Month: July 2025

Waiting on God

/ kdmiller55 / Leave a comment

A Song of Ascents.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2     O LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
    O LORD, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    that you may be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the LORD
    more than watchmen for the morning,
    more than watchmen for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the LORD!
    For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
    and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
    from all his iniquities. – Psalm 130:1-8 ESV

The author of this psalm begins with an impassioned plea for Yahweh to show him mercy. While he doesn’t disclose the nature of his circumstances, he is in desperate need of Yahweh to intervene and rescue him. His request for mercy (taḥănûn in Hebrew) is a prayer of “supplication”  expressing his desire for unmerited favor. It would appear that he thinks his suffering is somehow tied to an undisclosed sin he has committed. This is not a confession of sin as much as it is a confirmation of Yahweh’s marvelous mercy and grace. The psalmist doesn’t follow David’s lead and confess a specific sin. In Psalm 51, written in the aftermath of David’s affair with Bathsheba and his sanctioned murder of her husband, David willingly acknowledged the gravity of what he had done.

For I recognize my rebellion;
    it haunts me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
    I have done what is evil in your sight. – Psalm 51:3-4 NLT

This psalmist doesn’t minimize sin, but instead, he emphasizes Yahweh’s willingness to extend mercy despite our sins.

LORD, if you kept a record of our sins,
    who, O LORD, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness,
    that we might learn to fear you. – Psalm 130:3-4 NLT

This perspective coincides with that of David found in another one of his psalms.

He does not punish us for all our sins;
    he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. – Psalm 103:10-11 NLT

What an unbelievable reminder. Our God is not some kind of cosmic scorekeeper, keeping meticulous track of all our sins and waiting for us to balance our good behavior with our bad behavior. He’s not Santa Claus, “making a list and checking it twice” so he can determine “who’s naughty or nice.”

As the psalmist points out, if God kept track of all our sins, we’d be in big trouble, because our sins would far outweigh any righteousness we might have to offer. Isaiah put it in these graphic terms: “We are all like one who is unclean, all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight. We all wither like a leaf; our sins carry us away like the wind” (Isaiah 64:6 NET).

Instead of chronicling each of our sins and expecting us to right every wrong we have ever done, God offers forgiveness instead. Why? So that we might learn to fear and reverence Him (verse 4). When we begin to understand the magnitude of our sinfulness, His forgiveness becomes all the more precious to us because He is a holy God who stands diametrically opposed to our wickedness. Yet, in His grace and mercy, He reaches down and offers His undeserved favor and forgiveness.

That is they the psalmist declares that he is willing to wait on Yahweh.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the LORD
    more than watchmen for the morning,
    more than watchmen for the morning. – Psalm 130:5-6 NLT

He compares himself to a night watchman, someone whose job it was to stay awake all night and keep an eye out for any danger. These individuals were invaluable to the safety of a city as they patrolled the walls and watched for any signs of danger. But their greatest desire was to see the sun come up without incident. They waited or longed for the morning.

That is the psalmist’s perspective as he considers the darkened nature of his own predicament. He is willing to wait for Yahweh to show up with the rising sun and extend mercy. The prophet Jeremiah expressed this same hopeful perspective as he considered the faithfulness of Yahweh.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!” – Lamentation 3:22-24 NLT

Jeremiah wasn’t putting his hope in his own ability to live a righteous life. He knew that was impossible. Like Isaiah, he recognized that all his righteous deeds were “nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6 NLT) in Yahweh’s eyes. No, his hope was in the faithfulness and forgiveness of the LORD. Yahweh’s mercies were new every morning, which is why the psalmist said he waits for the LORD like a watchman waits for the morning. There is an expectation and eagerness in his words. Despite his sinfulness, Yahweh was prepared to shower him with mercy and grace. 

But some of us have a different attitude when it comes to sin. We take the perspective that our sins aren’t all that bad. We seem to believe that our sins are less egregious and offensive than those of others. Somehow, our need for forgiveness is not that great, so we fail to recognize the unbelievable and undeserved nature of the gift Yahweh offers.

The psalmist seemed to understand both the magnitude of his sin and the magnificence of the one who offered him forgiveness. He writes, “O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. He Himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin” (Psalm 130:7-8 NLT).

Unfailing love and overflowing redemption. The psalmist believed in both and was counting on the fact that Yahweh was prepared to redeem Israel despite their sin. Yahweh wasn’t waiting for His rebellious people to clean up their act and exhibit some form of sinless perfection. No, He was prepared to rescue them and forgive them, despite their inability to live up to His righteous standards.

That is a sobering reminder to all of us. Our God offers forgiveness from every sin, large or small, through His Son Jesus Christ. He isn’t keeping a list of all our sins and checking off the ones we successfully eliminate from our lives. Yahweh isn’t weighing our wickedness and righteousness in a balance in the hopes that our good deeds will somehow outweigh our evil deeds.

In one of his psalms, David expressed the futility of anyone trying to earn Yahweh’s favor through self-effort.

The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man,
    to see if there are any who understand,
    who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
    there is none who does good,
    not even one. – Psalm 14:2-3 ESV

The apostle Paul quoted David’s words when writing to believers in Rome to remind them that their personal righteousness was not the key to their acceptance by God.

…for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say,

“No one is righteous—
    not even one.
No one is truly wise;
    no one is seeking God.
All have turned away;
    all have become useless.
No one does good,
    not a single one.” – Romans 3:9-11 NLT

For Paul, acceptance by God had nothing to do with living up to a some kind of moral code and list of religious rules.

…no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. – Romans 3:20 NLT

He goes on to explain the amazing nature of God’s plan for making us acceptable in His sight, and it has nothing to do with our futile attempts at self-righteousness.

God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. – Romans 3:21-22 NLT

And he explains why Yahweh came up with this alternate plan for restoring sinful men to a right relationship with Himself.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. – Romans 3:23 NLT

In other words, sin wasn’t just a black spot on our resumé; it was a roadblock that prevented us from ever earning God’s favor and restoring our fractured relationship with Him. But Paul provides the good news.

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. – Romans 3:24 NLT

This news should cause us to stand in awe and reverence before our gracious, loving God. It should draw us near to Him, not push us away in fear. He should be where we run for hope and healing because He will not reject us because of our sins. Instead, He welcomes us with open arms. Long before Jesus came to earth and offered Himself as the sacrifice for the sins of mankind, David expressed his confidence in God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

The LORD is compassionate and merciful,
    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us,
    nor remain angry forever. – Psalm 103:8-9 NLT

Then he adds:

He does not punish us for all our sins;
    he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
    as the east is from the west. – Psalm 103:10-12 NLT

That was the confident assurance of the author of Psalm 130. He shared David’s belief that Yahweh was compassionate, merciful, loving, kind, and forgiving. He was well aware of his sins but counted on God to remove them as far as the east is from the west. There was no list of wrongs done. There was no demand for course correction or behavior modification to earn His favor. All God asked for was that His people place their faith and hope in Him. Which is why the psalmist ends his song with the words, “hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows” (Psalm 130:7 NLT).

Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and limitless forgiveness. Forgive me for not taking advantage of it and for sometimes thinking I don’t even need it! If You kept track of all my sins, I would be without hope. But instead, You offer me forgiveness and healing. Never let me forget that. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The LORD Is Faithful

/ kdmiller55 / Leave a comment

A Song of Ascents.

1 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth”—
    let Israel now say—
2 “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth,
    yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The plowers plowed upon my back;
    they made long their furrows.”
4 The LORD is righteous;
    he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion
    be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
    which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand
    nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8 nor do those who pass by say,
    “The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
    We bless you in the name of the LORD!” – Psalm 129:1-8 ESV

As this psalm was sung by the pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for one of the three annual feasts, it was meant to celebrate the many times Yahweh had delivered them from their enemies. The song begins with the repeated line, “Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth…” This personification of Israel’s past difficulties was intended to remind the pilgrims that when the nation suffers, they suffer. By putting the words in their mouths, the psalmist drives home the point that, when the nation is delivered by Yahweh, they are the beneficiaries. They were Israel. 

It’s essential to recall how the nation of Israel got its name. It dates back to the story of Jacob, one of Isaac’s sons. After having cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and then deceiving his father to receive the blessing of the firstborn, Jacob was forced to escape the wrath of his betrayed brother by fleeing to his mother’s relatives in Paddan-aram. On his journey, Jacob had a dream in which Yahweh delivered the following message:

“I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:13-15 NLT

While his stay in Paddan-aram was a lengthy one, and marked by further deceit and subterfuge, Jacob prospered. He ended up with two wives and 13 children, and, through a carefully planned strategy of deception, he amassed a large flock of sheep and goats that had once belonged to his uncle Laban. But in time, Jacob received another message from Yahweh.

“Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.” – Genesis 31:3 NLT

As Jacob made his way home, he got into an argument with a stranger he met along the way. One evening, this “man” showed up unexpectedly and “wrestled with him until the dawn began to break” (Genesis 32:24 NLT). No explanation is given as to who the man was or why he picked a fight with Jacob, but the text states, “When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket” (Genesis 32:25 NLT).

This bizarre nocturnal wrestling match was a stalemate, and it was only when Jacob’s hip was dislocated and wrenched from its socket that he backed off. The man, attempting to bring the match to an end, said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” (Genesis 32:26 NLT). But Jacob refused and demanded to receive a blessing from his unidentified foe. 

“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” – Genesis 32:26 NLT

It is not clear why Jacob made such a demand, but his opponent responded by asking Jacob his name. Then he delivered the following message:

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” – Genesis 32:28 ESV

Not only did Jacob receive a dislocated hip, but he got a new name. In Hebrew, his name became yiśrā’ēl, which is derived from  śārâ, which means “to contend” or “to persevere,” and ‘ēl, which translates into “God.” There is debate over how to translate this new name, with some suggesting “one who struggles with God” and others opting for “God strives.” But the bottom line is that Jacob had gone to the mat with the Almighty and lived to tell about it. His entire life had been a wrestling match with God as he attempted to fulfill God’s promise through human means. Jacob had used deception and trickery to bring about the promise Yahweh had given to his mother.

“The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” – Genesis 25:23 NLT

Yahweh had assured Rebekah that her younger son would receive the blessing of the firstborn. Despite being the second to exit the womb, he would end up with the birthright reserved for the eldest in the family. This news contradicted all the established protocols for distributing the inheritance. But Yahweh was letting Rebekah know that He had other plans for Jacob and his brother Esau. Yet, Rebekah would ultimately try to help Yahweh by devising her own strategy for securing Jacob’s future.  She and her son would ultimately resort to worldly means and deceptive plans to fulfill Yahweh’s will, and their scheme, while successful, would ultimately result in Jacob’s exile and a fractured relationship with his brother.

But Yahweh was not deterred by their actions. His promise remained in place, and His plans for Jacob were as solid as they had ever been. The exiled son returned home and eventually became the father of 12 sons whose descendants would become the 12 tribes of Israel.

The pilgrims who made their way to Jerusalem singing the words of this song were all members of one of the tribes of Israel. They were descendants of Jacob the deceiver. But Yahweh had blessed them despite this fact. Yes, they had suffered many things in their long history as God’s chosen people, but He had persevered with them. He had never forsaken them.

The psalmist describes the suffering of the Israelites using agricultural language.

The plowers plowed upon my back;
    they made long their furrows.”
The LORD is righteous;
    he has cut the cords of the wicked. – Psalm 129:3-4 NLT

These agrarian people could relate to the sight of plow marks across a barren field. This image was meant to illustrate their own suffering at the hands of their enemies. The New Living Translation puts it this way: “My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.” But despite their suffering, Yahweh had proven to be their faithful deliverer.

But the LORD is good;
    he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly. – Psalm 129:4 NLT

Like their patriarch, Jacob, the Israelites were guilty of deception and dishonesty. They had failed to trust Yahweh and place their hope in His covenant promises. Instead, they had devised their own plans for living blessed lives. They replaced Yahweh’s will with their own and ultimately suffered the consequences.

This led the psalmist to call his fellow Israelites to place their hope and trust in Yahweh. Without Him, they would never have become a nation. Without His ongoing help, they would cease to exist as a nation. That is why he penned the words, “May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!” (Psalm 129:5 ESV).

This refrain was intended to express the Israelites’ dependence upon Yahweh. It is a cry for Him to mete out justice and vengeance against all those who would wish harm on them. For anyone to hate Zion was like a declaration of war against Yahweh and His people. Zion was the mountain of God on which the Temple of the LORD sat. It was the location of Jerusalem, the city of David, and the capital of the Hebrew people.

This song begs Yahweh to continue striving on behalf of His people. It describes the enemies of God as seeds of wheat that blew onto the rooftops and sprouted, only to die in the heat of the sun. They were misplaced and “as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown,  ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder” (Psalm 129:6-7 NLT). 

The Israelites had no reason to worry about their enemies because Yahweh was in complete control. He would take care of their adversaries, denying all those who opposed His chosen people any hope of receiving His blessing.

…may those who pass by
    refuse to give them this blessing:
“The LORD bless you;
    we bless you in the LORD’s name.” – Psalm 129:8 NLT

Yahweh had reserved the blessing of the firstborn for Jacob, and He had promised Jacob that, not only would he be blessed, but he would be a blessing.

“Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go.” – Genesis 28:14-15 NLT

Yahweh had kept His word to Jacob, and He would keep His covenant commitment to Israel. They had been blessed by Yahweh and would continue to enjoy His presence, power, and provision because He was faithful and a covenant-keeping God.

Father, I am always amazed when I look back and see Your track record of faithfulness to Your people. The Scriptures are filled with example after example of Your unfailing love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. You are patient, persevering, compassionate, longsuffering, and wholeheartedly committed to keeping Your promises. Jacob couldn’t improve on Your promises, but he couldn’t screw them up either. The people of Israel did everything in their power to derail and disavow Your covenant promises, but You remained faithful. And You will continue to remain faithful until each and every one of Your promises is fulfilled. Thank You for who You are and all that You have promised to do. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Fear of God and Fruitfulness

/ kdmiller55 / Leave a comment

A Song of Ascents.

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
    who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
    you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
    who fears the LORD.

5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
    May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children!
    Peace be upon Israel! – Psalm 128:1-6 ESV

In this song of ascent, the psalmist links the fear of the LORD with fruitfulness. The concept of the fear of God is often misunderstood and misrepresented, but it is found throughout the Scriptures. Beginning in the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden by God and privileged to enjoy unbroken fellowship with Him. That is, until they disobeyed His command to not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Once they had eaten the forbidden fruit, their relationship with God was forever altered.

Aware that they had violated the LORD’s command, Adam and Eve attempted to hide from His presence.

…they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. – Genesis 3:7-8 NLT

Rather than revering God for His power and provision, they feared His judgment. The one who created them and gave them life suddenly became unapproachable and an object of fear. Their sin produced guilt, which caused them to run away from God rather than to Him. For the first time in their short lives, they felt shame and a sudden desire to cover their nakedness and to distance themselves from their Creator.

When God had created Adam and Eve, He gave them a mandate to fulfill.

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – Genesis 2:28 ESV

Fruitfulness was a key element in their mission as His vice-regents. He had placed them in the garden with a job to do, and as long as they maintained a reverential awe for who He was, they would enjoy a life of fruitfulness and blessing.

When the Bible speaks of the fear of the LORD, it describes a willing submission to His power and authority. The author of the Book of Hebrews provides a succinct definition of what it means to fear God.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. – Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT

For the child of God, to fear Him is to revere Him. It is not a knee-shaking, run-and-hide kind of fear that expects judgment, but it is an awe-inspiring, knee-bending, eye-averting awareness of His glory and greatness. This positive fear of God is seen throughout the Scriptures as various individuals came into contact with the Almighty. At the age of 99, Abram had an encounter with God that left him prostrate in reverential fear.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Genesis 17:1-3 NLT

When Moses met God at the burning bush on Mount Sinai, he “covered his face because he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:6 NLT). When the prophet Ezekiel was given a glimpse of God’s glory, he “fell face down on the ground” (Ezekiel 1:28 NLT). These men were not exhibiting a fear of God’s judgment; they were responding to the glory of His divine presence. They knew they were standing before the righteous God of the universe and recognized their own unworthiness. That is a healthy fear, the kind described in Psalm 33.

Let the whole world fear the LORD,
    and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began!
    It appeared at his command. – Psalm 33:8-9 NLT 

Yet, not everyone fears the LORD in this way. There are many, especially unbelievers, whose fear of God is based on the threat of judgment. If they believe in His existence at all, they view Him as a demanding and vindictive judge who is never satisfied. They envision Him as a capricious deity who is inconsistent in His rulings and weilds His authority like an all-powerful despot.

But the fear of God described in Psalm 128 is a healthy, heart-based fear that balances an awareness of His holiness and transcendence with a reliance upon His love, grace, and mercy. Abram and Ezekiel bowed before God; they didn’t run from Him. Their goal wasn’t to get away but to worship Him for who He was: The God of the universe.

So, when the psalmist writes, “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways,” he is describing those who recognize their unworthiness and understand God’s holiness. They obey, not under duress or out of some sense of compulsion, but because they appreciate His unmerited love for them. They “walk in His ways” because they believe He knows what is best for them. That is why Asaph could say, “Oh how I love your law!” (Psalm 119:97 ESV) and “I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold” (Psalm 119:127 ESV).

Those who have this kind of relationship with God will be fruitful. Their obedience will stem from reverential awe and respect, not abject fear. And, according to the psalmist, they will enjoy the fruit of their labor and experience God’s blessing on their lives. He is not promising a trouble-free existence or immunity from trials and tribulations; he is simply stating that a proper fear of God results in a life of fruitfulness, in every area of life.

Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
    flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
    as they sit around your table.
That is the LORD’s blessing
    for those who fear him. – Psalm 128:3-4 NLT

This promise of a fruitful family life is based on a promise God made to the people of Israel and recorded in Deuteronomy 28.

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God:

Your towns and your fields
    will be blessed.
Your children and your crops
    will be blessed.
The offspring of your herds and flocks
    will be blessed.
Your fruit baskets and breadboards
    will be blessed.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
    you will be blessed.” – Deuteronomy 28:1-6 NLT

The Book of Deuteronomy contains several calls to fear God, which are linked to submission to His will and obedience to His commands.

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” – Deuteronomy 10:12 NLT

“You must fear the LORD your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise…” – Deuteronomy 10:20-21 NLT

What makes this kind of God-fearing relationship possible is a proper perspective that recognizes who God is and what He has graciously done for us.

“Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God. Yet the LORD chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident today. Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn.” – Deuteronomy 10:14-16 NLT

The psalmist understood that God’s continued blessings were tied to continued obedience. However, he also knew that faithful obedience stemmed from an accurate understanding of God’s holiness and righteousness. A proper perspective of God is the key to having the right response to God.

To fear God is not to be scared of Him. It is to recognize His glory and transcendence. It is to show the proper respect for His power and to share His hatred for sin. A helpful analogy is to consider the power of electricity. We all know that electricity can kill us if misused, but we don’t run from it or avoid the benefits it can offer. We still plug in our appliances and turn on our air conditioning in the summer. When there is a power outage and the electricity goes off, we eagerly await its return. We appreciate its benefits and recognize that, in many ways, our lives depend upon its power and presence. It keeps our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It prevents our food from spoiling. It provides light in the darkness and allows us to prepare meals and prolong our lives. We fear electricity when we treat it with proper care. We take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer, but with a constant awareness that it can be deadly if misused or without the proper precautions.

The same is true of our relationship with God. We are not to take Him for granted or treat Him with disrespect. He is all-powerful and can be highly beneficial to our lives, but He deserves to be treated with reverential fear. Those who fear the LORD will be blessed, and it was the psalmist’s prayer that God-fearing people would continue to experience His many blessings for generations to come.

May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
    May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
    May Israel have peace! – Psalm 128:5-6 NLT

Father, You are all-powerful and worthy of our praise, honor, reverence, and fear. The Proverbs state that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Until we fully understand who You are and develop a healthy fear of Your holiness, we will never obey You properly. Our obedience will come from a sense of obligation or duty, but not from the heart. We will not appreciate Your mercy and grace and, therefore, we will not respond in thankfulness for all You have done. Open our eyes to see You clearly so that we might obey You more willingly. You bless those who fear You and for that I am grateful. Now, show me how to fear You the right way and for the right reasons. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Life Lesson Learned Too Late

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A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
    who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. – Psalm 127:1-5 ESV

This psalm is attributed to Solomon, the son of David, who was the heir to his father’s throne and the author of the Song of Solomon, the Book of Ecclesiastes, and a significant portion of the Book of Proverbs. He would be the third and final king to reign over the undivided kingdom of Israel. Following his 40-year reign, God split his kingdom in half, creating the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division of the kingdom resulted from Solomon’s idolatry and apostasy. He had violated several of the prohibitions God had given the kings of Israel.

“The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself or send his people to Egypt to buy horses, for the Lord has told you, ‘You must never return to Egypt.’The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself.” – Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT

God had blessed Solomon with unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-14). He also allowed him to enjoy success, great wealth, and fame. But Solomon was never satisfied. He continued to pursue increasing prosperity, pleasure, and prominence. In fact, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, he describes his incessant need for more.

I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!– Ecclesiastes 2:4-8 NLT

His mention of “many beautiful concubines” was a gross understatement because, according to 1 Kings 11, Solomon had 300 wives and 700 concubines.

Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD. – 1 Kings 11:1-3 NLT

Solomon was a man who loved pleasure and was ruled by a spirit of hedonism. He had a heart for Yahweh, but seemed incapable of controlling his earthly passions.

Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.– Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 NLT

Despite having 1,000 women to serve his physical needs, Solomon only ended up with four children. Yet, he built a massive palace to serve as their home. And while his son, Rehoboam, would serve as the next king, he would do so over a divided kingdom.

It would seem that this song of ascents was written late in Solomon’s reign. He opens it with a rather pessimistic-sounding statement.

Unless the LORD builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the LORD protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good. – Psalm 127:1 NLT

Solomon had built many homes, including the Temple, which was considered to be Yahweh’s dwelling place on earth. But as Solomon surveyed the landscape of his 40-year reign, he rightly realized that so much of his success had been Yahweh’s doing and not his own. His relentless pursuit of material wealth and physical pleasure had left him feeling empty and unfulfilled. Anything that was of any value had come from the hand of the LORD. His accumulated wealth, vast palace complex, greatly expanded kingdom, and renowned reputation for wisdom meant nothing.

I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world.– Ecclesiastes 2:18-20 NLT

Yet, everything Yahweh touched was of great worth. This led him to summarize the futility of trying to replicate what only Yahweh could produce.

It is useless for you to work so hard
    from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
    for God gives rest to his loved ones. – Psalm 127:2 NLT

Solomon had come to understand that all his hard work had produced nothing of lasting value. Upon his death, his kingdom would be divided. His son, Rehoboam, would rule over a drastically diminished domain, and the vast kingdom Solomon had built and the peace he had brokered would be no more.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 NLT

While Solomon comes across as a pessimist, he was just a realist. His eyes had been opened to the truth that Yahweh was the giver of all good things (James 1:17). Every material possession Solomon enjoyed had been a gift from God. Food, wine, female companionship, sexual pleasure, homes, hard work, health, and happiness all came from the LORD. But when men worship the gift rather than the gift-giver, they experience the futility of life that Solomon so aptly describes.

Even as he looked back on his life, Solomon was able to offer sage wisdom to anyone who would listen.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT

And one of the things he seems to have regretted was his failure to make his children a priority in his life. Much of what he compiled in the Book of Proverbs pertains to parenting and contains wisdom directed at his own offspring.

My child, listen when your father corrects you.
    Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace
    and be a chain of honor around your neck. – Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT

My child, listen to what I say,
    and treasure my commands.
Tune your ears to wisdom,
    and concentrate on understanding.
Cry out for insight,
    and ask for understanding.
Search for them as you would for silver;
    seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,
    and you will gain knowledge of God. – Proverbs 2:1-5 NLT

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

One of the things Solomon learned from his rich and varied life was that children were a gracious gift from the LORD and were to be treated with inestimable value and worth.

Children are a gift from the Lord;
    they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
    are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. – Psalm 127:3-4 NLT

Solomon had watched his own father struggle with parenting. David was a man after God’s own heart, but he turned out to be a far-from-model parent. One of his sons ended up raping his half sister, and David let the crime go unpunished. His lack of action resulted in another son taking matters into his own hands and avenging his violated sister by murdering their guilty half-brother. Once again, David took the path of least resistance and let the murderer go unpunished. That same son would later attempt to overthrow his father and seize the kingdom. David’s poor parenting resulted in highly dysfunctional children and a far-from-idyllic home life.

Yet, Solomon knew that raising spiritually healthy children was far more critical than accumulating wealth, building a career, pursuing pleasure, or protecting one’s reputation. Despite all the Proverbs Solomon had compiled and the vast wealth he left to his son, he had not adequately prepared Rehoboam for the difficulties that lay ahead. Once Solomon died, his son inherited the throne, along with a disgruntled populace who accused Rehoboam’s father of treating them like slaves. Rather than wisely listening to their complaints and promising to come up with a solution, Rehoboam took the advice of his young and inexperienced friends.

Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!” – 1 Kings 12:13-14 NLT

As a result, ten of the 12 tribes of Israel broke off and formed their own kingdom with their own king. Had Solomon only made parenting a priority, he might have better prepared his son for just such an occasion. Perhaps he could have prevented the disintegration of his kingdom. However, Solomon had prioritized his career and personal desires over his family and faith.

Solomon wisely wrote about the joy of having children.

How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
    He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. – Psalm 127:5 NLT

But because Solomon failed to make his children a priority, his son was put to shame at the city gates.

When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded,

“Down with the dynasty of David!
    We have no interest in the son of Jesse.
Back to your homes, O Israel!
    Look out for your own house, O David!”

So the people of Israel returned home. But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah. – 1 Kings 12:16-17 NLT

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wasn’t always the brightest bulb in the box. Even with all his God-ordained wisdom at his disposal, he still made some very unwise decisions in life. He had spent decades building houses, accumulating wealth, establishing a kingdom, pursuing pleasure, and securing his legacy, but he ultimately left behind a trail of division and destruction.

Father, how easy it is to let the things of this earth become our highest priority. You are the giver of all good gifts, but we end up worshiping the gift rather than the Giver. We place a higher value on the things of this world than on our relationship with You. Not only that, we misprioritize the good things you give by putting our careers over our children. We sacrifice our kids at the altar of success. We treat our spouses as second class citizens and fail to honor them the way you commanded. Rather than seeing our children as gifts from You, we end up viewing them as burdens and roadblocks to our home happiness. Forgive us Father for our nearsightedness and selfishness. Open our eyes to see what Solomon saw too late. Help us to change our priorities now so that our children’s futures might be bright and filled with a knowledge of You. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The LORD Has Done Great Things

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A Song of Ascents.

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
    “The LORD has done great things for them.”
3 The LORD has done great things for us;
    we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
    like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:1-6 ESV

This psalm appears to have been written sometime after the Israelites returned from their captivity in Babylon under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. After conquering the Babylonians in 539 B.C., the Persian King Cyrus issued a decree allowing the former citizens of Judah to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” – Ezra 1:2-4 ESV

As the Persian king acknowledges, his decision was divinely ordained by “the LORD, the God of heaven.” Seventy years earlier, Yahweh had told his people that their captivity was imminent but that it would be followed by their return to the land.

“For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:10-11 ESV

Yahweh kept His word and influenced Cyrus to use his royal powers not only to command the release of the Israelites but also to return all the plundered items taken from the Temple.

King Cyrus himself brought out the articles that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the LORD’s Temple in Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his own gods. Cyrus directed Mithredath, the treasurer of Persia, to count these items and present them to Sheshbazzar, the leader of the exiles returning to Judah. – Ezra 1:7-8 NLT

Yahweh also “stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD” (Ezra 7:5 NLT). The small remnant of Israelites who were moved by God to make the arduous journey back to Judah were assisted by their neighbors, who donated silver, gold, food, supplies, and livestock to support them on the journey. It is estimated that Zerubabbel led 50,000 Israelites back to Judah to begin the process of rebuilding the Temple and repopulating the city of Jerusalem. 

In 458 B.C., Ezra, a scribe and an expert in the Mosaic Law, led another contingent of 5,000 Jews back to Judah. By this time, the Temple had been rebuilt, but the people were unfamiliar with Yahweh’s laws and the sacrificial system. 

Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year. He had arranged to leave Babylon on April 8, the first day of the new year, and he arrived at Jerusalem on August 4, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. – Ezra 7:8-10 NLT  

In 445 B.C., Nehemiah, who was serving as the cupbearer to the new Persian king, Artaxerxes, received a disturbing report about the state of affairs in Jerusalem.

“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” – Nehemiah 1:3 NLT

Moved by this news, Nehemiah appealed to Yahweh for His divine intervention.

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’

“The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” – Nehemiah 1:8-11 NLT

Yahweh heard and answered Nehemiah’s prayer, and prompted King Artaxerxes to sanction the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

It is unclear at what point during this nearly 100-year period the psalmist wrote his song of ascent, but he describes the initial return of the exiles as a dream-like experience. After 70 years in captivity, it must have been a surreal experience to enter the gates of Jerusalem. For many of them, this would have been their first time seeing the City of David, as they had been born in captivity. And despite the dilapidated conditions of the walls and buildings, they were filled with laughter and sang for joy (Psalm 126:2). Even the surrounding nations were stunned by the unexpected repatriation of Judah by the Israelites and recognized it as a divinely ordained event. “The LORD has done great things for them,” they exclaimed. 

But the psalmist recognizes that all is not well. The initial wave of enthusiasm gave way to concern over the less-than-ideal conditions in the land. While some of their neighbors praised Yahweh for His divine deliverance of His people, others were not so happy to have the Israelites back in the land. During the 70 years the people of Judah had been in exile, their lands, homes, and properties had been taken over by neighboring nations. Fearful that the Israelites would prosper and repopulate the land, their enemies sent a letter to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Israelites of insurrection.

“The king should know that the Jews who came here to Jerusalem from Babylon are rebuilding this rebellious and evil city. They have already laid the foundation and will soon finish its walls. And the king should know that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are completed, it will be much to your disadvantage, for the Jews will then refuse to pay their tribute, customs, and tolls to you.” – Ezra 4:12-13 NLT

These very same people had stringently opposed all the rebuilding efforts instituted by Zerrubabel and Nehemiah. But nothing they did curtailed the rebuilding of the Temple or the walls and gates of the city. This led them to seek Artaxerxes’ intervention.

Their ploy worked because the king issued a decree ordering all rebuilding efforts to cease. This work stoppage would remain in effect until Darius ascended the throne in 520 B.C. He reinstituted Cyrus’ original decree and authorized the Jews to continue their restoration of the Temple and the city.

The psalmist’s words seem to reflect the sadness that accompanied the initial joy of returning to the land. He prays, “Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!” (Psalm 126:4 NLT). Their return had been met with opposition, and the taunts and accusations of their enemies had turned their joys to tears. But he continued to trust in Yahweh’s faithfulness.

Those who sow in tears
    shall reap with shouts of joy! – Psalm 126:5 NLT

He acknowledges that the days ahead will be difficult, but he expresses his conviction that Yahweh will have the final say. Their enemies can shout, scream, threaten, and write letters of accusation, but Yahweh is sovereign over all. The same God who moved the hearts of Cyrus, Artaxerxes, and Darius would ensure their success and secure their future.

They weep as they go to plant their seed,
    but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126:6 NLT

It is easy to see why this psalm was one of the songs of ascent. It expresses a confidence in Yahweh that every generation of Israelites needed to hear and embrace. The enemies of Israel would always be there. The opposition to Yahweh’s power and the existence of His people would never dissipate. The Israelites’ return to the land had been a wonderful, God-ordained experience. It was a joy to no longer be in exile, but that did not mean the troubles and trials of life were over.

One of the things the Israelites had to contend with was their own culpability for their suffering. They couldn’t blame all their problems on their enemies. The whole reason they had gone into exile in the first place was because of their sinfulness. Now that Yahweh had returned them to the land, they would need to do more than rebuild the house of God; they would need to clean house. Ezra recognized the seriousness of the problem and called the people to repentance.

“But now we have been given a brief moment of grace, for the Lord our God has allowed a few of us to survive as a remnant. He has given us security in this holy place. Our God has brightened our eyes and granted us some relief from our slavery. For we were slaves, but in his unfailing love our God did not abandon us in our slavery. Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. He revived us so we could rebuild the Temple of our God and repair its ruins. He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem.

“And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For once again we have abandoned your commands!” – Ezra 9:8-10 NLT

They were back in the land and had rebuilt the Temple, but they were still living in open rebellion against Yahweh. Seventy years had passed, but nothing had changed. Ezra knew that the blessings of God would mean little if the people refused to change their ways.

“O LORD, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.” – Ezra 9:15 NLT

Any attempts to renovate the Temple and restore the city would be futile if the people refused to repent and return to the LORD. The dream would turn into a nightmare if God’s people failed to learn the lessons of the past. However, Ezra’s prayer had a profound impact on the people. They responded appropriately, saying, “We have been unfaithful to our God, for we have married these pagan women of the land. But in spite of this there is hope for Israel” (Ezra 10:2 NLT).

There is always hope because Yahweh is faithful. He is loving, gracious, patient, and forgiving. But He requires repentant hearts and a willingness to submit to His will. All the way back at the dedication of the Temple, God had made a promise to Solomon.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

And that promise still stood. The LORD would forgive their sins and restore their fortunes if they would only return to Him in repentance and humility.

Father, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You never change and You never fail to keep Your promises. Thank You for this reminder that I can trust You at all times. And thank You for reminding me that You still expect obedience, humility, and faithfulness from Your covenant people. Forgive me for demanding restoration and reward without repentance. I confess that, far too often, I cheapen Your amazing grace by treating it with contempt and taking it for granted. Help me live in keeping with who You are and who You have called me to be. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Our Faithful God

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A Song of Ascents.

1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the LORD surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
    on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
    their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
    and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
    the LORD will lead away with evildoers!
    Peace be upon Israel! – Psalm 125:1-5 ESV

In this song of ascent, the psalmist uses Mount Zion as a symbol of Israel’s unique status as God’s chosen people. But his focus is on those who “trust in the LORD.” He describes the faithful and trustworthy as being like Mount Zion, the location of Jerusalem. This spot on earth was sacred to the Israelites because it housed Yahweh’s Temple and was considered His dwelling place on earth. After Solomon had dedicated the newly built Temple, he received a word from Yahweh, assuring him that the LORD’s presence would always abide there.

“I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” – 1 Kings 9:3 ESV

So, when the psalmist states, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,” he is reminding them of their status as Yahweh’s “treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5). Throughout their history, the Israelites had heard Yahweh affirm their unique status as His covenant people.

For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. – Deuteronomy 7:6 NLT

For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own special treasure. – Psalm 135:4 NLT

“The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised.” – Deuteronomy 26:18-19 NLT

But notice Moses’ emphasis on obedience. They were to be a covenant-keeping people. That is what the psalmist means by “those who trust in the LORD.” Trust requires faith, and faith demands obedience. Moses instructed the Israelites to obey all of Yahweh’s commands, not just some of them. They were to be faithful to Him alone and faithfully live up to His holy standards, and if they did, they would “receive praise, honor, and renown.”

The Israelites were to be holy and set apart, just as Yahweh’s Temple was. In fact, the only thing that made the Temple unique was the faithful adherence of Yahweh’s covenant people as they obeyed His commands concerning the sacrificial system. The Temple was holy, but could only remain so as long as the people who worshiped there lived holy, set-apart lives. However, the Israelites had a track record of disobedience, and, at one point, God accused them of going through the motions when it came to their worship.

“I hate all your show and pretense—
    the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.
    I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.
Away with your noisy hymns of praise!
    I will not listen to the music of your harps.
Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,
    an endless river of righteous living.” – Amos 5:21-24 NLT

During the reign of Josiah, God warned the people of Judah that He was weary of their apostasy and idolatry. Even though Josiah had instituted many reforms aimed at restoring the faithfulness of God’s people, Yahweh warned, “I will also banish Judah from my presence just as I have banished Israel. And I will reject my chosen city of Jerusalem and the Temple where my name was to be honored” (2 Kings 23:27 NLT).

Yet, during the days of Isaiah, Yahweh spoke of redeeming His disobedient people and restoring the glory of Jerusalem.

“And they will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of The LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.” – Isaiah 62:12 NLT

And that is the point of this psalm. While the Israelites were directly linked to Mount Zion and the city of Jerusalem, Yahweh is compared to the mountains that surrounded the City of David.

Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever. – Psalm 125:2 NLT

“Mount Zion is not the highest peak in the mountain range around Jerusalem. To its east lies the Mount of Olives, to its north Mount Scopus, to the west and south are other hills, all of which are higher than Mount Zion. Surrounded by mountains, Mount Zion was secure, by its natural defensibility. So the psalmist compares the Lord to the hills around Jerusalem and the people to Mount Zion.” – Willem A.  VanGemeren, “Psalms.” In Psalms-Song of Songs. Vol. 5 of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary

As significant as Mount Zion was, it would be nothing without the terrain that surrounded it. What made it so impregnable was its location. In the same way, the people of Israel were significant because of their relationship with Yahweh. Without Him, they would be just another people group. What set them apart was Yahweh’s strength and stability. Like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem, the God of Israel was an immovable and reliable source of security for His people. In one of his psalms, Asaph described Yahweh as more resiliant and dependable than the mountains themselves.

God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!  – Psalm 46:1-3 NLT

At one point in Israel’s history, God allowed the Temple to be destroyed by the Babylonians. It was part of His cleansing of the land, as He purged the wickedness from Judah. Yahweh used the Babylonians to destroy the city of Jerusalem, desecrate His House, and deport His disobedient people into captivity. Yet, despite their unfaithfulness, Yahweh remained faithful.

Long before the fall of Jerusalem, the psalmist optimistically wrote, “The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong” (Psalm 125:3 NLT). But he would be proved wrong. The day came when God allowed the wicked to rule the land of the godly. The Babylonians conquered Judah and placed its people under their dominion. For 70 years, the Israelites would be subjected to the whims of their Babylonian overlords. The land would become desolate, and the city of Jerusalem would be uninhabitable and inhospitable to life, all because the chosen people of God had chosen to be unfaithful. 

Unaware of the dark events that lie in Israel’s future, the psalmist begs God to spare them from tragedy.

O LORD, do good to those who are good,
    whose hearts are in tune with you.
But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD.
    Take them away with those who do evil. – Psalm 125:4-5 NLT

In a way, the psalmist’s prayer was answered. God did banish those who turn to crooked ways. Yahweh purged the land of wickedness when He ordained the fall of Jerusalem. This was in keeping with the warning He gave to Moses and the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land.

“You must obey all my decrees and regulations. You must not commit any of these detestable sins. This applies both to native-born Israelites and to the foreigners living among you.

“All these detestable activities are practiced by the people of the land where I am taking you, and this is how the land has become defiled. So do not defile the land and give it a reason to vomit you out, as it will vomit out the people who live there now.” – Leviticus 18:26-28 NLT

Yahweh, the faithful One, was forced to deal with His unfaithful people. The powerful protector became their judge, jury, and executioner.

“You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. And now the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Because you have not listened to me, I will gather together all the armies of the north under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, whom I have appointed as my deputy. I will bring them all against this land and its people and against the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy you and make you an object of horror and contempt and a ruin forever.” – Jeremiah 25:7-9 NLT

But despite Yahweh’s judgment and punishment of His disobedient people, He would not abandon them forever. In the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet records Yahweh’s promise to keep His covenant commitment to His people. He will one day return them to the land and restore His relationship with them.

“When I bring Israel home again from captivity
    and restore their fortunes,
Jerusalem will be rebuilt on its ruins,
    and the palace reconstructed as before.
There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving,
    and I will multiply my people, not diminish them;
I will honor them, not despise them.” – Jeremiah 30:18-19 NLT

This promise was partially fulfilled when a remnant of Israelites returned from captivity in Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. But the final phase of its fulfillment lies in the future.

The prophet Isaiah foretold of this event when he delivered this message from Yahweh concerning Israel’s future redemption and restoration.

Go out through the gates!
    Prepare the highway for my people to return!
Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders;
    raise a flag for all the nations to see.
The LORD has sent this message to every land:
    “Tell the people of Israel,
‘Look, your Savior is coming.
    See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’”
They will be called “The Holy People”
    and “The People Redeemed by the LORD.”
And Jerusalem will be known as “The Desirable Place”
    and “The City No Longer Forsaken.” – Isaiah 62:10-12 NLT

The Savior is coming. Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world, will one day return to earth and complete the redemptive plan of His Heavenly Father. That will include the restoration of Israel and the redemption of His covenant people. At the second coming of Jesus, the fate of Israel will be finalized, and it will answer the psalmist’s prayer for God to “do good to those who are good” and “banish those who turn to crooked ways” (Psalm 125:4-5 NLT). 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:1-4 ESV

Father, You are like the mountains surrounding Mount Zion. You are firm, unchanging, reliable, and trustworthy. You provide protection and security to those You call Your own, and while we so often prove unfaithful and disobedient, You remain unchanging in Your commitments to us. You love us unconditionally. You provide for us abundantly. You put up with us patiently. And You keep Your promises to us faithfully. Thank You. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Question Worth Considering

/ kdmiller55 / Leave a comment

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side—
    let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side
    when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
    when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
    the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
    the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the LORD,
    who has not given us
    as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
    from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
    and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
    who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:1-8 ESV

It was the apostle Paul who wrote, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NLT). His words echo the words of David and those of God Himself, recorded by the prophet Isaiah.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Moses expressed the same sentiment to the Israelites before they entered the land of Canaan.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

Then, as Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites in their conquest of the land of promise, Yahweh reiterated the promise of His presence and power. 

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous…This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:6-7, 9 NLT

But in Psalm 124, David asks the rhetorical question, “What if the Lord had not been on our side?” And he provides the self-evident answer to his own question.

They would have swallowed us alive
in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us;
a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury
would have overwhelmed our very lives.– Psalm 124:3-5 NLT

It would have been a disaster. If Yahweh had not answered their prayers and rescued them from their enemies, the outcome would have been devastating. Without Yahweh’s presence and power, defeat would have been inevitable and unavoidable. That’s why David reminds his people to respond appropriately to Yahweh’s gracious intervention in their lives.

Praise the LORD,
who did not let their teeth tear us apart! – Psalm 124:6 NLT

Every victory David had experienced as a shepherd, warrior, and king had been the work of Yahweh. As he prepared to face the Philistine champion, Goliath, David assured King Saul that he was up to the challenge because he had Yahweh on his side.

“When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” – 1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT

When Saul commissioned David to lead a contingent of 1,000 soldiers, he proved successful again, because Yahweh was with him.

Saul was then afraid of David, for the LORD was with David and had turned away from Saul. Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.

David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him. – 1 Samuel 18:12-14 NLT

Yahweh’s abiding presence remained with David throughout his life, even during his years as the king of Israel. Toward the end of his reign, David received Yahweh’s confirmation that his success had been divinely ordained. The LORD had been with David from the moment he was anointed to be the next king of Israel.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!” – 2 Samuel 7:8-9 NLT

So, as David penned the words of this psalm, he did so from personal experience. Yahweh had been with him throughout the years and had delivered the enemies of Israel into his hands. His victories had been Yahweh’s doing and not his own. His defeat of Goliath had been the work of God. His battles against the Philistines had turned in his favor because Yahweh was with him. And he knew that, without God’s help, the outcomes would have been dramatically different.

In this psalm, he raises the thought-provoking question, “What if the LORD had not been on our side?” His intention was not to raise doubt about Yahweh’s faithfulness, but to prevent the Israelites from taking the LORD’s power and presence for granted. 

His sobering question wasn’t intended to raise doubts about God’s reliability. He wasn’t asking them to consider the consequences if God ever failed to come through, but the reality that He always does. David’s point is that Yahweh is always faithful and true. He consistently comes through. There may be times when it appears as if He has forsaken us, but His very character assures us that He is on our side at all times.

This psalm is one of the songs of ascent that were sung by Jewish pilgrims making their annual journey to Jerusalem for Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles, both celebrations associated with the Passover. These songs were sung along the way, reminding the travelers of their destination and the One for whom they were making this long arduous journey to worship. They were going to Jerusalem “to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel” (Psalm 122:4b NLT). The name of the Lord was synonymous with His reputation. He was El Shaddai (LORD God Almighty), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master), Jehovah Nissi (The LORD My Banner), Jehovah-Raah (The LORD My Shephard), Jehovah Rapha (The LORD That Heals), Jehovah Shammah (The LORD Is There), Jehovah Tsidkenu (The LORD Our Righteousness), Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The LORD Who Sanctifies You), El Olam (The Everlasting God), Jehovah Jireh (The LORD Will Provide), Jehovah Shalom (The LORD Is Peace), and Jehovah Sabaoth (The LORD Of Hosts).

God’s names are a picture of who He is and remind His people of all that He has done for them. So, as the people made their way to Jerusalem, they celebrated His activity in the life of their nation through song.

But as they sang, David wanted them to consider the sobering reality that, without God, they would have no hope. Had God not been on their side, “The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us” (Psalm 124:4 NLT). He wanted them to recognize that life without Yahweh would be no life at all. They understood that their help was from the LORD, the same Creator God who had made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). This all-powerful God had chosen to have a personal relationship with them and provide them with His protection, provision, and ongoing presence. But rather than take this fact for granted, the people of Israel were to remind themselves what life would be like if Yahweh were not on their side.

So, as they made their way to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh, they asked one another, “What if the LORD had not been on our side?” Their thoughtful consideration of this question was meant to reinforce their faith in Yahweh and reenergize their worship of Him.

As New Testament believers, we may want to ask ourselves the same question. As the apostle Paul stated, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” Yahweh has chosen to make us His own through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. That is the point Paul was trying make in chapter 8 of his letter to the Roman believers. 

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. – Romans 8:31-34 NLT

Because of God’s faithfulness and the saving work of Jesus Christ, “overwhelming victory is ours” (Romans 8:37 NLT). Yes, there will be days filled with difficulty and we will face trials in this life but, as Paul asks, “Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?” (Romans 8:35 NLT). And, like David, he answers his own rhetorical question. 

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. – Romans 8:37 NLT

Father, my life is nothing without You. My future would be hopeless without You. My life would have no meaning without You. But because of who You are, I know I have help, hope, and healing at my disposal. I have a relationship with the God of the universe because of the gracious gift of Your Son. He has provided me with His righteousness and assures me of Your acceptance and love. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank You. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Learning to Wait on God

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A Song of Ascents. 

1 To you I lift up my eyes,
    O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
    look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
    to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
    till he has mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
    for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
    of the scorn of those who are at ease,
    of the contempt of the proud. – Psalm 123:1-4 ESV

In the previous psalm, David focused his attention on Jerusalem, which he referred to as “the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1 ESV). He reveled in his privilege to call the city his home and the dwelling place of Yahweh. But in this psalm, the author turns his attention to heaven, where Yahweh is enthroned. He seems to paint a different picture of God’s presence, describing Him as somewhat distant and remote. He has a more transcendent view of Yahweh, and it seems to be related to the current circumstances surrounding the people of Israel.

Describing their situation in desperate terms, he cries out to Yahweh for mercy.

We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy… – Psalm 123:2 NLT

Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy,
    for we have had our fill of contempt. – Psalm 123:3 NLT

He provides little in the way of details, but leaves the impression that the nation of Israel is being treated with scorn and contempt by its enemies. The word “contempt” is bûz in Hebrew, and it carries the idea of disrespect and shame stemming from another’s pride and arrogance. The enemies of Israel are casting dispersions on the people of God, denigrating them as a nation and showing disrespect for their God. The Israelites had witnessed this many times over the years. All the way back in Egypt, when Moses attempted to free them from their captivity, Pharaoh had responded, “And who is the LORD? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go” (Exodus 5:2 NLT). 

Centuries later, King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened to destroy Jerusalem and warned its inhabitants that their God was too weak to deliver them from his hands.

“Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you by saying, ‘The LORD will rescue us!’ Have the gods of any other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria? What happened to the gods of Hamath and Arpad? And what about the gods of Sepharvaim? Did any god rescue Samaria from my power? What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me?” – Isaiah 36:18-20 NLT

Asaph, the author of the 73rd Psalm, described his frustration over the prideful arrogance of the wicked, who cast dispersions on Yahweh as they gloat about their own success.

But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
    My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
For I envied the proud
    when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
They seem to live such painless lives;
    their bodies are so healthy and strong.
They don’t have troubles like other people;
    they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
They wear pride like a jeweled necklace
    and clothe themselves with cruelty.
These fat cats have everything
    their hearts could ever wish for!
They scoff and speak only evil;
    in their pride they seek to crush others.
They boast against the very heavens,
    and their words strut throughout the earth.
And so the people are dismayed and confused,
    drinking in all their words.
“What does God know?” they ask.
    “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
Look at these wicked people—
    enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. – Psalm 73:2-12 NLT

The author of this psalm expresses his own growing frustration over the relentless ridicule of the godless.

We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud
    and the contempt of the arrogant. – Psalm 123:4 NLT

His words convey a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. He has had his fill of their disrespectful treatment, but is even more frustrated by his inability to do anything about it. So, he cries out to Yahweh for mercy. The Hebrew word for mercy is ḥānan, and it conveys the idea of favor, grace, and even pity. The psalmist calls on Yahweh like a slave would cry out to his master or a slave girl would look to her mistress for mercy. He is not suggesting that his relationship with God is that of a slave to his unjust and unmerciful master. He is simply describing his feeling of abject need and total dependence upon Yahweh for help.

While the wicked cast dispersions on God’s power and presence, the psalmist is casting his hope on Yahweh’s favor, mercy, and pity. His God is enthroned in the heavens and sees all that is going on. Far from distant and disinterested, Yahweh is fully aware of what is going on and ready to do something about it. That is why the psalmist appeals to Him for mercy. Their lives are in Yahweh’s hands, just as a slave is entirely dependent upon his master to meet all his needs.

The psalmist describes their utter reliance upon Yahweh when he states, “our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us” (Psalm 123:2 ESV). This terminology is used throughout the Psalms to express a faith-based trust in the sovereign will of the Almighty. 

My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
    for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted. – Psalm 25:15-16 ESV

But my eyes are toward you, O God, my LORD;
    in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! – Psalm 141:8 ESV

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the LORD
    more than watchmen for the morning,
    more than watchmen for the morning. – Psalm 130:5-6 ESV

Each of these psalms reflects a patient reliance upon Yahweh even when things look bleak and hopeless. Rather than focusing on their circumstance, each author turns his attention to the LORD, whom he believes will intervene and rectify the situation.

The apostle Peter recommended the same God-focused mindset, encouraging believers to cast all their worries, cares, and concerns on Him. However, Peter tied this reliance on God to a need for humility.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:5-7 ESV

The psalmist illustrates what Peter had in mind, viewing himself as little more than a slave crying out to his master. He has no power of his own and no right to make demands of his master. There are no ultimatums given and no demands expressed. He simply asks that Yahweh show him unmerited mercy and favor. And he believes that His gracious LORD and Master will answer.

Father, I can be a fairly demanding servant. I come to You far too often with a sense of entitlement, expecting You to give me what I want, when I want it. I tend to lack the attitude Peter talked about. Humility can be difficult and waiting can be next to impossible. Like the psalmist, I can get to the point where I have had my fill of the circumstance, and demand that You fix it, on my terms and according to my timeline. But I want to learn to wait expectantly, but also patiently. Forgive me for my presumption, impatience, and impertinence. Help me learn to fix my eyes on You so I can cast my cares on You. I spend far too much time focusing on my perceived problems, rather than fixing my eyes on the solution: You. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Peace of God’s Presence

/ kdmiller55 / Leave a comment

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
2 Our feet have been standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city
    that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the LORD,
as was decreed for Israel,
    to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set,
    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
    “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
    and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions’ sake
    I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
    I will seek your good. – Psalm 122:1-9 ESV

This song of ascent is attributed to David and features his impassioned reflections about the holy city of Jerusalem. This site held special significance to David because he had conquered and captured the city when he first became king of Israel.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. – 2 Samuel 5:4-5 NLT

The city of Jebus was occupied by a Canaanite tribe known as the Jebusites. They taunted the new king of Israel, saying, “You’ll never get in here! Even the blind and lame could keep you out!” (2 Samuel 5:6 NLT). But David easily defeated them and captured the fortress of Zion. 

So David made the fortress his home, and he called it the City of David. He extended the city, starting at the supporting terraces and working inward. And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was with him. – 2 Samuel 5:9-10 NLT

David moved from Hebron to Jerusalem, effectively making the city his royal capital. He quickly expanded its size, fortified its walls, and, with the help of the king of Tyre, built himself an opulent palace. Later in his reign, David developed plans for building a Temple in Jerusalem for Yahweh, but was denied the honor of doing so.

“It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’” – 1 Chronicles 28:2-3 NLT

After his death, Solomon would eventually carry out the massive construction project, a feat that took seven years to complete. At the time Psalm 122 was written, the Temple did not yet exist, but the city itself held special significance for David. It was a symbol of his reign and a reminder of God’s sovereign plan to make him the king of Israel.

“This is what the LORD has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, ‘Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?’

“Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!’” – 2 Samuel 7:5-9 NLT

That is what led David to write, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’ And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:1-2 NLT). For David, the entire city of Jerusalem was Yahweh’s dwelling place. Early in his reign, David arranged to have the Ark of the Covenant relocated from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. The motivation behind this plan was to ensure God’s presence within the walls of Jerusalem.

Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. He led them to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath-jearim) to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. – 2 Samuel 6:1-2 NLT

Having the Ark of the Covenant within the walls of his capital city provided David with confidence. God’s presence was said to dwell above the Mercy Seat, which served as the lid for the gold-encrusted Ark. The Ark contained the staff of Aaron, the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments, and a jar filled with manna. The Ark was central to the sacrificial system of Israel and was where the blood of the sacrificial lamb was sprinkled each year on the Day of Atonement. God’s abiding presence and gracious provision of atonement for the sins of His people provided David peace of mind and confidence in the future. His God was with him and the city of Jerusalem was a reminder of Yahweh’s presence, protection and provision.

Jerusalem is a well-built city;
    its seamless walls cannot be breached.
All the tribes of Israel—the LORD’s people—
    make their pilgrimage here.
They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD,
    as the law requires of Israel. – Psalm 122:3-4 NLT

Three times a year, on the prescribed feast days, the people of Israel would ascend Mount Zion to worship Yahweh in the city of Jerusalem. This psalm was one of the songs they would sing as they made their way up the sloping hills to the city. In his psalm, David calls for the people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
    May all who love this city prosper.
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
    and prosperity in your palaces. – Psalm 122:6-7 NLT

While he was the warrior-king who had won many battles against Israel’s enemies, he desired for his royal city to escape bloodshed and enjoy an extended period of peace and prosperity. During his reign, he expanded Israel’s borders and fought to secure its future in the region. But he knew that Israel’s continued success and Jerusalem’s tranquility were tied to the sovereign will of Yahweh. Without His help, the nation was hopeless, and the city would cease to exist.

David may have conquered Jebus, expelled its occupants, and transformed Jerusalem into his capital city, but he could not have done so without Yahweh’s assistance. That is why David made the peace of Jerusalem his highest priority.

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
    “May you have peace.”
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
    I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. – Psalm122:8-9 NLT

In one of David’s most familiar and revered psalms, he wrote, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6 NLT). David could not have been referring to the Temple because it had not yet been built. So, what did he mean? The term “house of the LORD” could also refer to Yahweh’s presence. It referred to His dwelling place among men. In Leviticus 26:11-12, God promised the Israelites, “I will live among you, and I will not despise you. I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people.”

David knew Yahweh’s abiding presence was the key to Israel’s success and prosperity.  Without Him, they were helpless and hopeless. For David, peace was not an absence of conflict, but the presence of God. As long as He was with them, they could rest in the assurance of His presence and power. That is what led David to write, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

What set David’s reign apart from that of Saul’s was the abiding presence of God. David knew Yahweh had been with him all along, from the moment of his anointing by Samuel, all the way to his coronation as the king of Israel. Yahweh had promised to be with David, and He had never failed to keep that commitment.

“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.” – 2 Samuel 7:9-11 NLT

Jerusalem was where David communed with God. He could look around the city and see evidence of Yahweh’s hand. The City of David was really the City of Yahweh, because He was the one who gave David the victory over the Jebusites. It was Yahweh who placed David on the throne of Israel. And it would be Yahweh who maintained the peace of Jerusalem and the future of the Davidic dynasty. David rested in the promise God had made to him.

“Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” – 2 Samuel 7:16 NLT

So, as he walked the streets of Jerusalem, David was reminded of God’s promise, secure in God’s presence, and confident in God’s power to protect and provide for all their needs.

Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,
    the thrones of the dynasty of David. – Psalm 122:5 NLT

Father, You are the promise-keeping God. And one of the most amazing promises You have made is to never leave or forsake Your chosen people. Despite out many shortcomings and long track record of disobedience, You have remained faithful and committed to keeping Your word. You said You would dwell among us and You do. Your presence is guaranteed and Your power is always available. You are always near, no matter the circumstance. Even if I tried, I could not escape Your presence. As David wrote, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (Psalm 139:7 NLT). Thank You for that timely and much-needed remind. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Help Is On the Way

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A Song of Ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
    who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is your keeper;
    the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore. – Psalm 121:1-8 ESV

This psalm, the second in the songs of ascent, celebrates Yahweh’s undeniable and unfailing intervention in the lives of His chosen people. The author begins with a personal testimony to Yahweh’s faithfulness in his own life.

My help comes from the LORD,
    who made heaven and earth! – Psalm 121:2 NLT

He lifts his eyes to the hills surrounding Jerusalem, where the city sits on the heights of Mount Zion. That is where his help comes from because that is where the God of Israel chose to dwell in the Temple built by Solomon.

“I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.” – 1 Kings 9:3 ESV

When Solomon finished his prayer of dedication for the newly opened Temple, Yahweh gave His new home His Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval in a dramatic and jaw-dropping fashion.

As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD‘s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 ESV

The psalmist viewed the Temple as God’s dwelling place on earth, and Jerusalem was the city honored to contain this glory-filled residence of the Almighty. As he made his way to Jerusalem, he could see the Temple in all its glorious splendor, a fitting reminder of Yahweh’s persistent presence and power. Poised on the precipice of Mount Zion, the Temple overlooked the Kidron Valley and stood as a symbol of hope and help to all who gazed upon it.

But the psalmist wanted his audience to know that the Temple’s “royal resident” was more impressive than the building that housed His glory. Without Yahweh’s glory, the Temple was just another building. Its elaborate design and fixtures of gold and silver made it a sight to behold, but it was Yahweh who set the Temple apart. It was His presence that made the Temple holy and worthy of reverence. The occupant of their place of worship was not an idol made by human hands. He was not fashioned from clay, stone, or precious metal, but He was the one “who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2 ESV).

The psalmist notes that Yahweh isn’t a God who needs sleep or takes vacations. He doesn’t require assistance or periodic rest periods to regain His strength. This declaration by the psalmist echoes the words of the prophet Elijah, spoken to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. As they cried out to their false god in a hopeless attempt to elicit his aid, Elijah mocked their futile efforts.

“You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!” – 1 Kings 18:27 NLT

The psalmist knew that Yahweh could be counted on. He reassuringly states, “He will not let you stumble” (Psalm 121:3 NLT). This somewhat obvious statement seems to point to the idiocy of idolatry. The Israelites didn’t worship a false god fashioned from wood that must be transported from one place to another by human hands. The God of Israel was a living being who was independent, transcendent, and all-powerful. He was unlike the gods of the pagans that the prophet Isaiah ridiculed mercilessly.

How foolish are those who manufacture idols.
    These prized objects are really worthless.
The people who worship idols don’t know this,
    so they are all put to shame.
Who but a fool would make his own god—
    an idol that cannot help him one bit?
All who worship idols will be disgraced
    along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—
    who claim they can make a god.
They may all stand together,
    but they will stand in terror and shame.

The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool,
    pounding and shaping it with all his might.
His work makes him hungry and weak.
    It makes him thirsty and faint.
13 Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood
    and draws a pattern on it.
He works with chisel and plane
    and carves it into a human figure.
He gives it human beauty
    and puts it in a little shrine.
He cuts down cedars;
    he selects the cypress and the oak;
he plants the pine in the forest
    to be nourished by the rain.
Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire.
    With it he warms himself and bakes his bread.
Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it
    and makes himself a god to worship!
He makes an idol
    and bows down in front of it!
He burns part of the tree to roast his meat
    and to keep himself warm.
    He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.”
Then he takes what’s left
    and makes his god: a carved idol!
He falls down in front of it,
    worshiping and praying to it.
“Rescue me!” he says.
    “You are my god!” – Isaiah 44:9-17 NLT

Yahweh is reliable and fully capable of rescuing His children at all times. He watches over them constantly, protecting them from harm and providing all they need to survive in a dangerous world. In a harsh environment where the heat of the sun could kill a man, Yahweh served as a source of shade and comfort. He stood between His children and anything that could harm them.

The LORD himself watches over you!
    The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night. – Psalm 121:5-6 NLT

Day and night, Yahweh stood like a sleepless sentinel, watching over His chosen people. This imagery conjures up His appearance before the Israelites during their escape from Egypt and their journey to the promised land.

The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the LORD did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. – Exodus 13:21-22 NLT

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. – Exodus 14:19-20 NLT

The same God who delivered the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt was still watching over His people centuries later. His glory and power had not diminished, and His presence was just as palpable and reliable as ever.  This truth led the psalmist to end his song with an uplifting stanza that celebrates Yahweh’s unwavering capacity to care for His people.

The LORD keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever. – Psalm 121:7-8 NLT

“The spirit of the psalm is to evoke trust in Yahweh, the Keeper of the pilgrim, and the Keeper of Israel, the Maker of heaven and earth. Often things that happen in the life of the pilgrim would not be his or her choice. But the psalm is not pointing in this direction. The direction is upward, toward God. The believer must recognize that life is a gift from God, the Giver of life. The pilgrim can rest confidently, knowing that God’s glory will prevail, and that justice . . . and righteousness . . . will ultimately rule.” – David G. Barker, “‘The Lord Watches over You’: A Pilgrimage Reading of Psalm 121, Bibliotheca Sacra 152:606 (April-June 1995):180-81.

The psalmist does not promise a trouble-free, blessing-filled life where all difficulties are eliminated. He does not promote a heaven-on-earth theology that guarantees your best life now. He simply reminds his audience that their God is trustworthy, powerful, and fully present. He isn’t a lifeless, sightless, powerless idol but the God of the universe. He is alive, alert, and prepared to intervene at a moment’s notice. Nothing escapes His attention. No circumstance proves too difficult for Him to handle. Trials will come. Suffering will still be a regular occurrence. But God’s children can count on Him to be with them day and night through thick or thin. Help is always on the way because Yahweh is always close at hand.

Father, You are my help at all times. Yet, so often I turn elsewhere when facing difficulties. I tend to forget all that You have done for me in the past and allow panic to set in at the first sign of trouble. But I want to learn to embrace the words of the psalmist and turn my eyes to the hills, where my hope comes from. You have not gone anywhere. You have not abandoned me. You are always there and You are always powerful. Give me the strength to trust You because You are trustworthy. When tough times come, help me focus on You and not my problem. Let me remember that You will keep me from harm and watch over my life. Always, and forever. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.