The Psalms is a big book of songs and poetry. What follows are my thoughts on parts of Psalms 91-96.
Psalm 91 is a wonderful picture of the protection that comes to everyone who lives in God's house. It describes God as sovereign, mighty, and faithful. He not only intervenes in the lives of his people; he gives his children power to overcome their enemies. This includes supernatural and natural foes—even when others try to use God's Word to fight against his holy nation. Psalm 91:11-12 is famous for the phrase that was quoted by Satan to Jesus, hoping that the Lord would test his Father God by focusing on earthly instead of heavenly goals.
Psalm 92 promotes giving thanks, and praise and proclamations as the normal inner and outer lives of those who worship God. From morning to the middle of the night, the psalmist encourages us to sing about God's goodness. His great works and intricate plans compel us to repeat his deeds. The songwriter understands that even God's enemies have a future determined by God. They will all come to an end, "But you, O LORD, reign forever!" The destinies of the righteous and unrighteous become clear. The unrighteous will perish, are scattered, and are defeated. Meanwhile, the righteous will grow, bear fruit, be vital, and have many leaves. That's something to sing about.
Psalm 93 exalts God as King. He wears his attributes, such as strength, like a well-tailored suit.
His throne and power have always existed. He has always ruled over everything and everyone. His laws are perfect and perfectly matched to everything he has made.
Psalm 94 defines the heart of evildoers as those who crush God's people and oppress His nation; they murder widows, those who are foreigners, and the orphans. God's children are supposed to observe and worship the One who will repay the evil done by those who do evil.
Psalm 95 is a massive call to God's people to make a huge amount of noise, singing and shouting out God's many attributes. There is much to celebrate and to be joyful about. In comparison with all other gods, God is vastly superior. As an act of worship, we are called to use our bodies to show deep respect to God, by bowing and kneeling.
God is like a shepherd who always makes sure that His sheep are fed.
We are like sheep who are owned by the shepherd. Our main role is to obey God and not leave the path that the Lord designed for us. From time to time, God's sheep have ignored his ways, only to find out that disobedience leads to an endless state of restlessness.
Psalm 96 is a joyful declaration of the truth and awesomeness of God. This is the gospel from the beginning of creation. It's what Adam was charged with, telling the nations about his splendor and amazing deeds. All of the nations should worship and tremble before the Lord, because in the end, every nation will be judged according to justice.
Mathew James
