Blog
“Summaries, Psalms 107-111”
Categories: Bulletin Articles
Psalm 107 is clearly a versified psalm (notice the repetition found in vs. 6, 13, 19, and 28), and it is about God’s deliverance of people in various kinds of trouble. It opens by calling all of God’s redeemed to praise Him. Then, it lists various kinds of redemption. God rescues those who are lost in the desert (4-9), imprisoned (10-16), sick (17-22), and caught in storms on the sea (23-32). The psalm concludes with a discussion of God’s ability to turn things upside down, whether the fertility of land (33-38) or the fortunes of humankind (39-43).
Psalm 108 is an expression of praise and a cry for help in battle. In it, the psalmist begins by declaring his determination to praise God and give thanks to Him. Such praise is due to God because of His steadfast love. The psalmist calls for God’s exaltation than asks for His help. He recalls God’s promise to defend the territory of Israel and give victory over Israel’s enemies. However, apparently the fortified cities of Edom have defied the armies of Israel, so the psalmist pleads with God for help, which he knows will be effective.
Psalm 109 is an imprecatory psalm aimed at one of David’s enemies. He asks God to speak up because his enemies are slanderously and treacherously accusing him. David then curses his enemy, beginning with personal harm, then extending to children and even parents, with the result that God will destroy even the memory of his family (Note, by the way, that vs. 8 is applied to Judas in Acts 1:20.). This is an appropriate punishment because the wicked man himself took such delight in cursing others, so he deserves to have those curses land on him instead.
By contrast, David asks for God’s blessing because he is poor and suffering. He contrasts the curses that his enemies have flung at him with the blessings that he knows the Lord will bring. He concludes by promising to praise God for His goodness.
Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm cited in many different places in the New Testament. In it, God invites David’s Lord to sit at His right hand and to have dominion over His enemies. He promises that the Lord’s people will follow Him and observes that He is a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. The psalm concludes with the promise that God will help the Lord to have victory over His enemies.
Psalm 111 praises God for His good works. The psalmist begins by declaring that he will praise God. God is worthy of such praise because of the greatness of His good works. Especially, He provides for His people and gave them the land as an inheritance. He established His law, and He redeemed His people. The wise learn from these things to fear and praise Him.
