Sabbath, June 8 – Psalms 56, 120

1. According to Psalm 34:7, where does the angel of the Lord encamp?

2. According to Psalm 52, what will happen to the man who trusts in his riches?

Commentary and Reflection

Let’s remember that we’re reading the Bible chronologically. Therefore, we’re departing from the regular order of the books to intersperse contemporary passages, especially Psalms. These Psalms, which occupy us these days, were written by David in different life circumstances. The chronology isn’t exact, but it’s approximate.

In Psalm 56, David laments his situation as a fugitive and the siege of his enemies and expresses his trust in God. God is aware of his fears; he asks God to consider his tears and put them in his “bottle.” He trusts that God keeps a record of his tears in his book.

” “A book of remembrance” is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of “them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered in heaven. Nehemiah refers to this when he says: “Remember me, O my God, … and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God.” Nehemiah 13:14. In the book of God’s remembrance every deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ’s sake, is recorded. Says the psalmist: “Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?” Psalm 56:8.” (The Great Controversy, 481).

The Word of God is important in David’s life; he praises God in his Word, and his Word instills confidence in him amid trials. May the Word of God be important in your day, and impart confidence in God amid trials.

The word “degrees” appears in the heading of Psalms 120 to 134. “These songs were perhaps sung by pilgrims on their way to the great feasts in Jerusalem.” (SDABC, Outline of the Book of Psalms).

“Nature’s gladness awakened joy in the hearts of Israel and gratitude to the Giver of all good. The grand Hebrew psalms were chanted, exalting the glory and majesty of Jehovah. At the sound of the signal trumpet, with the music of cymbals, the chorus of thanksgiving arose, swelled by hundreds of voices.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 538).

David laments his exile in Meshech and Kedar. David is peaceful, but he has had to be among those who hate peace. May we maintain a calm spirit amid the provocation and trial that may surround us.

God bless you on this day.