* This magnificent piece of 10th century art is titled, "David Anointed". David is anointed by the prophet Samuel, with Lenity observing. It is part of The Paris Psalter. The Paris Psalter is a copy of the 150 Psalms of David, translated from Hebrew into demotic Greek. The Paris Psalter is a Byzantine illuminated manuscript 38 x 26.5 cm in size, containing 449 folios and 14 full-page miniatures. The Paris Psalter is considered a key monument of the so-called Macedonian Renaissance, a 10th-century renewal of interest in classical art closely identified with the emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (909-959) and his immediate successors.
>1. What was David's state of soul when he called on God in prayer? (1-2)
* Psalm 4:1-2 "Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?"
* The title of this psalm is "For the director of music. A psalm of David."
* "Answer me when I call to you" -The original Hebrew word for "call" is "qara", a primitive root verb meaning to call out by name a distinguished person, guest, and identity.
* "O my righteous God" -The faithfulness of which God's acts as well as the way God reacts.
* "Give me relief from my distress" -Distress in the original Hebrew adjective is "sar" meaning troubled, distressed, afflicted, depressed. and sorrowful. Everyone, even the godly God has set apart can be depressed..
* "be merciful to me and hear my prayer" -Mercy is compassion for the miserable. Its object is misery. By the atoning sacrifice of Christ a way is open for the exercise of mercy towards the sons of men, in harmony with the demands of truth and righteousness (Gen 19:19; Ex 20:6; Ex 34:6, 7; Ps 85:10; Ps 86:15, 16). In Christ mercy and truth meet together. Mercy is also a Christian grace (Mat 5:7; Mat 18:33-35). (Easton's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
* "How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?" -The delusion is what they believe, their idea and understanding of who God is. Their delusion is self generated and/or they have been convinced to believe what they want to believe instead of reality and truth.
>2. What was David reminded of during meditation? (3-4)
* Psalm 4:3-4 "Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent."
* "Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself" -"Know" is the verb "yada" in the original Hebrew. Know and/or be reminded with acceptance leads to experiencing.
* "the LORD will hear when I call to him." -David expressed confidence in God's love and compassion.
* "In your anger do not sin" -David initial response to his enemies was angry that could lead him to sin. When he turned to God his anger was replaced by assurances from God.
* "when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." -Quiet, personal, and private meditation; reflection on God and the soul.
* David, the author is calling on the LORD, his God. He beseeches God to answer his prayer. David asks for relief from his distress. Anxiety has entered his soul weighing him down like an elephant is sitting on his chest and a methodical drum pounds in his head. He seeks God's mercy. David knows his God is kind to his people. He will hear him.
God has set apart a people for himself. They are his godly people. The godly are devoted to God; faithful to the LORD. God is faithful to them. A strong love and respect relationship exists between God and the godly. They pray to him and he hears them. David knows this as he seeks God's relief from his distress.
Anxiety is a problem to bring to God. Thoughts that exasperate can consume and degrade life. Anger, even anger against evil can control and weaken a soul. The sin that I will later regret can follow bouts of anxiety and anger. David shows me to seek God in meditation and prayer when stressful anxious thoughts persist and plunge me into the dark depths. Ask and God will help me search my heart. Ask and God will silence my soul. Though men turn my glory to shame; God will lift me from thoughts of the depths.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 4:1-4.
>3. Why would David need to remember to offer right sacrifices at this time of anxiety?
* Psalm 4:5 "Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD."
* "Offer" -"Zabah" a common Hebrew verb in the Old Testament meaning offer a sacrifice by slaughtering an animal.
* "trust in the LORD" -Not in self. Not in others. Not is a vague force of good.
* When distress comes do not dwell within self, but turn to outward reverence to God with a sacrifice; perhaps a song, or praise, or an expression of helping others in obedience to him. "Offer your bodies as holy sacrifice". (Romans 6:13, 19, 12:1)
>Why would people ask the question in verse 6 and what is the due response that follows?
* Psalm 4:6-8 "Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
* "Who can show us any good?" -A rhetorical question implying that their is no good to be found. Everyone is experiencing ill.
* "filled my heart with greater joy" -Joy, unlike happiness is from within, from God, from divine benevolence.
* "make me dwell in safety" -David did not find this by himself. He did not have the ability. Yet, he knew that God could make him dwell in safety.
* David called to the Lord in anxiety and distress. The Lord heard and stilled his soul. David searched his heart in the silence of a dark night. The light of the morning star calmed and quieted. He meditated on his bed instead of sinning. The thought entered his mind, "Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD."
Many asked the cynical and rhetorical question, "Who can show us any good?" David in the face of widespread uncertainty, prays for the LORD to bless. When he said, "Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD," he was asking the LORD to bless them with not only his presence but also his undivided attention and favor. David not only prayed for his own relief but for others too.
Many responses to unsettling times persist; fear, doubt, anger, violence, hopelessness, self-pity, and sin. The one that is greater joy than food and wine is the peace and tranquility of the presence of the LORD. How can I obtain a satisfied heart? Seek the LORD. Be quiet and rest. Meditate on God and his goodness. Know that he is Lord. Do not sin. Offer right sacrifices. Sing songs of praise. Then, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 4:5-8.
II. Listen to my Cry (5:1-12)
* This magnificent piece of 10th century art is titled, "Coronation of David". David is crowned king of all Israel by an unknown person, some say Saul. Yet this is impossible since Saul killed himself before David became King of both Hebron (Judah) and all Israel. It is part of The Paris Psalter. The Paris Psalter is a copy of the 150 Psalms of David, translated from Hebrew into demotic Greek. The Paris Psalter is a Byzantine illuminated manuscript 38 x 26.5 cm in size, containing 449 folios and 14 full-page miniatures. The Paris Psalter is considered a key monument of the so-called Macedonian Renaissance, a 10th-century renewal of interest in classical art closely identified with the emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (909-959) and his immediate successors.
>4. How does David open up this psalm and for what reason? (1-6)
* Psalm 5:1-6 "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors."
* The title of this psalm is "For the director of music. For flutes. A psalm of David." The original Hebrew word translated in some English Bibles as "flutes" only occurs here. Other English Bibles have, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth" where Neginoth is all kinds of stringed instruments (i.e. the harp, psaltery, viol, etc.) The "chief musician on Neginoth" would then be the leader of that part of the temple choir which played on stringed instruments. Since it is only used one its meaning is unclear.
* David appeals to God's righteous rule over mankind.
* God limits his favor and presence to certain people. God's response to us, based on his character is clear and plain.
* Prayer for David was a regular morning routine. Prayer for David was communicating and communion with his God, his King, and his LORD. This personal psalm starts with David asking God to give an ear to his words and sighs. David is crying to his God and King for help. God hears not only words, but he feels sighs. My God experiences my emotions and troubles with me.
Factual statements about God are professed: God takes no pleasure in evil, hates all who do wrong, destroys liars, and abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful. The wicked do not dwell with God. The arrogant cannot stand in God's presence. Knowing these and the magnificence of God compels me to be the opposite.
Is it possible for me and anyone to come to God in prayer for all sin and fall short of the glory of God? Is there any hope for the spiritually starving repenting soul? Yes. God does give mercy and grace through his Son. By his stripes, I have been healed. By his blood, I am forgiven. By the punishment he received in my place, I can enter the throne room of the Holy One. Through Jesus, I have communication and communion with my God.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 5:1-6.
>5. What can be learned when David falls upon and is aware his God's mercy on him?
* Psalm 5:6-8 "You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.
7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies-- make straight your way before me."
* "mercy" -See above for the Biblical definition of mercy. David realizes that he should be destroyed for he has told lies to the priest when he received the holy bread, was bloodthirsty towards his second wife's husband, and deceitful to the king of a foreign land.
* "will come into your house... holy temple" -Not the temple in Jerusalem for it wasn't built till after David died. This "house" and "holy temple" is therefore in heaven.
* "Lead me... in your righteousness because of my enemies" -David suggests a reason why he needs to be lead. Perhaps he is thinking of when he was a shepherd, leading his flock os sheep away from wild beasts.
* David has great respect for the LORD. Reverence is a feeling of profound awe, respect, and love. In God's mercy and righteousness, David trusts. He tells the LORD that he will come into God's house and bow down toward God's holy temple.
The house and holy temple that David is speaking of is not the temple in Jerusalem, which was not built until after David died. David instructed his son, Solomon to build the temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Rather, David is speaking of the LORD's home in heaven. The holy temple is in heaven. By God's grace, David knew he would worship God in the holy temple in heaven.
David had many enemies. He knew his final resting place would be heaven where he would worship his God. But he did not know the way he should go between now and his final resting place. He asks God to lead him, to show him the way he should go. David wanted God to direct him because of his enemies.
I too have enemies. Those who enjoy harassing me and telling lies about me. Like David's enemies, they are bloodthirsty and deceitful. I know my final destiny is with my God. Until then Lord, like David, show me the way. Lead me. Have mercy on me. Then bring me to your house; your holy temple.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 5:7-8.
>6. Who did David rely on for deliverance?
* Psalm 5:9-12 "Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.
10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
* "mouth... heart... throat... tongue" -Relief from lairs is common in the books of Psalms and Proverbs.
* "intrigues" -"Intrigues" in the original Hebrew is the noun "moesa" (a transliteration) which can also be translated as "counsel" and "device".
* The presence of so-called "imprecations" (curses) in the Psalms has occasioned endless discussion and has cause many Christians to wince, in view of Jesus' instructions to turn the other cheek and to pray for one's enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44), and his own example on the cross (Luke 23:34). Actually, these "imprecations" are not that at all; rather, they are appeals to God to redress wrongs perpetrated against the psalmists by imposing penalties commensurate with the violence done (28:4) - in accordance also with normal judicial procedure in human courts (Deuteronomy 25:1-3). The psalmists knew that he who has been wronged is not to right that wrong by his own hand but is to leave redress to the Lord, who says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay" (Deuteronomy 32:35). Therefore, they appeal their cases to the divine Judge (Jeremiah 15:15). (NIV Study Bible)
* David's enemies spoke lies about him, not a word from their mouth can be trusted. Their heart, the source of the lies is filled with destruction. David did not take revenge against his enemy's lies. He did not strike out against them. He may have been king when he wrote these words. He may have been running from Saul in the desert and lonely places. He may have been a soldier in the army when Saul was king. He did not take revenge. Instead, he brought his anguish to God in prayer. He asks God to declare them guilty and banish them.
David is not alone and he knows it. He knew others experienced this too. He prayed for them, "Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
The righteous will have enemies who spread lies. Yet the Lord does bless the righteous. He surrounds them with his favor. Some may ask how can having enemies who spread lies about them be God's favor. Others know that this was also the way they treated Jesus, the Son of God who went about doing good. Jesus told us, "If this is the way they treated me, then they will treat you this way too. All will hate you on account of me." (Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:9, John 15:21)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 5:9-12.
III. Heal Me (6:1-10)
* This magnificent piece of 10th century art is titled, "Triumphant Return of David to Jerusalem". David is praised by woman after he returns from battle. This happened when he was a commander under King Saul. It is part of The Paris Psalter. The Paris Psalter is a copy of the 150 Psalms of David, translated from Hebrew into demotic Greek. The Paris Psalter is a Byzantine illuminated manuscript 38 x 26.5 cm in size, containing 449 folios and 14 full-page miniatures. The Paris Psalter is considered a key monument of the so-called Macedonian Renaissance, a 10th-century renewal of interest in classical art closely identified with the emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (909-959) and his immediate successors.
>7. What is the mercy that David asks of his God?
* Psalm 6:1-4 "O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?
4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love."
* The title of this psalm is "For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David." "According to" represents a Hebrew preposition of varied usage (also found in the titles of other psalms. "sheminith" occurs also in Psalm 12 title and in 1 Chronicles 15:21 perhaps referring to an eight stringed instrument.
* "rebuke... disciple" -Implying that part of God's disciple is a rebuke.
* "My soul" -The original Hebrew noun for "soul" is "nepesh" (a transliteration) appears 755 times in the Old Testament. The soul is tThe vital existence of a human being.
* God's unfailing love is David's request for deliverance.
>8. Consider the question in verse 5. Is this true? What is David referring to when he speaks of the silent dead?
* Psalm 6:5 "No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?"
* David, the psalmist urges that God's praise is at stake. It is the living, not the dead, who remember God's mercies and celebrate his deliverance. Some state that during this time in history, the Israelites and all of the middle east usually viewed death as they saw it - the very opposite of life. Resurrection was not yet a part of their communal experience with God. Resurrection wasn't part of their thinking. However, this is not entirely correct.
They point out that non-Biblical documents from the ancient Near East indicate a general conception that immortality was reserved for the gods but that the dead continued to have some king of shadowy existence in the dismal netherworld.
However, many Biblical passages indicate something more than the non-Biblical writings. King Saul going to a medium to converse with the dead prophet Samuel by saying, "Bring up Samuel" reveals this. She told, "I see a spirit coming up out of the ground." King Saul and Samuel exchanged words. (1 Samuel 28:11-4)
Job who lived during the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew of the resurrection of the dead as did Moses who came after them. (Genesis 15:15, 25:8, 47:30, 49:33) Why else would Joseph be concerned as to where his bones were interned? The term "rested with his fathers" is prevalent at this time as is recorded in the Old Testament. (1 Kings 2:2, 10, 11:21, 43, 14:20, 31, 15:8; 2 Chronicles 9:31, 12:16, 14:1, 16:13, etc.) Furthermore, the death of the righteous was reputedly better than that of the wicked. (Numbers 23:10)
So, what is David referring to here? David is stating the fact that when a person physically dies they leave the physical world and do not interact in it. They do not speak to those who have not physically died. Though they were the LORD's witness on this earth, they left and none alive on the earth hear their praises and God's interacting with them in their life on earth.
Also, understand that our understanding of life after physical death is only slightly beyond those who lived before Christ. Jesus and the apostles revealed more, especially in Matthew 22:29-32, Mark 12:24, and 1 Corinthians 15. Yet our understanding is not complete.
* David starts this psalm with a plea to the LORD for mercy. David knows he is a sinner and thus deserves rebuke and discipline. Part of God's wrath is disciplining his congregation. David asks the LORD for relief and mercy.
David is very ill. He is faint and his bones are in agony. Though he knows he doesn't deserve it, David asks the LORD to be healed. This morning I am not feeling well. I am not as sick as David who believed he was about to die. Yet, I am weak and a headache is growing in strength. Like David, my soul is in anguish. The reoccurring mysterious illness is drawing my strength.
"How long O LORD, how long? How many times will I be drained?" I have to accept that my youthful strength to press my body through till I am exhausted is not what it once was. Lord, have mercy and revise me and strengthen me for today. Make me like the late winter ground that springs for with tulips.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 6:1-5.
>9. Considering David's testimony in verses 6 and 7 how serious was David's illness?
* Psalm 6:6-7 "I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes."
* "worn out from groaning" -For a long time is implied.
* "weeping... tears" -Implying his illness is not because of a virus, bacteria, or perhaps even an physical injury. Such aliments sap our energy.
* "all my foes" -David is feeling surrounded by many foes.
* God said of David, "a man after my own heart" yet he did not often have a pleasant care free life.
>10. What did David do when his prayer was answered with the outcome he had hoped for? (9-10)
* Psalm 6:9-10 "The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace."
* "has heard my cry for mercy" -David got what he wanted, mercy.
* "accepts my prayer" -Implying that some prayers are not accepted, even some of David's past prayers.
* "ashamed and dismayed... disgrace" -David does not reveal how his prayer was answered. He does not give details. However, he does say that his prayer was answered so that his enemies lies were seen by all just as they were, lies.
* David's illness is physical, caused by a heavy soul. He is faint because he is in anguish. He groans and weeps all night long because of his foes. Sorrow endlessly flows like the tears from his eyes, down his cheeks, and into his drenched pillows. A weighed-down heart and turbulent mind can be the source of physical illness.
For David, the remedy is found in the LORD. He prayed and his prayer was heard. Though it took teary nights and weeping days his enemies fleed. Their jars, jabs, insults, and lies were wisped into nonexistence like smoke from a snuffed-out candle. "Away from me, all you who do evil," David joyfully extolled, "for the LORD has heard my weeping." Relief and exaltation replaced oppression and depression. It is good to record and celebrate when the LORD answers prayer. Not praising God for accepted prayers is a sin I commit too often.
On the day of reckoning all my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace. At my restoration, all my enemies will be discredited and dishonored. Praise be to the LORD.
