Psalms 86-90

Psalms 86

This prayer of David is deeply sensitive and addresses his most profound needs. I was struck by the phrase in vs. 11. I find I need that "undivided heart" like David did. I have many concerns and needs pulling at my attention, but I pray to be focused on God and his glory so that I may serve Him wholly. 

I don't have foes like David did. No armed soldiers are lining up for battle, but the people and needs in my life pick at my desire to be totally devoted to God and His calls to me.

Vs. 15 through 17 reassure me of God's thoughts and intentions toward me. He abounds in love and His mercy and grace are ever extended toward me. I can see God's blessing on my life every day, and I am comforted by His joy and glory.

Psalms 87

This Psalm was composed by the author known as the Sons of Korah. There were three descendants of Korah. I don't know if they collaborated or if all of them used this designation.

Psalms 87 is a tribute to the City God called his own. Jerusalem was built on Mount Moriah and had been a place of importance as far back as Melchizedek, Genesis 14:18-20. In vs. 3 he addresses the City, recounting her glorious history.

Rahab was a woman of Jericho who hid the spies Joshua sent to search out the land before the people crossed the Jordan. She was given sanctuary with them in return for her protection of the spies. Babylon was the capital city of Assyria. Both these references have been used to refer to Egypt even though neither one has a political connection.

He lists other cities from history that are important as reference points to identify Jerusalem. Philistia, Tyre, and Cush are compared to Jerusalem, but they fall short of the glory of Jerusalem. He exalts' the fountains of Jerusalem. Water was always the important item when building a city. Jerusalem had all the important elements. 

 Psalms 88

This is written by the Sons of Korah directed to the Choirmaster to the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." It is labeled as a Maskil, or, in some way instructive.

He cries out to God for his help and compassion. He fears he is going to die, and he asks God if the dead praise him. He still seeks God's guidance and help, but he seems to be without any hope but God.

He feels God has deserted him. He does not have a friend or neighbor to call on. He says God hides his face and darkness is his closest friend. In vs. 11 he mentions destruction and Abaddon. Abaddon represents destruction and the place of Sheol, the equivalent of Hell.

Psalms 89

This Psalm is written by Ethan the Ezrahite, which may be the same person as Jeduthun. He may have been a musician in David's court. This Psalm is longer than some, though it is not the longest. It is a Psalm of praise and adoration of God and His power.

He praises God's love which stands firm forever and his faithfulness to all generations.

The Heavens praise you, Lord. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty.

You rule over the surging sea. When the waves mount up, you still them. You founded the earth and all that is in it. Your arm is endowed with power. Your hand is strong and your right hand is exalted. I read this as a reference to Jesus as God's right hand.

He sees righteousness and justice as the foundations of God's throne and love and faithfulness going before him.

He pays tribute to David as God's anointed king of Israel. David is a metaphor for Jesus as the Son who will rule over His creation. His enemies will fall before him. God's faithful will be upon him, and through God's name, His power will be exalted. His throne will last as long as heaven endures.

If his sons sin and rebel, I will punish them, but my love will be with them forever.

Praise be to the Lord forever.

Read this Psalm and remember the promises of God to the loved ones of Jesus.

Psalms 90

This Psalm is notable for 2 reasons. It is the beginning of the fourth book of Psalms, and it was written by Moses.

I believe this was written at the end of Moses' life. He could not have seen the wisdom and patience it shows until he had walked with the Children of Israel in the desert. It also shows he walked with God in the desert for 40 years. 

Many memorable verses in this Psalm speak of God's love to us and reveal his patience and guidance in difficult places. 

A thousand years are like a day that has just passed or like a watch in the night. We don't need to fret over the time we feel we have wasted. God has it written in his log. It's new every morning.

Our days may come to seventy years or eighty, but teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom

Make us glad for as many days has you have afflicted us. Show us your deeds and your splendor. May your favor rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands.

Vs. 17 pleads for the favor of God to rest upon us. The word translated favor may also be translated as beauty. I like that. May the beauty of God rest upon us as we learn to exhibit a heart of wisdom