Daily Scripture Reading – Psalms 134, 146-150
Today’s Scripture reading comprises six psalms: Psalms 134, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150. I will limit the devotional commentary to Psalm 146.
The author of Psalm 146 is not known; however, his purpose in writing the psalm is obvious: It is a song of praise to the LORD. Notice that the psalmist employs numerous names for God that are meant to describe His nature, personality, and character.
An Explanation: Understanding a word in the Hebrew texts can be translated into English with more than one word. It is my desire to give you a broader understanding and insight into this beautiful psalm of praise for your own worship and edification. My amplification of words in the text is in brackets.
The psalmist begins Psalm 146 directing his praise and worship to the only One worthy of praise…the LORD (146:1-2).
Psalm 146:1-2 – 1 Praise [Hallelujah; Glory; Boast; Celebrate] ye the LORD [Yahweh; the sacred name of the LORD]. Praise the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-Existent God], O my soul.
2 While I live [have life] will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises [sing psalms] unto my God [Elohim; mighty God] while I have any being.
The psalmist exhorts and admonishes the people to not put their trust or confidence in man (146:3-4).
Psalm 146:3-4 – 3 Put not your trust [confidence] in princes, nor in the son [children] of man, in whom there is no help [salvation; deliverance].
4 His breath [man’s breath] goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day [time] his thoughts perish.
Whether a prince among men or a mere mortal man; all men live under the sentence of death (Romans 6:23). Their breath disappears as a vapor, their bodies return to dust, and their plans and designs perish with them.
Such is the spiritual lesson the rich man encountered in Luke 12.
Experiencing an overflow of the fruits of his labor at the time of harvest, the rich man determined to tear down his barns and hoard God’s blessings (Luke 12:17-18). God judged the man a fool (Luke 12:19-20). Because his affections were on earthly riches, he died a spiritual pauper… “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God” (Luke 12:21).
While the rich man’s affections for earthly treasures perished with him, the psalmist describes the man who looks to the LORD as “Happy” (146:5).
Psalm 146:5 – 5 Happy [Blessed; prosperous] is he that hath the God [Almighty God] of Jacob for his help [aid], whose hope [expectation] is in the LORD his God:
Why should you trust the LORD (146:6-9)?
The psalmist suggests four qualities that lead us to trust the LORD.
We should trust the LORD because He is Creator of heaven, earth, the sea and “all that therein is”. (146:6)
Psalm 146:6 – 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth [preserves; guards] truth for ever [i.e. God is forever faithful; trustworthy]:
We should trust the LORD because He is faithful and true: He “keepeth truth for ever” (146:6b).
We should trust the LORD because He is just and compassionate. (146:7-9)
Psalm 146:7-9 – 7 Which executeth [lit. to make or prepare] judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth [sets at liberty] the prisoners: 8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth [lifts up; comforts] them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous [just]: 9 The LORD preserveth [keeps watch; regards; saves] the strangers [sojourners]; he relieveth [bear witness; admonish; protects] the fatherless and widow: but the way [journey; path] of the wicked [ungodly; guilty] he turneth upside down [subverts; thwarts; overthrows].
Fourthly, we should trust the LORD because He is King Eternal, the God of Zion of whose kingdom there is no end (146:10).
Psalm 146:10 10 The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.
How foolish to trust man or place your confidence in earthly possessions! The LORD is eternal, just, compassionate, faithful, true and our Creator!
Why trust any other?
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith