What I Noticed Today (Psalms 60-66)
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 61
In verses 1-2, during a time of distress, David asks God to lead him to God’s high rock, where he will take refuge from his enemies.
In verses 3-8, David refers to the Lord as his refuge and strong tower in times of trouble. He prayed that God would prolong his life and that God would continue to protect him. Then David vowed to sing praises to the Lord.
Psalm 62
Psalm 62 speaks of David’s confidence and trust in the Lord despite the opposition he was facing.
In verses 1-4, David speaks of resting in the Lord. God was his rock, his salvation, and his fortress. He describes wicked men who are trying to take him down as hypocritical liars; they spoke well of him to his face but cursed him in their hearts.
In verses 5-8, David repeats that he is waiting for the Lord because the Lord is his only hope. He asked the people to pour out their hearts to the Lord, trusting in God to protect them.
In verses 9-12, David warned the people not to trust wicked men because their power was fleeting. Rather, they should trust in the power of the Lord.
Psalm 63
Psalm 63 is a Psalm of David written at a time when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
In verses 1-2, David describes his soul thirsting for the Lord like a man in the desert thirsts for water, and being separated from the Lord’s sanctuary in Jerusalem.
In verses 3-8, David begins his praise of God, who satisfies his soul and brings joy to his lips. He meditates on God at night in bed, where even there the Lord has upheld him.
In verses 9-11, David predicts that those who oppose him will be overcome, and David will rejoice in the Lord praising Him in song.
Psalm 64
Psalm 64 is a prayer of David asking for God to bring judgment down on his enemies.
In verses 1-6, David asks God to hear his plea to protect him and hide him from evildoers. These wicked men are preparing to attack the innocent with slander.
In verses 7-10, David predicts that God will bring his enemies to ruin, that people would fear the Lord, and the righteous would rejoice and praise the Lord.
Psalm 65
Psalm 65 is a song of praise for the blessings from the Lord as they celebrated a harvest season.
In verses 1-4, David proclaims praise to God for hearing his prayers despite their many sins and gives thanks for God’s blessings.
In verses 5-8, David says that God’s awesome deeds are the answer to the prayers of the righteous. God’s power over all the earth is a reason to shout for joy.
In verses 9-13, David expects a great harvest because of God’s blessings being poured out on the land.
Psalm 66
Psalm 66 is another psalm of thanksgiving like Psalm 65. The psalmist begins writing in second person (we, our), but concludes in first person (I, me).
In verses 1-9, the psalmist addressed all the earth, asking that they praise the Lord by singing and speaking of His awesome works on behalf of man. He called on the people to bless God because He had blessed them.
In verses 10-12, the psalmist acknowledges God’s testing of the people and bringing the people to a place of abundance.
In verses 13-20, David turns his attention to the people of Israel and leads them in sacrifices and praise to God. God had listened to their prayers because they had purified their hearts in turning away from sin.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
