Psalm 138:2

Psalm 138:2

The Temple and the Word

This verse causes some scholars to question the authorship of the Psalm. They ask, “If David wrote this how could he talk about bowing down towards God’s holy temple?” As we know, the Temple in Jerusalem was not built until after David’s death, it would be put in place by his son, Solomon. David himself was responsible for bringing the ancient Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and setting it up there pending the construction of the Temple. David visited this place daily, it was the dwelling place of God Almighty and therefore, in his mind, the Temple of God. As he worshiped there, the King dreamed of what would be, of the outstanding structure that would ultimately stand as a magnificent statement to the world of a God who lives forever amongst His people.

As David bowed and worshipped his mind was occupied with two glorious themes: the unfailing love of God and the faithfulness of God. These recurring attributes of the Lord have occupied our thoughts on many occasions during our journey through the Psalms. Let them forever be etched in our minds, this is our God too, the One whose love never fails and who is always faithful.

God’s “solemn decree” embraces all that He has promised or covenanted for His people; in our day we might simply refer to it as His Word. We all have access to this Word and are able to read it at any time and in any place. All attempts to ban it and destroy it have failed miserably so that the Bible can be found anywhere on earth. In that sense God’s Word has surpassed even His fame for it has become a visual reminder of His existence, even for the millions who do not believe in Him. The kings and leaders of the earth may treasure many things, but nothing surpasses the Word of the Lord. By reading and studying our Bibles each day we are, effectively, bowing down towards God's Temple! Hallelujah!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 106:13

Psalm 106:13 Do not forget We need to remember that Israel’s relationship with the Lord God was based on His laws and their obedience. It was possible for them to live lives that were highly blessed, that incorporated the provision of God in every tiny detail of their national and individual existence. God was prepared to give them everything they needed, He would provide food and water for them and their flocks. He would guide them on their journey. He would protect them from their enemies. He would inspire and direct their leaders. He would keep them from the heat of the sun and the terrors of the desert night. He would take them to the land that He had promised, in double quick time. There was no reason why they could not be in situ in just a few months. Everything they could possibly need was His to provide and He was willing to sacrifice anything to see them gratefully settled in Canaan.  There was just one snag, it all depended upon their obedience and faithfulness. God insis...
Read more
Psalm18:15    A blast of breath    This verse transports us back to the exodus and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, described in Exodus 14.  The people took an unexpected route away from their captors, no doubt the Egyptians thought it ill-advised as the Israelites found themselves confronted by a vast area of swamp and water known as the Sea of Reeds or the Red Sea. It was insurmountable and their desperate plight intensified when the dust clouds from Pharaoh’s advancing army gathered on the horizon.   There was no escape. Why had Moses led them to this deadly place? They were ill prepared and helpless to fight back.  Somehow their leader remained calm, his words, recorded in Exodus 14:13, are remarkable and highlight the faith of godly Moses. “ Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need...
Read more

Psalm 119:135

Psalm 119:135 His shining face In verse 58 0f the Psalm we commented on the apparent impossibility of being able to see the face of God. And yet this intimacy was something that the psalmists, and other writers, craved. The High Priestly blessing, prayed over the people every day, asks that the Lord make His face shine upon them. In verse 58 we discovered that this plea involved more than just being able to see the face of God, which was impossible; I quote,  “ The Hebrew word for face in the Old Testament can be translated “presence.” Now things start to make more sense! Those Israelites who so regularly abandoned the Lord God were being reminded to seek again the presence of God and the psalmist lets it be known that this is his constant quest. When you think about it, a person’s face reveals a great deal about their character and personality even, maybe, their circumstances or lifestyle. The more we seek the face of God and the more we spend time in His presence, the more like H...
Read more