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Introduction:¹ 1--2²

Vindication Of The Righteous/Theocratic Sponsorship Of The Israelite (Davidic) King

I. PSALM 1: Contrasts in Character
The psalmist describes the blessed man who leads an untarnished and prosperous life in accord with the word of Yahweh, and contrasts him with the ungodly man who shall perish

A. The psalmist describes the blessed man who leads an untarnished and prosperous life in accord with the word of Yahweh 1-3

B. By contrast, the psalmist describes the ungodly man 4-5

C. The Psalmist concludes that the ungodly shall perish because Yahweh knows the way of the righteous 6

II. PSALM 2: The Coronation of the Son

The psalmist exhorts the heathen nations to abandon their rebellious plans against Yahweh and His Messiah and submit to the authority of the Son whom God has ordained to rule the nations with a rod of iron

A. The Psalmist reveals how the nations foolishly desire to rebel against Yahweh and His anointed king 1-3

B. The psalmist reveals the resolution of Yahweh to set His king on Mount Zion 4-6

C. The psalmist reveals the affirmation of the King to show by what right he rules 7-9

D. The psalmist exhorts the foolish nations to submit to the Son lest his wrath be kindled quickly 10-13

Book One: 3-41

David's Conflict With Saul

III. PSALM 3: Deliverance from Innumerable Adversaries
In spite of innumerable adversaries, the elect chosen of God can petition God with confidence for deliverance

A. While lamenting the amazing number of his adversaries who would destroy him, David finds a comforting confidence in the character of God 1-3

B. While in the sorest strait, David calmly reposes because Yahweh sustains him 4-6

C. While petitioning Yahweh for deliverance from his enemies, David praises Him for the victory 7-8

IV. PSALM 4: The Evening Song: Warnings to the Enemies
Having cried out to God for help, the psalmist warns his enemies not to sin against God by wronging him because God has set him apart in protective care, a fact that gladdens his heart in the face of opposition

A. The psalmist calls to God who makes room for him in straits 1

B. The psalmist earnestly warns his enemies not to wrong him, but to turn to trust in God who has lovingly set him apart 2-5

C. The psalmist joyfully expresses his peace and security in God in the face of opposition 6-8

V. PSALM 5: The Morning Song: Confidence in God who hates Iniquity
Entreating God to hear his morning prayer, the writer expresses his confidence in drawing near to God who hates iniquity and prays for divine leadership in the plain way along with the destruction of the wicked and blessing of those who love Yahweh

A. The writer entreats God to hear his heartfelt sigh and the voice of his lips in the morning prayer 1-3

B. The writer expresses his confidence in going to God who hates iniquity 4-7

C. The writer prays for guidance in the face of such destruction of the wicked, finding great confidence in the protection and the blessing of those who love Yahweh 8-12

VI. PSALM 6: A Penitent’s Prayer
The servant of Yahweh, being reproved by the chastening rod of man, petitions God for deliverance, and finding assurance that his prayer has been heard, wars his persecutors to depart for they are about to be shammed

A. The psalmist prays for deliverance from enemies 1-7

B. The psalmist exhorts his adversaries to depart, issuing from his assurance that Yahweh has heard his prayer and will put them to shame 8-10

VII. PSALM 7: Innocence before the Righteous Judge
In praying for deliverance from his slanderous enemies, the hymnist solemnly protests his innocence and appeals to the righteous Judge of the earth to vindicate him by judging the wicked in their own conceived mischief

A. The poet confidently prays for deliverance from his slanderous enemies 1-2

B. The poet, protesting his innocence before God, appeals to the righteous judge of the earth to manifest his righteousness in vindicating his cause 3-10

C. The poet describes God’s dealings with the wicked in direct punishment and in indirect entrapment in their own devices to display the righteousness of Yahweh 11-17

VIII. PSALM 8: Glory Condescending to Man
The psalmist marvels that the glorious Lord of heaven whose name is excellent should graciously use man in the dominion of earth

A. Praise: The psalmist marvels that the excellent name of Yahweh should use “children” to confound the might 1-2

B. Ponderings: The psalmist examines the marvelous theme that God should graciously entrust his dominion to man 3-8

C. Praise: The psalmist praises the excellency of the Name 9

IX. PSALM 9: Thanksgiving for Vindication
Having praised Yahweh for manifesting His righteousness in the judgment on the wicked nations, and for being a true and eternal judge in whom the afflicted may trust, the psalmist prays that God will give him further cause to praise by seeing his affliction

A. Praise: The writer praises Yahweh, the true and eternal Judge, the hope of the afflicted, for manifesting His righteousness 1-12

B. Prayer: The writer prays that the God who destroyed the wicked in the past will once again come to the aid of the afflicted 13-20

X. PSALM 10: The Oppression of the Wicked
After describing the awesome power of the wicked in their impiety towards God and their lurking against the helpless, the poet appeals to God to rise and avenge the oppressed by breaking the wicked

A. The poet offers a forcible description of the wicked in his impiety towards God and his vicious power against the oppressed 1-11

B. The poet appeals to God to rise and show himself the avenger of the afflicted and the destroyer of the wicked 12-18

XI. PSALM 11: Faith Rather Than Flight
Faced with the temptation to flee at a time when the lawful authority is destroyed, the Psalmist hold fast to his faith in Yahweh who ultimately will destroy the wicked whom he hates and deliver the righteous whom he loves

A. The psalmist repudiates the temptation to flee in a time when lawful authority is destroyed 1-3

B. The psalmist reiterates his steadfast trust in Yahweh who tries the children of men and will ultimately destroy the wicked because he loves righteousness 4-7

XII. PSALM 12: Truth Among Deception
In the midst of a culture oppressing the meek with deception and propaganda, the psalmist expresses confidence in the untarnished word of God which assures him that Yahweh will save the meek who seek His salvation

A. The psalmist addresses Yahweh: He prays to Yahweh for the deliverance of the meek from a lying and arrogant people 1-4

B. Yahweh addresses the psalmist: Yahweh assures the psalmist that He will deliver the meek who look on Him for salvation 5

C. The psalmist addresses Yahweh: Although recognizing the presence of the wicked world around him, the psalmist expresses his confidence in the untarnished word of God 6-8

XIII. PSALM 13: The Cry of the Afflicted
Thought the psalmist, the elect of God, finds no deliverance from the oppression of the adversary, the enemy of God, he rests confidently in Yahweh’s loyal love

A. The psalmist prays to Yahweh 1-5a

B. The psalmist, assured that his prayer has been heard, resolves to praise Yahweh for dealing bountifully with him 5b-c

XIV. PSALM 14: The Error of the Fool
Having been given the revelation that the entire human race is foolish (i.e., separated from the wisdom of God), and that God will overthrow the foolish, the man of God longs for the establishment of Yahweh’s kingdom on earth

A. The Psalmist receives a revelation of Yahweh’s appraisal of the human race: they are all fools 1-3

B. The psalmist reveals the outcome of the struggle between the workers of iniquity and the righteous generation 4-6

C. The psalmist expresses a yearning for the establishment of Yahweh’s kingdom 7

XV. PSALM 15: The Character of Yahweh’s Guest
The writer delineates the flawless character of the man who may draw near to Yahweh and abide in his presence

A. Question: The psalmist asks who may abide in the presence of Yahweh 1

B. Answer: The psalmist describes the flawless character of the man who may draw near to Yahweh and abide in his presence 2-5

XVI. PSALM 16: The Resurrection of the Holy One” (NT)
Because he came to know and trust in Yahweh as his portion in life, the psalmist can trust Him in the face of death

A. The psalmist reviews how he came to know and trust Yahweh as his portion in life 1-8

B. As a result of his faith in life (“Therefore”), the psalmist is assured that Yahweh will preserve his life 9-11

XVII. PSALM 17: Protection from Worldly Men
Conscious of his own uprightness and surrounded by enemies whose portion is in his life only, the psalmist prays to be kept from the evil world oppressing him as he looks to a bright future

A. The psalmist confidently appeals that his cause is right and his life upright 1-5

B. The psalmist prays to be kept from the evil world because they are full of vicious pride 6-21

C. The psalmist looks to the bright future in contrast to the present persecution by worldly men 13-15

XVIII. PSALM 18: The Rock of Deliverance
Having reviewed all that Yahweh is to him, David records his suffering, peril, and deliverance by the Rock, explaining such a victory by his faith and God’s nature, rejoicing in the mercies shown to him

A. David reviews all that Yahweh is to him in his vow to prayer 1-3

B. David records his suffering and peril and great, supernatural deliverance he has experienced, explaining such a victory in the terms of his faith and God’s nature 4-30

C. David rejoices in the many blessings that God, the Rock, has given to him, and acknowledges the living God among the nations 31-45

XIX. PSALM 19: Revelation: By Creation and the Word
Moved by the observation that the heavens, under the domination influence of the sun, declare the splendor of God’s handiwork, the psalmist (by comparison) describes the dominating influence of the efficacious law of Yahweh which enlightens him, and then prays for complete cleansing so that his life will be acceptable before Yahweh

A. The Psalmist observes that the heavens, under the dominating influence of the sun, declare the splendor of God’s work 1-6

B. The Psalmist describes the dominating influence of the efficacious law of Yahweh 7-11

C. The psalmist prays for complete cleansing so that he may live an upright and acceptable life 12-14

XX. PSALM 20: Trusting in the Name of Yahweh
Having rehearsed the intercessory prayer of the people for their monarch who is praying for victory, the king expresses the assurance he has received from Yahweh for an overwhelming victory because he believes

A. The psalmist rehearses the intercessory prayer and praise of the assembled worshipers who desire that Yahweh answer the king’s prayer for help in the battle 1-5

B. The psalmist (who is king) expresses the assurance that because he trusts in the Name of Yahweh he shall have an overwhelming victory 6-8

C. The assembled worshipers respond in unison with a prayer that Yahweh will demonstrate that assured salvation 9

XXI. PSALM 21: Triumph of the King
The psalmist rejoices in the strength of Yahweh who has responded to the faith of the king with an overwhelming victory and finds added encouragement from the faithful who anticipate future victory by the power of Yahweh

A. The royal psalmist rejoices in the strength of Yahweh who has given him the victory in the battle because he trusted in him 1-7

B. Because the king trusts in Yahweh, the congregation anticipates that not only shall he never be moved, but he shall defeat his enemies convincingly 8-12

C. The congregation vows to sing and praise the might and power of Yahweh who alone is to be exalted 13

XXII. PSALM 22: Hope Beyond the Cross (NT)
Apparently forsaken by the God of his youth, the God of his fathers, and surrounded by the scornful persecution of his enemies, the suffering psalmist laments his desperate struggle with death, asking God to deliver him from such a horrible death and is heard so that he is able to declare to the world and the elect that Yahweh triumphs

A. Introduction: David, apparently forsaken by Yahweh, and scorned by his enemies, is confident that God, the God of his fathers and of his youth, will not abandon him 1-10

B. Lament: David laments his desperate struggle with death (under the figure of death by crucifixion) at the hands of inhuman enemies 11-18

C. Petition: David prays that Yahweh will deliver him from such a death, and finds an answer 19-21

D. Praise: David addresses the elect and the world in praise because Yahweh triumphs 22-26

XXIII. PSALM 23: The Ministries of Yahweh
Against the background of a pasture, a banquet hall, and the temple, David recalls the many ministries of Yahweh to him in the dangers of life and concludes that persistent loving protection will restore him to full communion

A. David meditates on the ministries of Yahweh to him under the figures of the pasture and the banquet hall 1-5

B. David concludes that since the good loyal love of Yahweh will pursue him always, he shall return to full communion in the house of Yahweh 6

XXIV. PSALM 24: Preparation for the King of Glory
In preparation for the entry of the great and glorious King of Glory, the psalmist submits that those with clean hands and a pure heart may ascend to His holy place

A. The psalmist submits that those of clean hands and pure heart may ascend to the holy place of Yahweh 1-6

B. The psalmist describes the entry of the King of Glory 7-10

XXV. PSALM 25: Acrostic Prayer for Instruction and Forgiveness
The psalmist confidently turns to Yahweh for divine instruction and forgiveness of iniquity because of his mercies to Israel

A. The psalmist is not ashamed to turn to Yahweh for instruction and forgiveness of the sins of his youth 1-7

B. The psalmist reiterates his prayer to Yahweh for instruction of the true way and forgiveness for the afflicted soul who looks to Him for redemption 8-22

XXVI. PSALM 26: Separation from Sinners
The man who keeps himself separate from sinners and clearly identifies himself with the worship of Yahweh can petition Yahweh with confidence to spare him from a common fate with the sinner

A. The Psalmist offers a twofold introductory petition asserting his integrity 1-3

B. The psalmist proves his integrity by demonstrating that he keeps himself separate from sinners and identifies himself with the worship of Yahweh 4-11

C. The psalmist petitions Yahweh to spare him from a common fate with sinners with whom he has not associated 9-12

XXVII. PSALM 27: A Song of Courageous Trust
The psalmist, expressing great confidence in Yahweh in spite of a host of enemies who threaten his life, prays for help and comfort in his time of need and rejoices in the hope of waiting on Yahweh

A. David expresses great confidence in Yahweh in spite of the host of enemies 1-6

B. David prays for help and comfort in his time of need and rejoices in the hope of waiting for Yahweh 7-14

XXVIII. PSALM 28: A confident Cry for Help
Assured that Yahweh will distinguish him from the wicked by permanently overthrowing the wicked while preserving him in his distress, the psalmist prays that God will grant eternal salvation to his people

A. Address to Yahweh: The psalmist petitions Yahweh to distinguish him from the wicked by saving him from a common fate with them 1-4

B. Address to the congregation: Confident of an answer to his prayer, the psalmist prophesies the permanent overthrow of the wicked and praises Yahweh 5-8

C. Address to Yahweh: The psalmist petitions Yahweh to save Israel 9

XXIX. PSALM 29: The voice of Yahweh
Having witnessed the awesome manifestations of Yahweh’s power in a terrifying thunderstorm, the psalmist calls on the sons of God to glorify Him who sits as king forever over nature

A. Call to praise: The psalmist calls upon the sons of the Mighty to glorify Yahweh in holy array 1-2

B. Cause for praise: The psalmist describes Yahweh’s omnipotent control of nature in a terrifying storm 3-9

C. Conclusion: The psalmist concludes that Yahweh sits as King forever and is able to share his strength and peace with his people 10-11

XXX. PSALM 30: Anger and Favor
From his experience of deliverance from chastening for sin, the psalmist praises God that whereas His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime

A. David acknowledges Yahweh’s deliverance in a summary statement and calls for the congregation to praise God whose anger is but for a moment, and his favor for a lifetime 1-5

B. David recalls his prayer for deliverance from the sin of independence 6-10

C. David rehearses his deliverance 11-12

XXXI. PSALM 31: Trust in Trouble
The psalmist exhorts the afflicted to love Yahweh and to be strong because Yahweh will be a cover to them from the plots of men, a truth he learned when he committed his spirit into the hands of Yahweh when his foes plotted to kill him

A. Address: The psalmist turns to Yahweh in his time of need 1-2

B. Confidence: The psalmist confidently commits his life into the hands of Yahweh, his Rock 3-8

C. Lament: The psalmist pleads for grace because he is in distress 9-13

D. Petition Proper: Emphasizing that he has placed himself into the hands of Yahweh, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to save him and to silence his enemies 14-18

E. Praise and Exhortation: After praising God for his protection of the faithful, the psalmist exhorts all who are waiting upon Yahweh to love Yahweh and be strong 15-24

XXXII. PSALM 32: The Pardoned Penitent
The writer calls upon the righteous to praise Yahweh because they can depend on Him to consummate His program of salvation for those who trust in Him

A. The Call to Praise: The psalmist calls upon the righteous to praise Yahweh 1-3

B. The Cause for Praise: The psalmist gives the cause for praise--Yahweh’s good character 4-19

C. The Conclusion: The people of God reassert their faith in Him 20-23

XXXIII. PSALM 33: The Doctrine of Praise
The writer calls upon the righteous to praise Yahweh because the can depend on Him to consummate His program of salvation for those who trust in Him

A. The Call to Praise: The psalmist calls upon the righteous to praise Yahweh 1-3

B. The Cause for Praise: The psalmist gives the cause for praise--Yahweh is the righteous, just and loyal one 4-19

C. The Conclusion: The people of God reassert their faith in him 20-22

XXXIV. PSALM 34: Praise for Deliverance with Instruction
Having called the congregation to praise Yahweh with him for their salvation, and having drawn the conclusion that God is good to those who trust him, the psalmist instructs the congregation on how to achieve long life

A. The psalmist calls the congregation to praise Yahweh with him because he saved him and draws the general conclusion that God is good to his people 1-10

B. The psalmist exhorts the congregation to learn from him how to achieve long life 11-12

C. the psalmist sets forth his instruction 13-22

XXXV. PSALM 35: Hating Without a Cause
In three laments, each emphasizing one element of a typical lament psalm, the psalmist petitions Righteous Yahweh to deliver him from and to render poetic justice against his adversaries because they hate him without a cause

A. With emphasis on the introductory petition, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to deliver him from and to render poetic justice against his enemies for they hate him without a cause

B. With emphasis on lament, the psalmist demonstrates that he is hated without a cause and therefore asks for help 11-18

C. With emphasis on petition, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to deliver him from and to render poetic justice against those that stir up strife by their mendacious accusations against those at peace 19-20

XXXVI. PSALM 36: Preservation from Evil Men
Having received an oracle concerning the philosophy and practice of the unbeliever as he plots his wicked schemes, and having found relief in an experiential knowledge of the glorious attributes of Yahweh which bring abundant blessings to the believer, the psalmist prays that Yahweh would continue his loyal love and righteousness so that the wicked might not destroy his integrity

A. The psalmist receives an oracle concerning the philosophy and the practice of the wicked who schemes evil 1-4

B. The psalmist finds relief in a description of the attributes of Yahweh which brings abundant blessing to the life of the believer 5-9

C. The psalmist prays that Yahweh will continue this protective love so that his integrity will be preserved 10-12

XXXVII. PSALM: 37: Fret Not
Using a collection of proverbial expressions, the psalmist exhorts the righteous to trust in Yahweh continually and fret not the evil man who will be cast down ultimately

A. The psalmist warns the congregation not to fret the evil man but to trust in Yahweh 1-8

B. The psalmist describes the judgment of the wicked in a series of contrasts with the righteous 9-22

C. The psalmist delineates the blessings of Yahweh on the righteous 23-31

D. The psalmist portrays the problem of the wicked man, concluding that salvation is of Yahweh 32-40

XXXVIII. PSALM: 38: The Song for Sorrows
Being severely chastened by the hand of Yahweh for personal sin, and being grievously plagued by his adversaries, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to deliver him from both afflictions because his hope is in Yahweh to whom he confesses iniquity

A. The psalmist offers his introductory petition for Yahweh to stop chastening him 1-2

B. The psalmist laments his sufferings 3-12

C. The psalmist expresses his confidence in Yahweh 13-20

D. The psalmist offers a final petition to Yahweh 21-22

XXXIX. PSALM 39: Hope in this Life
Having submitted to the knowledge that God has determined a brief life for man, the psalmist casts himself upon God’s hospitality, while he lives as a guest upon the earth, to stop chastening him that he might enjoy the days remaining

A. Past reflection and petition: The afflicted poet, having resolved not to sin against God by faulting Him, sought relief from his anguish by asking God to help him to submit himself to the knowledge that god has determined a brief life for man 1-6

B. Present realization and petition: Realizing that his afflictions are due to his sins, the psalmist casts himself wholly upon Yahweh’s hospitality to make his brief sojourn on earth more enjoyable by ceasing to chasten him 7-13

XL. PSALM 40: The Song of Sacrificial Service
Having gladly offered himself as a sacrifice to God for the innumerable acts of salvation granted to him, the psalmist prays for a hasty rescue from the multitude of present evils

A. Praise: Because of God’s innumerable acts of salvation, the psalmist gladly offers himself as a sacrifice to God 1-8

B. Having published his witness to Yahweh’s faithful acts, the psalmist laments the multitude of evils that have come upon him and pleads for a quick deliverance 9-17

XLI. PSALM 41: A Prayer for Help Against Treachery
Recalling his prayer for revenge on those who did not show mercy but took advantage of his illness, the writer instructs that the one who takes note of the needy obtains deliverance

A. Speaking to the congregation, the psalmist instructs them that the merciful obtain mercy 1-3

B. Speaking to the congregation, the psalmist supports the maxim by recalling his prayer for revenge on those who did not show him mercy but took advantage of his illness 4-10

C. Speaking to God, the psalmist supports the maxim by noting that God delivered him from his enemies on account of his integrity 11-12

Book Two: 42--72

David's Reign

XLII. PSALM 42
Yearning in his soul for restoration to communion with the living God and lamenting the fact that his adversaries like great billows have stormed over him, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to lead him back to the temple that he might find rest for his soul

A. The psalmist years for the living God as he is taunted by the enemies in his life, but finds hope that he will yet praise him 42:1-5

B. The psalmist laments the act that his enemies like great billows have stormed over him, but hinds hope that he will yet praise him 42:6-11

C. The psalmist petitions Yahweh to lead him back to Jerusalem where he longs to serve and praise 43:1-5

XLIII. PSALM 43 (Same as Psalm 42)

XLIV. PSALM 44: National Lament for Deliverance
Because of God’s past dealings with their fathers and the present reality of their faith, the people of god pray and trust that God will cause them to triumph ultimately even though they experience temporary defeats which they neither understand nor deserve

A. Israel expresses confidence in Yahweh 1-8

B. Israel complains of her present humiliating defeat 9-16

C. Israel protests her innocence before Yahweh 17-22

D. Israel petitions God for help 23-26

XLV. PSALM 45: The Royal Wedding
Having praised the royal bridegroom for all his splendor, majesty, and righteousness, the psalmist, who had counseled the new bride on attaining a beautiful relationship before she was brought to the king’s palace in all her glory, predicts universal and eternal remembrance of the name through the progeny

A. The psalmist praises the royal bridegroom on his wedding day 1-9

B. The psalmist charges the bride on attaining the proper relationship before she is conducted to the palace 10-15

C. the psalmist announces the benediction 16-17

XLVI. PSALM 46: The Secure Refuge
The psalmist magnifies God as the sure defense at all times for his saints, observing that the presence of God makes Zion secure for her foes

A. The psalmist magnifies God as the sure defense of the saints who do not fear perils 1-3

B. The psalmist observes that the peace of Zion is secured by the presence of God who destroys her foes 4-7

C. The psalmist exhorts the saints to observe the saving might deeds of God 8-11

XLVII. PSALM 47: The Song of the Great King
The psalmist calls upon all the peoples of the earth to do homage to Israel’s sovereign, holy monarch, Yahweh, as he assumes His kingship over them after subduing them

A. The psalmist calls upon all the people to do homage to Yahweh because He has proved Himself to be King of all the earth 1-4

B. The psalmist calls upon the peoples to praise Yahweh as He ascends His throne to reign over all the earth 5-9

XLVIII. PSALM 48: The City of the Great King
In praise to God who loves and dwells in Zion, the psalmist sings of the glory and security of the city since Yahweh has delivered it from the enemy

A. The psalmist praises God and ascribes glory and security to Zion the city of God 1-3

B. The psalmist describes the defeat of the enemies of Zion because God loves and dwells there 4-8

C. The psalmist offers thanksgiving to God whose praise is in all the earth 9-14

XLIX. PSALM 49: A Dark Saying on a Harp: Redemption, not Wealth
The wise poet calls the world to listen to his dark saying for he has observed the prosperous and the rich who are purred up with pride and false security and concluded that they are no better than the beasts of the field, for in the end the hope of the righteous brings the only consolation

A. Introduction: The wise man calls the world to listen to his inspired saying 1-4

B. Observation: The wise man has observed the prosperous and the rich who are puffed up with pride and false security: their glory is temporary 5-12

C. Conclusion: The wise man concludes that the doom of the arrogant man is final, but the hope of the righteous man is eternal 13-20

L. PSALM 50: Yahweh’s Indictment: Formalism and Hypocrisy
Against the backdrop of the heavenly courtroom, Asaph declares Yahweh’s indictments against His people as formalism in worship and hypocrisy in living and calls for acknowledgement sacrifices from hearts of trust

A. Asaph presents the scene of judgment with Yahweh appearing to judge his people 1-6

B. Asaph, announcing Yahweh’s first indictment, decries the nation’s formalism in worship and calls for sacrifice from a heart of trust 7-15

C. Asaph, announcing Yahweh’s second indictment, decries the nation’s hypocrisy in living and calls for trust and obedient living 16-23

LI. PSALM 51: Forgiveness for the Broken Heart
Even the vilest offender among God’s people can appeal to God for forgiveness from sin, for moral restitution, and for a joyful life of fellowship and service for God, if he in humble self-surrender bases his appeal on God’s attributes, the praise that will redound to God, and God’s theocratic program

A. Introductory petition: Appealing to God’s loyal love and compassion, David petitions God to forgive him by grace and cleanse him completely from sin 1-2

B. Confession: David confesses that he has sinned against God and laments his moral impotence 3-6

C. Petition: David petitions God for forgiveness and a moral renewal that will restore fellowship and joy 7-12

D. Vow: If forgiven, David promises to praise God, restore others to Him, and offer the sacrifice of a spirit and mind broken of all self-assertion 13-17

E. Epilogue: David petitions God to prosper Jerusalem after which he anticipates that lawful sacrifices will again be accepted 18-19

LII. PSALM 52: Deliverance from Evil Man
The psalmist, who trusts in God’s loyal love, contrasts his blessed faith with the ruin of the treacherous man who trusted in iniquity

A. The psalmist portrays the treacherous tongue of Doeg and predicts his total ruin 1-7

B. The psalmist portrays his blessed fate and faith and promises to acknowledge and hope in God for ever 8-9

LIII. PSALM 53: The Shaming of the Fool
Having been given the revelation that the entire race is foolish, and that God will overthrow and shame the foolish, the psalmist longs for the establishment of God’s kingdom³

A. The psalmist receives a revelation of God’s view of the human race: They are all fools 1-3

B. The psalmist reveals the outcome of the struggle between the workers of iniquity and the righteous generation 4-6

C. The psalmist expresses a yearning for the establishment of God’s kingdom when he brings back the captives 6

LIV. PSALM 54: Trusting the Name
Though the psalmist is being pursued by ungodly men who seek his life, he confidently trusts in Yahweh’s name for complete deliverance⁴

A. David petitions God for deliverance from his enemies 1-3

B. David confidently asserts his trust in God, vowing to praise Him for the deliverance 4-7

LV. PSALM 55: The Oppression of a Companion’s Betrayal
Having called on god to enable him to escape from his terrible plight, the psalmist laments the oppression that has come from the betrayal of his familiar friend, but expresses his personal confidence in God who redeems from deceitful enemies

A. The psalmist calls on god to head his restless complaint and deliver him from the terrifying oppression from which he longs to escape 1-8

B. The psalmist calls on god to destroy the wicked for they have filled with violence the city because of wickedness, bemoaning the fact that the wicked have betrayed him 9-15

C. The psalmist expresses his personal confidence in Yahweh who has redeemed him in battle and who will deliver him from the deceitful, destructive men 16-23

LVI. PSALM 56: Confidence in Yahweh Who Cares
Although David’s enemies lie in hiding waiting to destroy him, David confidently trusts in Yahweh who even counts his tears, vowing to acknowledge so great a deliverance

A. The psalmist confidently petitions Yahweh to destroy those that lie in hiding waiting to destroy him 1-7

B. The psalmist reiterates his confidence in Yahweh who is concerned about him, and vows to acknowledge his deliverance 8-13

LVII. PSALM 57: Deliverance from the Exalted God
Using as his refrain the desire for God to be exalted, the psalmist calls out for salvation by divine intervention from the destructive enemies and then sings a song of triumph to His loyal love and truth in the full expectation that the wicked will be caught in their own snare

A. The psalmist cries to God for divine intervention to rescue him from the enemies who would destroy him and then expresses his desire for the exaltation of God 1-5

B. The psalmist sings his song of triumph to God’s loyal love and truth in the expectation that his enemies will be destroyed in their own snare and then expresses his desire for the exaltation of God 6-11

LVIII. PSALM 58: Unrighteous Judges
David denounces the unrighteous judges who from the first are wickedly poisonous in their work, calling for God to destroy them irrevocably and swiftly and anticipating that the righteous will be strengthened in their cause

A. By means of questions and answers, the psalmist decries the unrighteous judges who wickedly go astray and poison others 1-5

B. The psalmist calls for God to destroy the wicked judges swiftly and irrevocably 6-9

C. The psalmist anticipates the joy of those who will see the vengeance and will conclude that righteousness is right and worthwhile 10-11

LIX. PSALM 59: Defense from Bloody Men
The innocent psalmist petitions Yahweh on the basis of His loyal-love to set him securely on high above his bloody enemies and to humiliate these arrogant boasters in such a way that all will know that Yahweh is the One who rules

A. The psalmist turns to Yahweh to deliver him out of his disparate situation for he is innocent 1-5

B. The psalmist likens his enemies to ravenous dogs and by quoting them shows them to be practical atheists 6-7

C. The psalmist is confident that Yahweh who mocks the heathen and loves his own will cause him to see victory over his enemies 8-10

D. The psalmist petitions Yahweh to destroy the arrogant blasphemers in such a way that all will know that Yahweh is the One who rules 11-13

E. The psalmist confidently anticipates singing Yahweh’s praise in the morning when delivered; namely his strength, security, and love 14-17

LX. PSALM 60: Prayer for Victory in the Face of Defeat
Knowing that both victory and defeat come from the hand of Yahweh, the psalmist petitions Him on behalf of the nation to help them achieve victory over their enemies (Moab, Edom, and Ammon) on the basis of promised triumph

A. Psalmist speaks: the psalmist turns to Yahweh for the deliverance of the nation, rehearsing their lamentable predicament, their mission in the world, and their relationship to Yahweh 1-5

B. God speaks: God assures the psalmist of victory by exulting in the fact that both land and tribes are His and the nations will be subjugated 6-8

C. The psalmist speaks: After raising rhetorical questions to show the necessity of Yahweh’s leadership, the psalmist petitions Yahweh for victory over their oppressors in absolute confidence that Yahweh will tread them down 9-12

LXI. PSALM 61: Prayer to the Rock Higher than I
When feeling faint and inadequate, the psalmist finds assurance in the strength of the Rock that is higher and encouragement in the promises that endure forever

A. David petitions Yahweh for strength and security when his heart is overwhelmed within 1-2

B. David expresses his confidence in Yahweh who promised strength and security 3-7

C. David vows to sing and praise Yahweh by performing his vows daily 8

LXII. PSALM 62: My Soul Waits in Silence
In silence David waits for God, his strength and security, to deliver him from his deceitful enemies, contrasting the security of trusting in God with the folly of trusting in the vanity of men which is powerless

A. Waiting silently for God, his strength and security, to deliver him, David marvels at the efforts of some to thrust him down 1-4

B. Waiting silently for God, his strength and security, David instructs the saints to put their trust in Him 5-8

C. David warns that it is folly to trust in the vanity of foolish man for only God is powerful 9-12

LXIII. PSALM 63: The Soul’s Yearning for Worship
Separated from the ark, the formal place of worship by those who seek to kill him, the psalmist satisfies his soul’s yearning for worship by praising god for his loyal love even during his present duress, and confidently anticipates his future joy when the lying mouths of his enemies will be stopped

A. Introduction: Contrasting his present parched experience with his past visions of God’s power and glory at the ark, the psalmist yearns for God’s presence 1-2

B. Body: The psalmist satisfies his soul by praising God for the loyal love for the richness of the spirit, and for the help 3-8

C. Conclusion: The psalmist confidently anticipates the destruction of the liars who seek to kill him 9-11

LXIV. PSALM 64: Poetic Justice for Evil Tongues
Having prayed for protection from those who conspire against him, and having depicted their malicious schemes for the destruction of the innocent, the psalmist anticipates the intervention of God to turn the scheme upon the schemers causing terror in the wicked and joy in the righteous

A. The psalmist prays for protection from those who conspire against him 1-2

B. The psalmist characterizes his enemies, depicting their malicious schemes for the destruction of the innocent 3-6

C. The psalmist prophesies the intervention of God who will turn the destructive scheme upon the schemers themselves, causing great terror among the unrighteous but great joy among the righteous 7-10

LXV. PSALM 65: The Song of Harvest Blessing
Having discovered that God who hears prayers will cover his iniquity and fill his house with blessing, and having uttered his confidence that God’s work will bring full restoration, the psalmist anticipates God’s year of goodness which will cause nature to shout for joy

A. The psalmist expresses his assurance that God will cover his sin and bless him abundantly 1-4

B. The psalmist expresses his assurance that the Saving God will answer prayer and bring full restitution that will cause fear and joy 5-8

C. The psalmist expresses his assurance that the abundant and good year will fully come when God visits the earth and pours out his blessings, all of which will result in nature’s shout for joy 9-13

LXVI. PSALM 66: Praise from All Lands
Having been delivered by God, the nation offers up its acknowledgement to God, calling upon all the earth to recognize Hi sovereignty and loyal love

A. The people call upon all the earth to praise God because He has delivered Israel from their oppressors throughout history, demonstrating that He is sovereign in the earth 1-12

B. The psalmist, the leaders of the people, offers the declarative praise to God with sacrifice and words of praise to the congregation 13-20

LXVII. PSALM 67: When God Causes His Face to Shine Upon Us
Having prayed for God’s mercy and blessing so that His saving ways may be known, the psalmist calls the people to praise God for His equitable judgments and material blessings

A. The psalmist prays for God’s merciful dealings so that the world will know His saving ways 1-2

B. The psalmist calls the people to praise God for His righteous and equitable judgment 3-4

C. The psalmist calls the peoples of the earth to praise God because the earth has yielded its increase and all the earth will respond 5-7

LXVIII. PSALM 68: Yahweh’s Triumphant Ascending of Mount Zion
Reviewing the development of Yahweh choice of Mount Zion from the wilderness to the occupation and conquest of the land, and emphasizing the result of the choice of Mount Zion from the leading away of captives into submission to the reception of gifts, the psalmist exults and sings praises to the triumphant march of God in behalf of the oppressed, calling for others to praise Him for His great strength which He displays and shares

A. The psalmist calls for the wicked to flee before God’s triumphant march and the righteous to exult for He delivers the oppressed 1-6

B. Reviewing the development of Yahweh choice of Mount Zion, the psalmist pictures the movement from wilderness to conquest and occupation 7-18

C. Reiterating the triumphant procession into Zion and the destruction of the enemies, the psalmist depicts the great effects of Yahweh’s choice

D. Realizing that the strength of God is displayed in Israel and given to His people, the psalmist calls the nations to praise the Rider of the heavens 32-35

LXIX. PSALM 69: Zeal for the House of Yahweh
Bearing the reproach and the rejection of even his brothers because he is zealous for the house of Yahweh, the psalmist confidently petitions Yahweh to save him from destruction

A. Turning to Yahweh with his cry for help, the psalmist describes his lamentable state 1-4

B. Motivating Yahweh, the psalmist reminds Him that if he is not delivered, others who trust will be confused and discouraged because although he is a sinner, in this case he is being reproached because of zeal for Yahweh’s house 5-12

C. Petitioning Yahweh to save him from imminent death, the psalmist expresses his confidence that Yahweh knows his distress and will punish the enemies 13-28

D. Confident that Yahweh will set him on high, the psalmist resolves to praise; confident that God will save Zion, the psalmist anticipates the psalmist of creation 29-36

LXX. PSALM 70: Make Haste O Yahweh!
The psalmist prays for a hasty deliverance from his present evil plight and anticipates the rejoicing that will follow

A. The psalmist prays for Yahweh to make haste to help 1

B. The psalmist prays that his enemies be put to shame 2-3

C. The psalmist prays that those who seek God will rejoice when he is quickly delivered 4-5

LXXI. PSALM 71: The Faith of An Aging Saint
Anticipating the same marvelous response that Yahweh has manifested all his life, and vowing to give praise as he has done from his youth, an again saint confidently petitions to be delivered from those who seek his harm and deride his faith

A. Introduction: The psalmist turns to Yahweh for help in his time of need 1-3

B. The Past: Because of Yahweh’s lifelong care for him, the psalmist reaffirms his confidence in the light of the present oppression by those who harm and deride him 4-13

C. The Future: Because he has trusted all of his life, the aging psalmist vows to continue to praise God for the deliverance to come 14-24

LXXII. PSALM 72: The Everlasting Dominion of the Righteous King
Fully expecting that the king will reign in righteousness and peace on behalf of the oppressed, and that his dominion will extend from sea to sea over many kings, the psalmist prays for the blessings of peace and prosperity, attesting that because he is a savior of the oppressed, he is worthy of honor and power and dominion

A. The psalmist prays that God will give righteous judgments to the king so that he may rule in righteousness and peace on behalf of the oppressed 1-7

B. The psalmist anticipates that the kingdom will extend from sea to sea over many kings 8-11

C. The psalmist attests that the king is worthy of such honor and power and dominion because he is savior of the oppressed 12-15

D. The psalmist repeats his prayer for the peace and prosperity of the kingdom [giving glory to God; Amen] 16-19

[Note of collection: The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended]

Book Three: 73--89

The Assyrian Crisis

LXXIII. PSALM 73: The End of the Wicked, the Glory of the Righteous
Telling of his doubts which nearly overwhelmed him when he compared the life of the worldling with himself, the psalmist confesses the sinfulness of his thoughts and explains that a contrast of destinies enabled him to overcome

A. The psalmist Asaph tells of his doubts which arose when he compared the life of the worldling with himself 1-14

B. The psalmist Asaph confesses the sinfulness of his doubts and acknowledges that he overcame his doubts by considering the end of the wicked and the glory of the righteous 15-28

LXXIV. PSALM 74: Complaint Over the Devastation of the Sanctuary
Calling on God to remember his people in this destruction, Asaph laments the triumph of the enemy who has devastated the sanctuary and prays that God who has helped destroy the enemy in the past will not permit such a reproach

A. Asaph utters his cry of complaint to God that He not forget His people and Zion 1-3

B. Asaph laments the destruction of the enemy who has devastated the sanctuary and jeopardized the nation 4-9

C. Asaph appeals to God for help, reminding Him of past deliverances through nature 10-17

D. Asaph appeals to God to look on His covenant so that the people would not suffer the reproach of these blasphemers 18-23

LXXV. PSALM 75: The Set Judgment
Having acknowledged God who will establish judgment at the set time, and having a knowledge that the set judgment will destroy the wicked and exalt the righteous, the psalmist warns the wicked to submit to God alone who can deliver from the judgment

A. On behalf of the people, Asaph acknowledges the wondrous works of God who will establish judgment at the set time 1-3

B. Asaph warns the wicked to humble themselves before God the Judge if they would escape the cup 4-8

C. Asaph vows to sing praises to God who cuts of the wicked, but exalts the righteous 9-10

LXXVI. PSALM 76: The Known Power of the God of Jacob
Seeing god made known in Jerusalem by His execution of judgment, and seeing this fearful God of light destroying the wicked and delivering the righteous, the psalmist exhorts the leaders to render their allegiance to the god of Jacob

A. Asaph sees God made known in Jerusalem by His execution of judgment 1-3

B. Asaph sees hits fearful God of light destroying the wicked and delivering the righteous 4-10

C. Asaph exhorts the leaders to pay what is due God who dominates men 11-12

LXXVII. PSALM 77: Comforting Meditation for the Disquieted Soul
As the psalmist cries earnestly in the night from his troubled spirit, he searches his soul for the answer from the eternal God and finds comfort in the meditations on the incomparable God of the Exodus

A. Asaph utters his sorrow and disquietude in the night when he cries earnestly to God without answer 1-9

B. Asaph expresses that he found the solution in his musings when he remembered God’s ways at the great Exodus 10-20

LXXVIII. PSALM 78: They forgot His Works
Continuing the tradition of passing instruction from one generation to another, the psalmist warns them to keep the law and not forget Yahweh’s marvelous works and rebel as did their ancestors in the wilderness when they were slain by Yahweh’s anger, and as did later generations when Yahweh had Shiloh plundered before choosing David as the shepherd in Israel

A. The psalmist calls the people to hear his well-known parable which generation has passed on to generation for obedience to the law 1-8

B. The psalmist laments how Ephraim turned back and forgot the works of Yahweh 9-11

C. The psalmist traces the marvelous things that Yahweh did in their past history that men forgot before they rebelled and sinned 12-17

LXXIX. PSALM 79: Destruction of Jerusalem Avenged
complaining that Jerusalem has been devastated, the saints slaughtered, and the enemies caused to scoff, the psalmist pleads with Yahweh not to remember their sins, but for His names’s sake deliver them from prison

A. Asaph complains how Jerusalem has been destroyed and the saints slaughtered because of the scoffing enemies 1-4

B. Asaph prays that Yahweh will not remember their sins, but avenge their destruction 5-12

C. Asaph promises that the people, the sheep of His pasture will be eternally grateful 13

LXXX. PSALM 80: Yahweh’s Vine
Under the figure of a prosperous and growing vine that is suddenly broken and ravaged, Asaph laments the tearful calamity of the nation and repeatedly calls for Yahweh to turn to them in mercy so that they might be saved

A. Asaph appeals to the Shepherd of the sheep to help the tribes by turning His face to them and saving them 1-3

B. Asaph laments the awful calamity of the nations that brings mockery and asks God to turn and cause His ace to shine on them and save them 4-7

C. Asaph describes the blessing and cursing of the nation under the figure of a vine that flourished and then was destroyed, and then he calls on God to turn and cause salvation to His vine 8-14

D. Asaph continues the picture by describing the destruction of the vine and calling for help from Yahweh whom they will serve, and then repeats the refrain that God should turn and save them 15-19

LXXXI. PSALM 81: The Festival for the Memorial of Yahweh’s Deliverance
The psalmist summons the people to the festival which God has ordained as a memorial to the great deliverance from the bondage from Egypt, and using the witness of history, he attests that Yahweh would turn their affliction if they would obey

A. The psalmist summons the congregation to the festival which Yahweh ordained as a memorial to His great deliverance 1-5

B. The psalmist declares the meanings of those events when God delivered them from bondage 6-14

C. The psalmist expresses the wish that Israel would turn to Yahweh and find great blessing (finest of wheat and honey from the Rock) 15-16

LXXXII. PSALM 82: Judges Rebuked
Declaring that God judges his human judges, Asaph calls for judgments to be made with justice, warning that those judges without understanding who ignore God’s appointment will fall in the final divine intervention

A. Asaph announces that God stands among the people to judge his human counterparts (“gods” = judges) 1

B. Asaph, presenting God’s word of indictment, warns the judges to end their injustice and rescue the oppressed, for if they do not head God’s appointment, they will fall 2-7

C. Asaph calls on God to arise because He, being the Judge par excellence, shall inherit the earth 8

LXXXIII. PSALM 83: Confounding the Counsel of the Enemies
In view of the great danger from the many enemies that hem in Judah with the intention of crushing it, the psalmist pleads with God to muster all of His powers to destroy them, motivating God by appealing to former victories

A. Asaph laments the great danger presented by the enemies that have taken counsel to crush Judah from all sides 1-8

B. Asaph prays for a complete overthrow by all the powers that God musters, appealing to former deliverances from many enemies 9-18

LXXXIV. PSALM 84: The Pilgrimage to Zion
The pilgrim proclaims the blessedness of the man who in faith makes his pilgrimage to Zion to offer up his petition to Yahweh of hosts for Israel’s king

A. The pilgrim expresses his intense yearning to appear before Yahweh of armies 1-4

B. The pilgrim describes the blessedness of those who make the pilgrimage 5-8

C. The pilgrim prays that God will be favorable to their king

D. The pilgrim asserts that the reason for his deep yearning to appear before God: he is confident that God will answer his petition 10-12

LXXXV. PSALM 85: The Nation Restored by Righteousness
Acknowledging the goodness of God in restoring the people and forgiving their sins, the psalmist prays that Yahweh will turn again His wrath from His stricken people, finding comfort in the oracle of God which promises salvation

A. Prayer to God: The psalmist acknowledges how God restored the nation from captivity and forgave their sins, and then prays for Him once again to turn away His wrath 1-7

B. Promise of God: The psalmist receives an oracle from God that promises salvation to His saints 8-9

C. Faith of the psalmist: The psalmist is confident that Yahweh will deliver the nation with righteousness and peace 10-13

LXXXVI. PSALM 86: Supplication to the Incomparable God
Because God is good and forgiving, and because God is incomparably able to do great things, the psalmist petitions for a token of strength in the face of the opposition from the proud, asking for instruction

A. Because God is good and forgiving, David petitions Him to preserve him in mercy 1-5

B. Because God is incomparably able to do anything, David prays, asking for instruction from God 6-13

C. Because the proud have risen up against him, David asks for strength from his loving God, asking for a pledge 14-17

LXXXVII. PSALM 87: Glorious Zion, City of God
After depicting Zion as the glorious city of God, the psalmist describes how the nations are gathered to her as children and how joyful are those who dwell there

A. The psalmist depicts Zion as the glorious dwelling place of Yahweh 1-3

B. The psalmist describes how the nations are gathered unto the city of God as children that are born there 4-6

C. The psalmist describes the joy of those who sing and dance for their pleasure is in Zion 7

LXXXVIII. PSALM 88: Continual Prayer from the Darkness of Death
Lamenting the terrible and fierce affliction that has brought him to the dark places of death, the psalmist steadfastly affirms that he had cried to Yahweh day and night for he would be useless to Yahweh in the grave

A. The psalmist steadfastly affirms that he has cried to the God of his salvation in the midst of his great affliction 1-9a

B. The psalmist reaffirms his steadfast faith in praying for deliverance for he will not be able to praise Yahweh in the grave 9b-12

C. The psalmist reiterates his faith in praying from the midst of terrible and fierce affliction 13-18

LXXXIX. PSALM 89: A Prayer for the Remembrance of the Davidic Covenant
Faced with the perplexing problem of the affliction and defeat of the anointed, Davidic king, the psalmist implores Yahweh to remember His oath which He swore and end the calamity, motivating Yahweh to answer his prayer by rehearsing the covenantal promises and the attributes of God upon which they rest

A. Introduction: The psalmist vows to praise Yahweh for His faithfulness and love in establishing the covenant 1-4

B. Motivation⁵: The psalmist praises Yahweh for His great and incomparable attributes and his marvelous works done for those who trust 5-18

C. Remembrance: The psalmist rehearses to Yahweh all of the promises made to David in the Covenant 19-27

D. Petition: The psalmist laments the fact that the promises of the covenant have apparently been forgotten since the king is afflicted and defeated, and then prays for Yahweh to remember His oath to David 38-51

Book Four: 90--106

Introspection About Destruction Of Temple And Exile

XC. PSALM 90: Teaching Us to Number Our Days
Contrasting God’s eternity with man’s transitoriness, and confessing that man’s days pass away in God’s wrath, Moses prays for compassion from God to give His people success for their labors and joy for their sorrows as the number their days

A. Moses contrasts the eternity of the Lord God with the brevity of man, confessing that man’s transitoriness is due to God’s anger, and desiring wisdom in living 1-12

B. Moses prays for God’s compassionate dealings to man so that his joy will be in place of sorrow and his labors will beet with success 13-17

XCI. PSALM 91: The Shadow of the Almighty
Declaring the truth that there is security in taking refuge in God, the psalmist encourages his own soul that he will be delivered from the various and fearful attacks of the wicked because Yahweh has given His angels charge over him and vowed to deliver him because he believed

A. psalmist speaks: The psalmist declares that there is security in God 1-2

B. psalmist speaks to himself: The psalmist encourages his soul by expanding the truth that Yahweh delivers him by angelic hosts 3-13

C. God speaks: Yahweh vows to requite the psalmist’s faith with loving protection and concern for his needs 14-16

XCII. PSALM 92: The Goodness of Yahweh on High
Recognizing that it is good to praise the Most High because of His goodness to the righteous, the psalmist anticipates the scattering of the wicked and the exaltation and blessing of the righteous because Yahweh is on High forever

A. The psalmist recognizes that it is good to praise the Most High because He has done great things in triumph over the wicked 1-7

B. The psalmist anticipates the scattering of the enemy and the exaltation and blessing of the righteous because they trust in Yahweh who is on High 8-15

XCIII. PSALM 93: King Yahweh: Mightier than the Flood⁶
The psalmist exults at the reign of Yahweh who establishes the earth when He establishes His throne on High above the floods and dwells in the temple of holiness

A. The psalmist exults in the fact that Yahweh reigns in majesty and establishes the throne over the world 1-2

B. the psalmist praises Yahweh because He is mightier than the great sea 3-4

C. The psalmist is convinced that the testimonies of Yahweh are sure because His house is holy 5

XCIV. PSALM 94: Vengeance Belongs to God
Calling Yahweh to render His vengeance on the proud who have insolently oppressed the righteous, the psalmist expresses his confidence that Yahweh will not forsake His people but will deliver because the throne of wickedness has not part with Yahweh righteousness

A. The psalmist calls on Yahweh to render His vengeance on the proud who have wickedly oppressed and afflicted 1-7

B. The psalmist calls on the proud to consider their ways which God truly sees for Yahweh will not forsake his people 8-15

C. The psalmist announces that righteous Yahweh delivers him and brings retribution to the wicked 16-23

XCV. PSALM 95: Unbelief or Rest
Having acknowledged the greatness of Yahweh as King above all gods, and having exhorted the congregation to worship their Maker, the psalmist warns against unbelief as in the days of the wilderness wanderings when rest was not given

A. The psalmist acknowledges the greatness of Yahweh as a King above all gods and exhorts the congregation to worship Him 1-7

B. The psalmist warns the congregation against unbelief such as that which prevented their fathers in the wilderness from entering the rest 7b-11

XCVI. PSALM 96: The Exalted King Yahweh
The prophet calls upon all the earth and the elements of nature to praise Yahweh because He is greater than all the gods and will set up His kingdom in righteous and truth

A. The psalmist calls upon all the earth to sing to Yahweh and proclaim His salvation because He is greater than all the gods and His temple is gloriously strong 1-6

B. The psalmist commands the tribes of the nations to give due glory to Him and worship Him for by His reign the world will finally be righteous 7-10

C. The psalmist calls upon nature to rejoice because Yahweh will judge the earth in righteousness and truth 10-13

XCVII. PSALM 97: The Epiphany of King Yahweh
The psalmist exhorts the saints to hate evil and to rejoice in Yahweh who will judge His adversaries in righteousness

A. Introduction: The psalmist calls upon all the earth to rejoice at the establishment of Yahweh’s kingdom 1

B. Body: The psalmist describes Yahweh’s epiphany and the effects it will have on all moral beings 2-9

C. Conclusion: The psalmist calls upon the saints to hate evil and to acknowledge gladly their holy Savoir 9-11

XCVIII. PSALM 98: King Yahweh: The Righteous Judge
The psalmist calls upon all the earth at the time Yahweh sets up His kingdom to sing a new song because He has done wondrous things in saving Israel and is about to judge the earth in righteousness

A. The psalmist calls for a new song to Yahweh because He has displayed His loyal love and truth by saving Israel in the sight of the nations 1-3

B. The psalmist calls upon all the earth to rejoice greatly before Yahweh who has begun to reign (prophetic) because He will judge the earth in righteousness 4-9

XCIX. PSALM 99: Exalt Yahweh the God of Israel
Because Yahweh, the God of Israel, is holy, the psalmist calls the congregation to exalt Him, offering praise for His righteous reign in the world and His merciful dealings in answering prayers

A. The psalmist offers praise to Yahweh for His righteous reign in the earth and calls on the congregation to exalt their God because He is holy 1-5

B. The psalmist offers praise to Yahweh because of His merciful dealings to the fathers and then calls on the congregation to exalt and worship their God because He is holy 6-9

C. PSALM 100: Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving
The psalmist exhorts the congregation to serve Him with gladness because He is the creator, and to enter His courts with great thanksgiving for Yahweh is good and faithful

A. The psalmist exhorts the congregation to serve Him with gladness because He is their creator 1-4

B. The psalmist exhorts the congregation to enter His courts with thanksgiving because He is good and faithful 4-5

CI. PSALM 101: The Royal Charter
The king resolves to maintain purity in his realm by purging evil from his personal life, from his court, and from his capital in order that loyal love and justice might prevail and Yahweh might be pleased to dwell in their midst

A. The king extols the virtues of loyal love and justice 1

B. The king resolves to consider the way of purity and to walk with a pure heart 2

C. The king clarifies the way of purity (for himself, his court, and his capital) 3-8

CII. PSALM 102: Men Perish Like a Garment, But God Endures
Hoping that Yahweh will answer him speedily, the psalmist complains that he is overwhelmed and smitten in desolate straits from the reproach of the enemy, but finds certain consolation in the fact that Yahweh abides and will not forsake him, a truth that will lead future generations to praise

A. Prologue: The psalmist prays that God will answer him speedily 1-2

B. Complaint: The psalmist complains that he is overwhelmed and smitten by the reproach of the enemies 3-11

C. Consolation: The psalmist finds consolation in the fact that Yahweh, who abides forever in Zion, will not forsake those who love Him, but deliver them so that others will praise 12-22

D. Epilogue: Yahweh had weakened him, but since Yahweh dwells forever, the psalmist prayed not to die prematurely 23-28

CIII. PSALM 103: Yahweh’s Covenant with Frail Sinners
After reviewing the mercies of God towards him, the psalmist finds hope in the covenant relationship with Yahweh although man is sinful and frail, and then calls on all creation to bless their Lord

A. In gratitude from his own soul, David reviews the mercies of God granted to him (forgiveness, healing, redemption, loyal love, renewal) 1-5

B. In alluding to the facts of history, David discovers the covenant relationship Yahweh made with frail sinners gives hope 6-18

C. IN view of his dominion over the earth, the psalmist David calls all of creation to bless Him 19-22

CIV. PSALM 104: The Wisdom of Yahweh’s manifold Creation
Portraying Yahweh’s creation in poetry, the psalmist traces the stretching out of the heavens in light, the sovereign control of the chaotic deep, the adornment of the earth as a dwelling place, the arrangement of night and day for life, and the preparation of the seas for its life, and then praises God who gloriously rules the creation and renews by His spirit, calling for that final purging of sinners who are out of harmony with the wisdom of His creation
Prologue: The psalmist exhorts praise to Yahweh who is greatly honored 1

A. The psalmist portrays Yahweh’s creation 2-23

B. Admiring in gratitude the wisdom of God’s creation, the psalmist turns back to see all of creation under the total dominion of Yahweh 24-32

C. Vowing to sing praises to His God of creation in sweet meditation, the psalmist calls for sinners to be consumed by their powerful God who can restore harmony to creation 33-35
Epilogue: The psalmist exhorts his soul to bless Yahweh; “Hallelu-Yah!”

CV. PSALM 105: Praise for fulfillment of Covenant Promises
By tracing the history of Israel as Yahweh moved His people miraculously in fulfillment of the covenant promises, the psalmist praises the greatness of Yahweh’s love to His people in history as He remembered His covenant

A. The psalmist praises Yahweh for His greatness and love to Israel as He remembered His promises to them 1-11

B. The psalmist traces the history of Israel concerning the miraculous development of Yahweh’s fulfillment of the promises 12-41

C. The psalmist reiterates how Yahweh remembered His oath and brought the people out for their possession 42-45
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CVI. PSALM 106: We Have Sinned
Before praying that Yahweh would deliver His people from the captivity, the psalmist announces the national confession of sin and traces the rebellious activities of the Israelites with their corresponding judgments from God

A. Praising God for His goodness, the psalmist prays for help from their captivity , confessing that they have sinned 1-6

B. The psalmist traces the rebellious acts of the people in their wilderness wanderings and in the holy land 7-46

1. He rehearses the sins of the people in their wandering in the wilderness 7-33

a. At the crossing of the Sea 7-12

b. As they passed through to the land of promise 13-33

2. He rehearses the sins of the people in the land of promise 34-46

a. Going into idolatry 34-39

b. Yahweh judged them 40-42

c. Yahweh delivered them 43-46

C. The psalmist prays for deliverance from the present captivity so that they may praise God 47-48
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

Book Five: 107--145

Praise/Reflection On The Return And The New Era

CVII. PSALM 107: Oh That Redeemed Men Would Praise
By portraying how Yahweh delivers out of the weary wilderness, breaks the bonds of prisoners, restores the sick, and shows his power to mariners in the sea, and by demonstrating God’s providential government of the world of the fortunes of men, the psalmist motivates the redeemed to praise Yahweh

A. Call to praise: The psalmist calls the redeemed of the Lord to praise Yahweh 1-3

B. Cause for praise: The psalmist portrays the redemption of Yahweh by certain pictures 4-32

1. The weary out of the wilderness 4-9

2. The rebellious prisoners out of their bonds 10-16

3. The sick from the grave 17-22

4. Mariners on the sea 23-27

C. Second cause for praise: The psalmist demonstrates Yahweh’s providential government of the world 33-43

CVIII. PSALM 108: Victory Through Loyal Love
Singing a song of triumph to Yahweh’s loyal love in the expectation that his enemies will be destroyed in their own snare to the exaltation of God, David is convinced that God will exult in the subjugation of nations and tribes and calls on Yahweh for leadership since man is vain and impotent

A. David sings his song of triumph to God’s loyal love and truth in the expectation his enemies will be destroyed and God exalted 1-6

B. David is convinced that Yahweh will exult in the subjugation of the tribes of the earth 7-9

C. After discovering the necessity of Yahweh’s leadership, David prays for help against the adversaries in the absolute confidence that He will tread them down 10-13

CIX. PSALM 109: Vengeance on the Enemy Who Loved Cursing
After calling to Yahweh for help against those who fought him with evil devices, and after laying curses on the enemy so that he would be desolate and dispossessed because he (the enemy) loved cursing, the psalmist prays that Yahweh will help him by avenging his shame and dishonor

A. David calls for help from Yahweh against His evil enemies who surround him with evil 1-5

B. David heaps his curses upon the enemy, wishing that he be made desolate and dispossessed because he (the enemy) has loved cursing 6-20

C. David prays to Yahweh for help in defending against his enemies because he is in great need 21-32

CX. PSALM 110: The Coming of the Pries-King
After receiving an oracle of the exaltation of his LORD, David describes the holy army of the King-Priest Messiah as He comes to do battle with all nations

A. David receives an oracle of the heavenly conversation over the exaltation of His LORD by Yahweh 1-2

1. Present view: David’s LORD is seated at Yahweh’s right hand until the consummation of the ages 1

2. Future view: Yahweh will send Messiah forth to rule the world 2

B. David describes the holy army of the King-Priest Messiah as he comes suddenly to conquer 3-4

1. The army of Messiah will be willingly offering themselves in holy array for the appearance 3

a. His people offer themselves spontaneously

b. His people are clothed in holy array

c. His people are as fresh as the dew of morning

2. The army of Messiah will have the provision of their eternal high priest 4

a. Messiah will be a priest after the order of Melchisedek (and thus provides for their holy array)

b. Yahweh has sworn it

C. David describes the victorious battle at His coming 5-7

1. The victory will be won through the power of Yahweh at Messiah’s right hand 5

2. The victory will enable Messiah to judge all nations in great power 6

3. The battle will require refreshing sustenance along the way 7

CXI. PSALM 111: Praise to Righteous Yahweh for His Goodness
The psalmist vows to praise Yahweh in the assembly for His great and marvelous works to men which are established and redemptive ways that lead man to fear⁷

A. The psalmist praises Yahweh in the council for His great and marvelous works 1-3

B. The psalmist enumerates the marvels of Yahweh’s wondrous works to man which are gracious, redemptive, and established by covenant 4-9

C. The psalmist concludes that the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom for His praise endures forever 10

CXII. PSALM 112: Prosperity of the Righteous
The psalmist enumerates the blessings of the man who fears Yahweh, and then anticipates the exaltation of the righteous and the grievous destruction of the wicked

A. The psalmist announces the heavenly bliss of the man who fears Yahweh

B. The psalmist enumerates the blessings that come to the man whose righteousness endures 2-8

C. The psalmist promises that because he is righteous the one who trust in Yahweh will be exalted to the grief of the wicked who must perish 9-10

CXIII. PSALM 113: Condescending Grace
The psalmist calls upon al the servants of Yahweh to praise Him because He who set Himself above all stoops to set the lowly in high places
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. Call to Praise: The psalmist calls upon the servants of Yahweh to praise Him who is worthy of praise for all time in all the earth 1-3

B. Cause for praise: The psalmist cites as the cause for praise the fact that Yahweh who set Himself above all has stooped down to set the lowly in high places
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXIV. PSALM 114: When the Earth Trembled
Recalling how the sea fled and the mountains trembled when Israel was delivered from Egypt and dwelt in Judah, the psalmist interrogates the mountains and the sea concerning their reaction, and calls the earth to tremble at the presence of Yahweh who brought water from the rock

A. The psalmist recalls how the sea fled and the mountains trembled when Israel came from bondage in Egypt to dominion in Judah 1-4

B. The psalmist interrogates the waters and the hills as to their reaction 5-6

C. The psalmist calls the earth to tremble at the presence of Yahweh who brought water from the rock 7-8

CXV. PSALM 115: Trust in Yahweh, Not Heathen Idols
After calling on Yahweh to vindicate His honor among the nation, and after demonstrating the sovereignty of Yahweh and pouring contempt on pagan idols, the psalmist bids all to trust in Yahweh for He will bless them abundantly so that they may praise

A. The psalmist calls for God to vindicate His honor among the nations 1-2

B. The psalmist demonstrates God’s sovereignty over idols by pouring out contempt on them and on those that made them 3-8

C. psalmist bids the congregation to put their trust in Yahweh for He is their help and shield 9-11

D. The psalmist promises that Yahweh will bless them and increase their children’s heritage since He has been mindful of them, and they shall praise in response 12-18
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXVI. PSALM 116: Precious is the Death of a Saint
Recalling how Yahweh delivered him from the peril of death, the psalmist vows to acknowledge Yahweh in the temple because the death of a saint is precious in the eyes of Yahweh

A. Proclamation to praise: The psalmist announces that he will praise because he can depend on God 1-2

B. Looking back at the time of need: The psalmist reports his deliverance to the people in a didactic manner 3-11

C. Renewed vow of praise: The psalmist will acknowledge God because the death of a saint is precious in the eyes of Yahweh 12-19

CXVII. PSALM 117: The Praise of All Nations
The psalmist calls all nations and peoples to praise Yahweh for His loyal love and truth

A. Call to praise: The psalmist calls all nations and peoples to praise 1

B. Cause for praise: The reason the psalmist calls all nations to praise is because Yahweh’s loyal love is great and his truth is forever 2
Epilogue: “Hallelu-yah!”

CXVIII. PSALM 118: The Stone Which the Builders Rejected
While praising Yahweh for His marvelous loyal love, the psalmist rehearses how Yahweh on his side deals valiantly in cutting off the nations and enabling him to live, and then exults in the great day of salvation when the new head of the nation, the Capstone, will come in the name of Yahweh

A. Congregation: The people praise Yahweh for his loyal love that endures forever 1-4

B. Psalmist: The psalmist rehearses how Yahweh answered him in his distress and cut off the enemies, enabling him to live and enter the gates of righteousness 5-21

C. The psalmist rejoices over the great day of salvation as the Stone, the capstone of the nation, comes in the name of Yahweh 22-29

CXIX. PSALM 119: Meditations and Prayers on the Law⁸
Finding himself in persecution from men of rank and authority who ridicule his religion in an effort to put him to shame by giving up the faith, the psalmist strengthens himself in his meditations on the Word of Yahweh which to him was his comfort, his prized possession, his rule of life, and his resource for strength, all of which drove him to desire it the more

A. a The Psalmist extols the blessings of walking in obedience to the law 1-8

B. b: The psalmist discovers that the word of God cleanses a young man’s eyes 9-16

C. g: The psalmist anticipates God’s bountiful dealings from the word in spite of the fact that enemies would destroy him 17-24

D. d: The psalmist prays for further understanding from the law and testifies that he cleaves to the law for directions 25-32

E. h: The psalmist declares his loyalty to the word until the end, explaining that he delights in the path of God and does not want to turn to covetousness or vanity 33-40

F. w: The psalmist calls for salvation from those who reproach him, but explains it will be through the word which he lives 41-48

G. z: The psalmist declares his hope in the word and his hot indignation against the proud who hate his word 49-56

H. j: The psalmist attests that Yahweh is his portion, the law is his life, and the believers are his companions 57-64

I. f: The psalmist recognizes that his affliction was for his good, but Yahweh deals with man according to His word 65-72

J. y: The psalmist recognizes that Yahweh created him and declares that he hopes in the law; consequently, Yahweh should turn again the affliction of the enemy and let him life 73-80

K. k: The psalmist admits that his soul fainted away in waiting for the great vindication from those who almost consumed him, but he did not forsake the law 79-80

L. l: The psalmist declares that although the wicked tried to afflict him, God brought him out of it because the word is settled in heaven 89-96

M. m: The psalmist meditates on the sweet word of God that brings him more understanding than the aged 97-100

N. n: The psalmist recognizes that the law is the light for his path and therefore, he will joyfully follow it through the present affliction 105-112

O. s: The psalmist announces his hatred for the double-minded and recognizes that God has set them at naught by his judgments 113-120

P. u: Recognizing that it is time for Yahweh to work, the psalmist calls for Him to deal with him on loyal love 121-128

Q. p: The psalmist calls for God to turn to him and establish him through the word because the law is light for which he longs 129-136

R. x: The psalmist announces that because Yahweh is righteous, his law is everlastingly righteous and this is a comfort in time of affliction 137-144

S. q: When the enemies follow after him, the psalmist calls for deliverance because he trusts in the word of Yahweh who is near 145-152

T. r: The psalmist calls for God to deliver him from oppression and plead his cause because he loves and keeps the law, but his treacherous adversaries are far from salvation 153-160

U. v: In spite of the fact that princes have persecuted him without a cause, the psalmist rejoices in the word of God, declaring the peace that it brings to those like himself who trust and obey 161-168

V. t: Confessing that he has gone astray like a lost sheep, the psalmist calls for God to deliver him according to His word so that he may praise and sing to God 169-176

CXX. PSALM 120: I Am for Peace
The psalmist prays for deliverance from treacherous neighbors who are for war because he is for peace

A. The pilgrim psalmist prays for deliverance from deceitful and lying tongues 1-2

B. The pilgrim psalmist, addressing the wicked, questions what will be done to them 3-4

C. The pilgrim psalmist, lamenting his predicament, declares that his neighbors are for war, but he is for peace 5-7

CXXI. PSALM 121: Yahweh is Your Keeper
The pilgrim can rest assured that Yahweh, the Keeper of Israel, will keep him at all times on his journey to Jerusalem because he trusts in Him

A. Pilgrim speaks: The pilgrim expresses his need for help as he contemplates the journey to Jerusalem and affirms his faith in Yahweh, the Creator of heaven and earth for his help 1-2

B. Blesser speaks: The blesser prays for and gives the promise of Yahweh’s protection to the pilgrim on his journey 3-8

CXXII. PSALM 122: Within the Gates of Jerusalem
After recalling his pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the splendor of this spiritual and civic center of Israel, the psalmist calls the pilgrims to pray for the peace and the prosperity of Jerusalem both for the sake of the Godly and for God

A. The psalmist recalls his joyful pilgrimage to the city of Jerusalem 1-2

B. The psalmist praises Jerusalem as the spiritual and civic center of the nation 3-5

C. The psalmist calls the people to pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem because of god and His people 6-9

CXXIII. PSALM 123: The Upward Glance of a Patient Trust
Lifting up his eyes to God in heaven as a servant, the pilgrim calls for mercy because the people are filled with contempt from the scoffing of the proud

A. The pilgrim lifts his eyes to the One who sits in the heavens 1

B. The pilgrim will lift up his eyes as a servant until God has mercy 2

C. The pilgrim calls for mercy because the people are filled with contempt from the scoffing of the proud 3-4

CXXIV. PSALM 124: Yahweh Is On Our Side
Realizing that if Yahweh had not been on their side the nations would have swallowed them up overwhelmingly, the pilgrim blesses Yahweh who allowed them to escape by breaking the snare

A. The pilgrim realizes that if Yahweh had not been on their side, the nations would have swallowed them up 1-5

B. The pilgrim blesses Yahweh who broke the snare and allowed them to escape 6-8

CXXV. PSALM 125: The Righteous are Secure
As unshakable as the mountains of Jerusalem, the righteous believers are secure because God will not allow them to be tested beyond their endurance, but those who turn aside will endure the same fate as the wicked⁹

A. The psalmist describes the security of the righteous believers, comparing them to the unshakable mountains around Jerusalem 1-3

B. The psalmist prays for the prosperity of the righteous 4

C. The psalmist predicts that those who do turn aside to their wickednesses will suffer the same fate as the wicked and offers a prayer for the peace of Israel 5

CXXVI. PSALM 126: Sowing in Tears
Joyful because Yahweh has restored them to their land, the first exiles pray for the full restoration of the captives and the prosperity of the land, finding encouragement in the principle of sowing and harvesting

A. Praise: The restored exiles declare their joy for Yahweh’s restoration of them 1-3

B. Petition: The restored exiles pray for the full restoration of the captivity to Zion 4

C. Confidence: The restored exiles find encouragement from the principle of sowing and reaping 5-6

CXXVII. PSALM 127: The Blessings of God for the Domestic Life
Recognizing that total dependence on the providence of Yahweh alone assures valuable domestic enterprises and safeguards, the pilgrim epitomizes that bounty in the reward of children who defend the family

A. The pilgrim recognizes that domestic enterprises are vain without Yahweh’s bountiful provisions 1-2

B. The pilgrim epitomizes the providence of Yahweh in the reward of children that are capable of defending the family 3-5

CXXVIII. PSALM 128: The Good Life
Having blessed the life of the man that fears Yahweh, the pilgrim numbers the blessings of the good life and voices his prayer for greater blessings to him that enters it

A. The pilgrim announces the bliss of the life of a man who fears God and walks in His ways 1

B. The pilgrim extols the blessings of the good life of such a man who fears God 2-4

C. The pilgrim prays for further blessings on the man who fears God, and calls for the peace of Jerusalem 5-6

CXXIX. PSALM 129: Restoration to Zion
After using various figures to declare that Yahweh had delivered them from the ravages of the wicked, the restored exiles now pray that Yahweh will put to shame those who hate Zion

A. Praise: Israel (the restored exiles) declares that God delivered them from the wicked

1. The figure of warfare 1-2

2. The figure of plowing 3

3. The figure of harnessing 4

B. Petition: Israel petitions Yahweh to put to shame those who hate Zion 5-8

CXXX. PSALM 130: Wait Patiently for Yahweh
Assured that God forgives iniquity and his loyal love for Israel, the psalmist exhorts the nation to join him in waiting patiently for the time when Yahweh will redeem them from their iniquities

A. Addressing Yahweh, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to look favorably upon him with confidence because Yahweh forgives sin 1-4

B. Addressing the congregation, the psalmist testifies that he is hoping in Yahweh, and exhorts Israel also to hope for their redemption from iniquity 5-8

CXXXI. PSALM 131: A Childlike Trust
Attesting to the fact of his hesitancy to proud and lofty endeavors, the pilgrim declares the childlike trust of his soul in hoping in Yahweh

A. The pilgrim declares his humility in that he has not attempted anything haughty 1

B. The pilgrim testifies to his childlike faith in Yahweh 2

C. the pilgrim calls for Israel to hope in Yahweh forever 3

CXXXII. PSALM 132: The Eternal Dwelling-Place
In answer to the prayer of Israel that He remember the vow of David concerning a permanent dwelling-place for the ark, and in response to their resolution to worship Him there by seeking a visitation of glory, righteousness, and power, Yahweh solemnly promises an eternal throne to David, His eternal dwelling-place on Zion, and the appearance of Messiah

A. Israel petitions Yahweh to remember the vow of David concerning a permanent dwelling-place for the ark, resolving to worship Him there in the expectation that He will visit them with glory, righteousness, and power 1-9

B. Yahweh responds to Israel’s prayer with the reiteration of His oath to David, and affirmation of His choice of Zion, and a promise of Messiah 11-18

CXXXIII. PSALM 133: Unity of Brethren
The psalmist describes the beauty of unity that exists among brethren: it is as the precious oil of sacred consecration; it is as a sweet morning dew that blesses life

A. Thesis: David declares that it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell in unity 1

B. Emblems: David compares this unity to the sacred oil of consecration and the morning dew of the mountains 2-3

CXXXIV. PSALM 134: Final Pilgrim Blessing
Addressing the priests and the Levites who held watch at the temple, the pilgrim calls for heavenly blessings to be given them from Zion

A. The pilgrim directs his greeting to those who stand watch at the sanctuary 1-2

B. The pilgrim prays that Yahweh who made haven and earth would bless them out of Zion 3

CXXXV. PSALM 135: Priestly Praise of the Sovereign LORD
The psalmist calls the priests to praise the Lord who chose Israel because He is the greatest God--greater than the pagan gods
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. The Call to praise 1-3

1. General call 1

2. Specific call 2

3. Preliminary reason: Yahweh is good and praise is delightful 3

B. The Cause for praise 4-14

1. Yahweh is sovereign in creation 4-6

2. Yahweh is sovereign in history 8-12

3. Yahweh is sovereign with the future 13-14

4. Specific illustrations that He is mightier than pagan gods 15-18

C. Conclusion: Bless Yahweh from Zion
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXXXVI. PSALM 136: Praise for His Wonderful Acts
Praise Yahweh who performed great wonders because of His loyal love

A. Call to praise: The psalmist calls for praise to God who has loyal love 1-3

B. Cause for praise: The psalmist explains the cause for praise as being the marvelous acts of His loyal love 4-25

1. Summary statement 4

2. Specifics 5-25

C. Conclusion: The psalmist calls to praise because of His loyal love 26

CXXXVII. PSALM 137: By the Rivers of Babylon
In the language of pathetic beauty, the captive psalmist mourns the plight of those who wept in the strange land and could not sing their song of Zion, voices his oath to remain loyal to Jerusalem, and imprecates against Edom and Babylon who destroyed them

A. The Captured psalmist mourns the plight of his people in captivity 1-4

B. The captured psalmist vows never to forget Jerusalem 5-6

C. The captured psalmist calls for Yahweh to remember the evil done to them and requite it 7-9

CXXXVIII. PSALM 138: Yahweh’s Favor to the Lowly
After encouraging himself to praise Yahweh’s loyal love and goodness for the answer to his prayer, and after announcing the hope that all kings will acknowledge Yahweh’s favor to the lowly, the psalmist voices his confidence that Yahweh will deliver him according to loyal love

A. David vows to praise Yahweh’s loyal love and goodness because He has answered his prayer 1-3

B. David anticipates the praise of all the kings of the earth for Yahweh because he delivers the lowly and does not judge by human standards of greatness 4-6

C. David develops his faith by expressing his confidence that Yahweh will deliver him according to loyal love 7-8

CXXXIX. PSALM 139: The Penetrating Pursuing God
Acknowledging that Yahweh marvelously created him in secrecy and pre-recorded his days with great care, and realizing that every aspect of his life is searched and controlled by Yahweh’s penetrating knowledge and that it is impossible to escape from the omniscient control no matter how fast or far he flies, David affirms his hatred of God’s enemies and calls Yahweh to prove his loyalty with that penetrating search

A. David Realizes that every aspect of his life is searched and controlled by Yahweh’s penetrating knowledge 1-6
(Transition: this knowledge controls his life)

B. David realizes that it is impossible to escape from Yahweh’s presence and control, no matter how far or fast his flight may be 7-12
(Transition: Darkness cannot conceal from Yahweh)

C. David joyfully acknowledges that Yahweh intricately wove him together in the secrecy of his mother’s womb and foreordained his days with loving intentions 13-18
(Transition: abruptly returning to reality, he realizes Yahweh is with him in the trouble)

D. David exhibits his loyalty to Yahweh by opposing the wicked enemies of God and by submitting his life to the penetrating search of Yahweh to determine his loyalties to God who leads him in the way everlasting 19-24

CXL. PSALM 140: An Imprecation Against the Wicked
Certain the afflicted will be maintained in their cause by Yahweh, David utters his harsh imprecation on the wicked who gather together against him to poison and ensnare him with their vicious devices

A. The psalmist prays for deliverance from the wicked who plan wicked devices against him as poisonous adders and evil trappers 1-8

B. The psalmist voices his harsh imprecations on the wicked 9-11

C. The psalmist voices his confidence in Yahweh, certain that the righteous will rejoice in the deliverance 12-13

CXLI. PSALM 141: An Evening Prayer for Sanctification and Protection
Offering his evening prayer to Yahweh, the psalmist asks that he not speak against Yahweh nor fall into the alluring temptations the wicked offer, but that he will be kept from the snares of the wicked so that their judges will hear his song of testimony

A. The psalmist asks Yahweh to answer his evening prayer speedily 1-2

B. The psalmist asks that Yahweh would guard his words and his works from the alluring temptations of the wicked in order that they will see his triumphant song of testimony 3-8

C. The psalmist asks Yahweh to preserve him from the snare of the wicked and destroy them with it 9-10

CXLII. PSALM 142: Yahweh Cares for My Soul
Because he is utterly helpless before his enemies--there is no one who care for his soul and he cannot save himself--the psalmist must depend solely on Yahweh for his deliverance

A. Addressing (the congregation): The psalmist will pour out his complaint aloud before Yahweh

B. The Psalmist is now addressing Yahweh 3-7

1. The Lament 3-4

2. Confidence/Petitions 5-7

CXLIII. PSALM 143: Deliverance and Guidance
Recognizing that no living man is righteous, but overwhelmed in his spirit by the oppression of the wicked, the psalmist prays for deliverance and guidance from Yahweh, remembering his great ways

A. Complaint: The psalmist voices his overwhelming complaint to Yahweh, asking Him to answer him in righteousness (although none are righteous), remembering His ways 1-6

B. Prayer: The psalmist prays from his soul for deliverance and guidance from Yahweh because he trusts in Him 7-12

CXLIV. PSALM 144: Peace and Prosperity through Holy War
After blessing God for glorious deliverances in past battles and marveling that God takes notes of perishing man, the king prays for divine intervention in battle expressing confidence that because Yahweh gives victory the nation will experience peace and prosperity

A. The psalmist blesses God for the glorious victories in past battles 1-2

B. The psalmist, marveling that God takes note of perishing man, prays for divine intervention in the battle, expressing confidence that God will deliver his king 3-11

C. The psalmist is confident that the nation will experience peace and prosperity because Yahweh delivers his anointed in battle 12-15

CXLV. PSALM 145: Tehillah, Praise
Understanding how gracious and righteous Yahweh is, David praises Him for his mighty acts which are passed from one generation to another, for his glorious everlasting kingdom which will be praised, and for the manner in which He responds to those who love Him

A. David vows to praise Yahweh everyday because of His mighty and marvelous acts which one generation lauds to another 1-7

B. David extols Yahweh as being merciful and gracious and then praises the prospects of His everlasting kingdom 8-16

C. David extols Yahweh as being righteous and gracious and then praises him for the way he responds to man 17-21

Conclusion: 146--150

Praise Relating To Themes Of The Psalter

CXLVI. Psalm 146: Praise for Yahweh’s Faithfulness
The psalmist exhorts his soul to praise and trust in Yahweh because He who made the heavens and the earth is faithful and just to the oppressed forever
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!” 1a

A. Call to praise: The psalmist calls to praise and exhorts his soul to trust in Yahweh 1b-5

B. Cause for Praise: The psalmist praises Yahweh because he not only is grate, but because he is faithful and just to the oppressed 6-9

C. Conclusion: Yahweh will reign forever 10a,b
Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXLVII. PSALM 147: Praise for Yahweh’s Sustaining Word
The psalmist summons Jerusalem to praise Yahweh because He who sustains creation, sustains afflicted and trusting Jerusalem and gives to Israel His word
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. The fist cycle of Praise 1b-6

1. Call to praise: Praise Yahweh because He is good 1b,c

2. Cause for praise

a. He gives His grace to Jerusalem 2-3

b. He displays greatness in creation 4-5

c. His grace exalts the lowly, abases the wicked 6

B. The Second cycle of praise 7-11

1. Call to praise: Praise Him with musical accompaniment 7

2. Cause for praise

a. His greatness and grace are seen in creation 8-9

b. His grace delights not in the strong, but those who trust

C. The Third cycle of praise 12-20

1. Call to praise: He addresses Jerusalem

2. Cause for praise:

a. His word operates in the earth 15

b. His word is great in creation 16-18

Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXLVIII. PSALM 148: Praise in the Heavens and on Earth
The psalmist calls all of heaven and its hosts to praise Yahweh because He has established them by decree, and all of earth and its hosts to praise His glorious name for He has lifted up the horn of His people Israel
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. The psalmist calls all of heaven and its hosts to praise Yahweh because He has established them by decree 1-6

B. The psalmist calls all the earth and its hosts to praise Yahweh because He has exalted the horn of His people 7-14

Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CXLIX. PSALM 149: Israel Invoked to Praise Yahweh
The psalmist invokes Israel to sing and shout praises to Yahweh who has given salvation to the meek and enables His people to execute vengeance upon the nations
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. Call to praise: the psalmist calls Israel to praise Yahweh 1-2

B. Cause for Praise: the psalmist calls Israel to praise Yahweh because he takes pleasure in His people, He beautifies the meek with salvation 3-5

C. conclusion: The psalmist calls Israel to take the praise of God in their mouths and the sword in their hand to execute vengeance on the wicked 6-9

Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

CL. PSALM 150: Let Every Thing That Has Breath Praise Yahweh
Because of His mighty excellence in words, the psalmist calls for praise to be rendered in the sanctuary with all manner of musical means: indeed, let every thing that has breath give praise to Yahweh
Prologue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

A. The psalmist calls for praise to be given in the sanctuary, the firmament of God’s power 1

B. The psalmist calls for praise to be given for His mighty excellence in the things He does 2

C. The psalmist calls for praise to be given with all manner of musical means 3-5

D. The psalmist finally calls for every thing that has breath to praise Yahweh 6

Epilogue: “Hallelu-Yah!”

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¹ The concept of an argument of the book of Psalms is somewhat of a misnomer. One can only speak of an argument for the book in the sense of the canonical arrangement of the psalms (e.g., five books). However, the logic connected with the canonical arrangement of the psalms is speculative.

Most understand the five-fold arrangement of the psalms to be reflective of the Pentateuch--at least in terms of the symbolic significance of the five-fold breakdown. However, there is no clear concnection with the writings of Moses beyond the number of books.

Another rubric for understanding the canonical form of the Psalter lies around the history of Israel with respect to the Davidic covenant (Gerald Wilson, The Editing of the Hebrew Psalter; John Walton, The Psalms: A Cantata about the David Covenant JETS, 34 [1991]: 21-32; for a condensed discussion see Hill and Walton, Survey, pp. 278-281). While not without difficulties, this canonical synthesis seems more plausible than that of the Pentateuch.

Therefore, The headings for the Books of Psalms will follow the historical unfolding of the Davidic Covenant throughout the canonized Psalter. However, the argument of the canon will not be extended to the individual psalms (even though the logic may often be carried in the message statements).

² The following outlines are an abridgement of Allen P. Ross' Exegetical Outlines of the Psalms (unpublished class notes in 104 Principles in Hebrew Exegesis, Dallas Theological Seminary, Spring 1982), pp. 7-165.

³ This passage is almost identical to psalm 14 with the exception of verse 5 and the substitution of God for Yahweh so characteristic of Book II

⁴ This psalm was written in reflection of the treachery of the Ziphites who told Saul that David was hiding with them (1 Samuel 23). After fleeing, David takes refuge in the hill country of Ziph, but is betrayed by the people

⁵ The covenant is based upon the character of Yahweh.

⁶ The psalm appears to be a polemic against the worship of Baal who, through the struggle with the Sea, attained a house filled with corruption. Yahweh, not Baal, is mighty over the strength of the great flood; His house is holy.

⁷ Correlation: This passage is a song to the praise of the righteous of Yahweh; The following song is extolling the blessings of the righteousness of the man who actually comes to fear Yahweh.

⁸ The psalm is written in an acrostic and each strophe will be looked at distinctly.

⁹ The setting: The psalm appears to have been written while Israel was under certain foreign domination.