Year 1, Week 33, Day 1 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 33, Day 1

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Psalm 18; 121; 123-125; 128-130.

Today’s reading spans a selection of Psalms. These Psalms are linked with the historical timeline for the end of 1 Samuel. Of the Psalms comprising today’s reading only Psalm 18 and 124 are explicitly attributed to David. Psalm 18 specifically has an ascription or title that correlates to the fact that with Saul’s death, David will no longer be at risk by the hand of Saul. The remainder of the Psalms in today’s reading, Psalm 121,123,125, 128-130, are not given a particular author or exact circumstance, but they are all a part of a subsection of Psalms labeled Songs of Ascents. This collection of Psalms came to be used to guide the Israelites as they journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Songs of Ascents used in today’s reading are not without good reason for being in today’s reading for they share common themes that coincide with David’s historical situation as they pertain to the help the LORD provides to his people.

One of the things that struck me in today’s reading was the LORD’s stated emphasis on how He wants His people to see Him: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2). The string of images in this passage are meant to foster meditation. When the LORD speaks in images, He doesn’t want those words scanned; He gives these word pictures that they might be savored. The LORD wants the fact that He is our strength (Psalm 18:1), our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our rock (again), our refuge, ours shield, our horn of salvation, and our stronghold to become realities embedded into our hearts. Each image requires careful consideration. The LORD wants to shape our lives and our responses to life with what He is telling us about Himself. These word pictures require meditation for their full import to settle into our hearts: “Blessed is the man…his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1a,2). The LORD intends that we turn to Him in the way that other people might turn to human strength, a high ground in battle, a thick wall around a city, mighty weapons, concealed hideouts, and the rescuing and protective aid of others. But above all of these resources, the LORD Himself was all of those things to David. 

The LORD also instructs His people as to what the fitting response is to all that the LORD is for His people: "I love you, O LORD, my strength…I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1,3). David loves, celebrates, and trusts in the LORD. Such a response is established by the LORD’s love and promises for David: “Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever” (Psalm 18:50). The LORD stimulates responses of love, celebration, and trust by his repeated statements to His people of His help: “The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand” (Psalm 121:5); “The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life” (Psalm 121:7); and, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8). The LORD’s people are stimulated to testify of the LORD’s help toward His people: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2); “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!” (Psalm 123:1); “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive” (Psalm 124:1-3a); “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Psalm 125:1); “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!” (Psalm 128:1); and, “O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption” (Psalm 130:7).

The LORD orients us to who He is and the help He gives to his people in the context of real situations and circumstances: “The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me” (Psalm 18:4-5). It is in the context of dangers and afflictions that the LORD goes into action on behalf of His people: “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him…The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire…He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me” (Psalm 18:7-8,13,16-17). The LORD’s actions warrant worship: “The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence” (Psalm 18:46-48).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe