ADULT

Lesson CommentaryFall Quarter, 2014

Written by Larry Crouch, David Butimore and Mark Thornton

CONTENTSEditor’s Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

About the Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Introduction to the Book of Psalms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lesson 1 Trust in the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Psalms 1—11

Lesson 2 Cry to the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Psalms 12—18

Lesson 3 Hear the Word of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Psalms 19—26

Lesson 4 Seek the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Psalms 27—31

Lesson 5 Confess to the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Psalm 32

Lesson 6 Rejoice in the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Psalm 33

Lesson 7 Rest in the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Psalms 34—37

Lesson 8 Wait on the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Psalms 38—40

Lesson 9 Yearn for the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Psalms 41—45

Lesson 10 Rely on the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Psalm 46

Lesson 11 Praise the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Psalms 47—50

Lesson 12 Repent Before the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Psalms 51—61

Lesson 13 Proclaim the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Psalms 62—72

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

EDITOR IN CHIEF:Larry E. Clements larry.clements@bogardstore.org

BUSINESS MANAGER:Wayne Sewell wayne.sewell@bogardstore.org

PRODUCTION EDITOR: Kyle Elkins

ADULT EDITOR: Jim Jones

CHILDREN’S EDITOR: Libby Gill

ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears

GRAPHIC ARTISTS:Shawn BlaseJeff Allen Greg Hilterbrand

LAYOUT DESIGNERS: Cindy ButlerAshley ElkinsTammie Sutton

CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellarCarolyn BurksDeby TurrentineJoni CurtisBecky Bazar Cordell

PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley

Copyright © 2014

Vol. 15, No. 2

Bogard Press4605 N. State Line Ave.Texarkana, TX 75503-2928www.bogardstore.org1-800-264-2482

Editor’s Note The Psalms are inspired records of the works of God, the wisdom of God, thoughts about God, prophecies of the coming Son of God, accounts of personal communion with God, confessions of sin to God as well as requests for the wrath of God upon enemies. Selected Psalms were read, sung or chanted during Jewish festivals. Kirkpatrick summed it up well when he wrote: “The Psalms . . . are the inspired response of the human heart to God’s revelation of Himself in Law and History and Prophecy and Philosophy” (A. F. Kirkpatrick, The Book of Psalms, p. x). Throughout the centuries God’s people have used the Psalms as a call to prayer, a comfort in affliction and a guide to praise. The singing of Psalms was a traditional element of corporate worship, as well as a practice of devotion at home and at work. Writers in the New Testament quote the Psalms one hundred eighty-six times. After instituting the Lord’s Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn as they began their trek to the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:26). According to Jewish tradition the Great Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118) were sung after the last cup in the Passover. It is touching to realize that the Lord may well have sung these words, as He led His disciples toward the Garden of Gethsemane: “I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:5-9). The study of the Psalms in our Through-the-Bible Sunday School lessons will be covered during the fall and winter quarters, 2014. Lessons for the fall quarter are based on Psalms 1—72, under the theme, “Godly Activities of God’s People.” Lessons for the winter quarter will be based on Psalms 73—150, under the theme, “Psalms of Boundless Praise.” The Adult Lesson Commentary is an in-depth study of the Scripture passages in each lesson. Every commentary lesson consists of three elements: the narrative of the Scripture passage; the manna, a discussion of interesting and informative topics related to the Scripture passage; and the word studies, which are based on specific Hebrew words used in the Scripture text. In this issue of the Adult Lesson Commentary, Larry Crouch wrote the lesson narrative, Mark Thornton did the word studies, and David Butimore prepared the mannas. Because of the personal nature and intense human emotions revealed in the Psalms, the inspired words resonate in human hearts and meet real needs of every generation; they touch our feelings and stir our emotions; they speak to us right where we live as they deal with fear and doubt, joy and hope, tragedy and triumph. I pray this study will strengthen your faith and bless your life as you serve Christ in your generation.

Larry E. Clements, Editor in Chief of PublicationsBaptist Sunday School Committee

About the WritersRecognized for their knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the Holy

Scriptures, the writers of the Adult Lesson Commentary are faithful pastors, teachers and spiritual leaders among the Lord’s churches. The following are a few biographical notes about these men.

Larry Crouch is a writer of the Adult Lesson Commentary. He was born in Toulumne, California in 1942, saved and baptized by the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Sacramento in 1952. He surrendered to preach on August 4, 1957, at the Bayshore Missionary Baptist Church in Vallejo, California. The Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in South Gate, California ordained him in May of 1963. He has pastored in the states of Washington and California. He received his Bachelor of Theology Degree from California Missionary Baptist Institute in Bellflower, California

and his Master and Doctor of Theology degrees from Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute, in Fresno, California. The school in Fresno also conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1998. He is a member of the California and the American Baptist Association History and Archives Committees. He has taught Prison Epistles, Hermeneutics and Journalism. He is currently teaching Systematic Theology, Church History, Major and Minor Prophets and the Pentateuch at the seminary in Fresno. He is the pastor of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Oakhurst, California. He and his wife, Joyce, live behind the church. The mailing address is P.O. Box 3826, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Brother and Sister Crouch have been blessed with three children and six grandchildren. The oldest, Lance, lives in Tennessee and writes and sings gospel music. Kari and her family are members of the Missionary Baptist Church in Antioch, California. The youngest son, Zachary, is the Youth Minister at the Missionary Baptist Church in Ceres, California.

Brother David Butimore, Sr. was born in January, 1951 in Lynwood, California. He graduated from Westminster High School (Westminster, California) in 1969. He attended and graduated (AA degree) from Orange Coast College in 1972. He was saved August 20, 1970, at a Missionary Baptist Encampment in Northern California. He was baptized by the authority of Community MBC, Orange, California. He en rolled at California Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary

(CMBI) and graduated with a Doctor of Theology in 1990. He was ordained by the authority of Olive Hill MBC, Oroville, California (1975), and has held pastorates in California and Washington. He is currently the pastor of First MBC, Fresno. He served as faculty member and administrator of CMBI (1987-1993) and is currently President of Fresno Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary. In the California Association, he has served as moderator, music director and parliamentarian. He has served in the Washington Association as moderator. He has served as Music Director, Assistant Parliamentarian, Parliamentarian, Vice President and President of the American Baptist Association. He is currently serving on the Baptist Sunday School Committee and is Treasurer of the American Baptist Association of Theological Schools. He is the author of six books. He has been married to his wife, Debby, since 1977 and has two sons, a daughter and son-in-law and one grandson.

Mark Thornton was saved in 1970 and baptized by Emmanuel MBC of Malvern, AR. He surrendered to preach in 1977 at age 16, and has served as pastor: Big Creek MBC of Malvern, AR, 1980-1986 and 2005-present; Liberty MBC of Little Rock, 1986-1997; First Baptist Church of Bryant, AR, 1997-2005. He has taught at the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock since 1989. He teaches Hebrew, Greek and Hermeneutics. He has written for the Searchlight, including a series on “Where We Got Our Bible.”

In 2004 he earned a Doctor of Bible Languages degree from the seminary and attended the University of Haifa in Israel where he studied Hebrew in a summer intensive language school. He has also completed online Hebrew courses from Israel. He and his wife, Brenda, have two sons, Matthew and Steven, and three grandsons, Landon, Luke and Micah.

The book of Psalms served as Israel’s songbook. The apostle Paul in his letters to the Ephesians and Colossians wrote about the importance and use of the Psalms in our worship. It is also a part of the rule of faith and practice in the church today. The Psalms are God’s inspired hymnbook. Paul’s admonition to the church concerning the Psalms is to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16), and also to be “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). The book of Psalms in the Hebrew text is called Sepher Tehillim (say’fer teh-hil-lim), which means “Book of Praises.” The word psalm is from the Greek word psalmoi, which means “songs sung with musical instruments.” The Psalms are sacred music at its best. They reveal much about their writers, the times, the people and above all the glories of Jehovah and the coming Messiah. Psalms is the largest book in the Bible, containing one hundred fifty songs or divisions. There are a total of 2,453 verses. Psalm 119, which contains 176 verses, is the longest chapter both in the Psalms and the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest with only two verses. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confi dence in man” (Psalm 118:8) is the middle chapter and verse of the Bible. It also clearly states the central theme of the entire Bible. The Hebrew Scriptures are divided into three sections: (1) The Torah, or the Law, includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. (2) The Nebi’im, or the prophets, includes Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings. (These were called “former prophets.”) The later prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. (3) The Kethubhim or the writing, includes Ruth, First and Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations and Daniel. The Jewish Bible originally had only twenty-two books matching the number of letters in their alphabet. This was done by joining Ruth and Judges; Samuel was one book as was Kings and Chronicles. Lamentations was joined with Jeremiah and the twelve Minor Prophets were considered one book. The Psalms belong to the first division of the Kethubhim. The Psalms are divided into five books, which the Jewish rabbinical writers called The Pentateuch of David. This was a comparison of the natural books of the Psalms to the five books of the Jewish Torah or the Law. Book 1 covers Psalms 1 through 41 and is compared to the book of Genesis. Book 2 covers Psalms 42 through 72 and is compared to the book of Exodus. Book 3 covers Psalms 73 through 89 and is compared to the book of Leviticus. Book 4 covers Psalms 90 through 106

7

The Book of Psalms INTRODUCTION

and is compared with the book of Numbers. Book 5 covers Psalms 107 through 150 and is compared to the book of Deuteronomy. It is generally believed that Ezra gathered these one hundred fifty Psalms together into one book during the fifth century before Christ. The actual dates of their writing covers a long period of time. Moses wrote Psalm 90, which is the oldest; several of the Psalms are ascribed to the latter prophets such as Ezra (126), Haggai and Zechariah (146-148). This would span a period of almost one thousand years. Although there were several writers of these sacred songs, they are most frequently referred to as belonging to David. David is often referred to as the psalmist, having written 73 of the Psalms. They are 3-9; 11-32; 34-42; 51-65; 68-70; 86; 101; 103; 108-110; 122; 124; 131; 133; 138-145. Because of their content and style Psalms 1; 2; 96 and 105 are also believed to have been written by David. Other writers who are named in the titles include: Asaph, Psalms 50 and 73-78, Solomon, Psalms 72 and 127, Heman the Ezrahite, Psalm 89. Eleven of the Psalms are titled “for the sons of Korah,” Psalms 42; 44—49; 84; 85; 87 and 88; the remaining 46 are anonymous as to the human writer. Several of the Psalms have Hebrew titles in the text. The Hebrew word altasbeth meaning “destroy not” occurs in the title of Psalms 57; 58 and 59. Fifty-five of the Psalms are dedicated “to the chief Musician,” who was the choir and orchestra leader. The word maskil is used 14 times and means “meditation.” Six times the title uses the word mikhiam meaning “a golden poem.” In six of the titles, we find the word neghinoth meaning “with stringed instruments.” The musical term selah, though not strictly a title, occurs seventy-one times in the Psalms. It was used as a musical interlude, during which time the singers and congregation would stop for a time to meditate on the previous line of the song. The word has come to mean “stop and think on that.” The book of Psalms has long been a favorite among the Lord’s people. The writers of the New Testament made two hundred eighty-three direct quotes from the Old Testament and one hundred sixteen of these are from the Psalms. There is not a note on the human keyboard that is not touched upon in the Psalms. The Psalms present the greatest panorama of life and human emotions. They touch on both the high and low points. They reveal the spirit of the writers. They had much to say to the contemporaries of their time while spanning the years of time to the coming of the Messiah. The Psalms are an excellent source for the saints of God. There seems to be a related song for every situation we may face in everyday life. May the Lord richly bless both teacher and student as they prayerfully study together this wonderful portion of God’s Word.

8

The title of this Psalm reads, “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.” The chief musician would have been the choir and orchestra conductor. This psalm was to be orchestrated, played and sung by the trained musicians and singers. David was a lover of music who praised the Lord, and he led the people of Israel to do the same. “And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals” (2 Sam. 6:5). Musical instruments and singing have played an important role in the worship of the Lord for several millenniums. Solomon appointed trained musicians to play and sing in the Temple. “And the priests waited on their

offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the Lord, which David the king had made to praise the Lord, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood” (2 Chron. 7:6). In the churches of the American Baptist Association, there are churches with only a piano. Others will have organs, and some will have several other instruments. The style of music may also vary somewhat from church to church, with choirs, quartets, traditional hymns, contemporary and praise songs. Regardless of the number of instruments and singers, choir or solo, traditional or praise songs, the important thing to remember is that all should be used to praise the Lord, touch our hearts and uplift the worship services. Gospel music or church music should be just that, music that proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ and is fitting to be sung in the Lord’s New Testament churches. It is of the utmost importance that the songs we sing be scriptural.

9

Lesson 1 For Sunday, September 7, 2014

Trust in the Lord Psalms 1—11

Lord: the word Lord in all capital letters denotes the Hebrew name for God commonly referred to as the tetragrammaton or four letters. The four letters are transliterated yhwh or yhvh. The pronunciation is usually rendered Yah-weh or JEHOVAH. It is commonly translated Lord in many English translations. This is the word which God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15. Many Jews today will not pronounce this name aloud for fear of using it in vain. Word Study #3068.

FAITH—NOT FLIGHT—IS THE RIGHT RESPONSE Psalm 11:1, 2 “In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart” (Psalm 11:1, 2). The word trust is from the Hebrew word chasah (khaw-saw) meaning “to flee for protection; to confide in, to have hope, or to make a refuge.” This word is used in several other Psalms where it is translated trusteth, refuge and trust. “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast” (Psalm 57:1). “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:1, 2) When we are assaulted and under attack by the wicked, God is still on His throne and it is eternal and right. “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and

ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (Psalm 45:6). The Lord knows our predicament and what is needed to see us through. “Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart” (Psalm 44:21). Like David, why would we not put our trust in the One who can be depended on time after time. “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psalm 125:1). Like David, if we will call upon Him and take a stand for the right, He will hold us up. He will not fail His children. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23, 24).

10 / Psalms 1—11

MannaBows, Arrows and String (Psalm 11:2): Righteous men, who are upfront and straightforward in their integrity, are often taken advantage of by their evil enemies. The enemies of the righteous plan to slander them with bows in hand, ready to strike with their words like arrows pulled against the string of a bow ready to strike. The righteous man has already abandoned the idea of running away from the encounter. The righteous man (David) had learned from years of experience to trust completely in the Lord. Evil seeks to bring down the righteous by a cunning and unexpected strike. However, the one who trusts in the Lord relies on One who helps at the right time.

Trust: of the several Hebrew words for trust, this word translated trust has to do with taking refuge. As a fugitive or soldier might run for the hills for a place of protection, so a child of God takes refuge or seeks a place of protection in the Lord. Word Study # 2620.

Upright in Heart: this phrase

is translated from one Hebrew word which means “upright or straight.” The root word is used one hundred nineteen times in the Old Testament. The word is commonly used to refer to the righteous or to what is just. Word Study #3477.

Trust in the Lord / 11

Have you ever had well-meaning people give you advice? They may mean well, but they do not have the answer. This was the dilemma David faced. The Lord and His Word are the only truthful and reliable answers. “So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word” (Psalm 119:42). David quickly showed where his heart and mind were. Psalm 11 expresses the heart and mind of David. David likely had been advised by some of those with him to flee and hide from Saul. The hill country of Judea is filled with large caves that are fortress-like areas not easily accessible to men on foot. However, David understood, as should we, that no place is safe without God on your side. Instead of fleeing to the mountains, David cried unto the Lord. He knew who could defend him and give him the refuge that he needed. “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). The enemies of God and His children stand ready to attack. Their bow has been bent and strung. They have fixed the arrow on the string and are ready to shoot. The scene is like the time Babylon laid siege on Israel and Jerusalem. “They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not show mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride upon horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against thee, O daughter of Babylon” (Jer. 50:42). They do so privily or in the dark. They like to shoot and attack from ambush. David was well aware of the military tactics of Saul. Satan and his forces in the world love to lurk in the dark and seek out their time to launch an attack. “He [the wicked] sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones” (Psalm 10:8-10). Every child of God must be prepared to use the whole armor of God. Striving daily to keep it polished and ready for use. Paul knew much about battling with Satan and dealing with his many snares and tricks. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:10-18).

FOUNDATIONS ARE IMPORTANT Psalm 11:3 “If the foundations be de-stroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). The word foun-dation is from the Hebrew word shathah (shaw-thaw’) which is the basis of political or moral support. It is the supporting structures of righteousness. It is the right pur-pose, goal and rationale for doing something. These are the things on which a society rests; the right standards that call things to order. This is to be true of all things. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). The word decently is from the Greek word euschemonos (yoo-skhay-mon’-oce) meaning to be done honestly and in a proper manner. The word or-der is from the Greek word taxin (tax’-in) meaning to have the right

arrangement, official dignity or to put in its proper rank. The reference is to what will avail when righteous foundations are destroyed. What will happen when a nation turns its heart against God? The lost sinner’s view is always experiential, untried and earthward. His heart and mind are not focused on the things of God or God’s Word. Therefore, he does not feel he is subject to God’s laws. “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh can-not please God” (Rom. 8:7, 8). Like David, the child of God’s view is to be much higher. We are to be fixed on the Lord and His Word. David knew where to look and where to go, do we? “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber” (Psalm 121:1-3). We have the promise of God, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isa. 55:11). Christians need to remember that the Lord can do it with us, without us or in spite of us. What happens when truth and justice are no longer respected? The answer to that question is found in the words of the prophets. “For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from

12 / Psalm 1—11

MannaEffect of Destroying Foundations (Psalm 11:3): The Lord God created this world and set its foundations to be in accord with His divine will. However, established nations and societies which turn away from these sure foundations to abandon the sovereign rule and authority of the Creator, design their own evil rule to replace God’s laws, then the righteous, as well as the unrighteous, receive the consequences of the choice of those in power. The ill effects of turning from the righteous rule of the Lord are the loss of the divine blessings of prosperity and sustainability. History records that our own nation is suffering from the gradual withdrawal of God’s blessings.

Trust in the Lord / 13

evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment” (Isa. 59:12-15). There becomes a spiritual and worldly traffic jam. Judgment, justice and equity cannot be found and administered properly because truth is fallen in the streets. When we, as children of God, take a stand for the truth against the deceptions of Satan and the wicked, in the eyes of the world we become the bad guys. We are called narrow-minded and bigots. Truth is not dead, but it is rapidly falling in America and in many so-called churches. David was informed of the horrible tragedy that had taken place at Nob. Saul ordered men from the armies of Israel to fall upon the priests because Ahimelech had given David and his men bread, but they refused to put their hand upon the priests of the Lord. Saul had Doeg, an Edomite, murder the priests and their families. “And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword. And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the Lord’s priests” (1 Sam. 22:18-21). King Saul had become so vile that, instead of trusting God and consulting with His prophets, he turned to the witch of Endor. “Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee” (1 Sam. 28:7, 8). King Saul had forsaken the Lord; therefore, the Lord rejected him and had Samuel anoint David, a man after God’s own heart. God could not bless the people of Israel under the ungodly leadership of Saul. “And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” (1 Sam. 16:1). The problem David faced is much like we face today. There is not enough true religion (Christianity) in the politics of America today. The reason is because it is no longer found in many of America’s homes and churches. The Lord did not let Saul and the people of Israel go free, they had to face their transgressions. “Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” (Jer. 5:9). What can the righteous do? What is our source of safety and trust? “Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors” (Psalm 7:9-13). The fourth verse

of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has a line that reads, “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: In God is our trust.’ ” Does this verse truly echo in our ears and hearts? America’s power and strength is not in its military, though we have the best in the world. The true source of our staying power and strength goes back to the principles and foundations upon which the nation was built—the Word of God. When all else crumbles about us the foundations of God stand sure. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:15-19). The foundation of God is tried, precious and sure. “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16). The foundation of God will stand because it is Jesus Christ. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). The church will not fail because of its foundation. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph. 2:19-22). The Word of God will not fail because its foundation is forever settled. “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled [established, stationed] in heaven” (Psalm 119:89).

THE LORD RULES FROM HIS THRONE Psalm 11:4 “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11:4). We should have unwavering confidence that Jesus is seated on His throne and is completely sovereign over all the affairs of justice and truth. “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isa. 66:1, 2). The Lord is to be sought in the place where He has placed His name. His name is in all the earth. “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens” (Psalm 8:1). Therefore, all the earth should praise and rejoice before Him. “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him” (Psalm 68:3, 4). His name and presence

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Trust in the Lord / 15

was set upon the children of Israel. “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (Num. 6:24-27). His name and presence was set upon Jerusalem. “And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there” (1 Kings 11:36). His name and presence was set upon the Tabernacle. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Ex. 25:8). His name and presence was set upon the Temple. “And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:10, 11). His name and presence is set upon the New Testament churches. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). His name and presence is set upon the hearts of true believers. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:16-18). He is to receive glory in and through the church, which is His holy temple. “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21).

THE LORD KNOWS WHAT HIS CHILDREN ENDURE Psalm 11:4 “His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men” (Psalm 11:4). As a rule when the “eyelids try,” they contract when examining closely. This bold anthropomorphism (giving a human face to) stresses clearly the omniscience of God. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). The word try is from the Hebrew word bachan (baw-khan’) meaning to test, to investigate or examine by trial. The apostle Peter spoke of this. “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12). Peter also gives us the assurance the Lord knows and cares for

MannaGod’s Eyelids (Psalm 11:4): It would appear that the current level of progressively increasing ungodliness might give the impression that God has closed His eyes or casually blinked at the things on the earth going astray without restraint. Such is not true in the least. In His time, the Lord will bring to judgment those whose willful disobedience and unrighteous rebellion continues. Currently, God is evaluating the sins of the wicked to which they will give a fearful accounting at the Great White Throne Judgment.

us. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). The Lord hears the cries of the afflicted. David had been here on several occasions. “For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard” (Psalm 22:24). “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

THE LORD WILL JUDGE THE WICKED Psalm 11:5, 6 “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup” (Psalm 11:5, 6). “Trieth the righteous” is the Hebrew word bachan the same as verse 4. The wicked and violent “his soul hateth.” The Hebrew word sane’ (saw-nay’) means “he is unwilling; or he makes

an enemy.” Paul touched on this truth in his letter to the Romans. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:6, 7). The life of the wicked is filled with snares or traps. Satan has many to snag us in his net and make our path difficult. “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15). The word hard is from the Hebrew word eythan (ay-thawn’) meaning to ruin like an overflowing continuous flood. A person’s lack of faith forms its own rut from which there is no escape. There is no escape from eternal judgment if one rejects Jesus Christ. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him” (Heb. 2:3). “Fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8) is used in the Bible to speak of God’s judgment upon sin and the wicked. Brimstone in Hebrew is from the word gophriyth (gof-reeth’) meaning the judgment of Jehovah’s breath. In Greek theion (thi’-on) is the divine incense of sulfurous flames. It fell upon Sodom (Luke 17:29). It will fall on

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Trieth: the Lord trieth, that is, He examines, searches out, or proves, the righteous. This word was used in the testing of metals. It was also used in Psalm 11:4, try, as well as in Psalm 11:5, trieth. Word Study #974.

MannaRaining Snares, Fire and Brimstone (Psalm 11:6): When the wrath of God comes to fruition, His judgment will be swift, exacting and intense upon all those who are wicked. Currently, God’s mercy extends the admonition and invitation for men to repent. God’s mercy was, likewise, extended to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah on the basis of the request of Lot’s uncle, Abraham. Once the time for divine mercy had reached its limit, God rained fire and brimstone upon those cities. The other citizens of those cities faced certain doom and destruction. In the same way, this earth will ultimately be consumed with fire and brimstone.

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Gog and the enemies of God and Israel (Ezek. 38:22). It will fall upon worldly Babylon (Rev. 14:8-11). It will fall upon Satan, the beast, the false prophet (Rev. 20:10). It will fall upon the unbelieving in the second death (Rev. 21:8).

THE LORD LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS Psalm 11:7 “For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright” (Psalm 11:7). The Lord is righteous. This is from the Hebrew word tsaddiyq (tsad-deek) meaning He is just, lawful and correct because of conformity to His moral and ethical standards. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Psalm 145:17). The Lord loves righteousness which has to do with His justice and moral virtue. “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5). He loves those who resemble Him for He has made Christ our righteousness. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:30, 31). Therefore, He loves those who love the Son, Jesus Christ. “For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God” (John 16:27). His countenance is from the Hebrew word paniym (paw-neem). This is literally their faces. It is the plural of face and is applied to God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit watch over and care for the children of God. “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake” (Psalm 31:16). “Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved” (Psalm 80:7).

CONCLUSION Pilot Point Music published the words to this song, “He’s all I need; Jesus is all I need.” What can the righteous do? They can always go to the Lord. In the end, the righteous will win. The final and lasting reward will be that we will get to see His face. “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads” (Rev. 22:3, 4). This will be one of the crowning blessings in the eternal ages.

Countenance: this word is the word for face in the Old Testament and is used to refer to something or someone before or in front of or in the presence of someone or something else. Metaphorically, it refers to favor or blessing. Word Study #6440.