What I Noticed Today (Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75)
Psalm 50
Psalm 50 is classed as a didactic (teaching) psalm dealing with man’s worship of God and man’s treatment of his neighbors.
In verses 1-6, the psalmist describes a courtroom in which the Lord has come to judge those who have made a covenant with Him while the inhabitants of the earth observe.
In verses 7-15, the Lord brings the first of two charges against the people. This first charge is that the people are keeping the sacrifices as they should, but they don’t realize that God does not need the sacrifices or man’s worship for survival (unlike the pagan gods of the time).
In verses 16-23, the Lord brings the second charge, that of hypocritical living. The Israelites appeared to be righteous in their actions but took part in theft, adultery, and slander. God warned them not to forget Him and to continue to offer their thank-offerings.
Psalm 53
Psalm 53 is similar to Psalm 14, with a shift in focus to the evil of mankind.
In verses 1-3, David speaks of the fool who says there is no God. Thus, they live corrupt lives.
In verses 4-6, David anticipates the wicked being terrified as God rejects them, and anticipates the people rejoicing because salvation for Israel will come in Jerusalem.
Psalm 60
Psalm 60 is a didactic (teaching) psalm. David prayed for victory during his war with invaders in the north (1 Kings 11:15-16).
In verses 1-5, David complains that the Lord has allowed Israel to be defeated, so he prayed for the Lord to deliver the people by His power.
In verses 6-8, David quoted the promises of the Lord to deliver the Israelites and give them victory over their enemies.
In verses 9-12, David asks the Lord three rhetorical questions that point to David’s conclusion that victory will only come from the Lord.
Psalm 75
Psalm 75 is a thanksgiving song in anticipation of victory over the wicked.
In verses 1-3, Asaph thanks God for His judgment over the earth.
In verses 4-8, Asaph warns the boastful and wicked not to lift themselves up because God will execute his judgment.
In verses 9-10, Asaph vows to sing praises to God for cutting off the wicked and lifting up the righteous.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
