What I Noticed Today (Psalms 23-30)
Psalm 23
David describes the Lord as His shepherd. This was an apt metaphor since David was the shepherd king. The Lord, as a shepherd, met his needs for spiritual nourishment (v. 2), spiritual restoration (v. 2b-3), guidance in the right way (v. 3b), protection (v. 4), and provider (v. 5). In response to these blessings, David concludes he will live in the house of the Lord forever (v. 6).
Psalm 24
David acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all the world (vv. 1-2) and asks who can dwell with God in such a holy place (vv. 3-4). The psalmist answers that a righteous person with clean hands and a pure heart who seeks God will receive His blessings (vv. 5-6). David exhorts the reader to lift up his head because the King of Glory, the Lord of Hosts is coming in (vv. 7-10).
Psalm 25
Psalm 25 is an acrostic; each verse starts with successive letters in the Hebrew alphabet. David lifts up his soul to the Lord without shame, praying that God would show him His ways, and asks for forgiveness for past sins (vv. 1-7). David speaks of the goodness of the Lord teaching sinners and guiding the humble and asks once again for forgiveness for past sins (vv. 8-11). He describes the person who fears the Lord as the one with whom the Lord reveals his covenant (vv. 12-14). Concluding, David prays for the Lord’s deliverance and to forgive his sins (vv. 15-22).
Psalm 26
David asserts his integrity having trusted in the Lord (vv. 1-3). He offers proof of his integrity by staying away from evil doers and hypocrites (vv. 4-8). David prays that God will reward his integrity by keeping him away from sinners and evil men (vv. 9-12).
Psalm 27
The focus of this psalm is on David’s confidence in the Lord (v. 1). Even if enemies come against him, he trusts in the Lord (vv. 2-3). David expresses a desire to live in God’s house because there was safety in God’s presence (vv. 4-6). He concludes with a prayer for the Lord not to reject or forsake him, but confidence resumes as he waits for the Lord to deliver him (vv. 7-14).
Psalm 28
David asks God to keep him separate from the wicked when the wicked are thrown down to the pit and that God would hear him when he cries for help (vv. 1-4). He expresses confidence that the Lord would throw down the wicked because the wicked do not regard the works of the Lord and be a fortress saving His people (vv. 5-8).
Psalm 29
David calls on the angels three times to give (ascribe) glory to the Lord (vv. 1-2). Seven times David refers to the ‘voice of the Lord’ as thunder that is powerful, majestic, even shaking the wilderness (vv. 3-9). He concludes that the Lord is enthroned forever, giving strength to His people (vv. 10-11).
Psalm 30
David’s song at the dedication of the temple. David promises to praise the Lord because he was healed (restored) (vv. 1-3). David called on the people to sing praises to the Lord because God’s anger is temporary, but His deliverance is forever (vv. 4-5). David includes a prayer for mercy, and to preserve him from the grave (vv. 6-10). He concludes, giving thanks to the Lord because he has turned his mourning into joy and dancing (vv. 11-12).
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
