Thursday, July 18 – Psalms 89, 96

1. What example does the psalmist give of holding on to God despite our trials? (Psalms 89:36, 37)

2. How does the psalmist point out to God the brevity of human life? (Psalms 89:47, 48)

3. For what things do the psalmist praise The Lord? (Psalms 96:5, 6)

4. Why does the psalmist sing a new song to The Lord? (Psalms 96:13)

5. Who does he invite to join his song? (Psalms 96:7-9)

Commentary and Reflection:

You may have wondered what the word “Maschil,” which identifies some psalms such as Psalm 89, means. It indicates that it is an instructive song or one for meditation. You will also find the word “Selah” repeatedly. It signals us to pause and meditate. We might be blessed if we took these pauses to reflect on the previous verses before continuing reading. Shall we try it this time?

“Psalm 89 has been called The Psalm of the Covenant. It recalls the promise that David’s throne was to be established forever and then expresses concern over the fact that God has apparently broken the covenant. The psalm falls naturally into two contrasting parts, the abrupt change from vs. 1-37 to vs. 38-52 being marked by the word “but.” Within the two larger divisions the following ideas occur:

1. The keynote of praise (vs. 1-4)
2. Praise to God for His greatness and for His promises (vs. 15-37)
3. Complaint in view of the apparent failure of God’s promises (vs. 38-45)
4. Plea for fulfillment of the promises and restoration to God’s favor (vs. 46-51)
5. Doxology and double Amen (v. 52).

The unity of this psalm is seen by the recurrence of the words “faithfulness,” “mercy,” and “lovingkindness” (vs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 14, 24, 28, 33, 49), and the word “covenant” (vs. 3, 28, 34, 39).” (Adventist Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 89)

Justice and mercy manifest in perfect harmony in God, together both are the foundation of His throne.

In the introduction to Psalm 96, the Adventist Bible Commentary states,

“In Ps. 96 the psalmist calls on all the nations of the earth to acknowledge the universal sovereignty of Jehovah. It has been called A Missionary Hymn for All Ages. The psalm praises Jehovah as Creator and Wonder-Worker of old (vs. 1-6), as Ruler of the world at present (vs. 7-9), and as redeeming Judge at the restitution of all things (vs. 10-13). It is marked by frequent repetition of key phrases (see vs. 1,2, 7, 8, 13).” (Adventist Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 96)

Indeed, among our students are some to whom the Lord has given the gift of music. Would you create the music for Psalm 96? Note that it has three stanzas; you already have the words. Go ahead! Get the courage to do it!

May God grant you a day of praise.