What I Noticed Today (Psalms 88-91)
Psalm 88
Psalm 88 written by Heman the Ezrahite (1 Chronicles 15:19) is a lament describing an affliction that brought him near death.
In verses 1-7, Heman prays day and night for God to deliver him from death.
In verses 8-12, Heman describes his friends shunning him and his eyes weakening as he asks God if dead people praise you (suggesting he could continue to praise God if God would save him).
In verses 13-18, Heman cries out the third time to for God to deliver him but now wonders if God has rejected him. Even so, he knows God is his only hope for deliverance so he will continue to pray
Psalm 89
Psalm 89 is a royal psalm written by Ethan the Ezrahite (1 Chronicles 15:17-18). The multiple references to the Davidic covenant (vv. 3-4, 27-29, 35-37, 49) affirm Messiah will come from the line of David.
In verses 1-4, Ethan proclaims vows to praise the Lord because of His love and faithfulness, and the covenant promises God made to David.
In verses 5-18, Ethan praises the wonders of the Lord (vv. 5-8) and His power (vv. 9-14). Because of God’s wonders and power, the people are blessed and protected.
In verses 19-37, Ethan reminds God that he chose David and anointed him as His servant, promised to strengthen and protect him like a father does a son, and the promises of the covenant were unconditional (they could not be broken).
In verses 38-52, Ethan laments David’s affliction and defeat. God seemingly cast David aside. Ethan wonders, given the shortness of life, how long God will wait before restoring David.
The doxology of verse 52 ends Book 3.
Book 4
Only three of the seventeen psalms in Book 4 have known authors (Psalm 90 by Moses, and Psalms 101 and 103 by David). The remaining fourteen psalms are anonymous.
Psalm 90
Scholars suggest that this psalm was written by Moses and that it describes a period of time during the wilderness wanderings. If correct, that makes this the oldest psalm in the book of Psalms.
In verses 1-11, the psalmist contrasts the infinite nature of God with the finite nature of man.
In verses 13-17, the psalmist pleads with the Lord to return to them and to love them, saying this would bring joy to the people all their days. The psalmist asks God to display His work and power to His servants and bring favor to the work of their own hands.
Psalm 91
Although Psalm 91 is anonymous, there are several terms common to Psalm 90, Psalm 91, and Psalm 92: dwelling, grass, springs up, make glad, your deeds, and Most High.
In verses 1-2, the psalmist describes the Lord as his refuge and fortress whom he trusts.
In verses 3-13, the psalmist describes how the Lord delivers and protects his children from attack. No harm, says the psalmist, can come to the believer who makes the Lord his refuge because the Lord’s angels will protect him.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
