MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 30 A Psalm sung at the dedication of the House of David David is no longer hiding himself in the cave of Adullam. “Throughout this Psalm there are indications that David had been greatly afflicted both personally and relatively, after having in his presumption fancied himself secure. When God’s children prosper one way, they are generally tried another, for few of us can bear unmingled prosperity. Even the joys of hope need to be mixed with the parts of experience, and the more surely so when comfort breeds carnal security and self-confidence.” (chs) The time of inspiration is 2 Sam.24:1-14, with David’s numbering of the people. In the division in vs.1-3, David extols the LORD for deliverance. “Extol,” is to hold high and honorable. While the world around us dishonors Jehovah, let us honor Him. Notice the antithesis here, “For Thou hast lifted me up…” Therefore “I will extol Thee because Thou hast exalted me.” Others may forget, they may even murmur, despise, and blaspheme, yet I will not, “I will extol thee.” “For Thou hast lifted me up.” Like a prisoner from a dungeon; like Joseph out of the pit; therefore he loved his deliverance. Blessed be uplifting grace – out of the pit of hell; out of the ditch of sin; out of the slough of despond; out of the bed of sickness; out of the bondage of doubt and fear. How high has He lifted us (Ephesians 2:1-7)? We have been lifted into the place of God’s Family; lifted into union with Christ. Let us lift high the name of our God, for He hath lifted us above the stars; “And hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.” This was the judgment David feared most out of the three evils (listed in 2 Samuel 24:13-14). I think my greatest fear is never, never, let me fall prey to the enemy. Never, never, allow me to cause occasion for their satisfaction in my failure. My once evil companions prophesied that I would fall back; by grace their hope has been disappointed, and may grace disappoint till my dying last breath. The enemies of the gospel would hope some ill fate upon me. Oh my God disappoint them to the end. “Those who watch for our halting, and would fain say, “Aha, Aha so would we have watched in vain until now” (Mr.S). You pray for me and I’ll pray for you that their watching may be in vain until we are received into glory. V2 “O LORD, my God.” Faith employs a covenant name; happy is the man who can claim the LORD Himself to be his portion. V4 his invitation to the people to join him in the celebration of divine compassion, “Sing unto the LORD …” “Join my song, assist me.” Oh the blessedness of united praise. He calls on the saints to do so, not the reprobate world. “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God.” “Sing unto the Lord.” V5, as an avenging God His anger shall endure forever. But as a loving Father who must chastise His children it is only for a moment. V’s 6-7, he confesses the fault for which he was chastened, “No temptation is so bad as tranquility.” V’s 8-10 he repeats the supplication: V’s 11-12 he commemorates his deliverance and vows his eternal praise. ~~T.Worthan
Older
Top
