The Fear Of The Lord Part 1

This psalm is known as an imprecatory psalm. David wrote it as he cries out to God for justice. We need to remember that it isn’t just petty personal grudges that are moving David, but God’s hatred over injustice and sin. It also announces the results of rebellion against God—curses similar to those found in Deuteronomy 27 and 28.

1 – 5

David is attacked personally for no reason (vs 3)

David is the subject of hatred and lies though he has shown love (vs 4-5)

Notice verse 4: David has been loving, while his enemies accuse. So what is his response: it isn’t hatred or retribution, but prayer.

Jesus said: Matt. 5:44 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” How much more would God’s purposes be fulfilled if we prayed instead of attacked (even if the attack is just in our minds).

6 – 15

What we are seeing here is a trial with witnesses, a judgment, and a sentence.

Verse 8 was used in Acts 2:20 for the disciples to replace Judas Iscariot.

16 – 20

Verses 16 through 20 show the character of these people

Notice that David is actually very honest in his evaluation of those who are accusing him. He isn’t sugarcoating anything. But also notice that these are not minor offenses. David is not suffering personal hurt from wounded pride. This is often the reason we react. David reacted to people attacking him for his relationship with Yahweh and he is reacting to injustices done to the weak. It’s important for us to evaluate: who is the one being attacked—us or God?

Something else to notice here, the law of lex talionis required a punishment equal to the crime (Exodus 21:24).

21 – 25

In David’s extreme weakness he calls out to God, not out of a sense of self-righteousness, but because of God’s great name, which stands for justice and fairness and righteousness and retribution for evil. God is known as a rescuer of the afflicted.

26 – 31

Notice that David wants rescue so that others will see God’s character and that they will give credit to God. David is not going to give up in despair but will “fervently” gives thanks and praise to God.

God is one who stands by the needy. And us, who are needy through our own rebellion against the character of God can be saved from the accuser of the brethren by the ultimate rescue, brought about by Jesus, who allowed the accusers to put Him to death so He could bear the curse and pronounce blessing on us instead!

One final thought. Inside Jesus all manner of sin is forgiven and wiped away. Outside of Jesus no sin finds forgiveness and is never wiped away. So—throw yourself on the Lord Jesus!

Psalm 110

Psalm 110, written by David, is a royal psalm and it is filled with references to the Messiah. It is, in fact, the most often quoted psalm in the New Testament. I think you’ll recognize a lot of these verses. This psalm could be the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 109. God will not always allow evil to triumph, and that should bring hope to those who are downtrodden and victimized by true evil.

1 – 4

The right hand was a place of strength, honor, and privilege. Making your enemies your footstool speaks of victory and that everyone will submit. Jesus used this verse when conversing with the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43).

Matt. 22:41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?” “David’s,” they told Him. He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him ‘Lord’:

The Lord declared to my Lord,

‘Sit at My right hand

until I put Your enemies under Your feet’?

“If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him anymore.”

You’ll notice in your Bible that both words “Lord” are capitalized. God the Father is speaking to God the Son.

Extending the scepter means establishing someone’s authority over the land. Genesis 49:10 describes Judah as the Lord’s scepter. Jesus, of course, came from the tribe of Judah.

Scholars describe verse 2 as the most obscure in the entire book of Psalms. It may simply be poetic language to describe how the offspring of this King will be eager to volunteer in service.

Verse 4: Hebrews 7:17,21 quotes this verse. Melchizedek comes from Genesis 14:17-24. After Abraham rescued Lot he gave a tenth to this man who was known as King of Peace. The Messiah was both a king and a priest, which is the perfect melding of the dual role of Jesus: of Savior and King of Kings.