December 2, 2015.

Daily Reading: Psalm 129-131.

Background: Psalm 126-128.

Concepts and Connections.

Chapter 129

Enduring affliction: Another psalm in the series of the songs of ascents (see psalm 120), this psalm recounts affliction that the people of Israel had endured from the people who oppressed them even from the beginning. As Israel was becoming a nation in Egypt, they were taken into Egyptian slavery, being afflicted from their youth (see Exodus 1). Throughout their years, Israel had been oppressed by many nations and had many enemies. Though they pressed hard, however, they did not prevail, for the Lord was with them. This is not to say that the Lord’s punishment didn’t come on the people when they rebelled against Him, but rather the nation of Israel (perhaps more accurately stated, Judah) was preserved even in captivity. Here, the psalmist calls for the Lord to put to shame all who hate Israel, and bring their affliction upon their own heads. There can be parallels draw between the life of Israel and the life of the church.

Chapter 130

Waiting for the Lord: Another psalm in the series of the songs of ascents (see psalm 120), this psalm is a plea for mercy and forgiveness from the Lord. The psalmist cries out from the depths in the opening stanza and pleads for mercy. In the second stanza, the forgiveness of the Lord is made known, explaining that if the Lord marked our transgressions then no one could stand. But the soul of the psalmist hopes in the word of the Lord and waits on Him with diligence and dedication. The Lord’s redemption is brought up in the final stanza, noting that the Lord will redeem Israel from all their iniquities because of His steadfast love. Praise God for this love.

Chapter 131

Humility: Another psalm in the series of the songs of ascents (see psalm 120), this psalm attributed to David is very short, which fits well with its contents. The psalmist here is decidedly not proud or haughty as he approaches the Lord, for he knows who he is in relation to the Almighty. Rather, he has calmed and quieted his soul, which is a wise lesson. Our trust and hope should be in the Lord, and if so, we need not feel the need to control everything, especially the things beyond our reach. We need not occupy ourselves with things too great and marvelous for us. We should have a quite and calm soul.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Ecclesiastes 11-12.

Peace to you.

-Walter