Psalms 72-77
What I Noticed Today (Psalms 72-77)
Psalm 72
Psalm 72 is one of two psalms written by Solomon (Psalms 72 & 127). The psalm describes blessings that come from God’s righteous rule over all the earth.
In verses 1-7, the psalmist prays the God would give the king the ability to judge righteously, bring prosperity to the people, protect the poor, and crush their enemies.
In verses 8-14, the psalmist prays specifically that God would give him dominion over the region. He asks this because of how God delivers the needy and the weak, protecting them from oppression.
In verses 15-17, the psalmist describes the prosperous reign of the king.
In verses 18-20, the psalmist praises God for His glorious deeds. These verses are the second doxology of Book 2 (Psalms 42-72) and signify the end of Book 2.
Book 3
Of the 17 psalms in Book 3 eleven are by Asaph, one by David, three by the sons of Korah, one by Heman, and one by Ethan. Asaph, Heman, and Ethan were all Levite musicians during David’s reign (1 Chronicles 15:17-19).
Psalm 73
Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm similar to Psalm 49.
In verses 1-14, Asaph affirms that God is good to those in Israel who are pure in heart, but admits that he himself had been envious of the prosperity of the wicked. The wicked did not suffer the way the rest of mankind suffered, and they continued to build up their wealth. This made Asaph wonder why God would allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffered.
In verses 15-28, Asaph recognized that the end of the wicked was to be cast down in ruin; to be destroyed. By contrast, Asaph recognized that God was always there to guide and counsel him. Concluding, Asaph says that those who are unfaithful will perish while those who are near God will be secure.
Psalm 74
Psalm 74 is Asaph’s prayer to God to remember the people after their enemies had destroyed the sanctuary.
In verses 1-2, Asaph asks God not to continue to be angry with His people.
In verses 3-9, Asaph laments the destruction of the sanctuary and that there is no one to give spiritual counsel to the people.
In verses 10-17, Asaph asks God how long these enemies would be allowed to mock God before God crushed them.
In verses 18-23, Asaph asked God not to forget his covenant with the people by protecting His people and defeating their enemies.
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.
Psalm 76
Psalm 76 describes how God destroyed the wicked and lifted up the righteous in Jerusalem.
In verses 1-3, God has made himself known by breaking the weapons of their enemies who were coming against God’s city.
In verses 4-10, Asaph offers praise to God for His majesty and mighty power.
In verses 11-12, Asaph tells the people to be sure to fulfill their vows to the Lord.
Psalm 77
In Psalm 77, Asaph cries out to God in the midst of his distress.
In verses 1-9, Asaph cried out to God all night in hopes of receiving comfort for his troubled spirit. He is confused because he feels abandoned by God, wondering if God’s silence was an indication that God had abandoned them.
In verses 10-20, Asaph decided to remember and meditate on the past deeds of the Lord, who had worked wonders for His people.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.