Scripture reading – Psalm 93; 1 Chronicles 7

1 Chronicles 7 – Six Tribal Genealogies

I encourage my readers to avoid the danger of becoming bogged down with the many unfamiliar names found in 1 Chronicles 7. While there are a few significant names, the majority simply establish the genealogical line of some prominent families within the tribes.

1 Chronicles 7 presents six brief genealogies. We have the tribes of Issachar (7:1-5), Benjamin (7:6-11), Naphtali(7:13), the half tribe of Manasseh (7:14-19), Ephraim (he and Manasseh were the sons of Joseph, whom Jacob adopted as his sons and were the fathers of tribes bearing their names, 7:20-29), and Asher (7:30-40).

Psalm 93 – The Sovereignty and Omnipotence of God

Neither the author, nor the occasion for the writing of Psalm 93 are given. Some scholars believe it was written after the Babylonian captivity when the Jews returned from exile (Ezra 1). Think about it: In a matter of 70 years, the nation of Israel had witnessed the implosion of Babylon, arguably the first great world empire. Unlike other nations that were resettled, and assimilated into the Chaldean culture, the Jews had maintained their identity as God’s chosen people, and were distinguished by His Law and Commandments. With their return to their homeland, and the rebuilding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, the author had cause to ponder three great doctrinal truths regarding the God of Israel.

God is Sovereign, and His Rule is Forever. (93:1-2)

Psalm 93:1-2 – The LORD [Jehovah; the Eternal, Self-Existent God] reigneth [as King], he is clothed with majesty [exalted]; the LORD is clothed with strength [power; might], wherewith he hath girded [encircled; clothed] himself: the world also is stablished [anchored; immovable; firm], that it cannot be moved [brought down]. 2 Thy throne is established [anchored; immovable; firm] of old [since time began]: thou art from everlasting [eternal; forever].

A study of history yields the reality that even the greatest nations rise and fall. Every nation that has taken its place on the stage of human history inevitably evidences corruption, and the decay of character and morality (nations of our day are no exception). Such is not the case with the LORD, Who is sovereign over His creation, for He is majestic, all powerful, and unwavering (93:1). Though nations rise and nations fall, and kings rule and presidents preside, the reign of the LORD is everlasting (93:2).

God is Greater than My Circumstances. (93:3-4)

Psalm 93:3-4 – The floods [rivers; streams] have lifted up [taken or carried away], O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice [noise; sound; thunder]; the floods lift up their waves [i.e. pounding, crashing waves]. 4 The LORD on high [above; i.e. sits in the highest place] is mightier [glorious; majestic] than the noise [sound; thunder] of many [great; much]waters, yea, than the mighty [glorious; majestic] waves [breaking, pounding waves] of the sea.

The recent pandemic has brought home to many the reality of trials, and troubles that rush into our lives like the waves of the mighty ocean crashing upon the ever-present seashore. Cancer, sickness, or the stress of family problems can sweep over us like floodwaters (93:3). The psalmist, however, reminded his readers that, “The LORD on high is mightier” (93:4).   He is mightier than the pounding waves of the sea.  He is mightier than the circumstances that seem ready to overwhelm us.  He is mightier than the sorrows and disappointments that threaten to bring us low.

God is Faithful: His Word, Testimonies and Promises are Sure. (93:5)

Psalm 93:5 – Thy testimonies [witness] are very sure [established; firm; faithful; enduring]: holiness [sacredness] becometh [befits] thine house [temple; residence], O LORD, for ever [continually].

I am certain there were times during the Babylonian captivity when God’s people felt forsaken, and forgotten. Their last glimpse of Jerusalem when they were led away, was seeing the Temple in flames, and the walls of the city a pile of rubble. What hope could Israel have of ever returning? Seventy years would pass, then the LORD moved on the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, and he made a proclamation saying, “The Lord God of heaven hath…charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem…3Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel” (Ezra 1:2-3). The LORD had promised He would never forsake Israel, and He remembered people!

Take heart friend, for God’s promises are enduring (93:5a). Because He is immutable, you can be certain the LORD is the same yesterday, and forever (93:5b).

Whatever storm you might be facing, rest assured, “The LORD on high is mightier!” (93:4)

Copyright 2021 – Travis D. Smith