Bible Commentary: Psalms 105-150

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Bible Commentary for Psalms 105 thru 150

Psalm 105

This psalm is part of David’s prayer of thanksgiving recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:8-22. Portions of this prayer are also recorded at Psalm 96. It is a reminder to Israel to remember Jehovah’s wonderful acts, to make known among the nations what He has done, to sing praise to Him, give Him thanks and to call on His name as He is their God and His judgments are in the earth.

He remembers His covenant that He concluded with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan as their inheritance. When they were few in number, they wandered throughout the land, going from kingdom to kingdom, but Jehovah did not allow anyone to oppress them even rebuking kings. He warned them not to do anything to His anointed ones, His prophets. (Genesis 20:6-8; Genesis 26:6-11; Genesis 34:24-35:5)

A famine came upon the land of Canaan, but Jehovah had made preparation for them to be saved. He sent Joseph ahead of them into Egypt who was sold as a slave then imprisoned but was later released by Pharaoh because he learned of his ability to interpret dreams. After his release, he was later made ruler of Pharaoh’s house. He became an instructor of the Egyptians and taught their elders wisdom. (Genesis chapter 41)

Then Jacob and his family entered Egypt to live as aliens and Jehovah multiplied his offspring so much so that the Egyptians became afraid of them and began to hate them. He sent Moses and Aaron who performed signs and wonders in the land of Ham. He sent the ten plagues upon them, destroying their country, then He brought Israel out of Egypt. (Exodus chapters 7-11) The Egyptians were glad to see them go because the dread of Israel had fallen on them.

Jehovah led them by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. He answered their request for meat by sending them quail and He provided manna to feed them. He provided water for them by bringing it out of the rocks. He remembered His holy promise to Abraham and brought them out of Egypt with rejoicing and gave them a land that was full of good things that they had not worked for. They were given this good beginning so that they would keep His laws and precepts. Praise should be given to Him.

Psalm 106

The psalmist continues to encourage Israel to give praise to Jehovah for His goodness. Jehovah’s mighty acts are so many that no one can fully attribute to Him the praise that He deserves. Those who continue to do justice and what is right are to be blessed. The psalmist then asks Jehovah to remember him when He rescues His people so that he might enjoy the prosperity that Jehovah will bestow upon them and he could join with them in giving praise to Him.

The psalmist acknowledges that they as well as their fathers had sinned against Jehovah. Even though Jehovah performed many miracles in Egypt, Israel forgot them and became rebellious at the Red Sea. (Exodus 14:10-12) But Jehovah saved them for the sake of His name and that His power would become known. He led them through the sea on dry land and caused the waters to destroy their enemies. Then they put faith in Him and sang His praise.

But they soon forgot what He did for them and began to test Him in the desert by their selfish cravings. They cried out to him for meat and He gave it to them but not without consequences. He sent a wasting disease upon them. (Numbers 11:33) When they were in the wilderness, some of the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, the ones that Jehovah had chosen to take the lead, and Jehovah opened up the earth to swallow some of them and fire consumed the others. (Numbers 16:1-3, 31-35)

While they were camped at Mount Sinai, they built a golden calf to be their god. They chose to worship an image of a bull rather than their glorious God, Jehovah. They forgot all the glorious deeds that He had done for them in Egypt so He was determined to destroy them but Moses interceded for them before Jehovah and He did not destroy them. (Exodus 32:11-14) They had no faith that Jehovah would fulfill his promise to bring them into a land filled with good things. So they grumbled against Him and He swore that they would fall in the desert and their descendants would eventually be scattered among the nations. (Leviticus 26:33)

Before they entered the land of Canaan, they prostrated themselves to the Baal of Peor provoking Jehovah to anger and He sent a plague upon them. Phinehas, a priest, stood in the gap and stopped the plague from destroying the entire nation. He will always be credited with this act of righteousness. (Numbers 25:6-13) At Meribah, they quarreled with Moses because there was no water to drink. Their rebelliousness caused him utter rash words and he was denied the privilege of entering the land of promise. (Numbers 20:2-12)

They were disobedient to Jehovah when they entered the land. They did not destroy the nations from the land as Jehovah had told them to do. Instead they associated with them, adopting their customs including all of their disgusting religious practices. Jehovah became angry with them and He gave them over to the nations to be oppressed by them. Yet he delivered them many times. They were, however, determined to go in their own way. Whenever they cried out to Him in their distress, He would relent of His anger because of His covenant and He would cause their captors to be merciful to them. (1 Kings 8:50; 2 Chronicles 30:9)

The psalmist prays that Jehovah will again save Israel and gather them from the nations so that they could once again give thanks to Him and offer praise to His name.

Psalm 107

Those who are among the ones that Jehovah redeemed from various difficulties should give thanks to Him because of His goodness and His unfailing love. Some have wandered in deserts, hungry and thirsty and near to death, but when they cried out to Jehovah, He came to their aid. He brought them to a place where they could settle and find sustenance. Some have been in chains and subjected to hard labor because of rebelling against Jehovah. When they cried out to Him, He delivered them by breaking their chains and releasing them from their prison. Some suffered physical illness because of their rebellious ways. They were unable to eat food and were near to death. But when they cried out to Jehovah, He healed them and brought them spiritual refreshment, rescuing them from death. He rescued others from the sea and its boisterous waves by stilling the storm and guiding them safely to their haven.

He turns fruitful lands into a salt waste because of the wickedness of the inhabitants. (Genesis 13:10) He also turns deserts into fruitful lands where people can establish a city, settle in it and produce a bountiful harvest. He also blesses them so that they multiply greatly. He could then humble them by removing His blessings if they became haughty. He also distinguishes between the upright and the haughty. He makes the haughty wander in deserts but the needy he elevates and blesses. The upright will see this and they will rejoice, but the wicked will be silenced. A wise person will take these things into consideration and will remember the great love of Jehovah.

Psalm 108

This psalm is a compilation of two psalms already discussed. Verses 1-5 are the same as Psalm 57:7-11, verses 6-13 are the same as Psalm 60:5-12.

Psalm 109

David prays to Jehovah, the God that he praises, to speak out on his behalf because wicked men have told lies about him and have attacked him without cause. He befriended them but they have made accusation against him, but David continues in prayer. Because his enemy has repaid him evil for good then Jehovah should repay him by allowing an accuser (a satan) to give false testimony against him; he should be tried in court and found guilty. Let his days be few and let someone else take his leadership position. (See Acts 1:20) His family should suffer by being left without any support, everything that he possessed should be taken away from them and no one should show them pity. The sins of his family should never be blotted out before Jehovah and the memory of them should be cut off from the earth.

The wicked take advantage of the needy, they love to pronounce curses and they find no pleasure in blessing anyone. Pronouncing a curse is as much a part of the wicked as wearing a garment or drinking water. For those that love to pronounce them, Jehovah should make them a curse as their payment.

David prays to Jehovah that He would deliver him because of His holy Name as he is weak and about to fade away. Because of his pitiable condition, his accusers continue to subject him to scorn and mocking. On the basis of His great love He should save David and let his enemies know that He is doing it. They may curse but Jehovah blesses and when they attack, they will be put to shame. David will continue to praise Jehovah in the congregation because He stands ready to save the life of the needy one.

Psalm 110

This psalm of David applies to a future ruler that he refers to as ‘his Lord.’ In verse one, according to The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, page 873, “the verb ‘says’ is neum, a word often used to depict an oracle or a revelation.” Therefore, the oracle of Jehovah to this ruler is that he should, in his position of power, wait until He makes his enemies a footstool for his feet. Having his enemies under his feet brings to mind how ancient kings would picture themselves as having conquered their enemies by placing their feet on their necks. (Joshua 10:16-26) Jehovah would then extend his rulership from Zion to all other nations so that he would be ruling over his enemies.

On the day of battle, he would have many youthful warriors who will offer themselves willingly. These warriors are spoken of as dew, which might mean “their freshness, their sudden appearance, their glittering numbers and even the time of their appearance; in the early morning (the womb of the dawn.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament, page 783)

Jehovah has also sworn to him that he would be both a priest and a king just as Melchizedek, who served in both capacities in Jerusalem, was. (Genesis 14:18) Jehovah will support him fully as he crushes kings and judges the nations in his anger. His ‘drinking from a brook’ may mean that he is refreshed along the way as he fights his enemies. His ‘lifting up his head’ may mean that God will exalt him after he defeats his enemies.

Psalms 111 - 113

Psalm 111 begins with the psalmist extolling Jehovah with his whole heart in the assembly of the upright. He tells the assembly that Jehovah’s works are great and all who delight in them will seek them out, his deeds are majestic and glorious and they show Him to be righteousness. His wonderful acts are remembered and He will never forget his covenant. His people have seen his power displayed when He gave them land that belonged to other nations. All that He does is faithful and just; His word never fails, as it is steadfast forever. He has redeemed his people and commanded His covenant to be forever. His Name is holy and awesome; therefore, the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom and those who follow His word closely will have understanding. To Him alone belongs all the praise.

Psalm 112 enumerates the blessings of the godly man. He is blessed because he fears Jehovah and delights in His commands. His descendants will be many; he will be successful in life, and even in calamitous times he will be shown the way through them. Those who are generous and lend without charging interest will have good come to them. His trust in Jehovah will remain steadfast and he will have no need to fear bad news. He will not fear his enemies because he knows that Jehovah will deliver him. He gives freely to the poor and Jehovah will honor him. The wicked will see this and they will be agitated. They will become embittered and will waste away in their resentment and all of their desires and wishes will perish.

Psalm 113 urges all Jehovah’s servants everywhere to praise His Name now and forever. His glory is exalted above the heavens and over all nations. Though He is highly exalted, He condescends to intervene in the affairs of humans. He helps the poor and the needy, raising them out of the dust to an exalted position. He gives joy to the barren woman by giving her many children. All praise is to be given to Jehovah.

Psalms 114 and 115

Psalm 114 makes poetic reference to Israel’s exodus from Egypt and some of the powerful works that Jehovah performed for them. This psalm, along with Psalm 113, was sung at the Passover meal. When Jehovah brought Israel out of Egypt into the land of promise, He selected Judah to be the place for His sanctuary and Israel His kingdom over which He ruled. On their way out of Egypt, Jehovah parted the Red Sea allowing them to walk through it on dry land. When they crossed the Jordan River to enter the land, Jehovah stopped the waters of this river at a location upstream so that they could cross over on dry land. Even the mountains, such as Mount Sinai, quaked at His presence. The earth itself is told to tremble at the presence of Jehovah who turns rocks into pools or springs of water.

In Psalm 115, Israel gives all glory and honor to Jehovah because He is faithful and loving. They have nothing to praise themselves for as He is the one who saves them. Because of their current situation, the nations taunt them by asking, ‘where is your God?’ Israel knows that their God is in the heavens and answers to no one. But the gods of the nations, though visible, are man made idols of silver and gold. They are totally lifeless and those who bow down to them will become just like them.

But Israel, the priests and all that fear Him are encouraged to trust in Jehovah and not in idols as He is their help and shield and He will bless them. He will give them increase both they and their descendants. Though Jehovah exercised His dominion over both heaven and earth, He has given humans dominion over His creations on the earth. It is fitting that they praise Jehovah while they are living because those in the grave do not praise Him.

Psalms 116 and 117

Psalm 116 is a song of thanksgiving to Jehovah for His delivering the psalmist from death. The psalmist expresses his love for Jehovah because He heard his cry for mercy and listened to his voice. He was very near death and was overcome by distress and sorrow when he called on the Name of Jehovah to save him. Because Jehovah is gracious, righteous and full of compassion, He will save those in need as was the psalmist. The psalmist is now able to walk before Jehovah and serve him since he is no longer anxious for his life.

How can he repay Jehovah for His goodness to him? By lifting up the cup of salvation, calling on the Name of Jehovah and fulfilling his vows before the congregation. Lifting up the cup of salvation, according to the NIV footnote for verse 13, “is likely the cup of wine drunk at the festal meal that climaxed a thank offering and is called the ‘cup of salvation’ because the thank offering and its meal celebrated deliverance by the Lord.” The psalmist recognized that Jehovah does not take lightly the death of his servant and so will deliver them. As a result of his deliverance, he would show his gratitude by going to Jehovah’s house to offer thanks offering and to pay his vows.

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the collection with only two verses. The nations are encouraged to praise Jehovah and to give glory to him for His love and faithfulness endures forever. Praise Jehovah.

Psalm 118

The psalmist in his anguish cried to Jehovah and He heard his cry and set him free from his enemies. Jehovah is his helper so why should he be afraid of men. Taking refuge in Jehovah is the sensible thing to do rather than trust in man. Even when surrounded on all sides by nations, he successfully triumphed over them because of the Name of Jehovah. The righteous will rejoice because Jehovah has shown His strength in their behalf.

The psalmist is overjoyed because now that he is not going to die, he can proclaim what Jehovah has done. Jehovah severely disciplined him but he did not allow him to die. So he joins the procession through the gates of the temple to give thanks to Him because He answered his cry for help and has become his salvation.

‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the capstone.’ This verse, 22, was quoted by Jesus at Matthew 21:42 and he applied it to himself. He was the person who fulfilled the Mosaic Law Covenant before becoming the foundation stone of a new covenant. Peter also applied these words to Jesus at 1 Peter 2:7.

The psalmist requests that Jehovah would save His people and give them success. He then says, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD [Jehovah].” This verse, 26, was applied to Jesus at Matthew 21:9 when he rode into Jerusalem on a colt and the crowd ran ahead of him shouting these words while they waved palm branches. (John 12:13) But Jesus used it to refer to someone else at Matthew 23:39 when he was speaking to the leaders of Israel concerning their disobedience and the destruction of Jerusalem.

Psalm 119

This is the longest psalm in the collection and is an alphabetic acrostic psalm. It has twenty-two stanzas corresponding to the twenty-two alphabets of the Hebrew language with eight verses per stanza. Each verse in a stanza begins with the same alphabet, that is, the first eight verses begins with the first letter of the alphabet, the second eight verses begins with the second letter of the alphabet, etc.

The psalmist uses ten words to describe God’s covenant. 1) laws - particular legal requirements, 2) word - His divine revelation, 3) statutes or testimonies – His enacted laws, 4) command(s) or commandments – His orders, 5) decrees – His standard of conduct, 6) precepts – His admonitions, 7) promises or sayings, 8) law (torah) – the Law Covenant in general, 9) ways – the pattern of life set forth by God, 10) judgments – His judicial decisions.

Walking according to the law of Jehovah enables the psalmist to walk in a blamelessly way. Those who keep His statutes will walk in His ways. His precepts are to be fully obeyed. Obeying His decrees would bring orderliness to a person’s life. Obeying Jehovah’s orders will keep a person from being abandoned by Him. His judgments are designed to teach a person how to serve Him with an upright heart. A person’s conduct must be righteous so that he will not be forsaken by Jehovah.

A young man’s way will be clean if he lives according to Jehovah’s word. If one seeks Jehovah with all his heart, he will not stray from His orders and if he treasures His revealed word in his heart, he will not sin. A person must have proper regard for Jehovah in order that He would teach him how he should conduct himself. Knowing His statutes causes one to rejoice more so than would riches. Meditating on His admonitions, studying the pattern of living set forth by Him and taking delight in His laws will keep a person from disregarding God’s word.

Obeying God’s word is associated with long life. God must enable a person to understand the marvelous provisions given in His law. A servant of God feels estranged from those who do not serve God so he needs to keep close to God’s commands. He longs for them all the time. Those who stray from His commands are accursed. God’s servants are determined to keep His statutes in spite of opposition from those who do not want to. He will endure slander as he meditates on His decrees. God’s servants receive their direction and guidance from His statutes.

God’s word promises deliverance to all who obey it and when one gives attention to his ways and he knows that they are in harmony with His word, then he can be confident that God will answer him and continue to teach him. He requests that Jehovah will give him more understanding of His admonitions so that his meditations would be more fruitful. When one is burdened with sorrow, he can gain strength from God’s word. He will avoid the deceitful ways of the world by observing His law. A person who chooses the way of truth will set his heart on His laws and will hold fast to them so that God will not reject him. There is freedom for those who continue in the paths set out in Jehovah’s commands.

The psalmist prays that Jehovah will teach him His decrees and give him understanding so that he will obey His law with his heart; give him proper direction so that he would follow His commands and statutes and turn his heart and his eyes away from covetousness and vanity. The psalmist wanted Jehovah to confirm the promises He had made to him so that others would develop reverence for Him.

The psalmist requested that Jehovah fulfill His promise to give His unfailing love and salvation to those keeping His word. He would then be able to give an answer to those that taunt him because he has put his trust in His word. His hope is in God’s word so he wanted to continue to speak of it to others. Because of the freedom granted to those who seek His precepts, he would be able to speak of them before kings with boldness. He takes delight in God’s commands and considers them praiseworthy.

Jehovah’s word gives hope and comfort to the psalmist and he is able to persevere in his suffering because of the promises found in His word. Although arrogant men mock him because of his constancy in sticking to that word, he will not be deterred. He remembers God’s laws and finds comfort in them. He is indignant with those who have forsaken God’s word but he continues to sing about His decrees and to make it a practice to obey His precepts.

The psalmist has made Jehovah his portion so he has obeyed his word. He asks Jehovah to be gracious to him as He promised to those who seek Him. He has given attention to his way and has made adjustments in harmony with His statutes. He will always be quick to obey His commands and will not forget them no matter what his circumstances may be. He befriends those who fear Jehovah and follow His precepts. God’s creative works are a testimony to His love and the psalmist wants to learn more about Him.

The psalmist acknowledges that Jehovah had been good to him in accordance with His word so he requests that He would teach him knowledge and judgment so that he would show greater discernment. He had gone astray and so had been afflicted for it but now he was ready to be obedient. He has been smeared with lies by those whose hearts are unresponsive to God’s law, but that only serves to cause him to delight in God’s law. He has profited from his afflictions in that God’s law has become more precious to him than silver and gold.

The psalmist now prays for more understanding from His creator so that he can learn His commands. Godly persons will be glad to associate with someone who has his hope in God’s word. He attributes nothing unrighteous to Jehovah who has afflicted him but who would also be his comfort in harmony with the promise He made to him. God would also be compassionate towards him because he found such delight in His law. God should take up his case against those who wronged him without cause because he meditates on His precepts. May others who fear God take note of his example and are encouraged and rejoice. He prayed that his heart would be sound so that he would not be shamed when he approached God.

The psalmist is in despair while waiting for God’s salvation but he will not lose his hope in His word, and his eyes fail him waiting to receive comfort from God. Although he is in a weakened condition, his minds remain on God’s decrees. He wonders how long will it be before his enemies are punished as they continue to persecute him though they know they are acting in opposition to God’s law. But he will continue to trust in God’s love that will preserve him and in His trustworthy commands.

As Jehovah is eternal, so are His creative works and His laws as they all serve His purposes. His law has kept the psalmist faithful because he has delighted in it and His precepts have revived him. He prays that Jehovah would save him because the wicked are waiting to destroy him but he continues to make a diligent effort to learn His precepts and statutes. He finds that there is no limit to the benefits gained from His commands.

How the psalmist loves God’s law and he meditates on them all day long. He finds that in doing so he has been given wisdom and insight even more so than his teachers, the ones who are over him, have. He has used his knowledge to keep his feet on the straight path and he has not departed from it because Jehovah had taught him personally. God’s words are sweeter to him than honey is to the taste buds. Because of the understanding he has gained from His precepts, he had learned to hate every wrong path.

The psalmist views God’s word as a light that would guide his feet and illuminate his pathway. He has taken an oath to that effect and will not stray from it. The psalmist is suffering and he asks Jehovah to revive him according to what He says in His word. He asks that Jehovah will accept the praise from his mouth and continue to teach him His laws. His life is in constant danger because of the wicked but he keeps Jehovah’s law in front of him. They are his heritage and the joy of his heart and his heart is set on keeping them.

The psalmist hated those who were not able to decide whether to serve Jehovah or not but he loved God’s law. God was his shield and refuge and his hope was in His word. In order to continue observing the commands of God, he would have to keep away from the ungodly who would try to exert their influence on him. He would rely on Jehovah to sustain him, to keep his hope alive, to uphold him and deliver him. Those who wander away from His decrees will be rejected and their deceitfulness will be shown to be a falsehood. Jehovah will then discard the wicked as one would throw away dross. The psalmist was the opposite of the wicked as he trembled in fear and stood in awe of Jehovah’s laws.

In his doing the right thing, the psalmist asked that Jehovah would not abandon him to his enemies to be oppressed but that He would deliver him. Because it appears that Jehovah is slow in bringing him salvation, the psalmist says that his eyes have failed him as he has looked for a long time. So he asked that Jehovah will deal with him according to His love and would continue teaching him. He needs to have discernment to understand His statutes. He believes that it is time for Jehovah to act to uphold His commands. He affirms his love for God’s commands that are worth more than the purest of gold and because he considers them to be right, he abhors the pathway of the unrighteous.

When God’s words are revealed, his servants receive light and even they can understand them. The psalmist is in need of the mercy that he knows Jehovah will show to those who love His Name. If Jehovah directs his steps according to His word, then no sin would rule over him. He wants Jehovah to redeem him from oppressive men whose aim is to make it more difficult for him to be obedient. He wants Jehovah to bring him deliverance so that he can continue to learn. It is very upsetting for him when he observes that God’s laws are not being obeyed.

Jehovah’s righteousness is seen in the fact that all of His laws and statutes are righteous and trustworthy. He is zealous for God’s righteous laws while his enemies completely ignore them. Jehovah’s promises have been thoroughly tested and are to be relied upon. The psalmist will not forget God’s precepts even if he is alone in doing so. Trouble and distress do not cause him to loose his delight in His commands. He gains understanding in how to live by means of Jehovah’s statutes.

The psalmist cries out constantly to Jehovah to deliver him, to save him from his afflictions all the while he still obeys His decrees and keeps His statutes. He is constantly on the alert meditating on Jehovah’s promises to him. Those who are causing him problems do not care about Jehovah’s laws as they are far from their hearts but Jehovah is near and His commands are true. His statutes are established to last forever.

The psalmist continues to plead for deliverance from his suffering because he still remembers God’s law. The wicked are far from salvation because they care nothing for His decrees. Those who persecute him are many but they are unable to turn him aside from God’s statutes. Those without faith are loathsome to the psalmist because they do not obey God’s word. He loves Jehovah’s precepts because they are righteous and true and are eternal.

Even when the rulers of the people persecute him, the psalmist trembles, not because of them, but at the word of God. He rejoices in His promises as one rejoices when he finds great spoil. He hated falsehood because he loves Jehovah’s law and he offers praise to Him throughout the day. Those who love God’s law enjoy peace and stability. As he continues to wait for God’s salvation, he will follow His commands and obey all His precepts.

The psalmist petitions Jehovah that his cry and his supplication would come before Him, so that He would deliver him according to His promise. Praise will flow from his lips because Jehovah has taught him His decrees, his tongue will sing of His word and His righteous commands. Because he has chosen to follow His precepts, he expects Jehovah to be ready to help him. His desire is to live so that he may praise Jehovah and let His law sustain him. As he has strayed like a lost sheep, he wants Jehovah to search for him and bring him back because he has not forgotten His commands.

Psalms 120 and 121

Psalm 120 is a plea to Jehovah to deliver the psalmist from treacherous people who speak with deceptive tongues. The use of sharp arrows and burning coals of the broom tree are indicative of the punishment to be brought upon these individuals. The broom tree was used for firewood because it burned longer than other trees that were used as firewood.

The psalmist bemoaned the fact that although he was living among his own people, he felt that he was living as an alien among people who were as barbaric as were those who lived in Meshech and Kedar. They hated peace and he was a man of peace. Whenever he spoke to them of peace, they spoke only of war.

In Psalm 121, as the psalmist looked at the mountains of Jerusalem he asks from where would his help come. He knew that it would come from Jehovah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, upon whom he could depend to keep him safe. He does not doze or sleep; He is continually watchful. With His right hand, He provides shade or refreshment from adversities that are described as the heat of the sun during the day and the cold of the moon at night. He is prepared to keep watch over His servant’s life always.

Psalms 122 - 124

Psalm 122 is a song of joy concerning Jerusalem. David expresses his joy that he and other worshippers were going to Jerusalem to the house of Jehovah. As he stands in its gates, he sees Jerusalem as a city where the buildings were joined together neatly and compactly, a city of unity. It is where all the tribes of Israel go to praise Jehovah’s Name. It is also the place from which Jehovah’s judgments emanate and where His chosen kings rule. Prayer is to be offered for the peace of the city and for the security of those who love Jerusalem, the brotherhood of worshippers of Jehovah. David would pray on behalf of his brothers and friends that there would be peace in Jerusalem and he would pray for the prosperity of the temple.

In Psalm 123, the psalmist compares himself to a slave or a lady’s maid, who are entirely dependent on the goodwill of their master, as he looks to Jehovah for deliverance. He must wait on Jehovah until He determines the time to show mercy to His people. But he continues to plead with Jehovah to show them mercy because they have endured taunts and ridicule from proud and arrogant individuals because they trusted in Him.

Psalm 124 explores what the future of the nation of Israel would have been had Jehovah not supported them. The psalmist says that the intent of the nations was to swallow them up, to completely eradicate them from the earth because of their hatred for God’s people. Their anger is compared to waters of a flood, torrents of water and raging waters that would have engulfed them and swept them away. This would have happened if Jehovah had not been with them so that they escaped being torn to shreds by sharp teeth and being caught in a trap set to catch birds. So Jehovah, the maker of the heavens and earth, has been their help because they called upon His Name.

Psalms 125 – 127

Psalm 125 describes those who trust in Jehovah as a mountain that cannot be shaken but will stand forever. Jehovah extends His protection to His people as the mountains surrounding Jerusalem protected it. The wicked will not always have authority over the righteous because if their authority is not removed, they may seduce the righteous into wrongdoing. The psalmist prayed that Jehovah would act towards individual in accordance with their actions, that is, to the upright in heart He would show them good but to those who turn away from Him, He would remove them from His presence.

Psalm 126 recalls the time when Jehovah released Israel from captivity. After spending so many years in captivity, when their release came, it appeared to them that they were dreaming. But it was a joyous occasion and the people of the nations were even amazed at the great thing that Jehovah had done for them in restoring them to their land. The psalmist then asks that Jehovah complete their restoration by renewing the land so that they would be able to reap a bountiful harvest. When they left Babylon, they were weeping but were carrying seed to sow in their land. Jehovah could turn their tears to joy when this seed produced sheaves of grain.

Psalm 127 highlights the need for Jehovah’s servants to put their trust in Jehovah. The psalmist says that in all that man does whether building a house or guarding a city, Jehovah’s purposes must always be taken into account. If the endeavor is not in harmony with His will, then it will not stand. A person may expend long hours in achieving material prosperity but there is nothing that assures him that he will enjoy the fruits of his labor. No matter how fortified a city may be or how many men may guard it, it can still fall to a superior army. Without Jehovah’s involvement in the affairs of His servants, without their having complete trust in Him, they are likely to fail. It is Jehovah who provides conditions that allow a person to have his daily provisions as well as being able to get a good night’s sleep.

Even sons are a gift from Jehovah and they can be like arrows in the hands of a skillful warrior. When they grow to adulthood, they would come to the defense of their father in his old age before his adversaries in legal cases. Oftentimes, legal cases were carried on in the city gates where the city elders sat.

Psalms 128 – 130

Psalm 128 espouses the blessings accrued to those who fear Jehovah. Those who are careful to walk in His way will benefit from their labor and will enjoy prosperity and blessings. His wife will be fruitful and will give him many sons that are described as being like olive shoots around his table. Jehovah would bless him with long life so that he would live to see Jerusalem prosper and to see his children to the second generation.

In Psalm 129, the psalmist has Israel to testify of their oppression since their youth but the oppressors have not prevailed against them. Having someone plow furrows down one’s back indicates inflicting excruciating pain on them. But Jehovah came to their rescue and freed them from their enemies.

The psalmist prayed that those who hate Zion would be like grass on a roof that withers before the day is over because there is not enough soil for it to take root. It never grows to a height where it could be reaped or gathered in one's arms as one would gather wheat or barley. No one who encounters these ones would pronounce a blessing upon them. (2 John 10, 11)

In Psalm 130, the psalmist is suffering great distress and cries to Jehovah for mercy. If he is speaking for Israel, then they have committed a sin before Jehovah and he reminds them that Jehovah does not keep a record of sins otherwise no one would survive. He is a forgiving God and so is to be feared. He would wait for Jehovah’s redemption as a watchman waits for morning. He then encourages Israel to put their hope in Jehovah because His love is unfailing and He will give full redemption to Israel for all her sins.

Psalms 131 and 132

In Psalm 131, the psalmist recognizes that pride and arrogance puts one in opposition to Jehovah so these things he has put away from himself. He does not aspire to great things either, but he has become calm and quiet as a weaned child is when around his mother. He implores Israel to put their hope in Jehovah now and in the future.

In Psalm 132, the psalmist recalls David’s desire to build a house for Jehovah and the covenant Jehovah concluded with him. The psalmist requests that Jehovah would remember David who had a keen desire to build a house for Him. He swore an oath to Jehovah that he would not rest until he had found a place where He would dwell.

David was not allowed to build Jehovah’s house but he did construct a tent for the ark in Jerusalem and then he invited all Israel to join him when he took the ark from Kiriath Jearim and put it into its place in the tent. When his son, Solomon, built the temple and the ark was placed in it, the people joined in this festal procession saying, “Rise up, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.” (See 2 Chronicles 6:40, 41) (NRSV) From His dwelling place, the priests’ ministry would result in righteousness for the worshippers and His people would sing for joy.

The psalmist prayed that Jehovah would remember the oath that He swore to David that one of his descendants would sit upon his throne forever and so would not now reject his anointed one. (1 Chronicles 17:11-14) Jehovah had chosen Zion where He would sit enthroned and He would bless the city giving provision to satisfy the poor. He would give them priests from whom they would learn salvation and they would be joyful. He would raise up a horn or king for David upon whom He would bestow splendor and dignity and He would bring disgrace upon his enemies.

Psalms 133 and 134

In Psalm 133, when the psalmist observed the unity of the worshippers gathered together in Jerusalem to celebrate the national festivals, he was moved to compared their unity to the consecrated oil that was poured on the head of the high priest and flowed onto his garments, a precious sight to Jehovah. If the refreshing and invigorating dew of Mount Herman flowed onto Mount Zion, this would well describe the effect of this unity of brothers upon those who observed it.

The NIV Bible Commentary, page 925, makes this comment about Mount Herman: "Because of its high altitude and abundant precipitation of rain, snow, and dew, Mount Hermon was proverbial for lush greenery even during the summer months (cf 89:12) and for its dew that sustained the vegetation. The experience of the pilgrims is like that of the refreshing dew of Hermon. During the summer months virtually no precipitation falls on Jerusalem. During these months, at least two pilgrimages were held: the Feast of Firstfruits in May/June and the Feast of Booths in September. Regardless of how harsh the conditions of the pilgrimage, the fellowship of the brotherhood of God's people was refreshing."

Psalm 134 encourages the priests and Levites who serve in the temple each night to continue to bless Jehovah lifting up their hands in praise to Him and He, in turn, would bless them. This psalm ends the Psalms known as ‘songs of ascents’ (120-134) or songs that the worshippers would sing when they came up to Jerusalem for the annual festivals.

Psalm 135

Jehovah is worthy of all praise. All those that serve and minister to Him in His house should sing praises to His name as it is pleasing to Him. His choice of Israel to be his treasured possession is praiseworthy. He is the supreme God and does whatever pleases him in heaven and on earth causing clouds in the heaven, sending lightning and bringing the wind from their storehouse.

He struck down the firstborn of man and animals and sent many signs and wonders against Pharaoh and his servants. He struck down many nations and kings in the land of Canaan and gave their land as an inheritance to Israel.

Jehovah’s Name will become renown through all generations because He will have compassion on His people and will vindicate them. The gods of the nations are not to be compared with Him as they are nothing but the imaginings of the people who make them. But those of the houses of Israel, Aaron, and Levi will praise their God, Jehovah, along with all those who fear him.

Psalm 136

This psalm is set up as a song with a leader and a Levitical choir repeating the phrase ‘His love endured forever.’ Jehovah is to be given thanks because He is good, He is the God of gods and Lord of lords, who does great wonders. He created the heavens and the earth by His understanding, made the sun to rule the day and moon and stars to rule the night. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt in order to deliver Israel in a mighty way. He parted the Red Sea, brought Israel through it and destroyed Pharaoh and his army. He led His people through the desert to the land He promised them and destroyed the kings who ruled in the land and gave their land as an inheritance to His people. Jehovah showed compassion on His people and freed them from their enemies and it is He who feeds every creature. All thanks and praise is to be given to Him.

Psalms 137 and 138

In Psalm 137, the psalmist, speaking for Israel, yearned for his homeland, Jerusalem, when they were exiled in Babylon. They wept over Zion and were unable to be happy as they contemplated their loss. The instruments that had been used in praise of Jehovah were put aside and when their captors asked them to sing songs about Zion, they refused. They could not sing happy songs while they were in captivity. Jerusalem was their highest joy and they were determined that they would not forget her. They did not want Jehovah to forget how their neighbor nations had clamored for the destruction of Jerusalem nor did they want Him to forget how Babylon had mistreated them so that she would receive the same treatment when her day of reckoning came.

In Psalm 138, David is determined to give thanks to Jehovah with all his heart and to sing His praises in the face of all other gods. He will bow before Jehovah praising His Name because of His love and faithfulness. He has exalted His word and Name above everything else. He answered when David called to Him and gave him strength. When he speaks to the nations about Jehovah, he prays that they will join him in singing His praises.

As exalted as Jehovah is, He still gives His attention to those who are lowly but the haughty ones he takes no note of. He preserves David when he is in trouble and keeps him safe from the anger of his enemies by means of His power. David is confident that Jehovah will continue with him until His purposes are fulfilled in reference to him. Because His love endures forever, He will not forsake him.

Psalm 139

David is in awe of Jehovah’s ability to be fully aware of His servant’s most intimate thoughts, motives, ways and aspirations and He understands him thoroughly, something that David considered somewhat constraining. David does acknowledge that having this kind of knowledge is too extraordinary for him to understand nor could he begin to think of attaining it himself. No matter where David thought of going he realized that there is no place in the universe where he could go to hide from Jehovah. David knows that Jehovah created him and that He was aware of every detail of his mind and body. He acknowledges that he was fearfully and wonderfully made and that Jehovah was fully aware of him even before he was born. He describes this as another of Jehovah's "wonderful" works.

Jehovah’s thoughts are very precious to David and even though they are without number yet he is constantly attentive to them. If only Jehovah would do away with the wicked, those who were trying to kill him. They have no respect for Jehovah and His laws and they even misuse His Name. David had developed a hatred for all those that hated Jehovah and he abhorred those who rebel against him. They were his enemies. He requested that Jehovah would search him and test him to see if there was anything offensive in him and if so then Jehovah should direct him away from the wrong into the way of everlasting life.

Psalms 140 and 141

In Psalm 140, David asks Jehovah to rescue and protect him from men that commit violent acts, whose tongues sow discord and whose hearts are full of evil schemes and who, like hunters, set hidden traps to ensnare his feet. Their aim was to take his life. So he prays that Jehovah would hear his cry because He is his deliverer and his God. He asks that Jehovah not let the plans of the wicked succeed otherwise they will become even more arrogant. The trouble that his enemies planned for him should come back upon them. ‘Burning coals,’ ‘cast into the fire’ and the ‘miry pits’ are all symbols of divine judgment. David knew for a certainty that Jehovah provides justice for the poor and needy and that the righteous will praise His Name.

In Psalm 141, David calls on Jehovah to help him. He desires that his prayer will be like the sweet aroma of incense that was offered at the evening sacrifice at three p.m. He prayed that Jehovah would direct his speech so that it would not be destructive and would keep his heart from being drawn into taking part in the wicked deeds of his enemies or desiring the riches that come from these wicked deeds.

If a righteous man would correct him, he would consider it a kindness. It would be like pouring soothing oil on his head that he would not refuse. His prayer would always be against the wicked deeds of evil men. He prays that when Jehovah rids the nation of their wicked rulers, the people will listen to his words to them as correctve words and not just pleasant sayings.

David keeps his eyes focused on Jehovah taking refuge in him and petitioning Him for help in avoiding the snares and traps set for him by his enemies while making them fall into their own devices.

Psalms 142 and 143

Psalm 142 is a prayer of David’s when he was hiding in a cave to escape Saul. His constant cry was to Jehovah for mercy, so he poured out his troubles to Him. When David grew weary from trying to keep out of harm’s way, Jehovah would know the direction he should go in because whatever path he chose would be full of snares and traps. There was no one else who was concerned about him. He was in desperate need of Jehovah’s help because those pursuing him outnumbered him. He speaks as though he was in prison as a result and he wanted Jehovah to free him so that he could praise His Name. If Jehovah showed His goodness to him in this manner then other righteous individuals would be drawn to him.

In Psalm 143, David continues his plea to Jehovah to listen and hear his cry for mercy. Because Jehovah is faithful and righteous, David knew that he could count on Him to keep His covenant promises. David knew that he was not free from sin and Jehovah could bring condemnation upon him, but he prayed that He would not do so. He had been driven away from those in whom he found enjoyment and had to live alone in gloom and dismay. These conditions sapped his energy and his joy of heart. He drew courage when he reminisced about days past and meditated on Jehovah’s works. His longing for spiritual refreshment from Jehovah was comparable to a parched land that needed water.

If Jehovah overlooked him and did not answer him quickly, he would be as good as dead. He wanted Jehovah to renew His unfailing love for him, to give him direction in the way he should go and to rescue him from his enemies. Most importantly, he wanted Jehovah to teach him to do his will because He was the God that he worshipped. And for the sake of His great name and because of His righteousness, David requested that He would revive him and destroy his enemies, something that he believed that Jehovah would do for his servant.

Psalms 144 and 145

In Psalm 144, David offered praise to Jehovah because He had helped him mightily. David described Jehovah as his rock, his fortress, his stronghold and his shield. He had trained him to be a warrior, had delivered him from his enemies and had subdued nations under him. He is in awe that Jehovah would intervene on behalf of a mere man who is like a fleeting shadow or a mere vapor that vanishes away. He now petitions Jehovah to part the heavens and come down to the earth to use His mighty powers to fight against enemy nations who were like mighty waters designed to drown him.

Because this would be such a grand deliverance, he would then sing a new song dedicated to Jehovah for giving His servant such a victory. This victory would bring great benefits to the people. Their children would be well nurtured and would be an adornment for their parents; there would be material prosperity and they would enjoy peace with no enemy to threaten them. The people for whom this becomes a reality could be said to be truly blessed, a people whose God is Jehovah.

Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise to Jehovah. David extols the worthiness of Jehovah to receive all honor and praise forever and ever. Every day he will exalt Him and praise His Name. His mighty acts will be talked about from one generation to the next generation. The splendor of His majesty and the power of His works will be proclaimed by David. His abundant goodness and His righteousness will be celebrated. All of his creation will praise him because He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. People will speak of the glory of His kingdom so that all will know about Him.

Jehovah keeps his promises and His love towards all. He lifts all that are weighed down and the eyes of all of His creation look to Him to provide their sustenance, which He does in abundance. He is near to all that call on Him in truth; He hears the cry of those who fear him. His favor is towards those that love Him but the wicked will be destroyed. David states that all will join with him in praising Jehovah’s Holy Name.

Psalms 146 and 147

Psalm 146 begins the Hallelujah psalms that begin and end with Praise the LORD [Jehovah]. The psalmist contrasts the value of trusting in Jehovah versus trusting in men. The psalmist gives the reason why he does not recommend trusting in men. They cannot save anyone, not even themselves, because when their life force leaves their bodies, they return to the dust and all that they had planned or devised comes to nothing. He will have done nothing for which one would be tempted to praise him. But the one who puts his trust in Jehovah will be called blessed because Jehovah remains forever, never dying as men do. He is the only one who can relieve the distress of the oppressed, give food to the hungry, free those imprisoned, give sight to the blind, lift the burden of those weighed down, sustain the orphan and the widow and frustrate the plans of the wicked. His rule will last forever therefore He is deserving of all praise.

In Psalm 147, the psalmist knows that it is good, fitting and pleasant to praise Jehovah. He rebuilt Jerusalem and brought the exiles back, healing and comforting them. His greatness is seen in His ability to count all the stars and to call each of them by name, yet He gives consideration to both the humble and the wicked, exalting one and debasing the other.

Songs of thanksgiving should be sung to Him as He provides food for the animals by causing rain to fall that waters the grass and makes it grow for them to eat. He delights not in a show of strength by humans but in their showing the proper fear of Him. Jerusalem has reason to praise Jehovah because He provided security for her and blessings for her people giving them peace and prosperity.

He sends forth His word and the snow spreads on the ground, the frost scatters like ashes, hail falls on the earth like pebbles and His icy winds blow. He sends His word and these melt and He sends breezes and flowing water. More importantly, He has given His word, His laws and decrees to Jacob and He has not done this for any other people.

Psalms 148 – 150

In Psalm 148, all of God’s creative works are called upon to praise Him. Everything in the invisible realm of the heavens, all of His angels, should praise Him. Everything in the visible heavens, the sun, moon, stars and the waters above the skies should praise Him. He set all of these in their respective places and they will remain there forever.

All of His creation on the earth and in the oceans should praise him. Praise comes from the lightning, hail, snow, clouds and the winds. The mountains, hills, trees of all sorts, wild animals, cattle, and flying birds will praise Him. Kings, nations, young men and maidens, old men and children will sing praise to His Name because it alone will be exalted. He has done even greater things for Israel, His people, by raising up a righteous king to rule over them.

Psalm 149 urges all in the assembly of the holy ones to sing a new song of praise to Jehovah. Israel should rejoice in Jehovah because He takes delight in them and has given them salvation. Praise of their God should always be in their mouths and Jehovah’s word, spoken of as a double-edged sword, should be in their hands to execute divine retribution upon the nations.

Psalm 150 is the final Hallelujah psalm. Israel will praise Jehovah in His sanctuary because of His powerful acts of salvation and His greatness. They will use the trumpet, the harp, the lyre, stringed instruments, and cymbals. The Levitical musicians used these musical instruments in the regular worship services at the temple. The maidens played the tambourines as they danced. Everything that has breath will praise Jehovah. Praise Jehovah!


NOTE: Translations used in this commentary are the New American Standard Version, the New International Version and the New Revised Standard Version.

***©2005 by YORWW Congregation