Property: Content
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
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The content combines three central elements in the psalm: covenantal belonging (We belong to YHWH - verse 3), YHWH's good character (YHWH is good - verse 5), and the resultant celebration, praise, and devotion (Serve YHWH with joy! - verses 1b-2 and 4). +
The king is trusting in YHWH. YHWH's presence brings joy to the king so that the king's presence brings fear to his enemies. +
The king's throne is forever and ever. The king is attractive, wise, powerful, and righteous. The king is due loyalty from his new bride and honour from foreign nations. The king's descendants will be princes. Therefore, the king's throne is forever and ever! +
The wicked will be destroyed, and the righteous will possess the land. Therefore, don't get upset about the wicked! Trust in YHWH and do good! +
Those who obey God's law by loving their neighbour will experience the protection and privileges of God's people. +
We remember what YHWH has done in the past. That's why we praise YHWH! That's why we long for YHWH to do the same again! +
YHWH have mercy and heal me, because I am near death, and no one can praise you in death. +
YHWH shows his loyalty toward David (v. 50) by being perfectly just (vv. 26-27). David shows his love towards YHWH (v. 2) by being righteous and faithful (vv. 21-250. That's why YHWH delivers David by strengthening him (vv. 31-43) and fighting cosmic forces on his behalf (vv. 8-20). +
YHWH, I am in a shameful state, but I trust you to rescue me. Though my enemies try to surround me, I know you protect those who take refuge in you. +
YHWH, give light to my eyes! Lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy says: "I'm the victor!" +
YHWH, make me blameless (vv. 12-15)! Your glorious perfection, seen in the sky (vv. 2-7) and in your covenant instruction (vv. 8-11), exposes my sin and my need for blamelessness. +
You afflict me in faithfulness, '''but''' also promise to keep me alive. I love your word, '''so''' help me understand! '''Then''' I will obey you wholeheartedly '''and''' I will overcome my oppressors. You open my eyes and give me understanding. I praise you for your judgments: on myself and my enemies! +
You say: "YHWH, you are my refuge!" and he will rescue you. <br> You will not be afraid – come what may – because he says: "He has clung to me, so I will give him his fill of long life." +