Psalms of Introspection 138-145

The following material is adopted from James’s Montgomery Boice’s 3 volume commentary on Psalms. Additional material from MacArthur Bible Studies, Psalms: Hymns for God’s People. Introductory material from Psalms of Grace, Philip Webb, editor. Additional material taken from sources listed at the end

We have noted previously that David is the most prolific author within the Psalter, having written at least seventy-three of the 150 psalms compiled in that volume. However, it is important to note that David experienced tremendous changes in his personal circumstances throughout the entirety of his life. He began writing psalms as a young man and as a shepherd, with plenty of time to contemplate and compose. But later, he wrote his songs while on the run from King Saul who sought to murder him on many occasions. And later still, David wrote as a king, recording his perspective as the most powerful person in the region.

Many of David’s psalms were written as corporate expressions of worship. This means that they were intended to be shared and sung by many people who had joined together to praise the God of Israel. Yet because of David’s unique circumstances, many of his psalms were written as deeply personal, deeply introspective, reflections only between himself and God.

In this lesson, we will explore the final eight psalms attributed to David — Psalms 138-145. As you read, you will feel the power and depth of those moments were David stepped away from everything in his life to contemplate his own thoughts, his own needs, and his own understanding of God.

Psalm 138

Psalm 138 begins with the overarching call to give thanks to God with all your heart. David focuses on his personal praise of God — he will sing to God before all other so-called gods, he will worship God toward the temple, and he will give thanks to His Name. he then considers the national praise of God — all the kings of the earth will give thanks to Yahweh, they will sing of Yahweh because he is glorious, and they will thereby demonstrate their humility in proclaiming that He is high. Finally, David recounts God’s provision for him — Yahweh revises the psalmist, Yahweh punishes the enemies, and Yahweh saves the psalmist.

A Bold Man’s Praise

— Psalm 137 reflects a time when the captive Israelites could not sing praises to God in the presence of their heathen captors

— In contrast, Psalm 138 envisions a future where not only Israel but even heathen kings sing God’s praises (vv. 4–5)

— Placing these psalms together highlights the shift from silence in sorrow to bold confession of faith

— While there are moments to remain silent, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:6, there are also times when we must boldly praise God, even when others refuse to do so

David’s Last Songs

— Psalm 138 is the first of a group of eight psalms attributed to David, marking the final Davidic psalms in the Psalter

— There is no reason why they cannot have been written by David

— in fact, there is much to suggest that David was the author

— Psalm 138 sounds much like David’s other compositions

— For example, verse 1 echoes Psalm 9:1, verse 2 echoes Psalm 5:7, verse 7 echoes Psalm 23:4, and verse 8 echoes Psalm 57:3

— Derek Kidner highlights the psalm’s balance of boldness and humility, and Alexander Maclaren notes its affinity with earlier Davidic psalms.

— If authored by David, the psalm may be a response to God’s covenant promise in 2 Samuel 7, in which God assured David of an everlasting kingdom.

— This interpretation aligns with verse 8’s claim, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me,” suggesting the psalm is a song of gratitude for this divine blessing

— Additionally, Psalm 138 has messianic undertones,

—It anticipates a future when the kings of the earth will bow before God and praise Him, pointing to the reign of the promised Messiah (vv. 4–5)

A Bold Man’s Bold Thanksgiving

— Psalm 138, as a worship psalm with a dominant theme of thanksgiving

— It reminds us that worship includes both acknowledging God’s greatness and thanking Him for His deeds

— Worship involves confessing God’s attributes while expressing gratitude for His actions, as these reveal who He is

— These two aspects are inseparable, as our understanding of God comes through His works

1. “Before the ‘gods.’ ”

— In Psalm 138:1, the Hebrew word for "gods" (elohim) has sparked various interpretations

— While it often refers to God Himself, here it likely means something else, as saying “I will praise you, O God, before God” seems unusual

— Several interpretations include:

1. Angels – As seen in Job 1:6, where elohim refers to "sons of God"

2. Judges or kings – In Psalm 82:6, elohim refers to Israel's judges, extended to include the powerful of the earth

3. Idols or false gods – David declaring God's supremacy over false deities

4. The ark of God – Praising before the sanctuary, though this seems redundant with verse 2.

— The interpretation of elohim as kings or powerful individuals fits the context best

— As a king, David naturally sought to exalt God before his peers, aligning with 2 Samuel 7:9, where God promises to make his name great among the mighty

— This matches verse 4, where David calls for “all the kings of the earth” to praise God, setting an example for others to glorify Him

2. God’s “word” exalted above God’s “name”

— Psalm 138:2 says, “You have magnified your word above all your name,” which seems puzzling since God's name represents all that He is and is above everything

— Some translators adjust the text to read, “You have exalted above all things your name and your word”

— or interpret it as, “You have magnified your name in your word”

— However, the original text likely emphasizes God's integrity, suggesting He values being believed above all else

— This makes sense if David’s gratitude stems from God’s promise of an everlasting dynasty in 2 Samuel 7.

— Since earthly kingdoms are temporary and all things human perish, David’s confidence rests on God’s unchanging word. In 2 Samuel 7:20–21.

— David acknowledges this promise, saying, “For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant”

— Thus, the verse underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises

A Bold Man’s Gracious God

— David praises God in Psalm 138 for His covenant love (hesed) and faithfulness, which are central to God’s care for His people

— These attributes, however, are often attacked

— People reject God’s covenant love by substituting their own works for grace, seeking recognition of their merit

— Similarly, they undermine God’s truth by favoring their own perceptions, echoing Satan’s tactics in Eden

— Satan questioned God’s goodness, suggesting He didn’t have humanity’s best interests at heart, and accused God of lying about the consequences of sin

— David, however, knew that God is always good, loving, and faithful

— He praised God for His goodness and openly declared His covenant love and faithfulness to all

— Additionally, David praised God for His immediate provision in times of need

— When David called on God, He answered promptly, giving him boldness and strength, particularly in the face of his enemies (v. 7)

— These experiences deepened David’s gratitude and confidence in God’s unchanging nature

A Bold Man’s Bold Desire

— Verses 4 and 5 of Psalm 138 point to the future messianic age when all rulers will bow before the promised King, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords

— Philippians 2:9–11 confirms this, declaring that at Jesus’ name, every knee will bow and every tongue confess His lordship, bringing glory to God

— David’s words reflect his desire for kings to thank God and sing His praises, recognizing His glory

— While this ultimate submission will occur when Christ returns, David suggests it may also happen when God’s people declare His words to others

— This emphasizes the missionary role of God’s people in proclaiming His love, faithfulness, and gospel

— This psalm is especially relevant today, reminding us of our responsibility to share the gospel.

— Although Christ will one day be universally acknowledged, our mission is to make Him known now, as Jesus commanded: to make disciples of all nations until the end of the age (Matthew 28:19–20)

A Bold Man’s Humility

— In the final stanza of Psalm 138, David shifts to his personal needs, acknowledging God’s greatness, compassion, and protection (vv. 6–7).

— Despite knowing that God preserves his life and saves him from his enemies, David remains aware of his struggles and prays for God’s continued presence, saying, “Do not abandon the works of your hands” (v. 8).

— The key line, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” (KJV), mirrors Philippians 1:6, which assures believers that God will complete the good work He began in them.

— For David, this likely referred to God’s plan for the Messiah to reign on his throne.

— For Christians, it highlights God’s purpose to conform us to the likeness of Christ and bring us to glory, as explained in Romans 8:28–30.

— David’s confidence rests not in himself but in God’s enduring love, echoed in the psalm's declaration: “Your love, O Lord, endures forever.”

— He trusts that God’s mercy and grace will sustain him, knowing that without God’s perseverance, he would falter.

— This assurance allows believers to declare, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”

J. W. Burgon wrote wisely:

“His creating hands formed our souls at the beginning; his nail-pierced hands redeemed them on Calvary; his glorified hands will hold our souls fast and not let them go for ever. Unto his hands let us commend our spirits, sure that even though the works our hands have made void the works of his hands, yet his hands will again make perfect all that our hands have unmade.”

Psalm 139

In this psalm, David exalts God for His intimate knowledge of and involvement in David’s life - from his conception, to his thoughts, to his desires, to his actions. First, David exalts God for His omniscient, that is, infinite knowledge of his life — when he sits, rises, lies down, and what he actually thinks before he even speaks it; God knows it all. Second, David exalts God for His omnipresence, acknowledging that therefore, he cannot escape God anywhere — in heaven, in Sheol, in darkness, in light; God is everywhere. Third, David exalts God because God is omnipotent — David articulates this by confessing that God was one the One who shaped and crafted his very life, even in his mother’s womb. Fourth, David exalts God because God is perfectly holy and just, and David depends on God to render His holy justice against His and David’s enemies. Finally, David finishes by completely surrendering himself to God’s omniscience and inviting God to know and to lead him.

A Hymn to the All-Knowing God: Part 1 Safe in God’s Thoughts

— Somewhere in J. I. Packer’s writings there is a reference to Puritan theology as theology of that “older, better, wiser and more practical sort.”

— That applies to the Puritans, but it applies even more to Psalm 139.

— Here is theology that is even older, even better, even wiser, and even more practical

— It is theology of the very best sort

Theology for Worship

— Psalm 139 explores profound theological themes—God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence—but concludes with two practical goals:

— to separate from evildoers

— to ask God for thorough self-examination and purification to follow the "way everlasting."

— This highlights the practical application of theology to personal holiness and moral living

Praise to God for His Omniscience

— The first six verses of Psalm 139 focus on the omniscience of God, emphasizing His perfect, exhaustive, and effortless knowledge of all things

— The psalmist presents this doctrine as an act of worship, expressed in awe and adoration.God's knowledge is comprehensive and flawless, unlike the partial and imperfect knowledge of humans

— Arthur W. Pink explains that God knows everything—past, present, and future—perfectly and in detail.Nothing escapes God's notice, and nothing can be hidden or forgotten by Him

— A. W. Tozer adds that God has never learned and cannot learn, as He possesses all knowledge from eternity.God knows all things instantly, including matter, thoughts, desires, and actions

— He is never surprised, amazed, or in need of new information.In verses 1–4, the psalmist acknowledges that God knows his thoughts, ways, and words completely

— Verse 5 transitions to the theme of God's omnipresence, showing overlap between these divine attributes

— The psalmist concludes his reflection on God's knowledge in verse 6 with wonder, stating it is "too wonderful" and "too lofty" to comprehend

— This expression of awe parallels Paul’s doxology in Romans 11:33, which praises the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God

The Threat of Omniscience

— The perfection of God's knowledge can be unsettling, which is why many avoid thinking about Him

— People may find God's knowledge amusing when applied to general topics, like understanding computers

— The idea becomes troubling when considering that God knows everything about us personally

— An all-knowing God feels threatening, especially when we have hidden sins or secrets

— Arthur W. Pink notes that divine omniscience causes uneasiness

— A. W. Tozer describes it as both terrifying and fascinating, particularly for those with something to hide

— Roy Clements compares God’s omniscience to a master-detective or Orwell’s "Big Brother”

- For an unsaved person, God’s knowledge can feel intrusive and frightening because He is the ultimate judge

— However, the psalmist views God's omniscience differently

— Instead of fear, the psalmist finds comfort and marvels at God's perfect knowledge.To the psalmist, God's knowledge is not a threat but a refuge

Praise to God for His Omnipresence

— It is natural to want to escape God’s all-seeing, all-knowing presence

— David addresses this idea in verses 7–12 by reflecting on God’s omnipresence

— Some commentators suggest David desires to escape God’s gaze, but this is not the case

— David continues meditating on God’s omniscience, acknowledging that God knows everything because He is everywhere

— The psalmist is impressed by the personal reality that God is always present wherever he goes

— David recognizes that no effort to escape God’s presence would ever succeed

— Instead of fearing or dreading this, David finds comfort in the thought

— H. C. Leupold argues that David is not trying to flee from God but is considering the impossibility of doing so

— Leupold suggests translating verse 7 as, “Where could I go from your presence?” to clarify this idea

— The New International Version captures this meaning with, “Where can I go?”

— In verses 8–12, David imagines three potential places of escape but dismisses each as futile

1. Up or down

— A common thought is to escape God by climbing higher or descending lower

— However, the highest point, heaven, is where God dwells

— The lowest point, hell (Sheol), is also under God’s authority

— God’s presence in hell is judicial, making it a place of divine justice rather than Satan’s rule

— Popular depictions, like Milton’s Paradise Lost, wrongly suggest hell is ruled by the devil

— Amos uses similar imagery to highlight the futility of escaping God’s judgment:

— Those who dig to the depths of the grave will be taken by God

— Those who climb to the heavens will be brought down by Him

2. East or west

— If escaping God by going up or down is impossible, perhaps traveling east or west could work

— David reflects on this possibility in verses 9 and 10

— The dawn rises in the east, and the far side of the sea lies west from David’s perspective in Israel

— To “rise on the wings of the dawn” likely refers to moving as swiftly as light from horizon to horizon

— Even traveling at such speed from east to west would not allow escape from God

— When we reach the farthest horizon, we find that God is already there, present before us

— Jonah tried to do it, fleeing from Joppa in the direction of Tarshish on the coast of Spain, but God was present even on the expansive Mediterranean Sea

— God pursued him in the storm and brought him back, inside the great fish

3. The darkness

— People often pursue evil in the dark, believing, “Surely the darkness will hide me” (v. 11)

— However, even the darkness is as light to God

— God, the Creator of light (Gen. 1:3), does not need it to see or know what happens in secret

— The description of darkness transitions into the next stanza, which focuses on the formation of man in the womb

— These verses are the most well-known and celebrated part of Psalm 139.

— They magnificently capture the omnipresence of God

— These verses deserve careful study and are worth memorizing to keep them in our hearts

No Escape from God

— David embraced being known and loved by God and found comfort in His presence

— For those still trying to escape God, this passage poses a challenge: Do you believe you can evade the omnipresent and omniscient God?

— The Bible reminds us that nothing is hidden from God, and all must give an account (Hebrews 4:13)

— On the day of judgment, every sin will be revealed and justly punished

— Jesus died to save sinners from judgment and offers salvation to those who come to Him

— Do not wait until it is too late—respond to God’s pursuit and accept His grace today

Praise to God for His Omnipotence

— Psalm 139 is a worship psalm, focusing on personal reflections rather than abstract concepts of God’s power

— Understanding God as all-powerful is essential for a proper view of His deity

— To know God, we must clearly understand His omnipotence and what it means

— David reflects on God’s omnipotence not as an abstract idea but as a deeply personal truth

— He focuses on God’s power in forming him in his mother’s womb, marveling at being fearfully and wonderfully made

— David acknowledges that God created his inmost being and knit him together in the womb

— He praises God for His wonderful works and His knowledge of David from the very beginning

— God saw David’s unformed body and ordained all his days before they began

— These verses highlight God’s intimate involvement in creating and knowing each person

A Person Even in the Womb

— These verses emphasize the individuality of a child while still in the womb

— David is not addressing abortion directly, but the text naturally relates to the contemporary abortion debate

— The central issue in abortion discussions is the identity of the fetus

— Advocates for abortion often claim the fetus is not a person but merely part of the mother’s body, like an organ

— Language around the unborn has shifted from "baby" to terms like "fetus," "embryo," or "tissue" to make abortion seem less severe

— The Bible, however, speaks of the unborn child as a person, not merely tissue

— Modern medical advancements challenge the idea that the fetus is not a person

— Movement begins long before the mother feels it

— Premature infants younger than many aborted fetuses can survive with care

— Brain activity and a beating heart exist early in pregnancy, even before the mother knows she is pregnant

— There is no definitive point where the fetus becomes fully human—it is an uninterrupted development from conception

— The joining of sperm and ovum creates a unique life with a distinct genetic identity

— David reflects on his unique individuality from the very first moments of his existence, known and ordained by God

— Verse 16 highlights that all the days of a person’s life are known and planned by God from the beginning

— If God views the unborn child as uniquely valuable, can we justify calling it mere tissue and destroying it at such alarming rates?

No Separation from God

— David reflects on the abundance of God’s thoughts toward him, concluding with, “When I awake, I am still with you”

— This phrase has been interpreted in various ways, such as referring to physical sleep, death and resurrection, or simply God’s constant presence

— The most likely interpretation is that David is acknowledging that whether awake or asleep, he is always with God

— The verse emphasizes that nothing can separate the child of God from God, echoing the message of Romans 8.

Reflections on All the Above

— We can rebel against God’s knowledge and pursue evil instead

—David notes this response in verses 19–22 and repudiates it

—or we can ask God to search us with the goal of being directed in his way

— The writer describes this response as his own in verses 23–24

— By repudiating the first and embracing the second option the psalmist articulates a personal twofold response to this teaching

1. He wants nothing to do with evil or evil persons

— This passage appears to call for judgment on the wicked but focuses more on David’s desire to avoid evil

— David expresses a commitment to separate himself from those who devise or embrace evil

— The saying "Hate the sin, but love the sinner" is difficult to practice, as love for the sinner can lead to tolerating or participating in their sinful ways

— Aware of this risk, David chose to avoid close association with openly wicked individuals

— This does not mean David avoided all sinful people—he acknowledged his own sinfulness—but he distanced himself from those marked by deliberate evil

— David’s separation reflects his desire to protect his relationship with God and honor His greatness

2. He wants to continue walking and growing in God’s way

— The final two verses of Psalm 139 are well-loved and frequently memorized: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (vv. 23–24).

— David acknowledges his own sinfulness, realizing he cannot trust himself in the company of evil people.

— His avoidance of evil is not due to superiority but because he shares the same sinful tendencies.

— David prays for four specific things:

— For God to know and expose his thoughts.

— For God to perfect his thoughts.

— For God to purge any remaining evil within him.

— For God to guide him in the righteous and everlasting way.

— It is striking that a psalm declaring God’s omniscience begins with praise for His knowledge and ends with a request for God to search and know the psalmist personally.

— David seeks to apply God’s perfect knowledge to his life for personal transformation and guidance.

— The prayer, “Search me, O God,” is profound, as it invites God’s painful but necessary work of exposure and purification.

—Arno Gaebelein wrote:

Happy the Christian who prays thus every day! Who puts himself into the presence of the all-seeing God, who stands in his light, and is willing to have anything and everything which is not right brought to light and judged. This is the true walk “in the light.” Even the thoughts must be so dealt with. In the New Testament it is expressed in this wise, “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). Then there is the willingness to put away anything which is grievous to God and to his Spirit and to be led in the way everlasting.

A Practical Summing Up

— Here is what appreciation of the omniscience of God should do for every Christian

1. It should humble us

— Job’s story demonstrates that a believer can love God for who He is, not just for His blessings

— God allowed Satan to test Job, though Job was unaware of the reason behind his suffering

— Job’s friends argued that his suffering must be due to sin, based on their belief in a moral universe governed by divine justice

— Job acknowledged his sinfulness but knew he had done nothing to warrant his extreme suffering

— For thirty-seven chapters, God remained silent while Job wrestled with his pain and confusion

— When God finally spoke, He did not explain the reasons for Job’s trials

— Instead, God rebuked Job for presuming he could understand divine ways and highlighted Job’s ignorance compared to His perfect knowledge

— Through a series of questions spanning four chapters, God contrasted His omniscience with Job’s limited understanding

— Humbled by God’s response, Job repented, saying: "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.… Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:3, 6)

— Recognizing God’s perfect knowledge and our own limitations should lead to deep humility, as it did for Job

— It reminds us of the folly of attempting to contend with or fully comprehend God’s ways

2. It should comfort us

— God knows the worst about us and loves us anyway

— He knows the best about us even when other people do not and blame us for things that are not our fault

— Job expressed his comfort in God’s knowledge, saying, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10)

3. It should encourage us to live for God

— David reflects on God’s omniscience, leading him to seek God’s help in living an upright life

— He trusts God to guide him because God knows him intimately

— Unlike humans, who know very little, God fully understands us

— God knows both our weaknesses and strengths, as well as our sins and aspirations for godliness

— He understands when we need isolation for growth or companionship for support

— God knows when to rebuke and correct us, as well as when to teach and encourage

4. It should help us to pray

— In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged His followers to pray with confidence, trusting in God’s response

— He warned against “babbling like pagans,” emphasizing that prayer is not about many words but trust in God’s knowledge (Matt. 6:7–8)

— Jesus provided the Lord’s Prayer as a simple, fifty-two-word model for prayer

— God’s perfect knowledge means He often answers before we even pray (Isa. 65:24)

— This understanding reveals God as compassionate and attentive, not terrifying, to those who trust in Him

Exploring the Meaning

There is no hiding from God

Psalm 139 is one of David’s most famous poems, complete with powerful imagery and prose. The primary theme is God’s deep knowledge of humanity in general and of David in particular. A cursory reading might give the impression that David was fearful or annoyed by God’s constant attention: “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and rising up; You understand my thought afar off” (vv. 1-2). “You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hadn upon me” (v. 5). “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where an I feel from Your presence?” (v. 7). But instead, David declared, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it” (v. 6). Why was God’s complete knowledge of David’s life “wonderful”? Because David understood his flaws and imperfections. He understood his shortcomings and found comfort in God’s complete sovereignty. Just as children play more freely at school when surrounded by a fence — when they have boundaries — so David took comfort in God’s closeness.

God is intimately involved with His creation, including humanity

Not only does God have perfect knowledge about our thoughts and our actions, but He is also deeply involved in our creation. This is true in a general sense, in that God is the Creator of all things — everything that exists has come about because of His power and His will. Yet this is also rue in a personal sense. God did not just create “humanity” as a mass collective. Rather, He intricately hand crafted each individual human being. “For You formed my inward parts,” David wrote. “You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:13-14). Also, “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” (v. 15). That included David, and it includes each of us. Every person has been fearfully and wonderfully made. Every person is a treasured masterpiece specially designed by the very hands of God.

Psalm 140

In Psalm 140 , David cries out to Yahweh to deliver him from a threatening situation causes by his enemies. David appeals to Yahweh for protection from evil and wicked men, who continually attack and lay snares to destroy him. He then appeals to Yahweh on account of His personal relationship with David, declaring, “You are my God.” David appeals to Yahweh to destroy the wicked, and finally, appeals to Yahweh with confidence, demonstrating assurance that God will protect the afflicted and that the upright will be with Him.

Evil for Evil’s Sake

— The final psalms are about worship

— This is an exception

— This psalms is about people who are wicked, who seem to practice evil for its own sake

— Psalm 140 is used in Romans 3:13 as an inspired witness to human depravity.

— This psalm describes us as we truly are

— If we have become something other than those who love evil for evil’s sake, it is only because of Christ’s work, and we should praise God for that

A Psalm of David

— The general opinion of scholars is that Psalm 140 is not by David even though the heading claims it is

— That may be

— “A psalm of David” might mean only “a psalm like David’s”

People of the Lie

— The first two stanzas of the psalm describe people who love evil for its own sake, devising harmful plans and setting traps

— Unlike previous writings about personal enemies, these verses portray those who embrace evil as a way of life

All Have Sinned

— David describes evil people seeking to destroy him

— However, Paul applies Psalm 140:3 to the entire human race in Romans 3, highlighting universal sinfulness:

— No one does good, and deceit, violence, and lack of fear of God characterize humanity (Rom. 3:12–18)

— Charles Spurgeon notes David’s enemies were violent, crafty, and persistent

— Paul’s use of the psalm reveals that these traits apply to all of us

— David’s prayer for deliverance from evil men must also be a prayer for deliverance from ourselves, as we share their sinful tendencies

— Psalm 139 and Psalm 140 are closely connected, with both expressing David’s desire for protection from evil and guidance toward righteousness

— True progress in the Christian life begins with acknowledging our own wickedness before God

— Recognizing our sinfulness does not negate our need for deliverance from evil people

— In fact, as God saves and transforms us, evil people may oppose and seek to harm us even more

— Only God can save us from ourselves and provide protection from external threats

Prayer and Praise

— So what do we do when we are surrounded by “people of the lie”

— The answer is to do what David did

— We turn to God as the only one who can deliver us both from others and ourselves

1. Possession: “You are my God”

— David’s appeal to God is based on his personal relationship with Him, declaring, “You are my God.

— ”While everything belongs to God as Creator, it is astonishing that God gives Himself to His people.

— This relationship is affirmed throughout Scripture:

— God promised Abraham, “I will be their God” (Gen. 17:8).

— God assured Moses, “I will be your God” (Exod. 6:7).

— He reminded the Israelites repeatedly, “I am the Lord your God” (e.g., Exod. 20:2; Leviticus).

— In the New Testament, Thomas proclaimed to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), the climax of John’s Gospel.

— The critical question is whether you can genuinely say to God, “You are my God,” as David did.

— Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows us completely, making it impossible to deceive Him

— Those who can genuinely make this confession experience deep joy in their relationship with God

2. Petition: “Hear, O Lord, my cry for mercy”

— When we think of God, His holiness should immediately contrast with our sinfulness.

— We must never approach God claiming to deserve anything based on our good works, faithfulness, or sincerity.

— As unworthy servants, we can only come to God on the basis of His mercy, given through Jesus Christ.David’s prayers for mercy, common in his psalms, show his humility rather than self-righteousness.

— The difference between David and his enemies was not that he was sinless but that he confessed his sin and sought God’s forgiveness.

— God’s mercy is essential because it is the only way we can approach Him.

— Like the tax collector in Luke 18:13, we must pray, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” to be justified before Him.

3. Preservation: “O Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle”

— Verses 8–11 focus on David’s plea for God’s protection in the face of ongoing threats from evildoers

— David recalls God’s past preservation and asks for current protection against those plotting harm

— He prays for his enemies’ plans to fail: “Do not let their plans succeed” (v. 8)

— He asks for those causing trouble to face the consequences of their actions: “Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused” (v. 9)

— For those intent on destruction, he prays for severe judgment: “Let burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise” (v. 10)

— Regarding slanderers, he asks that they not be established in the land, recognizing the harm caused by their lies (v. 11)

4. Protection: “The Lord secures justice to the poor and upholds the cause of the needy”

— David’s confidence in God grows as the psalm progresses

— He recalls God’s past protection and asks for present preservation

— Turning to the future, David confidently asserts that God will act justly

— He believes God will bring justice not only for him but also for the poor and needy who are suffering

— David rests in the assurance that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right

— He trusts that evildoers will face the consequences of their actions

5. Praise: “Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you”

— David’s confidence culminates in the final verse of the psalm

— He reflects on the actions of evildoers and acknowledges their wrongdoing

— He recalls God’s past protection and expresses trust in His future justice

— David concludes that because God is just, the righteous will praise His name

— The upright will live in God’s presence, assured of His justice and goodness

— The psalm, though focused on evil, ends with praise to God

Psalm 141

In this psalm, David prays to God to keep him righteous and guard him from wickedness. David asks to be in God’s presence, saying, “hasten to me.” He then asks God to keep him righteous — to guard his lips, his heart, and his actions from sin. David asks God even for confrontation and discipline that will lead him to righteousness, while at the same time acknowledging the coming destruction of the wicked men who practice unrighteousness. Finally, David asks for God to be his shelter and to protect him from the hands of his enemies.

A Prayer Before Retiring

— Worship services should include singing, prayer, confession, Bible reading, and teaching, practices rooted in Scripture.

— The final psalms of the Psalter (Psalms 135–150) guide meaningful worship by teaching what and how to praise

— Key focuses include:

— Psalm 135: Praise

— Psalm 136: Reflecting on God’s acts in creation and salvation

— Psalm 139: God’s omniscience and its impact on worship

— Later psalms: Singing and instruments

— This psalm highlights the role of prayer in worship

A Psalm About Prayer

— Psalm 141 is a prayerful psalm, often called an evening psalm, as reflected in verse 2: "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice"

— It is used in church liturgy for vespers and parallels other evening psalms like Psalm 4 and Psalm 63.

— The greatest challenge with Psalm 141 lies in its focus on prayer, which many find difficult or avoid

— This difficulty is evident in the decline of prayer in personal devotions and even in evangelical worship services, where prayer is often dismissed as “boring”

— Understanding the psalm encourages reflection on the importance and vitality of prayer

1. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts

— Prayer is talking to God, but God is not like us

— Isaiah reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are far higher than ours (Isa. 55:8–9)

— Our limited understanding of God often leaves us uncertain about what to pray for

— This uncertainty can make us feel our prayers are misaligned or that we should pray for something else, but we do not know what

2. We do not know the Bible

— Prayer is talking to God, but God’s nature is vastly different from ours

— Isaiah teaches that God’s thoughts and ways are far beyond human understanding (Isa. 55:8–9)

— Our limited understanding often makes us unsure of what to pray for

— This uncertainty can leave us feeling our prayers are misaligned or inadequate, without knowing how to correct them

3. We do not feel in need of God’s help

— The main reason many struggle with prayer is a lack of felt need for God’s help

— We often feel self-sufficient and only turn to prayer when things go wrong, such as losing a job or facing relationship troubles

— David, despite being a powerful king, did not feel self-sufficient

— Aware of daily perils, David prayed consistently and powerfully

— His example encourages us to recognize our dependence on God and develop a habit of daily, heartfelt prayer

The Invocation

— The first two verses of this psalm serve as an invocation, calling on God to hear the psalmist’s prayer, and they set the tone for true worship

— Worship begins with addressing God, reminding ourselves that we are entering His presence

— Preparation before prayer is vital to focus our thoughts and ensure we are truly meeting with God, not merely performing a religious routine

— Reuben A. Torrey emphasized that prayer transforms when we consciously realize we are having an audience with God

— Torrey’s prayer life changed from a burdensome duty to a cherished privilege when he embraced this perspective

— David connects the temple practices of incense and evening sacrifices to genuine prayer and devotion

— Incense, symbolizing prayer, is referenced in Revelation 5:8 as the prayers of the saints

— Sacrifices pointed to Christ’s atoning death and taught the need for a humble and contrite hear

— Verse 2 highlights the Old Testament understanding that the worshiper’s spirit is the true essence of worship, more important than ritual acts

A Prayer for Purity

— Verses 3–7 contain the main focus of David’s prayer, expressing his concerns and requests

— In verses 3 and 4, David asks God to “set a guard” over his mouth, heart, and actions

— This request reflects David’s desire for God to keep him from sin and help him remain pure

— David’s emphasis on purity aligns with the comparison of evening prayer to incense, which had to be pure and meticulously prepared in temple worship

Macarthur

(141:3-4) Set a guard, O LORD:

David prayed that God would protect him from the kind of evil that characterized his own enemy.

(141:5) Let the righteous strike me:

David acknowledged that God would use other righteous people to answer his prayer in verses 3-4 (see Proverbs 9:8; 19:25; 27:6; 27:17).

(141:6) Judges…overthrown:

That the leaders of the wicked would be punished by being thrown over a cliff (see Luke 4:28-29) is at the heart of David’s prayer (see verse 5).

Words…sweet:

This is written in the sense that David’s words were true.

(141:7) Our bones:

The basis on which the judges were thrown over the cliff is that they had first done this to the righteous (see verse 10).

1. His mouth

—David first asks God to guard his mouth to prevent sinful or harmful speech

— David, more than any other biblical writer, is deeply aware of the damage words can cause

— His psalms often reference harmful speech—both from others and his own potential to speak wrongly

— Contrary to the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” words have caused immense harm throughout history

— Have you ever prayed for God to guard your words, ensuring they help rather than harm?

— Xenocrates, the head of the famous Athenian Academy from 339–314 b.c., said on one occasion, “I have often repented of having spoken, but never of having been silent.”

2. His heart

— Harmful words originate from the heart, as Jesus taught: “Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45)

— A corrupt heart leads to corrupt speech and actions, while a pure heart produces purity in words and deeds

— Human hearts are naturally deceitful and beyond cure (Jer. 17:9), necessitating a spiritual transformation

— God, the Great Physician, promises to give us a new heart and spirit (Ezek. 36:26)

— This transformation is part of the new covenant, where God writes His law on our hearts and forgives our sins (Jer. 31:33–34)

— With a renewed heart, a person begins to speak wholesome words and live a wholesome life

3. His actions

— David asks God to keep him from being “drawn to what is evil” and participating in wicked deeds, echoing the Lord’s Prayer:

“Lead us not into temptation” (Matt. 6:13).

— He also prays to be kept from the company of evildoers to avoid being tempted by their ways or sharing in their pleasures (v. 4).

— David’s awareness of his own vulnerability, not superiority, drives his prayer to avoid the corrupting influence of wicked company.

— If even David could be swept away by evil, how much more should we pray for God’s guidance and protection?

— Derek Kidner comments rightly:

“There is a Puritan vigor and single-mindedness about this psalm to put one in mind of Christian and Faithful at Vanity Fair, whose prayer was ‘Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity,’ and whose reply to the challenge ‘What will you buy?’ was ‘We buy the truth.’ ”

Friendly Fire

— Verses 5–7 connect to the psalm by contrasting the allure of evil with David’s preference for the company of the righteous, even if they reprove him

— David values the correction of friends, aligning with Proverbs 27:6: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted”

— The psalm’s references to cliffs and scattered bones likely refer to the just punishment of evildoers, consistent with the themes of preceding psalms (Pss. 138:7; 139:19; 140:9–11)

— Overall, the psalm emphasizes the value of righteous correction and the ultimate justice of God

Walking by Faith

— The final stanza of Psalm 141 (vv. 8–10) concludes the prayer and worship, offering guidance for life beyond the service.

— David emphasizes that after time with God, we should leave with our eyes fixed on Him

— In the world, dangers and traps set by the wicked abound, but focusing on God ensures safety through life’s challenges

— This imagery parallels Pilgrim’s Progress, where Pilgrim advances past chained lions by keeping his eyes on the porter and staying on the path

— Similarly, David’s focus on God provides confidence to navigate the dangers of life

— Hebrews 2:6–9 applies Psalm 8 to Jesus, affirming that one day He will conquer all dangers

— In the meantime, believers are encouraged to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Heb. 12:2–3)

— True worship begins and ends with focusing on God, enabling a godly and effective life

Exploring the Meaning

We should recognize our need for God in every detail of our lives

In reviewing David’s more introspective psalms, it is interesting to see how often he pleads for God to join him or support him in specific moments or with specific needs. Even though David was aware of God’s sovereignty and authority — not to mention God’s intimate knowledge of his life — David was intentional about requesting God’s presence and help. Psalm 141 is a great example. When David needed help controlling his tongue, he sought God: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (v. 3). When David needed wise counsel from trusted advisors, he asked God to deliver it (v. 5). And when David needed protection from the schemes of evil men, he again invited God to provide it: “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely” (vv. 9-10). These desperate cries for help represent David’s deep knowledge of how God worked in his life.

Psalm 142

Psalm 142 categorically directs the believer to turn to God when trials come. The psalmist’s focus is singular — it is on God alone! David speaks of his cry, unashamedly but humbly declaring that he cries aloud, makes supplication, pours out his complaint, and declares his distress to God. He speaks of his afflictions and describes how his enemies have proactively set out a trap to destroy him. Yet David concludes by describing his confidence in God, declaring that God is his refuge, and closing the psalms with a declaration of hope that God will deal bountifully with him.

— The term "maskil" in the Psalms, such as in the superscriptions (titles) like "A Maskil of David", is generally understood to mean a type of musical or literary composition. The exact meaning of the word is debated, but here are some interpretations:

1. Instruction or Teaching: The root of the word "maskil" in Hebrew (שׂכּל, "sakal") often refers to wisdom, understanding, or skill. Thus, a maskil might be a psalm intended to impart wisdom or provide instruction

2. A Musical Term: Some scholars believe that "maskil" could indicate a particular style or purpose for the psalm, possibly one meant to be meditative or contemplative. It might have guided the musicians on how to perform it

3. Poetic or Artistic Mastery: The term might suggest that the psalm was crafted with exceptional literary skill, meant to showcase a deeper, more thoughtful reflection

4. Specific Usage: In Psalms attributed to David, the term "maskil" may signify a song that combines wisdom with prayer or reflection, often dealing with profound emotional or spiritual themes

Examples of Maskil Psalms

— Some notable "maskil" psalms include:

— Psalm 32: A maskil of David, focusing on the joy of forgiveness

— Psalm 78: A maskil by Asaph, recounting Israel’s history as a lesson for future generations

— The presence of "maskil" suggests that these psalms are meant to engage both the intellect and the heart, encouraging reflection and understanding

Alone But for the Lord

— Few things in life are worse than to be in trouble and be entirely alone

— Yet when things go wrong for us, when life turns sour, or when we are in serious trouble, we almost always have to go through it by ourselves

— Nevertheless, Christians find that although others may desert us in our troubles, we are never deserted by Jesus, who knows us thoroughly, understands all we are going through, and supports us in it

This Lonely Prison

— Psalm 142 is a prayer written by David during a time of isolation and trouble, specifically “when he was in the cave”

— The psalm is tied to the events of 1 Samuel 22:1–2, where David fled from King Saul’s jealousy and hid in the cave of Adullam

— This psalm pairs with Psalm 57, also written during David’s time in the cave, but Psalm 142 reflects a more desperate and isolated state

— At this time, David had no provisions, followers, or secure refuge, with his troubles compounded by Saul’s actions, such as killing Ahimelech, who had helped David

— Psalm 142 likely predates Psalm 57, as it shows David’s faith stretched to its limits, while Psalm 57 is more confident and animated

— Derek Kidner outlines Psalm 142 with four themes:

— My plea – David cries out to God for help

— My plight – He laments his isolation and persecution

— My portion – He affirms God as his refuge

— My prospect – His faith eventually leads to hope in God’s deliverance

— Despite his desperate situation, David’s faith in Psalm 142 is not defeated, ultimately rising to hope in God’s intervention

My Plea

— The first two verses of Psalm 142 express David’s urgent plea for help, pouring out his distress before God

— The verses use parallelism, repeating similar phrases to emphasize David’s fervency and subject matter:

— “I cry aloud to the Lord” parallels “I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy”

— “I pour out my complaint before him” parallels “before him I tell my trouble”

— The repetition and the phrase “cry aloud” highlight the intensity and vocal nature of David’s prayer

— Unlike routine or silent prayers, David’s prayer is verbal, loud, and heartfelt, driven by deep trouble

— Many of our prayers may lack this fervency, often becoming routine unless we face crises

— Trouble often brings urgency to prayer, pushing believers to rely fully on God

— An example is a South African church leader who, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, experienced a profound spiritual renewal as he turned to God with greater dependence.

— Times of trouble teach Christians to trust God deeply, finding Him attentive to their cries

My Plight

— Verse 3 could either conclude the first stanza, explaining why David entrusts his troubles to God, or begin the second stanza, where David describes his troubles

— Kidner sees it as a turning point: “When I am ready to give up, it is you who know my way”

— David’s complaint (v. 2) is expressed fully in verses 3–4:

1. The path before him is dangerous, filled with snares

2. He is utterly alone, with no one to support him

— David asks God to “look to [his] right,” where a trusted friend or supporter would normally stand, but finds none

— Despite feeling alone, David likely recalls Psalm 16:8: “Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken”

— As the psalm progresses, David recognizes that God is indeed at his right hand, offering the help and presence he needs

My Portion

— As far as David could see, he was deserted

— He was in the cave alone

— However, in solitude faith sees what is invisible to the physical senses,

— David saw four important things:

1. God is my refuge (v. 5)

— In verse 4, David laments, “I have no refuge,” but in verse 5, he declares, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living”

— God is David’s refuge from his enemies, who set snares and pursue him, as described in Psalm 57.

— In Psalm 57, David finds comfort in God’s protection: “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (v. 1)

— God is not only a refuge from earthly enemies but also from His own just wrath, which is the greater danger

— As sinners, we face God’s wrath, but He provides refuge in Jesus Christ

— Charles Wesley expressed this truth in his hymn: “Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee”

— Finding refuge in Christ is far more vital than escaping earthly threats, as it ensures safety from eternal judgment

2. God is my portion (v. 5)

— After Abraham’s victory over the eastern kings, he gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek and returned the rest to the king of Sodom, leaving him with no material gain

— Abraham faced potential retaliation from the defeated kings and was again alone

— God appeared to Abraham, reassuring him: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Gen. 15:1)

— God promised to protect Abraham and be a far greater reward than any material riches

— Possessing God is of infinitely greater value than the fleeting wealth of this world

— Jesus reminded us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21)

— Why chase after temporary things when God offers eternal riches and security?

3. God is my Savior (v. 6)

— David acknowledges that God saved him from enemies who were too strong for him, expressing this as a prayer for rescue

— This plea reflects David’s faith that God will indeed be his Savior

— We all need a Savior:

— To save us from sin and its destruction

— To save us from Satan’s schemes

— To save us from the world’s temptations

— To save us from ourselves

— Without God as our Savior, we face defeat by these enemies and perish in our sins

— With God as our Savior, we can triumph over them and find eternal security

4. God is my liberator (v. 7)

— David prays, “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name” (v. 7)

— His plea is not only for rescue but also for freedom to serve and praise God

— David’s desire to worship underscores that his ultimate goal in deliverance is glorifying God

My Prospect

— The psalm ends with a satisfying resolution as David finds his refuge, portion, Savior, and liberator in God despite his trials

— Though he is pursued by King Saul and isolated in a cave, David trusts God to rescue and restore him to fellowship with others

— Derek Kidner identifies three "summits of faith" in the psalm:

1. Verse 3: Confidence in God’s guidance even when the future is unclear

2. Verse 5: Contentment in God as David’s portion, even in loneliness and loss

3. Verse 7: Anticipation of fellowship with the righteous because of God’s goodness

— Jesus experienced ultimate isolation on the cross, forsaken even by God, yet He knew God would restore Him and surround Him with “brothers” (Ps. 22:22)

— Hebrews 4:14–16 reminds us that Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses and offers grace and mercy in our need

— If you feel alone or deserted, remember Jesus endured the same and has not abandoned you

— He understands your struggles and stands ready to help

— Like Job, who testified, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10), trust in God’s refining work through suffering

Psalm 143

Psalm 143 is the final penitential psalm (others include 6, 32, 38,51, 102, 130), in which David cries out to God for help and protection from his enemies. David makes a plea to God for help, while acknowledging that no one can stand before holy God, begging God not to judge him according to his sin. David names the cause of his cry, that is, the enemies who are pursuing him so that his spirit is utterly faint within him. David then describes the comfort that he find in Yahweh for all that Yahweh has done from days of old. Finally, David contends with Yahweh for protection, exclaiming that unless Yahweh delivers him, he will perish, stating that he trusts Yahweh, that he depends on Yahweh, that he hides in Yahweh, and that Yahweh is his God and he is Yahweh’s slave.

The Last of the Penitential Psalms

— Psalm 143 is the final psalm in the church’s list of penitential psalms, which includes Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, and 130

— The penitential psalms typically involve confession of sin and pleas for mercy and forgiveness

— At first glance, Psalm 143 may not seem to fit this category as clearly as the others

— Some suggest its inclusion is due to a liturgical preference for the symbolic number seven, but this view may oversimplify its significance

— Further study is needed to uncover the deeper penitential aspects of Psalm 143.

Is Psalm 143 Really Penitential?

— Psalm 143 is considered penitential, though its confession of sin is general (“No one living is righteous before you”) rather than personal

— The psalm highlights the central problem for anyone seeking mercy: God is righteous, and we are not

— Paul addresses this dilemma in Romans 3:25–26, explaining that through Christ’s sacrifice, God remains just while justifying sinners

— The psalm outlines a progression of thought for the truly penitent:

1. Begin with a plea for mercy (vv. 1–2)

2. Describe one’s struggles and seek God’s help (vv. 3–6)

3. Remember God’s past faithfulness (v. 5)

4. Ask for guidance and preserving grace to live and serve Him (vv. 7–12)

— Martin Luther emphasized repentance as a lifelong transformation, rejecting the medieval view of repentance as mere acts of penance

— Sinclair B. Ferguson highlighted five errors of medieval Christianity that echo in modern evangelicalism:

1. Repentance seen as a single act, not a lifelong restoration

2. Guidance sought in subjective experiences over Scripture

3. Divine presence mediated by individuals rather than the Spirit

4. Worship as a visual spectacle rather than deep engagement with God

5. Ministry success measured by numbers, not by faithfulness or the cross

— Applying these insights to Psalm 143, repentance must permeate all aspects of life: acknowledging sin, seeking God’s help, remembering His faithfulness, and pursuing a life of service

— Luther wisely observed, “Even my repentance needs to be repented of,” reminding us of the pervasive need for humility and grace

A Cry for Mercy

— In the first stanza (vv. 1–2) of Psalm 143, David asks for mercy (v. 1) and acknowledges human unrighteousness as the reason (v. 2)

— The confession is general, not personal or specific, but it profoundly highlights the universality of sin

— The New Testament echoes this truth:

— “No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law” (Rom. 3:20)

— “By observing the law no one will be justified” (Gal. 2:16)

— Human righteousness is insufficient before God, as “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6)

— Salvation requires an “alien righteousness,” as Luther called it, which comes through the life and death of Jesus Christ

— David appeals to God’s “faithfulness and righteousness” (v. 1), tying God’s mercy to His promise of salvation

— God’s righteousness allows Him to save sinners because of Jesus, who took our sin upon Himself (“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” – 2 Cor. 5:21)

— Whether David fully understood the promise of a Savior is uncertain, but his words align with 1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

— Both passages teach that salvation comes through God’s faithfulness and righteousness, fulfilled in Christ’s atoning death

A Dangerous Condition

— In verses 3 and 4, David describes the circumstances prompting his plea for mercy

— He faces relentless opposition from an enemy who pursues, crushes him, and forces him into a state of despair, “like those long dead”

— This suffering is tied to David’s confession of sin in verse 2, acknowledging that his troubles may partly result from God’s judgment

— David admits his spirit is faint and his heart dismayed, echoing Psalm 142:3 and connecting the psalms

— This parallels Jesus’ words in Gethsemane, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38), highlighting that Jesus experienced similar anguish

— Hebrews 4:15–16 reminds us that Jesus, having shared in human suffering, is qualified to help us

— Like David, we are encouraged to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” to receive mercy and grace in our time of need

God’s Mighty Acts

— In the third stanza, David disciplines himself to focus on God’s past acts of power and deliverance.

— He uses three verbs to describe this process: remember, meditate, and consider.

— This practice mirrors other psalms like Psalm 136, which recounts God’s acts in creation, the exodus, and Israel’s history.

— David reflects on God’s past help to find reassurance for the present, reasoning that God, who does not change, will remain faithful.

— H. C. Leupold highlights that meditating on God’s works helps believers regain perspective, revealing God’s consistent care for His people.

— Verse 6 shows David’s deep longing for God: “I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”

— This thirst for God echoes Psalms 42 and 63, where the psalmist longs for God’s presence above all else.

— David’s longing for God reminds us to seek God Himself, not merely His help, and challenges us to repent for not desiring Him as we should

A Plea for Guidance

—In this section, David directly appeals to God, primarily seeking guidance in his time of trouble and danger

— Derek Kidner identifies three aspects of David’s requests for guidance in verses 8–10:

1. “The way I should go” (v. 8b) emphasizes personal destiny, recognizing that each person has a unique calling (cf. Jn. 21:21–22)

2. “Teach me to do your will” (v. 10a) prioritizes pleasing God over self-fulfillment, focusing on finishing His work

3. “Lead me” (v. 10b) reflects humility, acknowledging the need for God’s shepherding rather than just directions

— The progression of David’s prayer:

1. “Bring me word of your unfailing love” – David seeks revelation

2. “Show me the way I should go” – David seeks direction

3. “Teach me to do your will” – David seeks motivation and the ability to obey

— Many Christians focus on seeking God’s will for specific decisions (e.g., jobs, relationships) but may neglect praying for the ability to do God’s will

— This highlights a common need for repentance, as we often approach God for advice while retaining the final say, rather than fully committing to obedience

— David’s prayer challenges us to move beyond seeking guidance to actively pursuing and doing God’s will

God’s Servant

— In the final verses, David prays for deliverance from his enemies so he can continue to live and serve God

— This prayer prioritizes:

1. Preservation of David’s life

2. Deliverance from trouble

3. Silencing of enemies

4. Destruction of foes, if necessary for David’s service to God

— David supports his prayers with three arguments:

1. “For your name’s sake” – David appeals to God’s honor, asking for deliverance so that God’s trustworthiness is displayed

2. “In your righteousness” – David seeks justice, asking for God to act in alignment with His righteous nature

3. “In your unfailing love” – Ultimately, David relies on God’s undeserved but steadfast love for salvation

— The psalm ends with David affirming his role as “your servant”

— This is an honor but also a responsibility

— Despite fulfilling this role, we must humbly confess, as Jesus taught, that we are “unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10)

— Even at the conclusion of the psalm, repentance remains a key theme, acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy and grace

Martin Luther on Psalm 143.

— Martin Luther interpreted Psalm 143 as pointing to God’s grace through Jesus Christ, seeing nearly every verse as gospel-centered

— Examples of Luther’s interpretations:

1. “The enemy persecutes my soul” (v. 3) – The wicked persecute the pious who live by faith in God’s righteousness

2. “I remember the days of old” (v. 5) – God sustains people through the gospel, not their own works or abilities

3. “For thy name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life” (v. 11) – God’s name is honored when life and righteousness are given by grace alone

— Initially, Luther’s approach may seem to impose theology onto the text, but his concluding comments illuminate his perspective

— Luther explained that he focused on Christ because:

— “Whenever I found less in the Scriptures than Christ, I was never satisfied; but whenever I found more than Christ, I never became poorer”

— For Luther, Christ embodies God’s grace, mercy, righteousness, wisdom, power, and salvation, freely given without merit.

— He urged believers to weep over their sins and long earnestly for God’s grace and mercy

— While not strictly academic, Luther’s interpretation reflects his conviction that repentance and reliance on Christ should mark every aspect of a believer’s life

Psalm 144

In psalm 144, David worships God for delivering him from his enemies. David praises God for empowering him to be victorious over his enemies. He acknowledges man’s transience and insignificance while affirming God’s care and concern for man. David then appeals to God’s power to subdue the entire universe to His power, exclaiming that he will sing praise to Yahweh because Yahweh delivers the afflicted and establishes His own in places of stability in every generation.

Blessings on God’s People

— Martin Luther emphasized that true religion is found in personal pronouns, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with God.

— Christianity becomes real when we can speak of God as “our God” and Jesus as “our Savior.”

— A biblical example is Thomas’ declaration to Jesus: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), marking his personal faith after overcoming doubt.

— Saint Augustine’s The Confessions exemplifies this personal faith, being entirely addressed to God.

— The opening lines draw from Psalms 145:3 and 147:5, praising God’s greatness and wisdom: “Great art thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised.”

— Augustine’s famous statement reflects the essence of personal faith: “Thou hast formed us for thyself, and our hearts are restless, till they rest in thee.”

— True religion involves personal acknowledgment of and relationship with God, transforming abstract ideas into a living faith

“My Lord and My God”

— In Psalm 144, David personally confesses who God is to him, using intimate phrases such as “my Rock,” “my loving God,” “my fortress,” “my stronghold,” “my deliverer,” and “my shield” (vv. 1–2)

— The psalm transitions from praise to prayer, where David:

1. Acknowledges human frailty, including his own

2. Asks for God’s help against current threats

3. Offers a “new song” of praise to God

4. Prays for deliverance and envisions peace, prosperity, and security for his people

— The psalm concludes with a commendation: “Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord” (v. 15)

— David trusts that God, who has been his Rock and Deliverer, will grant victory and establish a kingdom of peace and prosperity, free from distress

Macarthur

144:1 Blessed be the Lord:

The structure is as follows: (1) God’s greatness (verses 1-2); (2) man’s insignificance (verses 3-4); (3) God’s power (verses 5-8); man’s praise (verses 9-10); and (5) God’s blessing (verses 11-15)

My Rock:

David’s foundation is God — solid and unshakeable (see Psalms 19:14; 31:3; 42:9; 62:2; 71:3; 89:26; 92:15; 95:1).

Trains my hands for war:

David lived in the days of Israel’s theocracy, not the New Testament church (see John 18:36). God empowered the king to subdue His enemies.

Human Frailty: “What is Man?”

— David marvels that the majestic and all-powerful God stoops to care for and help someone as insignificant as himself

— He writes: “O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow” (vv. 3–4)

— These lines echo Psalm 8:4, though Psalm 8 focuses on humanity’s exalted position in creation, while Psalm 144 highlights God’s personal intervention in David’s life

— David finds it astonishing that God, who governs the cosmos, would intervene to give him victories and be his refuge

— This psalm reflects how deeply personal and triumphant David’s faith is

— David acknowledges his weakness without arrogance, despite being a king, yet his faith keeps him from trembling in fear because he knows God’s power and faithfulness

Help in Trouble

— In verses 5–8 of Psalm 144, David calls on God to descend with power and deliver him, using vivid imagery drawn from Old Testament events

— The imagery parallels Psalm 18 but also reflects the broader tradition of God’s powerful interventions:

— “Part your heavens, O Lord, and come down” recalls God’s descent at Sinai, marked by trembling mountains, dark clouds, and lightning (Exodus 19:16–19; Heb. 12:18–21)

— “Send forth lightning and scatter the enemies” evokes God’s intervention in the conquest of Canaan, where hailstones and lightning struck the enemies (Joshua 10:11)

— “Deliver me from mighty waters” alludes to God’s deliverance at the Red Sea and Jordan River crossings

— David is not merely copying earlier psalms but invoking God’s historic acts of deliverance to ask for present help

— By referencing these events, David declares his connection to the covenant community of Moses, Joshua, and the judges, affirming that the same powerful God is his God

— For Christians, this connection extends through Jesus Christ, who joins believers to God’s covenant people

— The God of Moses, Joshua, and David remains unchanging and is still our Rock and deliverer today

A New Song

— Our response to the knowledge that God is our deliverer, especially from sin’s penalty and power, should be one of praise and gratitude

— David’s response was to sing a “new song,” expressing confidence in God’s deliverance even before it was realized (Psalm 40:3; Psalm 18:49)

— In Psalm 144, David’s “new song” reflects faith and anticipation, as he praises God for a deliverance he trusts will come

— If David lived in our time, he might resonate with hymns like Isaac Watts’ “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” inspired by Psalm 90, which celebrates God’s enduring faithfulness

— The “new song” also appears in Revelation 5, sung by the redeemed and the heavenly host in praise of Jesus Christ:

1. The twenty-four elders sing of Christ’s worthiness, acknowledging His sacrifice and redemption of people from every nation

2. The angels proclaim Christ worthy to receive “power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise”

3. Every creature in creation joins in worship, giving glory to God and the Lamb forever

— This climactic song of Revelation ends with the elders’ “Amen” and their act of worship (Rev. 5:9–14)

— Like David and the heavenly chorus, our response should be to lift our voices in praise, confidently thanking God for His past faithfulness and trusting in His future deliverance

The Anticipated Blessing

— The final section of Psalm 144 (vv. 11–15) looks forward to the blessings David anticipates for his kingdom once God delivers the nation from deceitful enemies.

— These blessings follow a clear progression:

1. Strong families – Young men grow like well-nurtured plants, and young women are like carved palace pillars (v. 12)

2. Prosperity – Fields and flocks flourish, symbolizing abundance (v. 13)

3. Security – Cities are safe, with no breaches, captivity, or cries of distress (v. 14)

4. God as the foundation – The ultimate blessing is having Jehovah as one’s God (v. 15)

— This vision ties seamlessly to David’s prayer for deliverance, repeated in verse 11. When God’s help comes, it will usher in these blessings

— Key insight: The world seeks similar blessings (family, prosperity, security) but often tries to achieve them without God

— However, without God, relationships crumble, material prosperity does not satisfy, and societies remain insecure

— David acknowledges that these blessings are not guaranteed in a fallen world

— Even believers face broken families, hardship, and danger, as David himself experienced

— Yet, knowing God is the greatest blessing of all, providing strength and hope in all circumstances

— The world says, “Blessed are those who look out for themselves.” In contrast, Psalm 1 teaches that true blessing comes from delighting in God’s law and meditating on it, leading to lasting fruitfulness and prosperity (Ps. 1:1–3)

— The psalm ends with the profound truth that the surest path to all blessings begins with God as the foundation of life

Psalm 145

In this psalm, David arranges the verses in alphabetical order in order to provide a sense of fullness and completion mirroring his relationship of worship with God. David declares that he will praise God and exclaims that God is so great that every generation will praise Him with joy. He exalts God for His graciousness, compassion, might, and the glorious and everlasting quality of His kingdom, while proclaiming God’s gracious and sustaining care for frail humans. David asserts the righteousness and holiness of God and remembers God’s commitment to protect His own who worship Him in truth. He finishes the psalm where he began — declaring that he, along with all flesh, will praise God.

The Last of the Acrostic Psalms

— Psalm 145 is David’s last psalm and the final acrostic psalm in the Psalter (Pss 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119 and 145, five of them ascribed to David)

— An acrostic psalm uses each letter of the Hebrew alphabet sequentially to begin its verses.

— Most Hebrew texts omit a verse for nun, resulting in twenty-one verses instead of twenty-two.

— Some ancient texts and translations provide the missing line, rendered in the NIV as:

“The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made” (v. 13b).

— As David’s final psalm, it is fittingly a grand psalm of praise, reflecting his lifetime of devotion and lessons about God

— Psalm 145 serves as a transition to the closing Hallelujah psalms (Psalms 146–150), which focus exclusively on praising God.

— It captures the essence of David’s faith and is a monumental expression of God’s greatness and goodness.

An Opening Statement

— David begins this psalm by an opening statement in which he salutes Jehovah as his “God the King” (v. 1)

— This is a significant statement from the mouth of Israel’s king, for it acknowledges that although David may have been king of the elect nation of Israel, God is nevertheless the King of kings and therefore David’s king too

— What does this ultimate King deserve?

— Our praise!

1. “I will praise” you

— Praise is worship: It is the act of acknowledging God for who He truly is—sovereign, holy, just, righteous, merciful, awesome, and majestic

— Worship involves recognizing God’s nature as revealed in Scripture

— Worship is not about us: It is not primarily asking God for things, confessing sins, or pleading for grace, though these actions may naturally follow worship

— True worship is acknowledging God to be God, fully and sincerely.

— David exemplifies this in Psalm 145, where his focus is entirely on glorifying God for His character and works

2. I will praise you “every day”

— David’s commitment to praise God is not limited to the Sabbath

— While the Sabbath (or Sunday for Christians) is a special day for worship, David declares he will praise God “every day” (v. 2)

— His praise extends to all days of the week, reflecting a life of continual worship and gratitude

3. I will praise you “for ever and ever”

— “Forever and ever” reflects David’s belief in eternal worship, continuing in heaven even after earthly worship ends

— Believers will join redeemed saints from all ages in praising God forever

— This eternal perspective encourages us to begin practicing worship now

— In Psalm 145, David models worship by praising God for:

1. His greatness (vv. 5–7): God’s works are majestic and awe-inspiring

2. His grace (vv. 8–13a): God is compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love

3. His faithfulness (vv. 13b–16): God keeps His promises and provides for His creation

4. His righteousness (vv. 17–20): God is just, near to those who call on Him, and saves those who trust in Him

— Let us follow David’s example and start praising God daily for these attributes and acts!

Great is the Lord

— David praises God for His greatness displayed in His mighty works, as seen in the repeated use of terms like “works,” “acts,” and “deeds”

— The wonders of creation—the ocean, mountains, and the night sky—are natural starting points for praising God

— Yet, for believers, the greatest works of God are His salvation acts, such as delivering Israel from Egypt and, above all, saving sinners through Christ’s atonement

— The death of Jesus revealed God’s goodness and righteousness, attributes not visible in nature but made clear in His work of salvation

— David highlights the responsibility of one generation to commend God’s works to another (v. 4)

— This includes sharing stories of God’s past deeds and adding accounts of His ongoing work in their lives

— Our personal experiences of God’s goodness and our testimony of them are essential parts of our praise

The Lord is Gracious

— God’s goodness and mercy are celebrated in stanza three (vv. 8–13a), echoing Exodus 34:6, where God reveals himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love

— Mercy is unexpected and extraordinary, especially given humanity’s rebellion and rejection of God, even in murdering His Son.

— David emphasizes mercy in this stanza with words like “gracious,” “compassion,” “love,” and “goodness”

— These qualities are reflected in God’s mighty acts

— The theme of God’s kingdom is prominent in the latter half of the stanza, with “kingdom” appearing four times and “dominion” once

— It highlights that God’s rule over us is part of His goodness

— Nebuchadnezzar’s story (Dan. 4) illustrates the necessity of submitting to God’s rule

— After experiencing judgment for his arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar praised God, acknowledging His eternal dominion and quoting Psalm 145:13.

— True wisdom involves recognizing God’s sovereignty and becoming a grateful subject of His kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ

— Revelation 5:9–10 reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice establishes a kingdom of believers to serve God and reign with Him

The Lord is Faithful

— This section of Psalm 145 highlights God's faithfulness and provision for all creation, which is reflected in His promises and care

— God's faithfulness: He keeps His promises and shows love to all He has made (v. 13). This care extends universally, encompassing humanity and even the animal kingdom

— Specific acts of provision:

— He lifts up those who fall and restores the distressed (v. 14)

— He provides food and satisfies all living creatures with good things (vv. 15–16)

— The psalmist likely references God's covenant with Noah (Gen. 8:21–22), where God promised to sustain the earth and its cycles

— For humans, God's promises go deeper. While animals need food, we need God Himself. Augustine's insight, "Our hearts are restless, till they rest in thee," captures this ultimate human longing. Through Christ, God meets this need and fulfills all right desires (Ps. 81:10; Phil. 4:19)

— The section emphasizes universality, with the word "all" repeated eleven times, underscoring God's care and faithfulness to all His creation. This universality culminates in a call to universal praise, echoing the Psalter's grand conclusion in Psalm 150:6: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord"

God is Righteous

— The final stanza of Psalm 145 focuses on God’s righteousness in responding to the needs of His people

— Here, "righteous" emphasizes God's just and caring nature, particularly in how He answers prayers, fulfills desires, and provides salvation to those who seek Him (vv. 17–19)

— God is portrayed as consistently near, attentive, and protective

— God’s Saving Presence:

— God is “near to all who call on him” and responds to their prayers (v. 18)

— He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him and ensures their salvation (v. 19)

— He watches over all who love Him (v. 20)

— A Sobering Reminder:

— The psalm introduces the wicked for the first time, noting that while God watches over the righteous, “all the wicked he will destroy” (v. 20)

— This reflects the ongoing reality of sin in the world and contrasts with the praise-filled depiction of God’s care for His people

— Balance Between Fear and Love:

— Franz Delitzsch insightfully points out that fear and love of God must coexist

— Fear without love leads to servitude, while love without fear risks irreverence

— Together, they reflect a proper understanding of God’s grace and majesty

— This stanza ties together the themes of God’s faithfulness, justice, and care while grounding the praise of God in the reality of a sinful world. It encourages believers to live in awe of God’s goodness and justice while looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in heaven

A Closing Invitation to Praise God

— The final verse of Psalm 145 serves as David's last recorded words in the Bible—a fitting conclusion to his life and testimony. It encapsulates his legacy of worship and his invitation for all creation to join in eternal praise of God:

"My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

— Key Reflections:

— A Legacy of Praise:

— David's ultimate focus is on praising God, showcasing a life centered on worship and gratitude

— His words call future generations to continue this legacy of acknowledging God's greatness

— An Invitation to All:

— David expands his praise beyond himself, inviting “every creature” to join in glorifying God’s holy name for eternity

— This universal call reflects the inclusiveness of worship and the eternal nature of God's worthiness

— A Personal Challenge:

— David's legacy raises the question: What will your legacy be?

— Will it reflect a life of worship and a passion for leading others to praise God?

Additional Resources

Boice, J. M. (n.d.). Psalms. Vol 1: Psalms 1-41. Baker Books.

MacArthur, J. (2023). Psalms. Hymns for God’s People. Harper Christian Resources.

C. H. Spurgeon. The Treasury of David, Vol 1a, Psalms 1-26.

Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy: The Inferno, trans. Dorothy L. Sayers (Harmondsworth, England: Penguin, 1951).

Webb, P. (Ed.). (2022). Psalms of grace. The Master's Seminary Press.