01/16/12

Psalm 53 David Expounded

 Psalm 53

 For the director of music. According to mahalath.[b] A maskil[c] of David.

 1 The fool says in his heart,
   “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
   there is no one who does good.

 2 God looks down from heaven
   on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
   any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
   there is no one who does good,
   not even one.

 4Do all these evildoers know nothing?

   They devour my people as though eating bread;
   they never call on God.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
   where there was nothing to dread.
God scattered the bones of those who attacked you;
   you put them to shame, for God despised them.

 6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
   When God restores his people,
   let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 53:1 In Hebrew texts 53:1-6 is numbered 53:2-7.
  2. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  3. Psalm 53:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

I find it so amazing that these words expressed by the Psalmist echo through time to our present age as a testimony of the nature of man. We read in Scripture that GOD does not change. Sadly, neither does mankind.

Yes, we do change in our outer lives–some prosper and accumulate wordly wealth. Others may prosper and accumulate spiritual wealth. In some cases both forms of wealth are realized–but mankind has this tendency to stick to a basic, selfish nature. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no GOD”. Verse 1a. This obviously happened long ago and is still happening today. That is the reason why we still need a Savior to intervene and stand in the gap for us. Jesus is our intercessor, and He is the one who declares the reality and righteousness of the Father. We have a warrior King on our side, and even within this historical timeframe; because of this historical timeframe; it is even more desperately important to see that the Kingdom of GOD is presented to the masses, and that the people are given opportunity for redemption and salvation.

David saw into the heart of man because of his own human experiences. He also saw into the heart of GOD because of his own spiritual encounters with GOD and personal deliverance. David speaks frankly and fervently here. He knows the mercy of GOD’s Spirit–the Comfort of His presence.

“God looks down from Heaven on all mankind, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek GOD”  Verse 2.  This statement was relevant tn David’s time–it is also relevant in our own time.        Charlene

 

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05/12/11

Psalm 5 Revisited

May 12, 2011

God gives me a Psalm more than once. I have found that that Psalm 5  applies everyday, so I am reposting it. Have a wonderful day in Christ.  Charlene

Do you ever feel as if you need to be vindicated? Do your circumstances seem overwhelming ? There is a God in Heaven who cares about you and your circumstances. This beautiful Psalm 5 written by David will make you gain hope, strength, and joy, and, with the fullness of the knowledge of Christ, you can move forward knowing that your Sovereign Lord and His hosts are watching your back.   Praise Him all you people!!!!!!   Charlene

Psalm 5 (New International Version, ©2010)

 

Psalm 5

Psalm 5[a]

    For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

 1 Listen to my words, LORD,
   consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
   my King and my God,
   for to you I pray.

 3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
   in the morning I lay my requests before you
   and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
   with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
   in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
 6 you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
   you, LORD, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
   can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
   toward your holy temple.

 8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness
   because of my enemies—
   make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
   their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
   with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
   Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
   for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

 12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

 Source: www.biblegateway.com