1 Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah – Comment: With the word ‘selah’ we are caused to pause and think. How realistic an image is this for these days when battles are fought at a distance and when the ‘sword-bearer’ of old is replaced by a person sitting at a huge distance from his enemy directing his attacks by a computer wielding megaton bombs or drones, which can wipe out a whole town or village? There is no point in hiding behind a big rock to prevent arrows hitting you! But the concept is very real. God can be trusted to go with you into your daily occupation, even if it is as a soldier! The issue of war is very complex but can be summarised in that God can be trusted by us as individuals, if our hearts are right with Him. But what if a Christian is called upon to fight in a very unjust situation?
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name,
as I perform my vows day after day.
Comment: This section of the psalm seems to me to have David fixed in time but led by God into the future far beyond his personal time as the king on the throne of Israel. v5 – seems very down to earth for the faith of anyone who truly commits themselves to God (Jesus). God makes us His children and our heritage is with His Eternal Family. v6&7 Is David asking that all future generations will think of him in his great days? Or is he prophetic and alluding to God’s promise to him that he will be the forebear of the Messiah, God’s own Son? (2Sm 7: 16 – And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. Ps 2 etc) Is David thinking of the Messiah, who is God’s own Son, a member of the Triune God, whose kingdom is to be forever? v8 His conclusion is a commitment to daily faithfulness as he goes about his daily life of being the king! Do you and I have that commitment?
1 Samuel 15: 22……“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination…..”
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus that You came and that You will return.
As I read it! 