it is the Nations who are called to Him (Psalm 2:10).

Psalm 2 directs the Nations to the Son (Jesus), warns the Nations of God’s Judgement to come, and Promises the Blessing if the Nations Worship (Serve) Him. Thus, Psalm 2 is for all the Nations and People. It is for the Nations, the Gentiles who submit to God’s Son and King.

In Psalm 2, the learning is: “Serve the LORD with fear, rejoice with trembling,” and “Kiss the Son.” Psalm 2 is also structuring an Evangelistic Invitation. It defines the problem, the Nations’ Revolt.

Psalm 2 offers the Solution: “God’s Son (Jesus).” Psalm 2 warns of judgement to come and calls us to surrender to Him (Jesus) in Worship (Serve). The road back to God the Father is already marked and the Way (Jesus) is open. Christ who stands at the Way, we must come and receive Him….”Kiss the Son.”

Second Psalm – The Messianic (Part 2)

1.2 God’s Reply

Psalm 2:4 “He who sits in the Heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.” – The picture of God in Psalm 2:4 is an unusual one. He {God} laughs and derides. The laugh seems to be the kind of chuckle a champion gives when his opponent’s defeat is imminent. The derision is probably mixed with the wrath and displeasure described in Psalm 2:5. He {God} laughs at the futility of human actions, but He is angry at the whole idea of man trying to overthrow God

  1. God Laugh – Psalm 2:4a “He who sits in the Heavens shall laugh.” –  To begin with, God sits and laughs at the rebellion. Being seated is a sign of His Authority. God’s laughter does not arise from humour. Laugh and derision (root idea, “to stammer”) are anthropomorphisms, meaning that God views puny man’s rebellion as utterly ridiculous and scornful.

    It is a terrible portent (omen) when God laughs. The very idea that puny man can defy the Almighty who has the universe with all its potential in the Palm of His hand is supremely ridiculous. Ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons are as children’s toys to Him. He knows all their secret and more.  This tautology (laughs and derision) is a repetition to show that there is not a doubt to be entertained that all these rebellions can succeed.

    The Lord (Adonai) signifies “My Stays,” or “My Sustainer – My Pillar.”  Our English word, “Lord” hath much the same force, being contracted of the Old Saxon word “Llaford,” or “Hlafford,” which cometh from “Laef,” to sustain, refresh, cherish (Henry Ainsworth).
  2. God’s Wrath – Psalm 2:5 “Then He (God) shall speak to them in His Wrath, and distress them in His (God’s) deep displeasure.”  – The word “then” has peculiar force; it signifies the termination of the age of man’s apparent freedom and the establishment in the earth of the Divine Purpose.  Then, in the fullness of time, God intervenes with wrath (literally “blow nostril”) and fury (vex, literally “burning anger”).

    Distress them = “Strike terror and dismay into them” (Kay). God, in His sore displeasure of in the heat of His anger. The distressing (vexing) is either by horror of conscience or corporal plagues; one way or the other God will have them.

    The “wrath” in the Book of Revelation is a technical term, indicating the final series of judgements in the 3½ Years Great Tribulation. The Seal Judgements are those that men bring on themselves by their own folly, such as the building up of the nuclear arms, which one day will be unleashed, with a large portion of the World’s Population wiped out and material resources destroyed. The Bowls or Vial Judgements are God’s Wrath, the concentrated Anger of the Almighty poured out on the Seat of the Beasts (Antichrist & false Prophet – Revelation 13) and their Followers.

    It is easy for God to destroy His Enemies. Of thirty Romans Emperors, Governors of Provinces, and other high in office, who distinguished themselves by their zeal and bitterness in persecuting the early Christian:
    • One became speedily deranged after some atrocious cruelty.
    • One was slain by his own son.
    • One became blind.
    • One, whose one of the eyes started out of his head.
    • One was drowned.
    • One was strangled.
    • One died in a miserable captivity.
    • One fell dead in a manner that will not bear recital.
    • One died of so loathsome a disease that several of his Physicians were put to death, because they could not abide the stench that filled his room.
    • Two committed suicides.
    • A third attempted it but had to call for help to finish the work.
    • Five were assassinated by their own People or Servants.
    • Five others died the most miserable and excruciating deaths.
    • Several of them having an untold complication of diseases.
    • Eight were killed in battle, or after being taken prisoners.

      Among these was Julian the Apostate. In the days of his prosperity, he was said to have pointed his dagger to heaven, defying the Son of God, whom he commonly called the Galilean. But when he was wounded in battle, he saw that all was over with him, and he gathered up his clotted blood, and threw it into the air, exclaiming, “Thou hast conquered, O Thou Galilean.” (Wm.S.Plumer)
  3. God’s Purpose – Psalm 2:6 “Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion.”  – Many Liberal Commentators see Psalm 2:6 as referring to David and David only. They call it the Royal Psalm and say it was probably composed for Enthronement of the Monarch. Such limited application, however, is incompatible (mismatched) with the remainder of the Psalm. It cannot be applied to David but to David’s Greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. For this reason, and because the inspired Authors of the New Testament understood it, this Psalm speaks of the Commission and Mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

    The climax, this is God’s unalterable Purpose, and nothing on earth or in hell can thwart it. In the First Section of the Psalm (Psalm 2:1-6), He (Christ) is the Anointed (Psalm 2:2), but here He is the King (Psalm 2:6). This points forward to that day foretold by the Prophets, when, after dealing with God’s Enemies at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), He (Christ) will enter the City at the head of His (Christ’s) Victorious Army and occupy the Hill and the House (Temple). He (Christ) will be the King-Priest on the Throne of His father, David (Psalm 24 and 110; Zechariah 6:13). God regards this in His Purpose as already accomplished – Psalm 2:6 “Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion.” The Seat of Christ’s Throne is called, “My holy hill of Zion,” in allusion to Zion as the “City of the Living God” (Hebrews 12:22-24).

1.3 The Revelation

Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” Jesus’s Sonship, in eternity, as prophesied in Psalm 2:7, is affirmed in Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5. And the term: “the Only Begotten Son” is used five times in the Gospel of John.  

1.3.1 Sonship

Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” –  The Revelation of the Son (Jesus Christ). This is one of the Decrees of the Godhead in eternity past and revealed for the first time by the Father {the LORD}. This is one of the Greatest Messianic Passages in the Bible (Scripture).

The Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most vital, basic doctrines of God’s Written Word (Logos). It is denied by many heretical Cults but held and valued by all those who know and love our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the great passage on which the doctrine (teaching) is based. Another term used only by the Apostle John is “the Only Begotten Son,” the monogeneses. John uses the term “the Only Begotten Son,” five times.

Some Theologians teach that the word “Begotten” must not be understood as referring to any act in time but to what they term an “Eternal Generation.” The word “Day” is explained as “Eternity.” Taken in this way, the Eternal Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ is safely guarded.

But others maintain that the three places in the New Testament where the words are quoted give the explanation. In view of the definiteness of the term “this day,” it would seem difficult to define it as synonymous with Eternity. It must refer to some special act in what we know as “time.” Here we must be on our guard against those who say that the Lord Jesus Christ only became the Son of God at His Incarnation, they (other Theologians) denied Christ’s Eternal Sonship. The statement in Psalm 2:7 is in two parts:

  • “Thou art My Son.” (Psalm 2:7a) – The Decree in Eternity Past, that is an Eternal Relationship of God the Father with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • “This day have I begotten Thee.” (Psalm 2:7b) – That is Messianic, quoted in three Contexts in the New Testament. This Statement “This day have I begotten Thee,” is a declaration of the Incarnation and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Salutation – At His (Christ’s) birth, He (Christ) was saluted as Son by the Angel (Luke 1:35); by His Father at His baptism (Luke 3:22); and at His Transfiguration (Luke 9:35). In the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul applied “You are My Son, today I have begotten You” (Psalm 2:7) to Jesus and His Resurrection (Acts 13:33).

Hebrews 1:5 “For to which of the Angels did He (God the Father) ever say: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You?’ And again: ‘I (God the Father) will be to Him (Jesus) a Father, and He (Jesus) shall be to Me (Father) a Son?’” Connects Hebrews 1:5 to Psalm 2:7, to Jesus, to show that as the Son of God He is above the Angels. Hebrews 5:5 “So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He (Father) who said to Him (Jesus): ‘You (Jesus) are My (Father’s) Son, today I have begotten You (Jesus).’” Is quoted in connection with Christ’s Exaltation as our High Priest. The Book of Revelation also sees Psalm 2 fulfilled Eschatologically in the Final Triumph of Christ’s Kingdom (Revelation 2:26-27).

Summary: The two Statements of Psalm 2:7 indicate: “Thou art My Son,” and “This day have I begotten Thee,” – reveals a unique Eternal Relation of the Father to the Son (Jesus), both in the acknowledgement and salutation, a term in association of Jesus’ Eternity, Incarnation, Baptism, Transfiguration, Resurrection, High Priesthood, and Second Coming

1.3.2 Inheritance

Psalm 2:8-9“Ask of Me, and I will give Thee the Nations for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” – Father’s threefold Promises to His Son, Jesus:

  • The Nations for His (Jesus’) Inheritance.
  • The Uttermost Parts of the Earth for His (Jesus’) Possession.
  • Rulership and Authority – “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” It is noted that there is a similar warning made by the LORD of Hosts against Jerusalem in the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 19:11), and that under the New Covenant the same Warning in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:27; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15). In truth, both Covenants (O.T & N.T.), are alike in announcing God’s Wrath on rebellious People and Nations.

The Nations and the People that do not submit to Christ’s Rulership would be subjected to the iron discipline (“rod”) and the final overthrow (“dash them in pieces”). The Christian’s share in subjugating the Nations to Christ is expressed in Revelation 2:27. In Christ’s Millennial Kingdom the Lord Jesus’ Enemies will be subject to His terrible Power (Job 4:9; 2Thessalonians 2:8), just as His People are to His Profound Grace (Psalm 110:2-3). Christ deals with the Nations as Righteous Judge.

This points forward to the Day when our Lord Jesus shall Return to Reign. The Shepherd’s rod, symbolising Authority, and Rule, but to His (Christ’s) People will be the Golden Sceptre, but to the rebel Nations at Armageddon will be the “Rod of Iron” (Revelation 2:27; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15; Psalm 110:2).

Stay Tuned….. To be continued

Second Psalm – The Messianic (Part 1)

1.0 Statement

Psalm 2 is called the Messianic Psalm because it speaks of the Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The question may be asked: “How can we recognise a Messianic Psalm?”  The answer would be where there is a reference to the Messiah in a Psalm, and it is applied to Christ and expounded in the New Testament.

  • Sometimes a whole Psalm applies to Christ for example, Psalm 22.
  • Sometimes a paragraph for example, Psalm 40:6-10.
  • Sometimes several verses for example, Psalm 69:4, 9,21.
  • Sometimes a single verse for example, Psalm 41:9.

It is obvious that some of the Psalms are occupied entirely with the Person, the thoughts, and feelings of our Lord Jesus, while others clearly refer to the experience of the Psalmist, and then there is included an isolated reference to the Messiah. Psalm 69 is an example. David exclaims: “O God, You knows my foolishness, and my sins are not hid from Thee,” he (David) obviously is referring to himself in Psalm 69:5. But when he (David) says: “They gave Me…..gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21), these words are applied to Christ in Matthew 27:34-48, they are clearly Messianic.

So, we must be careful to distinguish between the spiritual experience of the Writer of the Psalm and the Prophetic Reference to Christ Himself. While keeping in mind this rule, that a quotation in the New Testament from a Psalm, which applies it to the Lord Jesus, confirmed it as Messianic, there are three Psalms which are exceptions. They are obviously Messianic but are not quoted in the New Testament:

  • Psalm 24 Speaks of the King of Glory.
  • Psalm 72 Outlines the Millennial Reign of Christ.
  • Psalm 89 Expounds the Davidic Covenant fulfilled by David’s greater Son, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is noted that the reference to the Messiah in the Psalms (16 numbers) do not follow the sequence or in chronological order. Psalm 2 is an introduction to the whole collection, giving the Prophetic Outline of the Glories of the Messiah. Psalm 40 refers to His (Christ’s) Incarnation; Psalm 22 to His Crucifixion; Psalm 16 to His (Christ’s) Resurrection. The Writer (R/S) rearranged the Sixteen Messianic Psalms in Chronological Order, for impact:

  1. Psalm 2 – The Glory of the Eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. Psalm 40 – The Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  3. Psalm 91 – The Temptation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  4. Psalm 41 – The Betrayal, by Judas Iscariot, on the Lord Jesus Christ.
  5. Psalm 22 – The Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  6. Psalm 69 – The Trespass Offering of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  7. Psalm 16 – The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  8. Psalm 68 – The Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  9. Psalm 45 – The King-Bridegroom.
  10. Psalm 24 – The King of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  11. Psalm 110 – The Priest-King-Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  12. Psalm 8 – The Last Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 15:45).
  13. Psalm 72 – The Millennial Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation chapter 20).
  14. Psalm 89 – The Davidic Covenant, Jesus, David’s Greater Son (Revelation 22:16b).
  15. Psalm 102 – The Unchangeable One, the Lord Jesus Christ.
  16. Psalm 118 – The Headstone of the Corner, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 2 has no Superscription or Title. Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 are linked together in the Hebrew Bible. They are an Introduction and a Preface to the Psalms as a whole. It alerts us to the fact that here we are not only dealing with our Devotional Life and Personal Destiny (Psalm 1), but also with the whole Purpose of God in History and the Destiny of the Nation of Israel and the World (Psalm 2). 

NoPsalm 1Psalm 2
1Psalm 1 begins with “the blessed,” the beatitudes (Psalm 1:1)Psalm 2 ends with “the blessed,” the beatitude (Psalm 2:12)
2Psalm 1 gives us God’s Word as the Conceptual Framework for our Mediation.Psalm 2 gives us the movement of that Word in History and its Interpretive Key: “Yet I have set My King upon My Holy Mountains.
3Psalm 1 deals with the Word.Psalm 2 deals with the World.
4Psalm 1 contrasts the Righteous with the Ungodly.Psalm 2 contrasts the Nations with their Divine Ruler.
5Psalm 1 deals with the Personal Life.Psalm 2 deals with the Historical Life.
6Psalm 1 deals with the Individual.Psalm 2 deal with the Universal.

Together (Psalm 1 and Psalm 2) form an admirable introduction to the whole 150 Psalms.  There is a certain correspondence between the Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 – in both the main idea and shows the conflict between the Righteous and the Wicked:

  1. Psalm 1 sets forth this conflict by a contrast between two types of Individuals. Psalm 2 shows the two Kingdoms of Light and Darkness, engaged in their internecine (mutually, destructive, and deadly) conflict.
  2. Psalm 1 deals with the two Ways for an Individual’s Life and Psalm 2 sets forth the two Ways for Nations and Peoples.
  3. Psalm 1 speaks of the two Ways of Man, measured by relationship to God’s Word {Law} and Psalm 2 speaks of the two Ways, measured by relationship to God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ:
    • Psalm 1 – “The Counsel of the Ungodly” (Psalm 1:1).
    • Psalm 2 – “The Council Chambers of the Ungodly” (Psalm 2:1-2).
    • Psalm 1 – “The Counsel of God – The Law (God’s Word – Psalm 1:2).
    • Psalm 2 – “The Throne of God (Psalm 2:6).
  4. The Typologies as shown in Psalm 1 and Psalm 2, in comparison and in contrast:
    • In Psalm 1 we see Christ’s Moral Glory and in Psalm 2 we see Christ’s Divine Glory.
    • In Psalm 1 we see Christ’s Humanity, the Happy Man, occupied with the Law {Word} of God, a Tree, and Rivers and in Psalm 2 we see Christ’s Deity, The King, ruling the Nations with a rod of iron.
  5. Psalm 2 is considered as the Messianic Psalm – The word “Anointed” in Psalm 2:2 means “Messiah” in the Hebrew and “Christ” in the Greek. When Paul preached to the Jews of Antioch in Pisida, he cited Psalm 2:7 in (Acts 13:33). This is the only numbered reference to any Old Testament passage, in the New Testament. The New Testament Writers (Peter and Paul) interpreted Psalm 2 “The LORD’s Anointed” to Jesus Christ (Acts 4:25-27; Acts 13:33).
  6. Psalm 2 is quoted Seven Times in the New Testament:
    • Twice in the Book of Acts (Acts 4:24-28; Acts 13:33).
    • Twice in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5).
    • Three times in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:7; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15).
    • All these references are applied to the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, giving us our authority for calling Psalm 2, “The Messianic Psalm.”
  7. There are Four Official Messianic Titles used in Psalm 2
    • The Anointed (Psalm 2;2; Acts 4:26,27).
    • My King (Psalm 2:6).
    • My Son (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5).
    • The LORD (Psalm 2:11).
  8. King David is the Author of Psalm 2 – Psalm 2:1 “Why do the heathen rage, and the peoples imagine a vain thing?” –  Acts 4:25 “Who, by the mouth of thy Servant, David, hast said, why did the heathen rage, and the peoples imagine vain things?”  Paul also confirmed it as Psalm 2 – Psalm 2:7 “I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.” – Acts 13:33 “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that He hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the Second Psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.”

Psalm 2 has 12 Verses, divided into four Sections of three Verses each. There are four Speakers, one in each Section:

  • The Rebels Speak – Man in Revolt (Psalm 2:1-3).
  • The Father Speaks – God in His Wrath (Psalm 2:4-6).
  • The Revelation of the Son (Psalm 2:7-9).
  • The Spirit’s Call to Submission (Psalm 2:10-12).

It is the Answer of the Triune God to the Anarchy of Human Race.

1.1 Man’s Rebellion

The Opening Psalm 2:1-3, describes the actions of ungodly men, in general and specific terms and with progressively more detail.

  • The Psalmist indicts the Nations and the People in Psalm 2:1.
  • The Psalmist indicts the Leaders of the People in Psalm 2:2.

Their deeds are described in Psalm 2:1 as generally mad and futile but are narrowed down in Psalm 2:2 to a specific plot to overthrow God and His Christ (Anointed).

Psalm 2:3 gives the details of this evil plot – Psalm 2:1-3 “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the earth set themselves, and the Rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying: Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.”

1.         The Question – The Questions Psalm 2:1“Why do the Heathen rage, and the People imagine a vain thing?”  are rhetorical not analytical; for any revolt against God is regarded as baseless. The Collective Power of Nations and People can only plot in vain. The point of the questions is to demonstrate the absurdity of those who would rebel against the Rulership of the Almighty. Their Rebellion was against God and His Christ. 

2.         The Application – Psalm 2:1-3 “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the earth set themselves, and the Rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying: Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” – Apostle Peter applies the words in Psalm 2:1-3 to the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, in Acts 4:27-28: “For of a truth against Thy Holy Child Jesus whom Thou hast Anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the People of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatever Thy hand and Thy Counsel determined before to be done.”  This is the Primary Application of Psalm 2:1-3, but it has the Prophetic Application as well. Here we have a fourfold Coalition of Power united against Almighty God and His Christ:

  • The Nations – The whole world organised against the Lord Jesus in deliberate opposition to His Rule – “The Kings of the earth set themselves (draw themselves up in array), and the Rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against His Anointed.”
  • Israel – The “People,” the Nation of Israel.
  • Government, Gentile Organised Government represented by Herod.
  • Judicial Power represented by Pontius Pilate.

The Confederacy (the Nations, Israel, Government, and Judicial Power) at the Cross of Jesus Christ, foreshadows another at the End of the Age. They imagined “a vain thing,” that they can overthrow God! The words “take counsel” and “set themselves” indicate the deliberate adoption of the policy, the passing of the resolution. It is the overthrow of Law and Order, the underwriting of the hardened outburst against God.

3.         Five Resistance – Five forms of Resistance to the Rulership of God’s Anointed (Christ) are indicated – Psalm 2:1-2 “Why do the Nations rage, and the People plot a vain thing? The Kings of the Earth set themselves and the Rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”

  • Raging – Tumultuous Agitation, as when waves of ocean are lashed to fury (Psalm 2:1a).
  • Imagining (Psalm 2:1b)– Meditating (same word as in Psalm 1:2). Turning over and over in the mind some Plan of Opposition. The same Hebrew word lies behind the “meditate” of Psalm 1:2 as the word “imagine” in Psalm 2:1. Whereas the Godly Person uses his mental energy delighting in God’s Word, the Ungodly Leaders use theirs to plot against God’s rule. This description of the unfortunate and uninformed state of the unregenerate mind is not unique to 1000 B.C. when David lived. The same thought patterns prevail openly today.
  • Setting themselves – The Result of the Meditation in the Resolution, in opposition.
  • Taking Counsel Together – For Combined and Concerted Action, of the fourfold Coalition of Powers (Nations, Israel, Government {Gentiles}, Judicial).
  • Saying, etc – Agitation, meditation, resolution, concerted actions taking effect in a verbal utterance: Psalm 2:3 “Let break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us.” The World is at Enmity with God, and Rulers and ruled alike seek to escape God’s Demands on our lives. The People of the Work seeks to outwit the Creator {God} and to undo the Mission of the Lord Jesus Christ.

4.         Breaking the Bands

Psalm 2:3 “Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us.” – The rebellious People wanted to be free from God’s Restraining Goodness because they wanted to do the things in their own manner, ridding of themselves of all restraints.

  • The rebellious Coalition of Four (Nations, Israel, Government, Judiciary), chafed at them, fret against them, and, in the last resort – so far as their will goes – wholly throw them of.
  • “Bands” and “cords” are the fetters that restrain. The Law of God restraints our evil ways of which the four Coalition Powers, desire to cast off and assert their absolute freedom – Psalm 2:3 “Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.”
  • The Heathen Rage and constantly devises ways to thwart God’s Purposes, of the Law of God, the Bible, and all Principles concerning morals, marriage, and relationships, etc., are to be rejected.
  • Man is the Maker of his own destiny and “situation ethics” is to be the rule of life. All bands and cords of their relationship and responsibilities with God are to be thrown away; modern man is to be liberated from all restraint.?
  • Even today there are straws in the wind which indicate what will happen at the End of the Age, when all the restraints are down. – 2Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the Lawless One (Antichrist) is according to the working of Satan, with all power, sings and lying wonders.”  
  • It starts in the home where the child instead of the Parents rule. It continues in the school, where it is illegal to discipline with the rod, and where the evolution and Hegelian (hedonism – pleasure seeking) philosophy is taught by Apostate Teachers.
  • It increases in the social sphere, where the gay generation openly claims license for unnatural sex, abortion has been legalised in some countries. And unisex breaks down the distinction between man and woman.

If these things take place while the Holy Spirit Restraints (2Thessalonians 2:7), what will it be when He (Holy Spirit) is removed? Today the Mystery of Iniquity is already working, but it will be revealed in all its lurid (explicit) wickedness when the avalanche breaks forth.

  • Story – The French Revolution of 1798 was a little foretaste of it, when a harlot was enthroned in Notre Dame, and again in 1917 after the Bolshevik Revolution, when millions were liquidated, and godless atheism took over.
  • Psalm 2 points forward to that day when the Satanic Trinity (Satan, Antichrist, and false Prophet), the two wild Beasts of Revelation 13, backed by the Devil himself, will proclaim a decree prohibiting the Worship of God and His Christ, our Lord Jesus Christ (2Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:4-8: Revelation 12:17). Those who refuse to obey, to carry his mark, and to worship the image of the “Man of Sin” will be executed. This will be the climax of the work of the organised World Powers and the final fulfilment of the first Section (Psalm 2:1-3) of Psalm 2.

To be Continued….. Stay Tuned…..

Godly Person & Ungodly Person (Psalm 1:1-6) (Part 2)

3.0 Attitude and Action

The Righteous Person’s Attitude and Action is shown in Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law doth he meditates day and night.”

3.1 His Attitude – Delights

Psalm 1:2a “But his delight is in the Law of the LORD.”  The Righteous Person does not attempt to mobilise his human resources to find encouragement from Outsiders and thus depend upon external circumstances for peace and rest; he learns to draw upon God’s Strength through His {God’s} Word (Logos). This is the Secret of the Righteous Person’s Life.  

The Righteous Person has an “Attitude of delight in the Law {God’s Word} of the LORD,” which leads him to an action as “In His Law (God’s Word) he meditates day and night.”

The Attitude of the righteous Person determines his Action – his right attitude, delight, leads him to the right action, meditation.

  • Delight = Pleasure, desire, incline to (Psalm 119:16, 47, 77). God’s Written Word (Law) is precious to the Righteous Person. God’s Word is “the rejoicing of his heart” (Jeremiah 15:16; Colossians 3:16). He loves God’s Law (God’s Word) as a Practical Guide in his Life (John 8:12, 31, 32).
  • The Law – Throughout the Psalms, the phrase “the Law of the LORD” is used to describe God’s Entire Word, not only “the Law” of the First Five Books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Thus, the Righteous Person delights in God’s Entire Word (the Bible).

The written Torah is an important text for Judaism and world history, which by definition, means the ”law” or ”teachings” of Judaism. It contains the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The written Torah is the first part of the Tanakh, the Jewish Hebrew Bible or Christian Old Testament.

3.2 His Action – Meditates

Psalm 1:2b “And in His Law does he meditates day and night.” Meditate – Biblical meditation, unlike many recent popular techniques, is not content-less but content-full. It is not accomplished by eliminating thought but redirecting thought to God’s Word.  

Meditate – The Hebrew word for “meditate” (hágah) means “To utter sounds, to speak, low sound.” Meditate includes audible recitation, and it is to be done continually, “day and night.” God said to Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8). The Scripture is read half aloud in the process of meditation (Joshua1:8; Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77:12; Psalm 143:5).

Meditate often appears in synonymous parallelism with zákar, “To remember, call to mind,” and Síah, “To consider, ponder.” – Psalm 143:5 reads: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.”  Meditate, then, is to recall all that God has said and done. Meditation includes audible recitation, and it is to be done continually, “day and night.”  

  • The Righteous Person meditates constantly on God’s Word (Logos), God’s Mercy, Forgiveness, Sacrifice, Intercession, Grace, Strength, etc.
  • The Righteous Person enthrones God’s Word (Logos) in the place of honour in his life. Maintaining a disciplined devotional life has been one of the major struggles of every Christian.
  • The Righteous Person’s life is centred on God’s Word {Law}, he rejects the world’s philosophy because he has learned to delight himself in God’s Word (Law) of the LORD.
  • The Righteous Person has learned that God’s Word gives him a completely different view of life than what he gets from the world.
  • The Righteous Person reflects on God’s Word {Law} day and night. That does not mean he goes around thinking about Scriptures and repeating them over and over all day long, that would be a mechanical understanding of Psalm 1:2.
  • The Righteous Person enjoys in God’s Word {Law} and he desires to meditate upon God’s Word {Law}.
  • The Righteous Person delights in God’s Word {Law} as did Bunyan’s Pilgrim who rushed away from the City of Destruction holding his Bible and crying, “Life, life, Eternal life!” 
  • The Righteous Person has learned the wonderful new life made possible by God and available for any situation. He keeps appropriating God’s Word (Logos) all day and all night, in the face of changing situations/circumstances!
  • Attitude determines action. The right attitude, delight, leads to the right action, meditation.

Bible Meditation unlike many recent popular techniques, is not content-less but content-full. It is not accomplished by eliminating thought but by redirecting thought to God’s Word. 

Our Mind is the first bastion (stronghold) to be defended. The “Law of the LORD” stands opposed to “the Counsel of the Wicked,” to which it is ultimately the answer.

  • Psalm One is contented to develop this one theme, implying that whatever really shapes an Individual’s thinking, shapes his life – Proverbs 23:7a (NKJV) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
  • Thoughts lead to action – action leads to habit – habit leads to character – character leads to stronghold (good or bad?).

4.0 God’s Planted Person {Tree}

Psalm 1:3 “And he {Righteous} shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” The Results of the Righteous’ Attitude and Actions (Psalm 1:1-2):

  • Walks Not {in Decisions} in the Counsel of the Ungodly – Ungodly: “Melancholy {miserable), ingratitude (ungratefulness), complaining, envy, jealousy and anger,” are just a few, {Psalm 1:1}.
  • Stands Not {in Association} in the Path of the Sinners – Sinner, (in Hebrew), is the term that means “To make a loud noise” or “to cause an uproar;” it has the idea of: Provoking a riot, creating a disturbance, or making trouble” (Psalm 1:1) – Proverbs 2:12b “The Person who speaks malicious things.” {Psalm 1:1}.
  • Sits Not (in Settled Attitude} in the Seat of the Scornful – Scornful: “Contemptuous, disdainful, insulting disrespectful. exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous.” Thus, the term “Scorn,” could be termed as “Badmouthing,” {Scoffer – Psalm 1:1}.
  • Delights – “His delight is in the Law (Word – Scripture) of the LORD.” (Psalm 1:2a).
  • Meditates – “And in His {God’s} Law (Word – Scripture) he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2b).

Thus, the Righteous is “Liken to a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water.” (Psalm 1:3a). These Rivers are irrigation canals; as the Righteous delight and meditates on God’s Word (Scripture), he is continually watered by God’s Word (Scripture) – Ephesians 5:26 “That He (Jesus) might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word (Rhema – Romans 10:17).” 

4.1 Planted

Psalm 1:3a “And he {Righteous} shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water….” The verb “planted” (Hebrew, “Shatal”) indicates that the Righteous does not accidentally, nor under his own initiative, takes root and bear fruit.

The “Planting & Tender Caring” is of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, acting through God’s Word {Scripture}. The Results of this Nourishment is threefold:

  • First, the Root of the Righteous is deep, that he bears forth “Fruit of the Spirit” of: “Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23); in “Christ’s Image” (2Corinthians 3:18), in due Season (God’s Time).
  • Second, the Righteous’ Fruitfulness {Fruit, More Fruit, Much Fruit} is abiding in Jesus, the Vine (John 15:1-11}.
  • Third, the Righteous is Evergreen – “His leaf also shall not wither” (Psalm 1:3b) – God’s Promised Protection of the “leaf” (physical life) from withering is not independence of the rhythm of the seasons (situations/circumstances), but freedom from the crippling damages of drought (adverse circumstances/situations – Jeremiah 17:8).

4.2 Rivers of Living Water

Psalm 1:3a “And he {Righteous} shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water.” The “Rivers of Living Water refers to God’s Spirit working in and flowing out of the Believer’s Life – John 7:38-39a “He who believes in Me {Jesus}, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow Rivers of Living Water. But this He (Jesus) spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him will receive…..”

  • “Rivers” (Psalm 1:3) – The “Rivers” in Psalm 1:3 are irrigation canals; the regulation of waters all the year round, in every situation, never lacking. Thus, God’s Word (Scripture – Ephesians 5:26) and the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39), work together for the fruitfulness of the life of the Believer. 
  • “Flow” (Psalm 1:3) – The term “flow,” speaks of continuous movement, moving along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream, thus, not static, resulting in freshness and not stagnation. God’s Word (Scripture) and the Holy Spirit continuous are involved in the life of the Righteous in situations to bring forth freshness – Psalm 1:3 “And he {Righteous} shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Although the Righteous is not the source of flow, but he is the channel of flow of God’s Life in him to the people.
  • Ezekiel 47:3-5 – Speaks of 4 stages of spiritual experiences in the life of the Believer – “Ankles’ experience (vs.3b)…..Knees’ experience (vs.4a)…….Waist’s experience (vs.4b)…….Floating’s experience (vs.5).”  

The Righteous is spiritually healthy, vibrant, productive, and successful because he is planted in an abundant supply of God’s Word (Water – Ephesians 5:26) and God’s Spirit (John 7:38-39).

In such an Individual’s life, God’s Inspired Word (2Timothy 3:16, 17) becomes God’s Illustrated Word, bearing “the Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), of: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”    

4.3 Freshness

The Righteous has freshness, God’s Joy, which is the Righteous’ strength (Nehemiah 8:10b), all the year round.

  • The Righteous is always the vital and exciting kind of Person.
  • The Righteous is never dull, dreary, or boring.
  • The Righteous is not freed from “drought” (adverse situations/circumstances) which affects the ungodly Person (Psalm 1:4; Isaiah 1:30), but that the Righteous is able to ride over “the drought” (adverse situations/circumstances) because of God’s Presence and Promise.

4.4 Prosper

God’s Promise – “And whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3b). The term Prosper mean “To push forward, break out, to succeed.” The root meaning is “To accomplish satisfactorily,” what is intended.

4.5 God’s Favour

The Righteous delights in God’s Written Word {Scripture}, meditates upon God’s Written Word {Scripture} and Prosper {“Push forward, break out, succeed, accomplish satisfactorily”}. Guided and Guarded by God’s Written Word {Scripture}, the Righteous lives in God’s Full- Blessings, as the firm, “Fruitful Tree,” rooted deeply against “the winds” of change of situations/circumstances (Matthew 7:24-25).

5.0 Prayer Points from Psalm 1:1-3:

  1. Lord Jesus makes me an example of a Righteous Person, make me to be a blessing for this Generation (Psalm 1:1).
  2. Lord Jesus teaches me to find solace in your Word (Scripture – Psalm 1:2).
  3. Lord Jesus let my life be fruitful and cause me to prosper in the things/situations, of life (Psalm 1:3).

6.0 The Ungodly Person

Psalm 1:4-5 “The Ungodly are Not so but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore, the Ungodly  shall not stand in the judgement, nor Sinners in the Congregation of the Righteous.”

6.1 The Hebrew Word

for “ungodly” describes “The Individual who does not belong to God and is controlled by his passions.” Because of such attitudes/actions, he is incapable of doing anything that has eternal value in God’s Sight.

  • Romans 3:12 “All have turned aside; together they (ungodly) has become worthless (“chaff” – Psalm 1:4a)…”
  • Romans 3:18 “There is no fear of God before his eyes.”

6.2 The Biblical Description

of the Ungodly is found in Jude 15-16 (NKJV) “To execute judgement on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly Sinners have spoken against Him (God). These (ungodly) are Grumblers, Complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”

  • The Ungodly committed ungodly deeds in ungodly way (Jude 15).
  • Grumblers (Murmurers {Amp.Bible}), Complainers {of their lot in life – Amp.Bible – Jude 16a}.
  • Walking after their own lusts {Going after their own desires, controlled by their passions – Amp.Bible – Jude 16b} – “The lust of they flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” (1John 2:15-17).
  • Boastful and Arrogant, “Mouth with great swelling words” {“talk is boastful and arrogant – Amp.Bible – Jude 16c}.
  • Insincere {dishonest} Flatter – “Flattering people to gain advantage” {“Claim to admire men’s persons and pay people flattering compliments to gain advantage” – Amp.Bible – Jude 16d}.

6.3 The Psychological Description

is characterised, as the term “ungodly” is descriptive of the attitude of: “Melancholy {miserable), ingratitude (ungratefulness), complaining, envy, jealousy and anger,” are just a few. The longer the bad attitude goes unchecked, the deeper rooted it will become. 

  • It takes two verses (Psalm 1:2-3) to describe the Righteous Person and only two words to describe the Ungodly: “Not so.”  
  • Everything that is said about the Ungodly is “Not so.” Everything said of the Righteous Person is stable as a Tree, continual life, and nourishment, fruitful, alive, and prosperous (Psalm 1:2-3) – but is “Not so” for the Ungodly.
  • An abrupt change now occurs with the words “Not so.”  The sharp contrast is intensified by the use of this frequent term, “Not so,” for the ungodly, which stands as the exact antithesis (opposite) of the term, “the Righteous.”

The contrast of the Righteous and the Ungodly is striking. Unlike the “firmly rooted Tree” of the Righteous, the character of the Ungodly is like “the Chaff.” – Chaff is universally regarded as totally worthless things. That is the evaluation of life that has no room for God or for Others. 

6.4 The Chaff

Psalm 1:4a “The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff.” Chaff = separated grain husks; chopped hay and stray worthless stuff. Chaff is used throughout Scriptures as an emblem of what is weak and worthless (Psalm 35:5; Isaiah 5:24; Isaiah 17:13).

In the Ancient Times chaff was considered of no values at all, and when corn was winnowed; it was thrown up in the air until the wind had blown all the chaff away (Job 21:18 – “History of Ancient Egypt). Chaff was also thrown into the fire to be consumed (Isaiah 5:24). The Ungodly is a Chaff-like Person. = Rootless (“vain”), and Weightless of Judges 9:4 “And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, who followed him.”

6.5 Blow Away

Psalm 1:4b “Which the wind drives away.”  The tree planted by Rivers of Water (Psalm 1:3) is quite different from the chaff (Psalm 1:4b) because the Tree cannot be moved. To be severed from God’s Written Word {Scripture} is to have no root, no nourishment, no fruit, no life, or as in Jesus’ Parable, it is to be like the House built upon the Sand, demolished by the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27).

Wind in Scripture speaks of “Doctrines.”   – Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every Wind of Doctrines, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive.” The ungodly Individual is like the chaff, driven and carried about with every wind of doctrine, with divers and strange doctrines, entertaining every light and airy notion; and easily drawn aside and carried away.

6.6 Times of Trial

Psalm 1:5a “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand {shall not rise} in the judgement.” – The therefore, of Psalm 1:5, the ungodly Individual is contrasted with Psalm 1:1, the righteous Individual.

  • Shall not Stand (Psalm 1:5a) is rendered “Shall not rise or shall not hold up his head (LXX/Vulg.)” – Self-convicted, and shrink away before God’s unerring scrutiny, like the Person without a wedding garment of Matthew 22:12. The situation descripted in Psalm 1:5a, is not the Judgement of Revelation 20:11-15.
  • Shall not Stand (Psalm 1:5a) means “Shall not endure in the judgement,” the time of trials, which will assuredly come, which will cause the ungodly Individual’s heart to fail, as God is not with him in his trials. The “judgement” of Psalm 1:5a, is not of “God’s Judgement” at the Great White Throne of Revelation 11-15, but rather, “trials in all places and at all times.” (Barnes’ Notes).

6.7 Feel out of Place

with the Congregation of the Righteous – Psalm 1:5b “Nor Sinners (Troublemakers) in the Congregation of the Righteous.” – Sinner, (in Hebrew), is the term that means “To make a loud noise”or “to cause an uproar;” it has the idea of: Provoking a riot, creating a disturbance, or making trouble” (Psalm 1:1) – Proverbs 2:12b “The Person who speaks malicious things.” The “Troublemaker” {Sinner} Individual feels out of place in the company of the Congregation of the Righteous. The Sinner (Troublemaker) senses that he does not belong in the congregation of the Righteous if he continues remaining as “the Troublemaker {Sinner}.”

7.0 God Separates

Psalm 1:6 “For the LORD knows the Way of the Righteous; but the Way of the Ungodly shall Perish.” Psalm 1 concludes with the word of explanation:

  • Why does all this happen in this way?
  • Why is it that, though outwardly the Person’s life may be very impressive, inwardly it may be nothing but a hollow shell, empty and worthless?

7.1 The Righteous Person

Psalm 1:6a concludes with a tremendous word of explanation: “For the LORD knows the Way of the Righteous.”

  • Knows – Here the Psalmist uses the verb form that indicates that the LORD keeps on knowing the way of the Righteous Person.
  • Knows – To “know” is more than to be informed (as in Psalm 139:1-6): it includes to care about, as in Psalm 31:7 (Hebrews 8), and to own or identify oneself with (Proverbs 3:6).
  • Knows – The Hebrew has it yet more fully, “The LORD is knowing the way of the Righteous Person.” God is constantly looking on Righteous Person’s way, and though it may be often in midst of difficulties, yet the LORD knows it.
  • Knows – God is said to “know” the Individual of whom He (God) approves, and on whom He (God) “Lifts up the Light of His Countenance.” He (God) knows and loves the Righteous Person and his way and the Righteous Person live and prosper.  Luther said: “The way I do not know, but well do I know my Guide.”

Second, God Watches – God’s Eyes are upon the Righteous Person. God’s Ears are open to the Righteous Person.  Thus, the ultimate significance difference of the Life of the Righteous Person and the Life of the Ungodly is found in God’s Attitude. 

Third, God Acts upon the Righteous Person, He {God} watches over the Righteous Person, guiding him, guarding him, and keeping him.  But the Ungodly shall Perish – that means it will dribble out into nothingness. “His lamp will be put out in utter darkness” (Proverbs 20:20b). Our Security is in the LORD who communes with him.

The Answer is: “The LORD knows the Way of the Righteous” The LORD knows that Path. He (God) watches over the Righteous Person, guiding him, guarding him, and keeping {preserving} him (Psalm 121 – God, the Helper, Protector, and Preserver).

7.2 The Ungodly Person

Psalm 1:6b “But the Way of the Ungodly shall Perish.” The root meaning of the Hebrew verb uses for the word “Perish” means “To wander off.”

  • Perish – Like an animal who has wandered far from the safety of the Flock, the Ungodly Person strays from the watchful eyes of God will surely suffer the ultimate disaster of “the horse” and “the mule” (Psalm 32:8-9).
  • Perish – God “does not know” the Ungodly, “Casting him out of the sight of His (God’s) eyes” – “Cast him behind His back;” refuses to acknowledge him {Ungodly}. The Ungodly Person and his way led to peril and punishment.
  • Perish – The word “perish” is used in many senses, here for instance of a road or course that comes to nothing or to ruin; elsewhere of hopes of plans frustrated (Psalm 112:10; Proverbs 11:7); of Creatures that got lost (Psalm 119:176), and of men and achievement that come to grief (Psalm 2:9; Psalm 9:6).
  • Perish – Compare the begin and end of Psalm 112:1 & 10 “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His Commandments…..The Ungodly  will see it and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and melt away; the desire of the Ungodly

Summary – Not only shall the Ungodly perish himself, but his way shall perish, too. The Righteous Person carves his Name upon the Rock, the Ungodly his remembrance in the sand!

8.0 The Six-fold Blessings

Psalm 1:1-6 presents two Persons: (1) Psalm 1:1-3 of the Righteous Person; (2) Psalm 1:4-5 of the Ungodly Person. The Summary of the two Persons of Psalm 1 is shown in Psalm 1:6.

  • The Righteous Person (Blessed) is likening “to an Evergreen and Productive Tree” (Psalm 1:3) because he {Righteous Person} is planted by the River of Waters (Jeremiah 17:8).
  • The Ungodly is pictured as Chaff (Psalm 1:4), the worthless refuse of the wheat-threshing operation.

God’s Sixfold Blessings to the Righteous Person is shown in Psalm 1:1-3, with the affirmation in Psalm 1:6a “For the LORD knows the way of the Righteous.” 

8.1 Blessedness –

Psalm 1:1a “Blessed is the man….” – The Hebrew word for “blessed” (esher), is the form of the Hebrew word “ashar,” which in its root means: “To be straight” or “to be right.”

  • Blessed – Thus, it can say that “the Righteous Person” (Psalm 1:6a) is “the Blessed Person” (Psalm 1:1a).
  • Blessed speaks of the Person who has “contentment in life,” whose life is “right” or “straight” with God and Man, in his relationship.
  • Blessed, in the Hebrew, the word “blessed,” is in the plural, which denotes “the multiplicity of blessings or an intensification of them.” (Boice).
  • The word “Blessed” is used twenty-five times in the Book of Psalms.
  • The 9 Blessedness in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-11) called “The Be-Attitudes.”
  • The 7 Blessedness in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:3; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 22:7, 14; 1Kings.10:8).

8.2 Rooted Life

Psalms 1:3″And he shall be like a tree planted by the Rivers of Water.”  As the Righteous Person delights and meditates on God’s Written Word {Logos}, he will be continually watered by God’s Written Word

  • The Righteous Person is like “a Tree” planted by the River of Waters which sends the roots down deep into the ground and finds plenty of the water it needs.
  • River of Waters = Streams or Canals of Irrigation so common both in Egypt and in Babylon, by which fruit trees were planted, especially Date-Palms which need the vicinity of water.
  • That such planting of trees by the waterside was known to the Israelites is evident, both from this passage and from several others (Numbers 24:6; Ecclesiastes 2:5; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 17:5,8).
  • The River of Water also speaks of the Holy Spirit’s Presence (John 7:37-39). The Righteous Person is spoken of as “a Tree” (Job 8:16; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 92:12). The Planting is done by God (Numbers 24:6; Ecclesiastes 2:5; Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 17:5, 8).

Planted, not self-sown, not dropped into its place by chance – Planted by God’s Own Hand (James 1:18).

  • By the Waters drawing life and freshness from an unfailing Source {John 7:38-39}.
  • Sand-Person – Some lives that make a fair show are the Trees whose roots run near the surface – the storm uproots them (Matthew 7:26-27).
  • Tree-Person – The Person “rooted” in Christ (Colossians 2:7) is the Pine, sending down so strong a taproot that the avalanche may break the trunk, but cannot uproot it.

8.3 Fruit-Bearing

Psalm 1:3a “That brings forth Fruit in its Season.” The phase, “Its Fruit in its Season” emphasises both the distinctiveness and the quiet grown of the Product. Jeremiah 17:8 “Neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”

  • Holy Spirit’s Fruit – The Righteous Person bears “Fruit” – of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) and “Fruits” of Souls (Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3).
  • Fruitfulness is an essential quality of the Person in God’s Favour. The “Fruit” in Season is also the regular and abundant service which he renders to God and His {God’s} People – Proverbs 11:30 “The Fruit of the Righteous is a Tree of Life; and he that wins souls is Wise.”
  • An Evergreen, Fruit-bearing Tree is the bright Image of the Successful Person, in God, not necessarily financially.
  • Solomon’s – Among the costly works in which King Solomon exercised his Wisdom and displayed his Magnificence were Gardens rich in fruit trees and watered by channels and reservoirs. 

8.4 Freshness

Psalm 1:3b “Its leaf also shall not wither.”– Evergreen – God’s Promise of Evergreen means that we will not wither, even in barren times.

  • Health – Since God’s Word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8), the primary reference is to health and well-being (3John 1:2; Proverbs 3:5-7).
  • Prosperity – There is the prosperity that fears no change, glory that fades not, labour that cannot be lost (3John 2; 1Peter 1:4; 5:4; 1Corinthians 15:58). 
  • Immunity – God’s Promise of Immunity of the Leaf from withering is not independence of the rhythm of the Season but freedom from the crippling damage of drought. Jeremiah 17:8b “Her leaf shall be green.”
  • Freshness – The Righteous Person has Freshness all the year round.  He is always vital, exciting Person. He is never dull, dreary, boring. He is an exciting, vital Person because he is in touch with God.
  • The Righteous Person is free from drought which affect the ungodly Person (Psalm 1:4; Isaiah 1:30).

8.5 Success

Psalm 1:3c “And whatsoever he doeth shall Prosper.” The Righteous Person is successful in all his undertakings. In the Old Testament, the Righteous Person got along well and became rich in this world, for example Abraham (Genesis 13:2) and Job (Job 1:3).

  • Success is certain because he puts his trust firmly in God.  Prosper = To (cause to) go on prosperously, to push forward, break out, to succeed, the rooting meaning is to accomplish satisfactorily what is intended.
  • God’s Resource – When the Righteous Person puts his hand to be accomplished because he is not doing it in his own strength but in the strength of the LORD, from whose Resources he is continuously drawing.

8.6 Known of God

Psalm1:6a “For the LORD knows the Way of the Righteous.” The Way of the Righteous Person is known by the LORD. 

  • Known = To care about (Psalm 31:7); to own or identify oneself with (Proverbs 3:6).
  • Mutual – The Righteous Person knows God’s Way through God’s Word (Law) and the LORD knows the way of the Righteous Person (Psalm 1:1, 6).

Godly Person & Ungodly Person (Psalm 1:1-6) (Part 1)

1.0 The Statement

The Book of Psalms is appropriate for the times we are living in because it relates the experiences of Believers from the past, reflecting the emotional happiness, upsets, problems, disturbances, and distress that Saints of old have gone through.

  • Psalms are wonderful for helping us to cope with our emotional pressures. There is no Book like Psalms to meet the heart when it is discouraged or feels a sense of defeat, or when it is elated and encouraged.
  • Psalms are absolutely without peer in expressing these feelings and are helpful in teaching us how to find our way through our manifold problems and joys.
  • Psalms simply recount what various men and women from the past have experienced and the reality of God in their situations and lives.

Psalm One has no Superscription and Title. The Writer of Psalm One is unknown, but most Expositors attribute Psalm One to David.  Psalm One, like our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, begins with a Beatitude (“blessed”). Although not specifically written as an introduction to the whole collection of the Book of Psalms, the First Psalm provides the basis for all the Psalms to follow:

  1. Psalm One may be regarded as “The Preface (Forward) Psalm” and fills the Place of Prologue (Introduction) to the whole Book of Psalms.
  2. Psalm One deals with the theme close to the heart of the Psalmists. Psalm One compares the happiness of being found in the LORD with the sadness of those who do not know Him.
  3. Psalm One deals with the alternative Character of man (Righteous or Ungodly {Wicked}) – displayed in alternative modes of Conduct (Godliness or Ungodliness) and resulting in alternative Destinies (Tree or Chaff).
  4. Psalm One describes both the God-centred life (Psalm 1:1-3) and the Self-centred life (Psalm 1:4-5). With God’s Mandate summed up in Psalm 1:6.
  5. The Self-centred Life (Psalm 1:4-5) is termed as “the Ungodly {Wicked}” (Psalm 1:4-5). The term “Ungodly {Wicked}” means the Person who has little or no regards for God in his life. The Person who has ruled God out of his affairs and his thinking – Psalm 14:1 & Psalm 53:1, “The Fool declares that there is no God.”
  6. Psalm One is a sort of “Creed,” an assertion of the blessedness of the Righteous Person and the Faith that God will see him through, as Psalm 1:6 reveals.
  7. Psalm One is considered as “The Door-Keeper,” the Entrance into the 150 Psalms.
  8. Psalm One is “Yahwistic Psalter.” The Hebrew Divine Name “Yahweh (LORD)” occurs 272 times in the First Book of Psalms (Psalm 1 to 41), while “Elohim (God)” occurs only 15 times. 
  9. The Second Book of Psalms (Psalm 42 to72) is “Elohistic Psalter.” The Name “Elohim (God)” occurs 164 times in the Second Book of Psalms, whereas “Yahweh (LORD)” occurs only 30 times.
  10. Psalm One has a Chiastic Structure (Chiastic means that the first and last themes or ideas reflect each other, and the middle ideas reflect each other – ABBA).
    • Two Men – The Godly (Righteous) Person and the Ungodly (Unrighteous) Person.
    • Two Ways – The Way of the Godly Person and the Way of the Ungodly Person.
    • Two Destinies – Blessing to the Godly and judgement to the Ungodly.
    • Two Agricultural terms used – Fruit-bearing man and Chaff-like man.
  11. Psalm One is called “The Psalm of Congratulations,” for the Psalmist regards the Righteous Person whom Psalm One describes as Person who has great reason for gladness, and who therefore may be fittingly congratulated.
  12. Psalm One opens with the Benediction “Blessed,” even as did the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 to 7). The original term “blessed” is plural, literally, “blessings are the man,” the multiplicity of the blessings which shall rest upon the Righteous Person whom God blesses.

1.1 The Text

Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the Sinner, nor sits in the seat of the Scornful.”

1.1.1 The Blessed

Psalm 1:1a “Blessed is the man….” – The Hebrew word for “blessed” (esher), is the form of the Hebrew word “ashar,” which in its root means: “To be straight” or “to be right.”

  • Blessed – Thus, it can say that “the Righteous Person” (Psalm 1:6a) is “the Blessed Person” (Psalm 1:1a).
  • Blessed speaks of the Person who has “contentment in life,” whose life is “right” or “straight” with God and Man, in his relationship.
  • Blessed, in the Hebrew, the word “blessed,” is in the plural, which denotes “the multiplicity of blessings or an intensification of them.” (Boice).

Blessedness brings “joyfulness {God’s Strength – Nehemiah 8:10},  and a fulfilled life.” The Righteous Person does three things:

1.1.2  Walks Not

Psalm 1:1a “Blessed is the man that walks not in the Counsel of the Ungodly.” – The Righteous Person “Walks not in the Counsel of the Ungodly.”

Walk – The term “Walk” is the reference to the decisions/Agreements that must be makes all day-long. – Amos 3:3 “Can two walks together, unless they are agreed {an agreement reached through compromise}?”  Person takes steps throughout the day, making decisions in the face of all types of situations/matters. “Walking is taking a series of steps of decisions.” Walk = Pursue (Jeremiah 7:24), is a reference to the decisions that must be made all day long.

The Ungodly is characterised with the attitude of: “Melancholy {miserable), ingratitude (ungratefulness), complaining, envy, jealousy and anger,” are just a few. The longer the bad attitude goes unchecked, the deeper rooted it will become. 

We all know how it is. We take steps throughout each day, making decisions on all kinds of matters/issues:

  • For Counsel, a Christian is encouraged to seek the Counsel of the Elders (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 24:6), not that he cannot seek other avenues of Counselling.
  • The Warning of taking the wrong Counsel is given in (Isaiah 30:1-3).
  • Rehoboam accepted the Counsel of the young men and rejected the Counsel of the elderly men (1Kings 12:8,13), resulting in the split of the Kingdom of Israel into Judah (2 Tribes – Southern Kingdom) & Israel (Ten Tribes – Northern Kingdom)
  • Absalom received the Ungodly Counsel of Ahithopiel (2Samuel15:31; 2Samuel 17:14) and usurped his father, David’s Kingdom.
  • Israel – The backslidden Nation of Israel was a Nation void of Godly Counsel (Deuteronomy 32:28). The LORD is “The Counsellor” (Isaiah 9:6), but Israel seeks not.

The Man (the word “haish” is emphatic – that man) walks in the Commandments of the LORD. His footsteps are ordered by God’s Word {Scripture} and not by the ways of the Carnal Man. He is the Righteous Person (Man – Psalm 1:6a).

  • Righteous Person is known by the Company he keeps/avoids: “He that walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Note the Progress of Evil – the Ungodly (Vs.1), the Sinners (Vs.1) and the Scoffers {Ridiculers – Vs.1).
  • Ungodly Person – The margin gives for the Ungodly the term “Wicked,” and this is probably the best rendering of the word. Wicked expresses the real essence of all wickedness (Jeremiah 2:13).  

The Righteous Person “does not walk in the Counsel of the Ungodly (Wicked)” – He does not throw in his lot with the Ungodly {Wicked}, nor follows the advice (counsel) of the Ungodly (Wicked) Person, who leaves God out of his life.

1.1.3 Stands Not

Psalm 1:1b “Nor Stands (in associations) in the way of Sinners (People who make trouble).”  The term “Stand,” means “Association.” To “Stand” also means Commitment.

  • Stand – The term “Stand” speaks of “in Association/or making Decision,” of important issues/matters of life.
  • Sinner – The term “Sinner,” is an interesting term, for in the Hebrew, Sinner is the term that means “To make a loud noise” or “to cause an uproar;” it has the idea of provoking a riot, creating a disturbance, or making trouble – Proverbs 2:12b “The Person who speaks malicious things.”

Dissociation – Thus, the Righteous Person “does not stand,” in association/or in decision with the “trouble-making-Individual;” he does not participate in the Practices (Conducts) of the Sinners {Troublemaker}. He (Righteous) enjoys Psalm 16:11“You (God) will show me the path of life; in Your (God’s) Presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Identification – Thus, God Word (Scripture) teaches that we can recognise the Righteous Person in that “He does not make trouble; he does not provoke riots, he is not at work causing disturbances; he is obedient to the Laws of life and of the State/Nation. He “does not stand (identify with),” in the way of those who live to cause trouble. He rejects all that.

1.1.4   Sits Not

Psalm 1:1c “Nor sits in the seat of the Scornful {Mockers}.” The term “Sits,” means “the settled attitude” of the heart, the continuous disposition of the Righteous Person’s life.

Scornful, adjective. expressing extreme contempt. Synonyms: “Contemptuous, disdainful, insulting disrespectful. exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous.” Thus, the term “scorn,” could be termed as “badmouthing.”  Thus, “the scornful” Person has the habit of “badmouthing” others – Saying unkind or critical things about someone, behind his back.  What is the difference between “gossiping,” and “badmouthing?”

  • Gossiping is “the habitual revealing of personal or sensational facts or fictions {imaginative happenings} about others.”
  • Badmouthing is “the speaking of unkind or critical things about an Individual, whether it is true or not.”

The Scornful is the Scoffer (Ridiculer), the Cynic, who casts a baleful eye at life in general and blames Others for his problems. The Righteous Person has no fellowship with “the Gossipers,” and the Individuals who “badmouthed” Others.

Ambassador – The term “Scornful” represents “Ambassador or Representative of Babylon.” The term “Scornful” is used many times in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:22; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 13:1; etc) but only once in the Book of Psalms (Psalm 1:1). The Characters of the Scoffers {Mocker/Scornful):

  1. Scoffer mocks at Judgement (Proverbs 19:28).
  2. Scoffer is Proud and Haughty (Proverbs 21:24).
  3. Scoffer is Incorrigible (Proverbs 9:7).
  4. Scoffer is Resistant to all Reproof (Proverbs 9:8; Proverbs 15:12).
  5. Scoffer hates Rebuke (Proverbs 3:1).
  6. Scoffer has God’s Wisdom and God’s Knowledge elude him (Proverbs 14:6).
  7. Scoffer is an Abomination to all People (Proverbs 24:9).
  8. Scoffer is to be Punished (Proverbs 19:25; Proverbs 21:11).
  9. Scoffer is to be avoided (Psalm 1:1).
  10. Scoffer is Prideful in his heart (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5; Proverbs 21:24).
  11. Scoffer creates strife, contention. God’s Reproach will cease when the Scoffer is removed (Proverbs 22:10).
  12. Scoffer faces God’s Judgement (Proverbs 19:29; Isaiah 29:20).
  13. Scoffer delights in his own Scoffing (Proverbs 1:22).

2.0     Summary

Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of the Sinner, nor sits in the seat of the Scornful.” – The Righteous Person finds “his secret,” in God, and his confidence can be recognised by the fact that he:

  1. Walks Not {in Decisions/Agreement – Amos 3:3} in the Counsel of the Ungodly – Ungodly: “Melancholy {miserable), ingratitude (ungratefulness), complaining, envy, jealousy and anger,” are just a few, {Psalm 1:1}.
  2. Stands Not {in Association} in the Path of the Sinners – Sinner, (in Hebrew), is the term that means “To make a loud noise” or “to cause an uproar;” it has the idea of: Provoking a riot, creating a disturbance, or making trouble” (Psalm 1:1) – Proverbs 2:12b “The Person who speaks malicious things.” {Psalm 1:1}.
  3. Sits Not (in the Settled Attitude} in the Seat of the Scornful – Scornful: “Contemptuous, disdainful, insulting disrespectful. exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous.” Thus, the term “Scorn,” could be termed as “Badmouthing,” {Scoffer – Psalm 1:1}.

The three Attitudes of the Righteous Person of: “Walks not, Stands not, and Sits not,” demonstrate his Faithfulness in God (1Corinthians 4:1-2). Psalm One reveals that life is a journey offering “two Alternatives.” Regardless of how offensive Psalm One may be to an Individual – There is no reconciliation of Opposites. Thus, Psalm One is structured as: (1) Psalm 1:1-3, in respect of the Righteous Person; (2) Psalm 1:4-5, in respect of the Ungodly {Wicked}; (3) Psalm 1:6 is the Summary in respect of both {Righteous & Wicked}, together.

  • The Righteous is characterised by God’s Honouring Attitudes – He is Selfless in his Motivations, Obedient in his Actions, Obedient to the Law of the Land, and he does not adopt the role of the Critic but is cheerful and acceptance of whatever comes as coming from God’s Hand (Psalm 1:1-3).
  • The description of the Righteous Person is one who is completely fearless, continually cheerful (“The Joy of the LORD is his strength” – Nehemiah 8:10).

The three Negatives (Ungodly, Sinner, Scoffer) have cleared the way for what is positive (Walks not, Stands Not, and Sits not), which is the Righteous Person’s Attitudes and the value of his hard cutting edge.  The shift is then made from the refusal to the delight.

To be continued….. Stay Tuned

The Trinity (Matthew 28:19b) (Part 1)

The Statement

Matthew 28:19b “Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Our God, the Three in One, with the term Trinity – while the term “Trinity,” as related to the three Persons (Father, Son & Holy Spirit – Matthew 28:19b) forming the Godhead – Romans 1:20b “Even His Eternal Power and Godhead,…..” is not found in the Scripture, yet the fact of it is clearly evident from the beginning (Book of Genesis) to the end (Book of Revelation). The number “three” has always been associated with the Godhead and Perfect Witness:

  • Matthew 28:19b “Baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
  • 2Corinthians 13:1b “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

Three times the Seraphim cried: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 6:3) – Holy to God the Father, Holy to God the Son (Christ), Holy to God the Holy Spirit. To the “World,” the concept of the “Three-in-One” cannot be comprehended by natural reasoning, nevertheless, to the born-again Believer, accepts by faith and revelation.

Point 1: Divine Benediction

Also, three times the Divine Benediction is given by Moses in Numbers 6:24-27: “The LORD (the Father) bless you and keep you; The LORD (the Son) make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD (the Holy Spirit) lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. So, they shall put My Name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” This Divine Benediction is affirmed in the N.T – 2Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God (the Father), and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”

Each of the Divine Benediction in the O.T (Numbers 6:24-26) is twofold: (1) God the Father “bless and keep us;” (2) God the Son “makes His face shine upon us, and be gracious to us;” and God the Holy Spirit “lifts up His countenance upon us, and give us peace;” so that there are two Members of the Godhead in each, while the Name Jehovah (The LORD) is mentioned three times. This marks the “blessing” as being Divine in its Source. No human merit draws forth the Divine Benediction; God’s Grace was the Divine Benediction’s Origin, and God’s Peace was the Divine Benediction’s Result.  

Point 2: Epistle of the Ephesians

A unique feature of the Epistle to the Ephesians is the way in which each chapter emphasises the Truth of the Trinity – the Three Persons of the Godhead are wrapped together in the verse:

  • Ephesians 1:17 “God….the Father of Glory……our Lord Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (imparted by God’s Spirit).”  
  • Ephesians 2:19-22 “God (the Father),…..Jesus Christ……of God in the Spirit.”
  • Ephesians 3:14, 16 “…The Father…..Lord Jesus Christ,……His Spirit….”
  • Ephesians 4:30, 32 “…Holy Spirit of God…….God (the Father) in Christ…..”
  • Ephesians 5:18, 20”…..the Spirit…..God the Father…..Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • Ephesians 6:6, 17 “….Christ,……God (the Father)……the Spirit….”

Point 3 – Book of Revelation

The Three-in-One Mystery of the Godhead united in the Glorious Work of Redemption – God the Father “Warning” (Revelation 22:18-19); God the Son “Witnessing” (Revelation 22:16); God the Holy Spirit “Wooing” (Revelation 22:17).  

Point 4 – Israel’s Flag

The Official Emblem of Israel’s flag is a “Six-Pointed-Star” known as “the Star of David,” or more correctly “the Shield of David.” The Emblem consists of two Triangles, one pointing upwards and the other Triangle pointing downwards. Many Hebrew Christians interpret this Emblem to Represent the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19b), and the Human Trinity of man’s spirit, soul and body (1Thessalonians 5:23). In God’s Sight, “three” is the Perfect Number, expressive of Beginning, Middle and End, and therefore a symbol of Deity.

Point 5 – Operation of the Godhead

The Ministry of the Godhead Operates in three Beneficial Ways:

  • God the Father in the Past Eternity Conceived the Plan of Salvation for the World of Sinners, lost and ruined by Adam’s Fall (Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12; 1Corinthians 15:22a), yet the Fallen Humanity is loved by Him (the Father – John 3:16).
  • God the Son at Calvary Executed God the Father’s Divine Plan, and by doing so Manifested or Expressed that Love of God the Father’s Heart (1John 4:8 – “God is Love”).
  • God the Holy Spirit, sent by God the Father and God the Son, Reveals the Sacrificial Love of the Father and the Son to the hearts of men (1Corinthians 2:10-12), and He (Spirit) Operates the Divine Plan of Redemption in the lives of those who Repented of their sins and Received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.  

How comforting to know that we are loved by the Three Persons (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) of the Godhead, and we are received as God’s children with Inheritance! (Romans 8:14-17).

The Existence of God (Genesis 1:1) (Part-1)

1.0 The Statement

To study the Doctrines (Teaching) of the Bible, we ought to begin with God, as we are constantly challenged by Atheists, Sceptics, to prove that there is God; as it is difficult for natural man to believe in God, whom he cannot see, touch or feel – 1Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

1- God Declaration

God does not prove His Existence; but He declared His Existence – Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.” Also, the Writers of the Bible do not attempt to prove this fact. The Bible states that it is the Fool who denies God’s Existence – Psalm 14:1 “The Fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” Any Person, with intelligence would acknowledge the evident fact of the Living God, in Creation, and in the Conscience in every Person.

2 – Proof from Scripture

The evidence is shown in the Beauty and Glory of Heaven – Psalm 19:1 “The Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the firmament shows His handy work.” Furthermore, Romans 1:20 goes further and reveals that Creation even teaches about the Eternal Power of the Godhead: “For the invisible things of Him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His Eternal Power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

3 – Proof from Conscience

Every Person on the face of the earth is born with a conscience:

  • Romans 2:15 “Which shows the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.”
  • Acts 17:23 “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, ‘To the Unknown God.’”

4 – An Atherist’s Outlook

However, some, not all, Atheists claimed that their conscience does not tell them about God; it is doubtful, that there is a genuine Atheist, as every Individual has a conscience; but the Atheist chooses to deny Him (God). The honest Individual still finds that the inner still small voice says that God Exists and is Alive, today.

An Individual denies God’s Existence not because he cannot find Him {God} but because he is afraid to face the responsibility of being accountable to Him (God). Atheism is one of the tools to put that Individual “to spiritual sleep,” without accepting and receiving God’s Provision of Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, an Atheist may have this concept that because there is no God, he is not responsible to anyone, and he can live/die as he pleases.   

5 – Cosmological Proof

The Heavenly Bodies (Sun, Moon, Stars, Planets, etc) must be created by Someone, for these Heavenly Bodies (Sun, Moon, Stars, Planets, etc) cannot just exist, by themselves: 

  • Psalm 19:1 “The Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the firmament shows His handy work.”
  • Romans 1:20“For the invisible things of Him from the Creation of the World are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His Eternal Power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

6 – Teleological Proof

The presentation from Design, provides proof of the Creator; for example, a Watch, could not exist but it has a Designer. It was planned for a specific purpose – to tell time. An examination of the world and the things in the world, large or small, shows that each is designed by an intelligent Person for a specific purpose in life. The colours of the bird and means of defence of the animals are not accident; they are the result of the Plan of God the Creator.

7 – Anthropological Proof

Every Individual has an intellectual and moral nature showing forth that God, the Creator cannot be an inanimate force but the Living, Intelligent Being:

  • Genesis 1:26 “Let us make man in our Image, after our Likeness.”
  • Genesis 1:27, God created man in the Image and Likeness of God, that is, patterned after Him.
  • Psalm 94:9 “He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?” God has given to every Individual ear, eyes, knowledge, intelligence, and will, and power, for these are the things that He {God} possesses.”

8 – Life Proof

Life comes from life and the original life must have come from the God that possesses Eternal Life, that is, life that existed before physical life was created. Where do our lives come from? It can only be found in God, who possesses Eternal Life – Psalm 36:9 “For with Thee is the Fountain (Source) of Life.” Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am….life,” also, in John 14:6, “I am ….life,” and in John 10:28, “And I give unto them Eternal Life.” All life proceeds from God. The theory of spontaneous generation has been proven false and completely unacceptable to authoritative Science. Life must have a beginning. The only logical answer is that beginning was with God. 

9 – Congruity Proof

Atheism does not provide solution but creates multiples unsolved problems. The acceptance of the existence of God as Creator of the World and Man & Woman (Adam & Eve), as revealed in Scripture (Genesis chapters 1 & 2), affirmed Revelation, Knowledge and Science; and that He (God, the Father) has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to lay down His (Christ’s) Life, as God’s Lamb (John 1:29, 36), in His Sacrificial Atoning Death, Burial and Resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4), for the Human Race. This irrefutable Doctrine (Teaching) enables the Christians to hold onto, even in the face of death.

1.1 Conclusion

Atheism, may lead to hopelessness and despair in the end; whereas, Faith in God and His (God’s) Existence (Genesis 1:1), leads the sincere Seeker into the path of fuller Revelation of God Himself and the Revelation of Jesus Christ’s Sacrificial-Atoning Death on the Cross (the Gospel – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), His (Christ’s) Burial and Resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4), and the path to Eternal Life – Hebrews 11:6, “He that comes to God must believe that He is (exists).” Thus, let us come, as children, in simple faith, based on the Revelation of God, and the Sacrificial-Atoning Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, His Burial and His Resurrection (1Corinthians 15:1-4); receiving Him (Jesus) as our Lord and Saviour, for the forgiveness of our sins and the Redemption with Eternal Life:

  • Ephesians 1:7 “In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His {God’s} Grace.”
  • Colossians 1:14 “In whom we have redemption through His {Jesus’} Blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

Characteristics of Fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:7)

Description

The Fear of The LORD has certain features and descriptive characteristics: 

  1. The Fear of the LORD is a hatred of evil – Proverbs 8:13 “The Fear of the LORD is to hate evil.”
  2. The Fear of the LORD is Wisdom – Psalm 111:10 “The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom.”
  3. The Fear of the LORD is a Treasure – Proverbs 15:16 “Better is little with the Fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” – The Fear of the LORD is the Believer’s treasure. (Isaiah 33:6).
  4. The Fear of the LORD is the Fountain of Life – Proverbs 14:27 “The Fear of the LORD is the Fountain of Life.”
  5. The Fear of the LORD is Clean – Psalm 19:9 “The Fear of the LORD is clean.” It has the Sanctifying Power.
  6. The Fear of the LORD endures forever – Psalm 19:9 “The Fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.” 
  7. The Fear of the LORD is Godly – Hebrews 12:28 “Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly Fear.” There is a difference between Reverence and Fear.

Motivation

What motives cause us to Fear the LORD, and walk in the Fear of the LORD:

  1. God’s Holiness causes us to Fear Him – Revelation 15:4 “Who shall not Fear Thee, O Lord, and Glorify Your Name? for You are Holy.”
  2. God’s Greatness causes us to Fear Him – Deuteronomy 10:12-17 “And now Israel, what does the Lord your God require of thee, but to Fear the LORD your God….”
  3. God’s Goodness causes us to Fear Him – 1Samuel 12:24 “Only Fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He has done.”
  4. God’s Forgiveness causes us to Fear Him – Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with Thee, that You may be Feared.” Praise the LORD for this, too.”
  5. God’s Wondrous Works causes us to Fear Him – Joshua 4:23-24 “Joshua reviews these works.” 
  6. God’s Coming Judgement causes us to Fear Him – Revelation 14:7 “Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give Glory to Him; for the hour of His Judgement is come.”

Necessity

The Fear of the LORD is necessary for Growth and God’s Presence and Favour:

  1. The Fear of the LORD is necessary for Worship – Psalm 5:7 “In Your Fear will I worship.” (Psalm 89:7).
  2. The Fear of the LORD is necessary for Service – Psalm 2:11 “Serve the LORD with Fear and rejoice with trembling.”
  3. The Fear of the LORD is necessary to keep us from Sin – Exodus 20:20 “Fear not: For God is come to prove you, and that His Fear may be before you face, that you sin not.”
  4. The Fear of the LORD is necessary for Good Government – 2Samuel 23:3 “He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the Fear of God.” This is lacking in Governments today.
  5. The Fear of the LORD is necessary for Administration of Justice – 2Chronicles 19:6-9 “And said to the Judges, ‘Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgement.’ Now, therefore, let the Fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes. Moreover, in Jerusalem, for the judgement of the LORD and for controversies, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and Priests and some of the Chief fathers of Israel, when they returned to Jerusalem. And he commanded them, saying, ‘Thus you shall act in the Fear of the LORD, faithfully and with a loyal heart.” 
  6. The Fear of the LORD is necessary for the Perfecting of Holiness in our Christian lives – 2Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the Fear of God.”

God’s Promises

The Fear of the LORD (God) comes with His Promises – no single aspect of the Christian life carries with it greater of God’s Promise of Blessings than to the Individual Believer and the Church who walks in the Fear of the LORD (God):

  1. The Fear of the LORD brings Pleasure to the LORD – Psalm 147:11 “The LORD takes pleasure in them that Fear Him, in those that hope in His Mercy.”
  2. The Fear of the LORD causes the LORD’S Pity to increase upon the child of God – Psalm 103:13 “Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that Fear Him.”
  3. The Fear of the LORD brings acceptance with God – Acts 10:35 “But in every Nation he that Fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Peter to Cornelius and friends.
  4. The Fear of the LORD brings God’s Mercy – Psalm 103:17 “But the Mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that Fear Him.”
  5. The Fear of the LORD brings blessings – Psalm 112:1 “Blessed is the man that Fears the LORD.”
  6. The Fear of the LORD brings confidence – Proverbs 14:26 “By the Fear of the LORD is strong confidence.”
  7. The Fear of the LORD brings separation from evil – Proverbs 16:6 “By the Fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Today there is little Fear of the LORD and an abundance of evil. God’s Judgement on Ananias and Sapphira, resulted in great Fear of the LORD came among the people (Acts 5:1-11 {vs11}).
  8. The Fear of the LORD brings Christian Fellowship – Malachi 3:16 “Then they that Feared the LORD speaks often one to another: and the LORD hearkened and heard it.”
  9. The Fear of the LORD supersedes the Fear of man – Isaiah 8:12, 13 “…. Neither fear you their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts Himself; and let Him be your Fear.”  
  10. The Fear of the LORD brings Answer to Prayer – Psalm 145:19 “He will fulfil the desire of them that Fear Him: He also will hear their cry and will save them.” 
  11. The Fear of the LORD brings long life – Proverbs 10:27 “The Fear of the LORD prolongs days.”

Let us pray that God will teach us to Fear Him – Psalm 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth: unite my heart to Fear Your Name.” (Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 19:23).

The Reverential Fear of the LORD – God’s 7 fold Promises (Job 28:28 & Psalm 111:10)

1.0 God’s Promise

The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) comes with His Promises – no single aspect of the Christian life carries with it greater of God’s Promise of Blessings than to the Individual Believer and the Church who walks in the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God), will experience Sevenfold Blessings:

First, God’s Wisdom

There is a difference between Intellect (acquisition of Knowledge) and God’s Wisdom (Divine Insight & Application) – an Individual can be brainy but if he denies the Existence of God, he is a fool – Psalm 14:1 “The fool that said in his heart, there is no God.” God’s Wisdom comes to an Individual Believer or the Church, who has Reverential Fear of Him (God):

  • Job 28:28 “Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom.”
  • Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom: a good understanding has all they that do His Commandments.’

An Individual Believer or Church who walks in Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) is Wise because God directs his steps – Psalm 37:23 “the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.”  It is difficult to be obedient to God’s Word, if the Individual Believer does not have the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) – Hebrews 3:6 “Christ (is) as a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” – Hebrews 3:6 is God’s conditional Promise – its fulfilment is based on the Individual Believer’s respond – if the Individual Believer holds fast to God’s Word that comes to him, if he has ear to hear what God’s Spirit is saying to him, then God’s Promise will be fulfilled

Second, God’s Cleanses

Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) is like a disinfectant – Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:…..” – keeping the Individual Believer morally and spiritually clean; an Individual Believer who does not have Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) tends to become defiled more easily. The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) does not only disinfect (clean); but it endures forever (Psalm 19:9b) – it keeps the Individual Believer not only from defilement but also keeps him from making stupid mistakes; that he tends to make, if he is not walking in the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God).

Third, God’s Guidance & Prosperity

The Individual Believer who walks in Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) will be guided by God and he will prosper in God – Psalm 25:12-14 “Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teaches in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his Descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them his Covenant.”

  • God Provides Guidance – “He teaches in the way He chooses.”
  • God Offers true Prosperity – “He (Individual) himself shall dwell in prosperity.” – The prosperity is more than financial but the total well-being.
  • God’s Provides for his Descendants – “His Descendants shall inherit the earth.”
  • God Reveals His Secret to him – “The Secret of the LORD is with him.” (Deuteronomy 29;29).
  • God Reveals His (God’s) Covenant to him – “He will show them His {God’s} Covenant.”

Our Lord Jesus assured the Individual Believer and the Church that “No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Him and the Gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). But God’s Blessings are always in association with the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God); and not out of self-interest.

Fourth, Long Life

God’s Assurance that the Individual Believer who walks in the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) will have long, satisfying, and fruitful life – Proverbs 10:27 “The fear of the LORD prolongs days; but the years of the Wicked will be shortened.” Rebellion with disobedience can shorten the Individual Believer’s life on the Earth – Proverbs 10:27b “But the years of theWwicked will be shortened.” Individual Believer who does not walk in the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) tend to be careless in “Discerning the Lord’s Body” to his disadvantage – 1Corinthians 11:29-30 “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgement go himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason, many are weak and sick among you and many died prematurely.”  Every time Believers gathered to partake of the Lord’s Table, it is vitally important that we truly Discern the Lord’s Body. But what does it mean to Discern the Lord’s Body?  A study of the Corinthians Epistle reveals that there is a twofold aspect of the Lord’s Body, that is: (1) Christ’s Physical Body; (2) Christ’s Spiritual Body, the Church.

1. Discerning Christ’s Physical Body

When Jesus took bread and said to His Disciples, “Take, eat, this is My body broken for you……” (Matthew 26:26b):

  • Jesus is referring to His Physical Body that was to be crucified.
  • Christ in His Physical Body bore our sins – 1Peter 2:24a “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree (Cross)…….”  
  • Christ, in His Physical Body bare our sicknesses, our diseases and death and it is by His strips we are healed (1Peter 2:24b; Isaiah 53:5). 

In Discerning Christ’s Physical Body, we discern that Jesus took our sins, our sicknesses and our diseases and our spiritual death – there is forgiveness, healings, health and wholeness and life in the Body of Jesus, broken for us.

2. Discerning Christ’s Spiritual Body

The second aspect of Discerning Christ’s Body has to do with the Church – the Body of Christ:

  • Apostle Paul reminds us that the Church is a “Many-Members-Body” (1Corinthians 10:17).
  • The relationship is the main emphasis – In the Corinthians Church there was criticism, backbiting, strife, personality clashes, divisions, party-spirit (taking-sides in disputes), etc.
  • How can the Corinthians Church truly discern Christ’s Body in Christ’s Members with such rife carnality?

How many Believers failed to discern these two aspects of Christ’s Body (His Physical Body & Spiritual Body – the Church). How many of us see the Lord’s Table (Communion) as a memorial service?  Individually, we need to examine ourselves, making sure that there are no unresolved conflicts with any members of the Body of Christ. There must be love, forgiveness and acceptance of one another as we gather to partake of the Communion. The theme: “one-another” is mentioned 75 times in God’s Word (Scripture). Individually, we can receive healing, strength, and Divine life, from Christ’s Body and shed Blood – this is what it means “to Discern the Lord’s Body!” 

Fifth, God’s Confidence

The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) delivers the Individual Believer from all kinds of fears that torment him – Proverbs 14:26-27 “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn away from the snares of death.” The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God):

  • Is our Strong Confidence, in God, in adverse situations.
  • Is a Place of Refuge, for our Descendants.
  • Is a Fountain of Life.
  • Prevents untimely accident & death – “Turn away from the snares of death.”

Sixth, Life & Satisfaction

The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) gives “life & satisfaction” – Proverbs 19:23 “the fear of the LORD  leads to life and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.”  This does not mean that the Individual Believer has trouble-free-life. It is in the face of “trouble,” that the Individual Believer find life and satisfaction. Because God gives him the ability and stamina to go through the problems without the devastation on his life. God will enable the Individual Believer to walk through trouble and not fear it. One of the Society’s problems is depression, arising out of fear; God will gives the Individual Believer, His (God’s) Perfect Peace, if he stays his mind in God – Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”  God’s Assurance that the Individual Believer who walks in the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) will not be touched by evil – Proverbs 19:23 “the fear of the LORD leads to life and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.”

Seventh, Future Secured

The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) gives the Individual Believer and the Church a Secured Future:

  • Proverbs 22:4 “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
  • Proverbs 23:17-18 “Let not thine heart envy Sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God), is always associated with the spirit of humility, resulting in riches, honour, and life – Proverbs 22:4 “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” And also, the Individual Believer’s expectation would be fulfilled – Proverbs 23:18b “And thine expectation shall not be cut off.” Jesus’ submission & obedience, is God’s Assurance to us.

Summary

We should remember God’s Seven-fold Promises ({1} God’s Wisdom; {2} God’s Cleanses; {3} God’s Guidance & Prosperity; {4} Long Life; {5} God’s Confidence; {6} Life & Satisfaction; {7} Futured Secured) are the result of the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God). The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) should be taught, and should be the essential Character of the Church of Jesus Christ:

Teaches – The Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) can be taught – Psalm 34:11 “Come….I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” The Leaders of the Church need to study and explain both the concept and the application of the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) to their people (Psalm 78:1-7). The Principles in Psalm 78:1-7 applies to the home, the Church, and is Intergenerational.

Warns – The Individual Believer or the Church who refuses the Reverential Fear of the LORD (God) will be at a disadvantage, as God’s warns: “I (God) also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me; for that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD; they would none of My counsel; they despised all My reproof. Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them. But whoso hearkened unto Me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:26-33, KJV)