This is a striking psalm, and is listed among the penitential psalms. It begins with virtually the same words as Psalm 6, the first of the penitential psalms. But the repentance shown by David here is quite distinct from what many Christians call repentance, and this is something we really need to deal with. The …
Can’t Even Find the Stump
One of the temptations that the righteous have to deal with is the temptation of envying the unrighteous. This is a psalm to set that temptation in its proper context, and so to help us deal with it. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they …
Mercy and Faithfulness, Full of Stars
This next psalm is one that clearly contrasts the wicked with the righteous, but it is not a psalm of imprecation. An imprecatory prayer is when we ask God to deal with the wicked in a particular way. This is more of an “oracle” about the nature of transgression and righteousness; it is teaching, not …
Dried Out Sins in a Can
We come now to a psalm of imprecation. These psalms do not represent the entire psalter, but they are a significant part of it. Of particular note would Psalms 7, 69, and 109. What are we to do with them? Well, among other things, sing them. Our aversion to the psalms of imprecation has more …
Not One Bone
Psalm 34 is an acrostic—what the Latin Fathers called psalmi abcedarii. There are nine of these psalms total, and it is a pity that we can’t figure out a way to bring this across in translation. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall …
The Cosmos: God’s Breath on a Cold Morning
God is greatly to be praised. He is worthy of all honor and praise. Our ability to praise Him falls short of necessity, and yet we are still summoned to it. But unlike the failures of sin, there is a glorious failure in praising God. Who can even begin to do it justice? Rejoice in …
Three Words
This psalm is categorized as one of the penitential psalms, but the heading lists it as a maskil, a teaching. In one of the other penitential psalms (51), David vows that as a result of his forgiveness, he will teach sinners the way (51:13). It is quite possible that this psalm is a fulfillment of …
The Secret Pavilion/Psalm 31
The Thirty-first Psalm is notable in that Jesus quoted from it in His last words on the cross. He has been followed in this by many of His disciples, including Polycarp, Bernard, Huss, Luther, and Melancthon. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness …
Hear Me Quickly, Lord
Minister: Lift up your hearts!Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Hear my prayer, O Lord,    Give ear to what I say.In Your faithfulness, answer me now,    And in Your righteousness,    Hear my request. Do not enter into judgment with me,    For in Your sight,    We all are condemned. An enemy attacks my soul,    …
They Are Stronger Than I
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! I cried out to God, Aloud with my voice. I cried to the Lord, Making supplication With my voice. My complaint poured out of me, I laid before Him my troubles. When my spirit staggered, You knew the path I was on. …