Old Testament

Malachi 1

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NASB

God’s Love for Jacob



1:1 The oracle [prophecy] of the word of the LORD to [not against] Israel through Malachi [we know nothing about him other than he was a messenger; possibly a contemporary of Nehemiah (based on topics addressed in both books); ministered four centuries before Christ (possible date of 450 BC); name means “my messenger” or “my angel” — the Hebrew word is found only in Malachi 1:1 and 3:1].


1:2 “I have loved you,” [“That is, in a particular and extraordinary degree; not only as men, but above the rest of men, and above the other posterity, both of Abraham and Isaac.” (Benson Commentary)] says the LORD. But you say, “How hast Thou loved us?” [the people wanted proof of God’s love for them] “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob;



1:3 but I have hated [means a lesser degree of love or showing less regard or favor] Esau, and I have made his mountains [Mount Weir and region given to Esau (Deut. 2:5; Josh. 24:4)] a desolation [inhabitable; the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy in Joel 3:19; laid waste by Nebuchadnezzar (see prophecy in Jer. 49:17-22 and Ezek. 35)], and appointed his inheritance for the jackals [an animal that delights in desolate places] of the wilderness.



1:4 Though Edom [no cities in the region apart from Petra] says, “We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up [as Jerusalem was rebuilt by those who had returned from captivity] the ruins [such efforts would be in vain; the region was doomed to perpetual desolation]”; thus says the LORD of hosts, “They may build, but I will tear down [an indication that God was against them and thus they would not succeed]; and men will call them the wicked territory [or the border of wickedness as opposed to the border of Edom; an accursed land; they became a reproach], and the people toward whom the LORD is indignant forever.”



1:5 And your [Jacob] eyes will see this [the destruction of the Edomites] and you will say, “The LORD be magnified beyond the border of Israel [in contrast to border of wickedness or “the wicked territory” in v. 4]!”


Sin of the Priests



1:6 “ ‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master [a generally accepted custom]. Then if I am a father [God is the Father of Israel (see Deut. 32:6,18)], where is My honor [to give weight or consideration to]? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests [the ones who should have been most concerned about God’s honor] who despise [to neglect or to care little about as opposed to blaspheme] My name [the sum of God’s revealed character; the character and reputation of God]. But you say, ‘How [they doubted that God’s claim against them was accurate] have we despised [felt contempt for] Thy name?’



1:7 “You are presenting defiled food [essentially food unfit to be offered; something diminished or less than what the law required; blemished sacrifices] upon My altar. But you [those who had offered defiled food] say, ‘How have we defiled [to show dishonor or a diminished value of the worship of God] Thee?’ In that you say, ‘The table of the LORD is to be despised [as expressed and evidenced by the offering of “defiled food”].



1:8 “But when you present the blind [cf. Lev. 22:17-25] for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick [cf. Lev. 22:17-25], is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor [even their own governor would not be pleased with their unacceptable sacrifices]? Would he be pleased with you [no, because such an offering would be regarded as an insult]? Or would he receive you kindly [no, absolutely not; if their offerings would be unfit for a man they would certainly be unfit for God]?” says the LORD of hosts.



1:9 “But now will you not entreat God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering [“defiled food” (v. 7); blemished animals] on your part [the priests had not led the people well because they had offered “defiled food” (v. 7) at the Lord’s altar], will He receive any of you [their actions precluded the Lord’s favor] kindly?” says the LORD of hosts.



1:10 “Oh that there were one among you [those (priests and Levites) who should be leading by a good example and promoting God’s service] who would shut the gates [doors to the inner court of the temple; because they had made a mockery of God’s service], that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar [to cease unworthy and useless sacrifices]! I am not pleased with you,” [if the Lord is displeased with us it does not matter who else is pleased with us] says the LORD of hosts, “nor will I accept an offering from you [“Better no sacrifices than vain ones (Isa 1:11-15).” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary); better for the temple to be closed than profaned].



1:11 “For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations [by Jews of the diaspora and those converted through their witness; among the Gentiles in NT], and in every place [not just one place like the Jewish temple] incense [“incense was considered by the Jews themselves as a figure or emblem of prayer and praise” (see Ps. 141:2; Luke 1:10)] is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure [as opposed to the defiled and impure offerings the people were guilty of offering on the altar]; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.



1:12 “But you [priests and consequently the people who followed their bad example] are profaning it [God’s name], in that you say [likely more by their example than their words], ‘The table [or the altar] of the Lord is defiled [not sacred or worthy of reverence], and as for its fruit, its food [perhaps a reference to the priests allotted portion] is to be despised [the priests allowed unworthy sacrifices and then complained that their allotted portion was bad].’



1:13 “You [the priests] also say, ‘My, how tiresome [to do things as God had prescribed; the priests and the people were weary with serving God; serving God becomes an intolerable burden when we serve Him without heart or faith] it [God’s service] is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it [to despise or treat with contempt],” says the LORD of hosts, “and you bring what was taken by robbery [a reference to that which was unfit to be offered], and what is lame or sick [unacceptable offerings]; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that [what is unfit and unworthy] from your hand?” says the LORD.



1:14 “But cursed be the swindler [deceiver; hypocrite] who has a male in his flock [a proper and acceptable sacrifice without blemish that could be offered as a burnt offering; see Leviticus 22:18-19], and vows [a deliberate promise to do the right thing; see the warning of Ecclesiastes 5:5] it, but [instead of doing the right thing, switches the acceptable sacrificial animal with a lesser and unacceptable one; says he will give God the best and then gives Him the worst] sacrifices a blemished animal [an improper sacrifice and one worth less] to the Lord, for I am a great King [thus worthy of our best],” says the LORD of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations [including Gentiles when converted].”

Psalm 38

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NASB

Prayer of a Suffering Penitent.
A Psalm of David, for a memorial.



Note: This is one of the penitential psalms (see also Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, 143). The specific occasion in David’s life that prompted him to write this psalm is not given.




38:1 O Lord, rebuke [a form of judgment; we can and should learn the lessons God would have us to learn in such times] me not in Thy wrath [David asked God to temper His punishment];

And chasten [David was aware that he had done something deserving of rebuke and chastisement] me not in Thy burning anger [“As thy love is most sweet to my heart, so thy displeasure is most cutting to my conscience.” (The Treasury of David)].



38:2 For Thine arrows [represent conviction of sin; God’s judgements; God shoots these arrows at our sin and we feel them when they pierce’ cf. Job 6:4] have sunk deep into me [the conviction of God caused spiritual pain and grief],

And Thy hand has pressed down on me [an indication of God’s conviction and displeasure].



38:3 [see Ps. 32:3-4] There is no soundness [a consequence of sin] in my flesh [sin takes a physical as well as a spiritual toll] because of Thine indignation [David understood that he had displeased God];

There is no health [a consequence of sin; David found no rest or comfort because of his sin] in my bones because of my sin [David understood that his sin was the cause of his crisis; David took ownership of his sin; see Ps. 119:67; “Sin comes as a friend to entice you and then becomes a master to enslave you.” (Wiersbe)].



38:4 For my iniquities are gone over my head [David was in deep water, drowning in a sea of troubles; David found himself entangled in deep weeds after he strayed from the path];

As a heavy burden they weigh [cf. Heb. 12:1; weight pulls people down; some Roman authorities were known to have shackled the dead body of a victim to the convicted killer to carry the weight of his victim and eventually to smell the rotting flesh of his victim] too much for me [the crushing weight of his sin was more than he could bear].



38:5 My wounds [caused by sin] grow foul and fester.

Because of my folly [a synonym for his sin],




38:6 I am bent over [distorted and in pain] and greatly bowed down [a picture of the weight of depression; sin causes the upright to bend under the weight of guilt; the awareness of our sin should cause us to bow down with sorrow and shame and then to look up with hope];

I go mourning [clothed in black garments] all day long [without interruption].



38:7 [David’s sin impacted his physical health] For my loins [“the seat of strength” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown)] are filled with burning;

And there is no soundness in my flesh [his entire being was in pain].



38:8 I am benumbed [feeble] and badly crushed [broken in spirit];

I groan [“His exhaustion left him only the power to groan.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown)] because of the agitation [brought about by the deep sense his sins] of my heart.



38:9 Lord, all my desire [everything that David would ask; God knows the longings of our hearts; often after everything else has failed we finally look to God as a last resort] is before Thee [known by God];

And my sighing [expression of sorrow or anguish over sin] is not hidden [everything we do is done in God’s sight and known by Him; nothing is hidden from Him; we can never do anything behind God’s back] from Thee.



38:10 My heart throbs [an indication of anxiety and distress; to shake with fear or dread; runs about with no rest], my strength [physical and spiritual] fails me;

And the light of my eyes [our eyes reflect the condition of our heart; it is easy to lose sight of God and to lose perspective when we are struggling under the weight of our sin; weakness and weeping can also contribute to the dimming of our eyes; he had lost the sparkle in his eyes], even that has gone from me.



38:11 My loved ones and my friends [those dearest and nearest to us] stand aloof [unwilling to draw near to him, thus leaving him to suffer alone] from my plague [seen by others as someone stricken by God];

And my kinsmen stand afar off [David’s “plague” created distance between himself and others, leaving him alone and vulnerable to those who wanted to do him harm].



38:12 Those who seek my life [those who did not care about David’s welfare] lay snares [cf. Ps. 124:7] for me [David’s enemies were determined to destroy him; David’s enemies took advantage of he fact that he was weak, helpless, abandoned by friends, vulnerable];

And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction,

And they devise treachery [contrive hurtful schemes; to speak malignity] all day long [constantly].



38:13 [David expressed how powerless he felt] But I, like a deaf man, do not hear [those who were seeking his life];

And I am like a dumb man who does not open his mouth [to speak to those seeking his life].



38:14 Yes, I am like a man who does not hear [David did not pay attention to what was being said against him],

And in whose mouth are no arguments [with which to defend himself; he longed for God to vindicate him].



38:15 For I hope [this was the reason he was patient and chose not to listen or speak to his enemies] in Thee [hope is renewed when we look to the Lord; David allowed his woes to point him toward God rather than away from Him], O LORD [translated from Yahweh (the covenant God of Israel)];

Thou wilt answer [the expectation of those who hope in the Lord], O Lord [translated from Adonai (God as Master)] my God [translated from Elohim (the plural word for God)].



38:16 For I said, “May they not rejoice over me [David’s enemies wanted nothing more than to rejoice because of his downfall; cf. Ps. 13:4-5],

Who, when my foot slips [David’s enemies wanted to see David slip], would magnify themselves against me [David’s enemies wanted to look down on him in triumph].”



38:17 For I am ready to fall [David was ready to give up in despair],

And my sorrow [over his sin] is continually before me.



38:18 For I confess [cf. Ps. 32:5; read Ps. 32:3-4 regarding what happens when we do not confess our sin] my iniquity;

I am full of anxiety [grief over his sin] because of my sin.



38:19 But [David was aware of the strength of those who hated him and hoped for his downfall and destruction] my enemies [as opposed to himself] are vigorous and strong;

And many are those who hate me wrongfully [without a cause; based on misinformation and misconceptions].



38:20 And those who repay evil for good,

They [David’s adversaries] oppose me, because I follow what is good.



38:21 Do not forsake me [the urgent cry of a hurting soul; cf. Ps. 27:9], O LORD;

O my God, do not be far from me [David did not want for his sin to keep him distanced from God]!



38:22 Make haste [those in imminent danger want help sooner than later] to help me,

O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 43

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NASB

Note: Some scholars suggest that Psalms 42 and 43 are likely a single poem. Psalm 43 has no title, which is seen as a reason for putting the two psalms together. The language of the psalm indicates that the psalmist was in some kind of trouble or facing a threat.

43:1 Vindicate me [undertake my cause], O God, and plead my case against an ungodly [unmerciful, cruel] nation [possibly a reference to a large company of enemies];

O deliver me [that the world may know of my innocence] from the deceitful and unjust [deceit and injustice are companions] man [context seems to point to the time of Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 15)]!



43:2 For Thou art the God of my strength [cf. Ps. 18:1-2]; why hast Thou rejected [to cast off; cf. Ps. 22:1] me [the cry of one who “feels” alone and vulnerable; cf. Ps. 42:9; because the Islamist was under intense pressure, he wrongly concluded that he had been cast off or was rejected by God]?

Why do I go mourning [cf. Ps. 42:9] because of the oppression of the enemy?

43:3 O send out Thy [God’s] light [the plea of those who find themselves in oppressive darkness; a plea for God’s favor] and Thy truth [the plea of those who are surrounded by deceitful people], let them [the light and truth of God’s word] lead me [God’s light and truth are reliable guides];

Let them bring me [in a time of trouble the psalmist longed to return to the familiar places where he enjoyed the presence of God] to Thy holy hill [God’s light and truth will lead one toward the presence and the heart of God],

And to Thy dwelling places [God’s light and truth will lead one to the place where God (and therefore safety) dwells].

43:4 Then I will go to the altar [the place where both sacrifices and thanksgiving were offered] of God [the place where things become clearer; read Ps. 73:16-17],

To God my exceeding joy [God was the One who made the psalmist joyous];

And upon the lyre [a musical instrument used in the worship of God] I shall praise Thee, O God, my God.


43:5 [cf. Ps. 42:5,11] Why are you in despair [to be cast down, to be depressed, to sink under the weight of sorrow], O my soul?

And why are you disturbed within me [suggests an agitated and troubled mind]?

Hope in God [the psalmist commanded himself to remember that God would deliver him from all his troubles], for I shall again [because God would indeed vindicate and deliver him] praise Him,

The help of my countenance [our countenance changes when God is present; He is the One who “lifts my head” (Ps. 3:3)], and my God.

Psalm 146

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NASB

The LORD an Abundant Helper.

Note: Psalms 146-150 all begin and end with the word “Hallelujah” which is translated “Praise the Lord.” This set of psalms are called the Third Hallel (see also Psalms 113-118 and Psalm 136).




146:1 Praise [express adoration or approval] the LORD [Hallelujah]!

Praise [to honor, commend] the LORD [for who He is and what He has done], O my soul [cf. Psalm 103:1-2]!



146:2 I will praise [a joyful recounting of all that God has done for us] the LORD while I live [we have only our generation in which to praise God and serve His purpose (Acts 13:36); we should praise God all the time (Ps. 34:1)];

I will sing [one way in which to praise God] praises to my God while I have my being.


Note: Ways in which to praise God include…

• with singing: Ps. 149:1

• with dancing: Ps. 149:3

• with musical instruments: Ps. 150:3

• with our words: Ps. 35:28

• with our actions: Col. 3:17

• with our uprightness: Ps. 119:7

• with all our hearts: Ps. 86:

146:3 Do not trust [rely on] in princes [nobles],

[or] In mortal man [any human being], in whom there is no salvation [political leaders and mortal men are not qualified to be saviors because they also are in need of salvation; cf. Acts 4:11-12].



146:4 His spirit departs, he returns to the earth [cf. Psalm 39:4-5; Psalm 103:15-16; James 4:14; no matter how lofty or lowly a man may be, all will return to dust; both the millionaire and the pauper will soon be consigned to a few feet of dirt, a place that after a period of time may no longer acknowledge them];

In that very day his thoughts [purposes, plans, ambitions, designs, projects] perish [cf. James 4:14].



146:5 How blessed is he whose help is the God [not transient men as in verse 3] of Jacob [God protected and defended Jacob in his travels; possibly a reference to Israel (the Jewish people)],

Whose hope [earnest longing and looking for or waiting for] is in the LORD [from Hebrew YHWH; used because of the practice among the Israelites to not pronounce or spell out the name of God] his God;



146:6 Who made heaven and earth [sets God apart from all other alleged gods],

The sea and all that is in them;

Who keeps faith forever [God is always true to His promises];



146:7 Who executes justice for the oppressed [those most in need of justice];

Who gives food to the hungry [those most in need of sustenance].

The LORD sets the prisoners [those most in need of liberty] free.



146:8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind [those most in need of sight];

The LORD raises up those who are bowed down [those most in need of comfort; cf. Matt. 11:28];

The LORD loves the righteous [those who obey His law and do what is right; not the self-righteous];



146:9 The LORD protects the strangers [those most in need of friends];

He supports the fatherless and the widow [those most in need of security; cf. Ps. 68:5; the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow are mentioned in the OT as objects of God’s care];

But He thwarts [to impede a course of action or overturn an evil scheme] the way of the wicked [those who are out of touch with God].



146:10 The LORD will reign forever [cf. Ps. 10:16; kings and princes rule for a season but the Lord reigns forever],

Thy God, O Zion [term occurs 150 times in the Bible; synonymous with city of God; Jerusalem; also known as the city of David], to all generations.

Praise the LORD!

Psalm 138

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NASB

Thanksgiving for the LORD’S Favor.
A Psalm of David.


138:1 I will give Thee thanks [David expressed gratitude and praise even in the worst of times] with all [total devotion; withholding nothing] my heart [cf. Ps. 9:1];

I will sing praises to Thee before the gods [God is above all other objects of worship and all other alleged gods as well as earthly rulers; cf. Ps. 119:46 re kings and great men; cf. “kings” in verse 4].

138:2 I will bow down [David was bold enough to sing God’s praises before great men (138:1) yet humble enough to bow down before his great God] toward Thy holy temple [had not yet been built although it was a vision in David’s heart; cf. Ps. 5:7],

And give thanks to Thy name for Thy lovingkindness [grace] and Thy truth [cf. Proverbs 3:3-4 and John 1:14 re “grace and truth”];

For Thou hast magnified Thy word according to all Thy name.

138:3 On the day [of trouble; of need] I called [the natural response of a child in danger or in need] Thou didst answer me [the most reassuring thing for someone in distress];

Thou didst make me bold [the result of knowing that God is with you] with strength in my soul.

138:4 All the kings of the earth will [the day is coming; cf. Phil. 2:9-11] give thanks to Thee, O LORD,
When they have heard the words of Thy mouth.

138:5 And they will sing of the ways [cf. Ps. 103:7] of the LORD.
For great is the glory of the LORD.

138:6 For though the LORD is exalted [God’s majesty is unsurpassed in its highness],

Yet He regards the lowly [God’s majesty is unsurpassed in its regard for the lowly; God will bend low to rescue those in need, comfort those suffering afflictions, and make provision for the poor; “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” (Corrie Ten Boom)];

But the haughty [the proud and boastful and those who are critical of God and His purposes; pride keeps people focused on themselves and distracts them from seeking God; cf. James 4:6] He knows from afar [afar is not a good place to be].

138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble [sooner for later every person will find themselves in the midst of trouble], Thou wilt revive me;

Thou wilt stretch forth Thy hand [an expression that is synonymous with judgment] against the wrath of my enemies,

And Thy right hand [the pinnacle of strength and ability] will save me.


138:8 The LORD will accomplish [using trials and tribulations as tools to accomplish His purpose] what concerns me [I am the object of God’s love and care];

Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;

Do not forsake the works of Thy hands [God will not forsake His work; cf. Phil. 1:6].

Psalm 37

/ Omar C. Garcia / 1 Comment

NASB

Security of Those Who Trust in the LORD, and Insecurity of the Wicked.
A Psalm of David.

Note: This psalm is in the form of an acrostic with every other line beginning with the succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

37:1 [cf. Prov. 24:19] Do not fret [worry, anxiety, distress; cf. 37:9; do not get heated] because of evildoers [cause anxiety and create fear],
Be not envious [jealousy is not a good character trait; one way to combat jealousy is to remember the end of the wicked (read Ps. 73:3, 16-17)] toward wrongdoers.

37:2 For they will [if they continue on the same course in defiance of God] wither [the wicked arrogantly act with impunity but only for a season; see mark 8:36] quickly [evil has no staying power and will not win the day] like the grass,

And fade [the clock is ticking on both the wicked and the righteous] like the green herb.




37:3 Trust [even when it seem illogical to do so] in the LORD [trust moves your attention from the problem to the problem solver], and do good [in general and more specifically to those who hate you (Prov. 25:21 and Lk. 6:27)];

Dwell [abide] in the land [the land of promise] and cultivate faithfulness.



37:4 Delight [the wicked delight in their riches, the righteous should take great pleasure in the Lord; cf. Acts 16:25-34 re Paul and Silas singing in prison] yourself in the LORD [we should delight in the Lord rather than in our circumstances];

And He will give [an expression of kindness and favor] you the desires of your heart [the desires of our heart should align with the desires of God’s heart; the closer we draw to God the more our own desires begin to change].



37:5 Commit [(Hebrew) “to roll”; cf. 1 Peter 5:7; roll your heavy burden upon the Lord] your way [the course and cares of life] to the LORD,

Trust also in Him, and He will do it.



37:6 And He will bring forth [for all the world to see] your righteousness as the light [the Lord will vindicate the righteous; the vindication of the righteous will be apparent for all to see],

And your judgment [or righteousness] as the noonday.



37:7 Rest [cf. Ps. 3:5 re David able to sleep in the worst of times] in the LORD [he is the context in which we can rest] and wait [perhaps the hardest command to obey] patiently for Him [cf. Heb. 4:16 re God gives us in-the-nick-of-time kind of help];

Do not fret [to worry or to become anxious] because of him who prospers in his way [because in the end he will lose what matters most — his own soul],

Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes [these individuals always leave fear and destruction in their wake].



37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret [cf. 37:1], it leads only to evildoing.



37:9 For evildoers will be cut off [read Ps. 73:3, 16-17 re the end of the wicked],

But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.



37:10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more [the success of the wicked is temporary];

And you will look carefully for his place, and he will not be there [cf. Ps. 1:6 and Ps. 103:15-16].



37:11 But the humble [“…the wicked, who have taken more than their fair share, will be destroyed in the end, leaving the meek in sole possession.” (Derek Kidner)] will inherit the land [cf. Matt. 5:5],

And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity [an indication of God’s favor].



37:12 The wicked [the wicked plot evil against the righteous] plots against the righteous [the righteous hope for the redemption of the wicked],

And gnashes at him with his teeth [accentuates the fanatical hatred that the wicked have for the righteous].



37:13 The Lord laughs [cf. Ps. 2:4] at him;

For He sees his day [a day of accounting; no one sins with impunity] is coming [“The evil man does not see how close his destruction is upon his heels…” (CH Spurgeon)].



37:14 The wicked have drawn [a move from mere threats to actual violence] the sword and bent their bow,

To cast down the afflicted and the needy [the wicked target the vulnerable],

To slay those who are upright in conduct [the wicked target the righteous].



37:15 Their sword will enter their own heart [the wicked will be destroyed by their own weapons; see Esther 7:10 re: Haman hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai],

And their bows will be broken [rendering them impotent].



37:16 [cf. Prov. 28:6] Better is the little of the righteous [“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold…”]

Than the abundance [abundance apart from Christ is poverty] of many wicked.



37:17 For the arms [used to inflict harm] of the wicked will be broken [cf. Ps. 3:7];

But the LORD sustains [upholds with His mighty arms] the righteous [those who trust in Him and seek refuge in Him].



37:18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless [“I am immortal until God’s work for me to do is done. The Lord reigns.” (Henry Martyn)];

And their inheritance will be forever.



37:19 They will not be ashamed [because they have not acted shamefully] in the time of evil;

And in the days of famine they will have [because of the goodness of God] abundance.



37:20 But the wicked will perish [read Prov. 14:12];

And the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures [“…the wicked in their pride, beauty, and wealth, shall be like the meadow covered with grass and flowers, soon to be cut down by the scythe the mower, or by the frosts of winter.” (Barnes)],

They [and all that there was of them] vanish—like smoke they vanish [utterly and completely and without a trace] away.



37:21 The wicked borrows [takes on debt] and does not pay back [because he is reckless or incapable of paying his obligations],

But the righteous is gracious and gives [out of abundance].



37:22 For those blessed [to whom the Lord shows favor] by Him will inherit the land;

But those cursed by Him will be cut off [a terrible condition].



37:23 The steps [course of life] of a man are established [ordered, directed, under divine guidance] by the LORD;

And He delights [succeeds and prospers] in his way.



37:24 When he falls [falling into setbacks or disappointments or reverses], he shall not be hurled headlong [knocked down but not knocked out];

Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand [he is upheld by the Lord’s power and not his own].



37:25 [this verse is used in the Jewish prayer after meals] I have been young, and now I am old [have the benefit of lessons learned over the course of a long life];

Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken [by God or by those whom God would use to supply his need],

Or his descendants begging bread [a general truth, although a child who is undisciplined or idle may experience want].



37:26 All day long [an indication that this is his character; he is known by his kindness] he is gracious and lends [the righteous know how to use the abundance God has blessed them with];

And his descendants are a blessing [both blessed and a blessing].



37:27 Depart from evil [create distance from evil], and do good [close the distance with good],

So you will abide [dwell in the land and then afterwards in heaven] forever.



37:28 For the LORD loves justice [that which is right],

And does not forsake His godly ones [cf. Heb. 13:5];

They are preserved [God watches over the godly] forever;

But [contrast the end of the wicked] the descendants of the wicked will be cut off [cf. Ps. 1:67].



37:29 The righteous will inherit [as God’s children, they are heirs to] the land,

And dwell in it forever.



37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters [cf. Eph. 4:29; a person’s tongue is an indicator of their character] wisdom [it is characteristic of the righteous to speak wisdom rather than folly],

And his tongue speaks [“What lies in the well of the heart comes up in the bucket of speech.” / cf. Matt. 12:34-35] justice [of things that are just and righteous].



37:31 The law of his God is in his heart [cf. Ps. 1:2 and 119:11,20];

His steps [his actions] do not [not that he never slips but that for the righteous failure is never final] slip [going astray; because he chooses to stay on the right path; cf. Prov. 13:13].



37:32 The wicked spies [to look for an opportunity to destroy or kill him; a characteristic of the wicked is seeking to harm the righteous] upon the righteous,

And seeks to kill [actual violence; to destroy his reputation] him.



37:33 The LORD [cf. 2 Peter 2:9] will not leave him in his hand [in the grip of the power and rage of the wicked],

Or let him [the righteous] be condemned [ultimately heaven will set all matters right] when he is judged [in the final judgment].



37:34 Wait [this is an act of faith] for the LORD, and keep His way [walk in His path and stay on His path; Prov. 18:21; Ps. 119:67],

And He will exalt you to inherit the land;

When the wicked are cut off, you will see it [the ruin of the wicked].



37:35 I have seen a violent, wicked man

Spreading [in every direction] himself like a luxuriant [flourishing] tree in [rooted in] its native soil [earthly things].



37:36 Then he passed away [both the ungodly and godly pass away and leave their respective legacies], and lo, he was no more [“Men who were in everybody’s mouths but yesterday are forgotten tomorrow, for only virtue is immortal.” (CH Spurgeon)];

I sought for him, but he could not be found [cf. Ps. 103:15-16].



37:37 Mark [keep your eye on; observe; take notice of] the blameless man, and behold the upright [pious];

For the man of peace will have a posterity.



37:38 But transgressors will be altogether [ultimately] destroyed [a different end than the righteous];

The posterity of the wicked will be cut off [from hope and happiness forever].



37:39 But the salvation [temporal, spiritual, eternal] of the righteous is from [the source] the LORD [and not from themselves];

He is their strength in time of trouble.



37:40 And the LORD helps them, and [because they trust in Him] delivers them [out of their distresses and troubles];

He delivers [sometimes sooner and sometimes later] them from the wicked [those intent on doing them harm], and saves [delivers] them,

Because they take refuge in Him [the safest place to be in times of trouble and at all times].

Psalm 35

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NASB

Prayer for Rescue from Enemies.
A Psalm of David.


Note: This is an imprecatory psalm in which David calls down calamity and destruction on his enemies. The imprecatory psalms express a deep longing for justice from the viewpoint of the one who is oppressed.

The psalm may have found its inspiration in or as a result of the days in which Saul pursued David with the intent to kill him.


35:1 Contend, O LORD [David sought help from the Lord], with those [see vs. 10 for a description of those who contended against David] who contend with me;

Fight against those who fight against me [David regarded these individuals as more than his own enemies, he regarded them as enemies of God and those committed to frustrating God’s purposes].


35:2 Take hold of buckler [a smaller portable shield] and shield [a larger defensive piece of armor carried by straps and worn on the arm],

And rise up for my help.

35:3 Draw [an action signaling one is ready to engage in battle] also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those [who approach carrying the same weapons] who pursue [with intent to harm] me;

Say [reassure] to my soul [anxious and fearful and in need of reassurance], “I am your salvation.”

35:4 Let those be ashamed and dishonored [as a result of God’s intervention] who seek my life [the intent of David’s enemies];

Let those be turned back and humiliated [as a result of coming face to face with God’s spears and battle-axe] who devise evil against me [the intent of David’s enemies].

35:5 Let them be like chaff [that which is rootless, fruitless, and useless,] before the wind,
With the angel of the LORD [read Ps. 103:20-21 re the role of angels; “…the angel of the Lord (cf. Ps. 34:7 and Ex. 23:20-22) is either our salvation or our doom…” (Derek Kinder)] driving them on.

35:6 Let their way be dark [disorienting] and slippery [unstable],

With the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

35:7 For without cause [the absence of cause makes the actions of the enemy feel even more sinister] they hid [with malicious intent] their net [it takes time to make a net] for me;
Without cause [“…touches the nerve of David’s pain…” (Derek Kinder); refers to the pain of injustice] they dug a pit [it takes time to dig a pit; with the intent to entrap] for my soul.

35:8 Let destruction [exactly what David’s enemies wished for him] come upon him unawares [when least expected];

And let the net which he hid catch himself [cf. the end of Haman in Esther 7:10];
Into that very destruction let him fall.

35:9 And [after the Lord’s deliverance] my soul shall rejoice [should be the natural response of those saved from the pit] in the LORD;

It shall exult [overflowing jubilation] in His salvation.

35:10 All my bones [a reference to his entire being; cf. Ps. 34:20] will say, “LORD, who is like Thee,

Who delivers the afflicted [those incapable of securing their own salvation from their foes] from him who is too strong for him,

And the afflicted and the needy [those in need of a champion] from him who robs him?”

35:11 Malicious witnesses [as in a court room] rise up;

They ask [with evil intent] me of things that I do not know.

35:12 They repay me evil for good [as with Christ who did so much good and was repaid with evil by those with evil intent],

To the bereavement of my soul [it is hard to understand why someone would repay good with evil].

35:13 But [in stark contrast] as for me [David had expressed the same attitude as the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37], when they [“…men who were not close friends but had been treated as though they were…” (Derek Kidner)] were sick, my clothing was sackcloth [David had expressed genuine concern at a time when those now pursuing him had been in a low place];

I humbled my soul with fasting [shows a profound depth of concern for the welfare of those who were in pain]; And my prayer kept returning to my bosom [“…seems more likely to mean that the prayer would return to him either unanswered or as a blessing, as in Matthew 10:13.” (Derek Kidner)].

35:14 I went about as though it were my friend or brother [even greater motivation to pray for the welfare of another];

I bowed down mourning [genuine concern], as one who sorrows for a mother.

35:15 But at my stumbling [calamity] they rejoiced [“How glad are the wicked to see a good man limp!” (CH Spurgeon) / “There cannot be a greater evidence of a wicked heart than for a man to be merry because others are in misery.” (Thomas Brooks) / cf. Prov. 17:5], and gathered themselves together;

The smiters [ruffians] whom I did not know gathered together [“How unanimous are the powers of evil…” CH Spurgeon] against me [one who stands apart from evil],
They slandered [mauled the reputation of a good man like a pack of angry dogs] me without ceasing [evil will not rest until it has destroyed the object of its hate].

35:16 Like godless jesters [those who make the godly the subject of their hateful rhetoric] at a feast,

They gnashed at me with their teeth [“…reveals the fury that motivated the mockery, a fury which Stephen was to experience at his martyrdom (Acts 7:54).” (Derek Kidner].

35:17 Lord, how long wilt Thou look on [David has made his case and awaits the Lord’s answer]?

Rescue [the most precious gift for one who is in danger] my soul from their ravages,
My only life from the lions.

35:18 I will give Thee thanks in the great congregation [cf. Ps. 107:2];

I will praise [“Most men publish their griefs; good men should proclaim their mercies.” (CH Spurgeon)] Thee among a mighty throng [cf. Ps. 22:22].

35:19 Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me;

Neither let those who hate me without cause [hatred without cause is a basic response of evil towards good] wink maliciously.

35:20 For they [more than one person involved in the conspiracy] do not speak peace,

But they devise deceitful words [the Lord hates a lying tongue, wicked schemes, false witnesses (Prov. 16:16-19)] against those who are quiet in the land.

35:21 And they opened their mouth wide against me;

They said, “Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it! [“Malice has but one eye; it is blind to all virtue in its enemy.” (CH Spurgeon)]”

35:22 Thou hast seen it [we can never do anything behind God’s back; everything we do is in the sight of the Lord; David acknowledged that God had seen the injustice against him], O LORD, do not keep silent [David expected God to act upon what He had seen];

O Lord, do not be far [when we are in distress distance from God matters; distance from God will create distress; peace and security are found in the shadow of His wings; Ps. 63:7] from me [a longing for reassurance that he was not alone in the battle].

35:23 Stir up Thyself [a plea for God to take action on David’s behalf], and awake to my right,
And to my cause, my God and my Lord.

35:24 Judge me [vindicate me], O LORD my God, according to Thy [not “my”] righteousness;
And do not let them rejoice over me [cf. Prov. 24:17 / Obadiah 1:12].

35:25 Do not let them say in their heart, “Aha, our desire!”

Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up! [this was the malicious intent of those who pursued David — to swallow him up, to destroy him]”

35:26 Let those be ashamed and humiliated [as a result of seeing that God delivered the object of their hate] altogether who rejoice at my distress;

Let those be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves over me.

35:27 Let them [an indication that others were aware of the injustice that David was experiencing and also longed for his vindication] shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication;

And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified,
Who delights in the prosperity [not the ruin; Jer. 29:11] of His servant.”

35:28 And my tongue shall declare [an expression of gratitude] Thy righteousness

And Thy praise all day long [Ps. 145:3-4].

Psalm 34

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NASB

The LORD a Provider and Deliverer.


A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.

Note: When David feared that Saul would kill him, he fled to Gath and sought the protection of the enemy — King Abimelech (or Achish) (1 Sam. 21:10—22:2). He should have run to the Lord instead. Once in Gath, David had to lie in order to escape. This Psalm is David’s testimony of what God did for him.

This psalm is an acrostic in which each verse begins with the succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet.


34:1 I will bless [the first thing David did when God delivered him from his troubles] the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually [an indication of deep gratitude] be in my mouth [we should speak and not be silent].

34:2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD [cf. 1 Cor. 1:31];

The humble shall hear it and rejoice.

34:3 [an exhortation] O magnify the LORD with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

34:4 [David’s testimony begins with this verse] I sought the LORD, and He answered me, 
And delivered [or snatched from danger just in the nick of time] me from all my fears.

34:5 They [perhaps refers to the humble of verse 2 or those who fear God in verse 7] looked to Him and were radiant [our countenance will reveal who we are trusting],
And their faces shall never be ashamed.



34:6 This poor man cried and the LORD heard him,

And saved him out of all his troubles.

34:7 The angel of the LORD [read Ps. 103:20-21 regarding the role of angels] encamps around those who fear [to have reverence for] Him, 

And rescues them.

34:8 O taste [to know by personal experience; an invitation to others to experience God for themselves] and see that the LORD is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge [cf. Ps. 5:11] in Him!

34:9 O fear [have reverence for] the LORD, you His saints [believers];

For to those who fear Him, there is no want.

34:10 [see 1 Peter 3:10-12 cf. Ps. 34:12-16] The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; 

But [unlike the young lions] they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.

34:11 Come, you children, listen to me; 

I will teach [David used his experience to teach the next generation to trust in God] you the fear of the LORD.

34:12 [these questions are answered in verses 13-14] Who is the man who desires life, 

And loves length of days that he may see good?

34:13 [cf. Ps. 141:3] Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit.

34:14 Depart [to create distance] from evil, and do good;

Seek peace, and pursue it.

34:15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, 

And His ears are open to their cry [cf. Ps. 34:6].

34:16 The face [represents God’s favor] of the LORD is against [because God is holy] evildoers, 
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

34:17 The righteous [those in right standing with God] cry and the LORD hears,

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

34:18 The LORD is near [when we are brokenhearted it is easy to think that God is not near when indeed He is closer to us than ever] to the brokenhearted [the Hebrew word for “broken” in this verse is “nishberei” and comes from a root that means “birth” or “breakthrough” — when we are brokenhearted God draws near to us to birth something new in our lives; God can turn our breakdowns into breakthroughs; cf. Ps. 51:17], 

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

34:19 Many [and varied] are the afflictions of the righteous [the righteous are not exempted from troubles]; 

But the LORD delivers him [cf. Heb. 4:16 — God is able to rescue in the nick of time] out of them all [out of every sort of affliction].

34:20 He keeps all his bones [a general principle rather than a guarantee; God guards the righteous or the righteous are under the protection of God]; 

Not one of them is broken [not a guarantee that our physical bones will never be broken but a general principle to assure us that the righteous are under God’s care].

34:21 Evil [has within it the seeds of decay and destruction] shall slay [the misconduct of the wicked will put them in peril] the wicked [those who are out of touch with God]; 

And those who hate [who are so opposed to the character of the righteous] the righteous will be condemned [will suffer the consequences of their hatred].

34:22 The LORD redeems [to set free by paying a price] the soul of His servants; 

And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned [to be held guilty].

Psalm 32

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NASB

Blessedness of Forgiveness and of Trust in God
A Psalm of David. A Maskil

Note: Luther referred to Psalms 32, 51, 130, and 143 as the Pauline Psalms because “they all teach that the forgiveness of our sins comes without the law and without works to the man who believes…” [“The Treasury of David” by CH Spurgeon]

32:1 How blessed [this word is used in Psalm 1:1 and in the Beatitudes (cf. Matt. 5:3) where the Greek work “makarioi” is used and refers to inner peace and security regardless of external circumstances (more than happiness)] is he whose wrongdoing [transgression; crossing a boundary; deliberate disobedience] is forgiven [taken away, lifted off the soul],

Whose sin [missing a mark] is covered [put out of sight; covered by the blood of Christ; “What a cover that must be which hides away forever from the sight of the all-seeing God all the filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit!” (Spurgeon); when we try to cover our sin we do so to hide it rather than repent of it which always ends badly (Prov. 28:13)]!



32:2 How blessed is a person whose guilt [iniquity] the Lord does not take into account [the sin debt is cancelled],

And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

32:3 When I kept silent [instead of confessing and getting the infection out] about my sin [likely David’s sin with Bathsheba about which he remained silent until visited by Nathan (2 Sam. 11-12)], my body wasted away [unconfessed sin has an effect on our physical health]
Through my groaning [the result of conviction] all day long.



32:4 For day and night Your hand [“God’s hand is very helpful when it uplifts, but it is awful when it presses down…” (Spurgeon)] was heavy upon me;

My vitality failed as with the dry heat of summer. Selah




32:5 I acknowledged [God already knew about the sin; we must confess (1 Jn. 1:9) our sin; to acknowledge is the opposite of keeping silent or trying to hide or cover our sin] my sin [likely David’s sin with Bathsheba; cf. Ps. 51] to You,

And I did not hide my guilt;

I said, “I will confess [to agree with God about what He says about our sin] my wrongdoings to the Lord”;

And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

32:6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found [“while God continues to offer grace and mercy to sinners” (Benson Commentary); cf. 2 Cor. 6:2];

Certainly in a flood of great waters [in a time of calamity and trouble], they will not reach him [do not wait until it is too late to repent].



32:7 You are my hiding place [the safest place in which to hide from our enemies];
You keep me from trouble [one way to keep from trouble is to keep from sinning];

You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah



32:8 [it is important have a teachable spirit] I [God Himself] will instruct you and teach you in the way [the enemy also wants to instruct us in the “way” we should go (Prov. 14:12)] which you should go;

I will advise [counsel] you with My eye [look at His face to see His eyes] upon you [He watches us always; He never takes His eyes off of us].



32:9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule [both the horse and the mule can be stubborn], which have no understanding,

Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,

Otherwise they will not come near to you.



32:10 The sorrows [brought about because of disobedience; cf. Prov. 13:13] of the wicked [those who are far from God; those who are like the horse or the mule of verse 9] are many,

But the one who trusts in the Lord, goodness will surround him.



32:11 Be glad in the Lord [the source of gladness; gladness is found in proximity to God] and rejoice, you righteous [those who seek to live life according to God’s blueprint] ones;

And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart [those who are sincere in confessing their sin and in living in a manner pleasing to God].

Psalm 31

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NASB

A Psalm of Complaint and of Praise
For the music director. A Psalm of David

A Cry for Deliverance (31:1-18)

31:1 In You, Lord, I [where we take refuge in difficult times is a personal choice] have taken refuge [your safety in times of trouble is only as good as your refuge)];

Let me never be put to shame;

In Your righteousness rescue me.



31:2  Incline Your ear to me [the only thing worse than being in a tight spot is being in a tight spot with no one listening to your cries for help], rescue me quickly [time is always of the essence in difficulties];

Be a rock of strength for me,

A stronghold to save me.


31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress;

For the sake of Your name [David reminded God that His reputation was at stake] You will lead me and guide me.

31:4  You will pull me out of the net [analogy of a hunter in search of prey] which they have secretly laid for me,

For You are my strength.

31:5  [cf. Jesus’ last words in Luke 23:46; see also Acts 7:59 re Stephen] Into Your hand I entrust my spirit [David’s expression of trusting God in the midst of danger];

You have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.



31:6  I hate [cf. Ps. 139:21-22] those who devote themselves to worthless idols [incapable to hearing or helping],

But [in contrast to those who trust in what is untrustworthy] I trust in the Lord [who is capable of hearing and helping].



31:7  I will rejoice and be glad in Your faithfulness [God is completely reliable; it is helpful to regularly “Count Your Many Blessings”],

Because You have seen [nothing ever happens behind God’s back] my misery;

You have known [God is never taken by surprise or caught off guard; cf. Ps. 139:1-8] the troubles [as well as the triumphs] of my soul,



31:8  And [knowing everything about me and my troubles] You have not handed me over to the enemy [because God is faithful];

You have [instead] set my feet [a symbol of stability (Ps. 121:3) and also of vulnerability (Ps. 38:16] in a large place [expresses the longing of those who find themselves in a tight spot].



A Lament (31:9-18)

31:9  Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress […in trouble];

[note the physical effects of being hated and hunted…] My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body too.



31:10  For my life is spent with sorrow

And my years with sighing;

My strength has failed [sin depletes strength] because of my guilt [the product of sin],

And my body has wasted away.



31:11 Because of all my adversaries [“The best of men may have the bitterest foes and be subjected to the most cruel taunts.” (Spurgeon); note the social effects of being hated and hunted…], I have become a disgrace,

Especially to my neighbors [sometimes those closest to us harm us the most],

And an object of dread to my acquaintances;

Those who see me in the street flee from me [a few will in our direction when we are maligned and hurting but many will distance themselves from us].



31:12  I am forgotten like a dead person, out of mind [the dead are soon forgotten; in 100 years no one will likely know that we ever lived];

I am like a broken vessel [useless].



31:13  [the threat against David was real] For I have heard the slander of many [the slander of one is bad enough],

Terror is on every side [complete vulnerability];

While they took counsel together [an increased risk of danger from many] against me [the object or target of the scorn of others],

They schemed to take away my life [a serious threat; cf. Acts 9:23-25].



31:14  But [this conjunction signals a change in attitude] as for me [David affirmed his trust in God], I trust in You, Lord,

I say, “You are my God [David affirmed his relationship with God; this is a comforting confession, especially in times of trouble].”



31:15  My times [cf. Ps. 139:16] are in Your hand [“I am immortal until God’s work for me to do is done. The Lord reigns” (Henry Martyn)];

Rescue [deliver] me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.



31:16  Make Your face shine [an expression of favor with God; cf. Num. 6:24-26] upon Your servant;

Save me in Your faithfulness.



31:17  Let me not be put to shame [as is the desire of those who persecute and trouble us], Lord, for I call upon You;

Let the wicked [those who are out of touch with God] be put to shame, let them be silent in Sheol.



31:18  Let the lying lips be speechless,

Which speak arrogantly against the righteous
With pride and contempt [“What wickedness is it that unworthy characters should always be the loudest in railing at good men!” (Spurgeon)].



Thanksgiving (31:19-24)

31:19  How great [God’s goodness is abundant] is Your goodness,

Which You have stored up [in abundance] for those who fear You [blessings are found in proximity to God],

Which You have performed for those who take refuge in You [an act of trust and acknowledgement of God’s goodness],

Before the sons of mankind!

31:20  You hide them in the secret place [securely hidden from those who intend to harm] of Your presence from the conspiracies of mankind;

You keep them secretly [known only to God] in a shelter from the strife of tongues.



31:21  Blessed be the Lord,

For He has shown His marvelous faithfulness to me in a besieged city [the context in which God’s faithfulness was expressed].



31:22  As for me, I said in my alarm,

“I am cut off from Your eyes” [fear and alarm can cause us to lose perspective];

Nevertheless You heard [beautiful words indeed: “You heard”] the sound of my pleadings
When I called to You for help [the most important thing when calling for help is knowing that someone has heard you].



31:23  Love the Lord, all His godly ones [“Love is the universal debt of all the saved family…” (Spurgeon)]!

The Lord watches over the faithful [one of the many blessings of being faithful]

But fully repays the one who acts arrogantly [“Snares are made and pits are rigged by the proud for themselves commonly…” (Spurgeon)].



31:24  Be strong and let your heart take courage [cf. Josh. 1:6-9],

All you who wait for the Lord.