The Tabernacle of David
“Part IV”
Part IV. - Table of Contents
Title Page
The Tabernacle of David
A Study of how the Psalms
Define Prophetic Numerology
(Psalms 90 – 106)
“Part IV”
By
Russell M. Stendal
Chapter 90.
Ninety is two times forty-five (our consent for God to expand the fruit of his mercy and grace), or three times thirty (the fruitfulness of coming to maturity in Christ), or five times eighteen (beginning to bear fruit in Christ according to his mercy and grace), or six times fifteen (mortal man bearing the fruit of God’s mercy and grace), or nine times ten (judgment according to the word of the Lord).
This number is used three times in Scripture. The first use is in Genesis 5:9 when Enos (means “mortal”) lived ninety years and begat Cainan (means “possessor”). This seems to be a negative use of the number ninety as mankind degenerated to the point where God decided to wipe them off of the face of the earth (Genesis 6:5–7). The second use is positive, and it was when Sarah, who was ninety years old, became pregnant with Isaac, the son of the promise (Genesis 17:17).
The last use occurs when the wall of the building (or house) described by Ezekiel was five cubits wide and ninety cubits long inside, which made the overall length of the exterior one hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:12–13). If we, like Moses, are identified completely with the plan and purpose of God to make us bring forth the good fruit that God desires, then we may also be identified with all of the wonderful facets of the positive spiritual value associated with the number ninety. Ezekiel paints a beautiful prophetic picture of the completed house of God. If we are that house, which has an inside dimension of ninety cubits and a wall five cubits thick on either side, this shows that if we are continually surrounded by God’s mercy and grace (as symbolized by the number five), then the outside dimension of the house will be one hundred cubits; this number is symbolic of the fulfillment of God’s word and the completion of his plan.
Psalm 90
A Prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation.
Moses, the writer of the book of Genesis, understood this clearly.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Note that the earth (the planet) and the world (the system) are not identical. Not only did Satan usurp control of the earth from Adam, he also imposed his own world system based on lies. God’s world is based on truth, which man and Satan rejected. Therefore, the curse and the banishment of the human race from the presence of God came about (Genesis 3).
3 Thou dost turn unto man until he is broken and thou saith, Become converted, ye sons of Adam.
Here, Moses shows a contrast between God’s eternal existence (shown in the first two verses) and how brief our human bodies are in comparison. God turns unto man (we are born subject to mortality because of sin) and breaks him down (through all the difficulties of life and eventual old age leading to death). Our bodies came from dust and they return to it again (Genesis 3:19). God’s message to man is, Become converted ye sons of Adam. God is calling the sons of fallen Adam to turn back to him, otherwise they are nothing but dead men.
4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past and as a watch in the night.
One day before the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years are as one day (2 Peter 3:8). God has been patiently dealing with generations of man for more than six thousand years, and spiritually speaking, the world under Satan has continued into ever-greater darkness. Again, Moses shows how our lives are like a vapor.
5 Thou dost cause them to pass by as the waters of a river; they are as a dream, which is strong in the morning like grass.
6 In the morning it blossoms and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers.
Man is temporal, and his days are like grass that blossoms, then withers and dies (Psalm 103:15; 1 Peter 1:24). All of man’s dreams and ambitions cannot make it past the grave.
7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath we are troubled.
8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
Absolutely nothing can be hidden from God.
9 For all our days decline because of thy wrath; we end our years according to the word.
10 The days of our years are seventy, and of the most valiant eighty years, yet their strength is labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
The average life span of man is seventy years – eighty for the most valiant. Everything that we do on our own initiative and according to our own desires is labor and sorrow and will soon be cut off, and we fly away (we are gone). Many continue to wonder: where they will go when they die?
11 Who knows the power of thine anger? That thy wrath is not less than our fear.
12 Cause us to learn this that we might number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
We all need to learn that God’s wrath is not less than our fear. We need to request that God would teach us this. If so, we will understand that we need to number our days. That is, we need to take advantage of the precious irredeemable time that we have to live upon this earth so that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. God can replace our human foolishness with true wisdom when we understand how brief our time is and seek his instruction.
13 Return unto us, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy slaves.
God calls on man to be converted and turn back to God; Moses understands this, but in his prayer, he asks the Lord to Return unto us. He is asking the Lord to change his mind (turn around) and have compassion on his servants: repent thee concerning thy slaves. Slaves belong completely to their owner who, if he is a good master, will supply all of their needs.
What does Moses want God to repent of (turn around) concerning his slaves?
14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy, and we shall sing and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad according to the days in which thou hast afflicted us and the years in which we have seen evil.
Moses desires for the people of God (those who belong completely to God) to not only experience his mercy but to be satisfied with it. He asks for a reversal of God’s anger, and of the evil we have experienced in the fallen world that surrounds us. Moses wants this to take place “early” or soon, like the dawning of a new day. Then we shall sing and be glad all our days.
What a wonderful promise. But how will this happen?
16 Let thy work appear in thy slaves and thy glory upon their sons.
17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and set thou aright the work of our hands upon us; yea, set thou aright the work of our hands.
The work that we do apart from God is temporal and will soon be cut off when our natural life expires. The work that God does is eternal.438 It is essential that God’s work appear in us as he transforms us from the inside out. The request is that God’s work appear in God’s slaves (in those that are truly sold out for God). Then God’s glory will be upon their sons. If God’s work appears in the parents, then God’s glory will be upon their sons (and daughters), and God will be our refuge from generation to generation (vs. 1).
Moses prays that God’s work might appear in those that are completely sold out for God and that his glory be upon their children. Then Moses requests that the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us. His final request (repeated twice) is that God set aright the work of our hands.
To sum this up: if God’s work appears in his slaves (in those that are totally and indisputably his), and if God’s glory is upon their children (something that has proven to be quite deficient in Israel from generation to generation, and the same can be said for much of the church), and if the beauty of the Lord is upon us (is the beauty of the Lord upon his corporate people today?), and God works in us as we draw closer and closer to his awesome presence (having learned that God’s wrath is not less than our fear), then God will also work through us and set aright the work of our hands (he will bless the work and make it effective).
There is only one other Scripture that speaks of the beauty of the Lord. David wrote:
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life to behold the beauty of the LORD and to enquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)
Paul wrote about the glory of the Lord:
Therefore we all, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord with uncovered face, are transformed from glory to glory into the same likeness, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Consider what was written about Moses – the writer of this psalm –when he died:
And there never arose a prophet since in Israel like Moses, who had known the LORD face to face, in all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh and to all his slaves and to all his land, and in all that mighty hand and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:10–12)
Moses knew the Lord face to face in all of his glory. Until Jesus, there was no one who was considered greater than Moses. In the New Testament we receive a warning based on Israel’s history:
Therefore, brethren, saints, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him that appointed him over all his house, as also Moses was faithful.
For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honour than the house. For every house is built by someone, but he that created all things is God.
And Moses verily was faithful over all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after, but Christ as a son over his own house, which house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the glorious hope firmly until the end.
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness. (Hebrews 3:1–8)439
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we agree with the prayer of Moses: Let your work appear in your slaves, and may your glory be upon our children. May the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ our God be upon your people, and may you set aright the work of our hands and bless it for your glory. Amen.
****
438 The word “eternal” does not only mean that God’s work will last forever; it also means that his work is of a vastly superior quality.
439 See Psalm 95:7-11
Chapter 91.
Ninety-one is seven times thirteen (God’s kingdom of peace). This number does not occur in Scripture other than in the title of this psalm, which is anonymous. It does, however, fit in very nicely with the revelation that was flowing through David and his worship team in the tabernacle of David before the ark of the testimony of the presence of God.
Psalm 91
1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Where is the secret place of the most High? It is the realm represented by the holy of holies or the tabernacle of David, the residence of the direct presence of God that is veiled off from the natural man. This is a realm available by invitation only that is reserved for the friends of God. Jesus said that those who keep his commandments are his friends, and his commandment is that we love one another. Jesus reveals that which he has heard from his Father to his friends (John 15:12–17).
What is the shadow of the Almighty? It is the covering and protection and anointing provided by the Spirit of God.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my hope and my fortress: my God; in him will I secure myself.
It is wise for us to secure ourselves in the Lord. Note that this does not just happen automatically; we are to cultivate qualities that demonstrate true faith (2 Peter 1:5–11).
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the mortal pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings thou shalt be secure: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
God’s kingdom is founded on truth, which is part of the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18). It is in the realm represented by the holy of holies where the wings of the two cherubim touch each other and touch the opposite walls, giving complete coverage. There were also two cherubim on the two ends of the seat of reconciliation440 upon the ark with their wings outstretched (Exodus 25:18-22). Therefore wings and feathers were present in the tabernacle of David because they were incorporated into the ark of the testimony. There are no wings or feathers present in the outer court or in the holy place of the tabernacle of Moses or of the temple of Solomon. The covering under his feathers and under his wings is reserved exclusively for the registered citizens of heaven. We may receive this great honor even while we walk here upon this earth (which is not really our home country if we belong to God). Our entrance into this realm has to do with God choosing us and with us choosing him.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 Thousands shall fall at thy side and ten thousands at thy right hand, but it shall not come near thee.
8 Surely with thine eyes thou shalt behold and see the reward of the wicked.
This can have both natural and spiritual application. The Lord has provided marvelous protection for my family and me and for our coworkers in both realms for many years.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, who is my hope, even the most High, thy habitation,
10 no evil shall befall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling.
Note the interesting use of pronouns in this psalm where the speaker has been addressing another individual identified as “thou” and “thee,” which are singular. In this verse, the speaker has his hope in the Lord, and he addresses someone who has fulfilled a basic and important condition by making God his habitation. In other words, it is recognized that this person (identified as “thou,” who could be any of us) has decided to exclusively dwell with God and to enjoy nonstop communion with him. The Lord Jesus certainly met this condition, and the ark is really a representation of him and he is the head of the body of Christ that is made up of many individual members (who have each made an individual decision to make God their habitation). Therefore, no evil shall befall any of them; neither shall any plague come near their dwelling. Think about it. If the Most High is our habitation, this adds up.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.
Who will give his angels charge over us? Is this referring to the Father? I think so. Note that it is God who gives orders to his angels, not us.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands lest thy foot stumble against a stone.
God does not desire for us to stumble. This is why he gives his angels “charge over us.” That is, he orders his angels to take care of us.441
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
This is another set of wonderful promises for those who have made God their habitation that have both natural and spiritual application.
Now we come to a transition, and it appears that the following verses are spoken directly by God:
14 Because he has set his will upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and glorify him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my saving health.
First of all, the above verses are messianic and apply to the Lord Jesus Christ. They may also apply, however, to members of the universal body of Christ.
What does it really mean to know God’s name? This would certainly make it easier to call upon him and would undoubtedly assure a prompt response. In fact, the person who knows God’s name is not only promised deliverance, this person is also promised that God will be with him in trouble and that he will be delivered and glorified. This person will be satisfied with long life (even with eternal life) and will be shown God’s saving health (continuing, ongoing, never-ending health and salvation).
Jesus said, All things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no one has known the Son but the Father, neither has anyone known the Father except the Son and he unto whom the Son will reveal him (Matthew 11:27).
Knowing God’s name does not have to do with matching the right vowels to the Tetragrammaton. It is not a case of having just the right pronunciation. No, to really know God’s name is to know his nature, and this may only be known unto whom the Son will reveal him.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, may this message become clear to those that seek you with all their heart, and with all their soul, and with all their mind. May you purge our hearts and souls and minds of anything that is offensive to you so that we may be well received at your secret place. Amen.
****
440 Also called the “mercy seat” in some translations.
441 Satan used words from this psalm when he tempted Jesus (Matthew 4:6).
Chapter 92.
Ninety-two is two times forty-six (deciding to rest in God as our security) or four times twenty-three (the Lord is our shepherd and our eternal security). This number does not occur in Scripture other than in the title of this psalm.442
Psalm 92
A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.443
1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
2 To show forth thy mercy in the morning and thy faithfulness every night
3 upon an instrument of ten strings and upon the psaltery, upon the harp with a pleasant sound.
Jesus said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). We give thanks and sing praises to make known God’s mercy in the morning and his faithfulness every night. The psalmist bore testimony of this upon an instrument of ten strings (the number ten is symbolic of the Word of God) and upon the psaltery (known as a David’s harp), upon the harp with a pleasant sound.444
The harp is an instrument identified with proclaiming God’s truth (Psalm 71:22), and it is very fitting that it is mentioned here in this song for the Sabbath day (of God’s rest).
4 For thou, O LORD, hast made me glad with thy work; I will delight in the works of thy hands.
5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
6 A carnal man does not know, neither does a fool understand this:
There are those that think that they can get by as “carnal” Christians. This is an oxymoron (see Galatians 5:16–17). A carnal man, therefore, is really a fool and will never be able to understand the great works and the deep thoughts of God. Consequently, they will never enter into the joy of the Lord; they will never delight in the works of his hands.
7 The wicked spring forth as the grass, and all the workers of iniquity blossom, so that they shall be destroyed for ever:
8 But thou, O LORD, art most high for evermore.
9 For, behold, thine enemies, O LORD, for behold, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
There are two kinds of enemies, those without and those within; the Wicked One has planted his tares within the people of God (inside Israel and the church). In the end, those who are true to God will be known by their fruit.445 Those who are led by the Spirit will produce the wholesome fruit of the Spirit, and those who are carnal will produce poison.446
10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn; I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
The unicorn (meaning “one horn”) refers to the rhinoceros that typically charges ahead with all his strength against any perceived opposition. The unicorn is almost always portrayed in a negative sense in Scripture, but here it is positive. An acquaintance of mine has a beautiful “tame” white rhino. It is, of course, a very strong and powerful armored animal, but it obviously loves its master and even allows friends of its master to approach and pet it. If God exalts our horn (our power in Christ) like the horn of a unicorn, then we will focus all of our power on pleasing God and doing his will. This will be a fresh anointing.
11 And my eye saw my desire on my enemies, and my ears heard my desire of those that rose up against me, of the wicked.
What exactly is to be our desire on our enemies? What exactly is our desire of those that rose up against us? Jesus put it like this: Unto those whose sins ye release, they shall be released; and unto those whose sins ye retain, they shall be retained (John 20:23).
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be vigorous and flourishing
15 to show that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Unlike the grass of the wicked that withers and dies, the righteous flourish and grow strong and vigorous. They produce good fruit in abundance.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, may your people understand and enter into your rest. May we be planted in your house and flourish in your courts. May we bring forth fruit in old age. May we always be vigorous and flourishing to show that you are upright, that you are our rock, and that there is no unrighteousness in you. Amen.
****
442 It does occur twice as part of a larger number having to do with the Nethinims and the sons of Solomon’s slaves that returned to Jerusalem out of the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 2:58; Nehemiah 7:60).
443 The Sabbath is the seventh day. This is when God finished creation and rested. Now we are entering the seventh millennium (the seventh prophetic day) and it behooves us to rest every day from our own labors and allow him to work in and through us.
444 We have made replicas of the stringed instruments of David’s time that were likely used in the worship surrounding the tabernacle of David, and we use them in our sound studio in Bogota, Colombia. The sound is, indeed, pleasant. The harp is mentioned in twelve Scriptures (the number of divine order). This is its sixth mention. It is also interesting to note that there are harps of God in the possession of those that had gotten the victory over the beast and over its image and over its mark and over the number of its name (Revelation 15:2).
445 Jesus said, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in the heavens. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:21–23).
446 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; which I denounce, as I have also told you in time past that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is this: Charity, joy, peace, tolerance, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:19–23).
Chapter 93.
Ninety-three is three times thirty-one (the fruitfulness of the day of the Lord). This number does not occur in Scripture except in the title of this psalm.
Psalm 93
1 The LORD reigns; he has clothed himself with majesty; the LORD has clothed himself with strength; he has girded himself: he has established the world also, that it cannot be moved.
On the prophesied day of the Lord, Jesus Christ will reign openly on earth as well as in heaven. His covering, or authority (clothing), will be majesty and strength. He has girded himself (the prophets of old wore leather girdles as a symbol that they were in a blood covenant with God). Jesus has girded himself to implement the new covenant according to the will of God the Father. Satan subverted the ancient world of the first creation with his lies (and this continues). However, Jesus will now establish the world according to his truth (according to his way of doing things) so that it cannot be moved.
2 From this time on, thy throne shall never be moved; thou art eternal.
Exactly when will this be? From the beginning of the day of the Lord (also known as the seventh prophetic day) that is close at hand.
3 The rivers have lifted up, O LORD; the rivers have lifted up their voice; the rivers lift up their waves.
4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
The rivers of humanism have dominated the planet (providing the sea of humanity with badly contaminated water); they have lifted up their voices with the same kind of a roar that putrid flood waters make. This will no longer be. Their waves and their voice will no longer matter. Soon God’s pure rivers of life will flow through the spiritual desert of the people of God (a desert created by the seemingly “good” intentions of man), bringing life all the way to the sea (of lost humanity) (Ezekiel 47:8–9).
5 Thy testimonies are very sure; holiness becomes thy house, O LORD, for ever.
What are God’s testimonies? They are the intimate and personal dealings of God, which lead to the transformed lives of his people who exclusively live to make him happy. This is holiness.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, may the world be established in your truth so that it may never be moved. Amen.
Chapter 94.
Ninety-four is two times forty-seven (deciding to stand down and wait until our enemies overplay their hand and God intervenes). This number does not occur in Scripture except in the title of this psalm.
Psalm 94
1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs; O God, to whom vengeance belongs, show thyself.
In Hebrew, the word for “redeemer” is the exact same word as “avenger” (Numbers 35:19). Therefore, if Jesus is our kinsman redeemer, he is also our avenger of blood and vengeance belongs to him (Romans 12:19). It should be clear to all of us that none of us is able to accomplish our own redemption; therefore, if we attempt to take the law into our own hands and bring vengeance upon our enemies, we will create many more problems than we can possibly solve.
2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
We tend to think that God takes way too long before he acts on our behalf and brings down the wicked. However, there are many factors that we often fail to take into account. God may delay his judgment in order to give the wicked time to repent. Or he may allow their wickedness to clearly demonstrate its evil fruit so that his judgment will be overwhelmingly clear.
5 They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thy heritage.
God’s “heritage” is his people and his land.
6 They slay the widow and the stranger and murder the fatherless.
7 Yet they say, JAH shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
The workers of iniquity (who hide their sin) have absolutely no fear of the Lord. On the other hand, they boast (in) themselves.
8 Understand, ye carnal ones among the people, and, ye fools, when will ye be wise?
Who are the carnal ones among the people? They are those foolish ones who do not understand the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom.
9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10 He that chastens the Gentiles, shall he not correct? he that teaches man knowledge, shall not he know?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
If the carnal ones among the people really believed that God not only hears and sees everything that transpires but that he also knows the thoughts of man and that they will eventually stand before his throne to give account of every word and deed, this could have a dramatic effect on their behavior.
12 Blessed is the man whom thou dost chasten, O JAH, and teach him out of thy law,
13 to cause him to rest in the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.
We tend to relax and let down our guard in days of prosperity. This is when God’s people have turned away from him time and time again. This will not happen if we submit to the discipline, correction, chastening, and instruction of our Heavenly Father. He will teach us not to take the law into our own hands and cause us to rest in the days of adversity. This is because the wicked do not know when to quit. They always overplay their hand. We are to wait until the pit (or fatal trap) is dug for the wicked. This is a trap that they themselves will invariably help dig if they have enough time.
14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15 But the judgment shall be returned unto righteousness, and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
When God’s judgment, or sentence, is returned unto righteousness, it will be such that all the upright in heart shall follow it.
16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
When the judgment will be returned unto righteousness (when God gives the order), then all the upright in heart will rise up for God against the evildoers. They will stand up for God against the workers of iniquity. This is when the evildoers and the workers of iniquity will fall into the pit that is dug for the wicked.
17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul would have quickly dwelt with the dead.
18 When I said, My foot slips, thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
It is only as the Lord is our help and as his mercy upholds us that we can refrain from taking our own vengeance; our own attempts would place us on a path to slip and fall and would cause our soul to dwell with the dead. Instead, we can cry out to the Lord for help.
19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.
The Holy Spirit is sent to be our comforter. He can bring us out of the confusion of the multitude of our own thoughts that sometimes rage within us: doubts, fears, anxiety, and troubles. When we hear and obey the inner voice of the Spirit, God’s comforts delight our soul.
20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, who creates toil under the guise of law?
21 They gather themselves together as an army against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent blood.
It is the throne of iniquity – of the prince of this world and unjust rulers who submit to him – who creates toil under the guise of law. This is legalism. It places heavy burdens of law on people. Then, the next generation may react against the legalism of their parents and go to the opposite extreme of licentiousness (of lawlessness). Either way they gather themselves together as an army against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent blood; they gang up on the righteous. The day that the crowd condemned Jesus, Herod (the king of the legalistic Jews) and Pilate (the governor of the licentious Romans) became friends (Luke 23:12).
22 But the LORD is my refuge, and my God is the rock of my trust.
23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
Another key reason for us to rest in the days of adversity and refrain from doing any precipitous action on our own (unless we have a clear word or judgment from the Lord) is because the wicked are perfectly capable of doing themselves in.
Therefore, God will bring upon them their own iniquity and shall cut them off in their own wickedness.
If the Lord is our refuge and our God is the rock of our trust, we will never have to worry about being cut off.
Let us pray:
O Lord God, please deliver us from taking the law into our own hands. May we always, no matter what the circumstances, leave vengeance in your capable hands. Teach us to rest in you in the time of adversity and to remain vigilant in the time of prosperity. Amen.
Chapter 95.
Ninety-five is five times nineteen (to be innocent by God’s mercy and grace). This number occurs twice in Scripture: The sons of Gibbar, ninety-five (Ezra 2:20) of those who returned from Babylon to rebuilt the temple; and The sons of Gibeon, ninety-five in the census of those who rebuilt the wall (Nehemiah 7:25).
Psalm 95
1 O come, let us bring joy unto the LORD; let us sing with joy unto the rock of our saving health.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and sing unto him with joy.
3 For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
The deep places of the earth are deep valleys of trial, tribulation, and humiliation. All of this is in his hand if we belong to him. He will use them to accomplish his purpose in us and then take us to the heights of the mountains, which are also his.
5 The sea is his, and he made it; and his hands formed the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
The sea belongs to him because he made it, even if it may rage against us from time to time. I have inadvertently sailed into extremely bad weather, on occasion, that was so severe that I feared for my life and for the lives of others on board, but God has always seen us through. Afterward, it is always an exhilarating feeling to be back on the dry land that his hands have formed. God’s creation is truly awesome.
This psalm, like others, begins with worship and praise and then transitions into God speaking directly through the psalmist under a powerful anointing of the Spirit.
7a For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
Since he is our God we need to make sure that we are feeding from his pasture (and not from some other pasture). Then we will truly be the sheep of his hand. Then he will provide all our need.
Here comes a serious warning that we must heed if we are to be innocent by God’s mercy and grace:
7b Today if ye will hear his voice,
8 harden not your heart, as in the provocation and as in the day of trials in the wilderness
Remember that in Old English the pronouns “ye” and “you” are always plural. This is a warning that we must heed corporately as well as individually if God’s blessing is to remain upon his people. God expects us, his people, to hear his voice today and not harden our hearts and delay until tomorrow. When he speaks to us, we are to respond immediately, or we may lose the opportunity to enter into the fullness of what he has promised us.
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
10 Forty years long I was grieved with this generation and said, It is a people that err from the heart, who have not known my ways;
11 unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. 447
The children of Israel were at the border of the promised land, and God told them to enter in. Unfortunately, ten of the twelve spies that Joshua sent to spy out the land came back with a bad report, and the people listened to them instead of to God and to the two faithful spies (Joshua and Caleb). This tragic turn of events, which was caused by hearts hardened by unbelief, made God so mad that he decreed they would wander in the wilderness until all of the disobedient generation died off. God was grieved forty years long with these people and was so upset that he swore an oath that they would never enter into his rest.
This warning continues to be valid because God does not desire for his people to miss the real fulfillment and fullness of our inheritance in Christ. According to God’s calendar, it is still “today,” and we are exhorted to continue to hear his voice and not harden our hearts. The time called today may soon end (sooner than many think), and the next prophetic day (the day of the Lord) may catch many unaware.
Even so, God continued to lead his people with the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night and provide manna for their daily bread and clothing and shoes that never wore out, but their carcasses were wasted in the wilderness (it is calculated at a rate of sixty or so funerals a day for forty years), until a new generation was raised up that believed God and obeyed his voice and finally entered in to their promised inheritance.
How many of God’s people today (of Israel and the church) are truly ready to corporately enter into God’s rest?
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, in the midst of all our wonderful corporate praise and worship services today, may we never forget your resounding admonition that we must not only hear your voice but immediately respond in obedience to what you say to us. May we have soft, sensitive, circumcised hearts so that we may truly learn your ways. As we hear and obey, may you fill us with unwavering faith so that we may be found innocent by your mercy and grace. We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
****
447 This warning is quoted in Hebrews 3:7–16 and ascribed to the Holy Spirit. This warning is also referred to in Hebrews 4:7 and ascribed to David. Therefore, we know that David wrote Psalm 95.
Chapter 96.
Ninety-six is two times forty-eight (our decision to accept or reject God’s order and government), or three times thirty-two (the ultimate fruit or consequences of totally accepting or totally rejecting God and his plans), or four times twenty-four (God’s heavenly government), or six times sixteen (God’s judgments will prevail over man until his people are transformed), or eight times twelve (new beginnings under divine order).
This number is used twice in Scripture. The first was when Nebuzaradan, captain of the host of Nebuchadnezzar, carried away all of the brass from Solomon’s Temple to Babylon; it is noted that there were ninety-six brass pomegranates on a side of each chapiter above each of the two pillars448 (Jeremiah 52:23). The second was when Ezra and the remnant that returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity offered sacrifices to God on the fourth day after they got there, including ninety-six rams449 (Ezra 8:35).
Psalm 96
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song;450 sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
There is a new song that only the redeemed may learn (Revelation 14:3)
2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; show forth his saving health from day to day.
This song not only blesses the Lord but those who sing it will also show forth his saving health from day to day. This song is actually a lifestyle. This is why only the redeemed may learn it.
3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles, his wonders among all peoples.
Those who learn the new song declare (show forth) his glory among the Gentiles (among those who are not in covenant with God and whose hearts are not circumcised) and his wonders among all peoples (they are living examples of his wonders).
4 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
When God’s people represent him in the way and manner that he desires to be represented, then he will be feared and reverenced above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Modern idols include dictators, politicians, movie stars, singers, sports figures, dead heroes, religious persons, and every conceivable type of wealth and possession. The Lord, however, made the heavens.
6 Honour and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the peoples, give unto the LORD the glory and the strength.
Honor and majesty are due him. However, in order to fully experience and appreciate his strength and beauty, we must enter into his sanctuary. This requires clean hands and a pure heart among other things.451
8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; bring offerings, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; fear before him, all the earth.
The Lord has different courts as represented by the court of the Gentiles, the outer court, the holy place, and the holy of holies. Actually, the tabernacle of David, containing only the ark and without any other intermediaries or repetitious religious ritual, trumps everything and is the model that God desires to restore (Isaiah 16:5; Amos 9:11; Acts 15:15–20).
10 Say among the Gentiles that the LORD reigns; he also has established the world, it shall not be moved; he shall judge the peoples righteously.
When the Lord reigns, he establishes the world on truth and righteousness according to his way of doing things so that it shall not be moved; we receive a kingdom which cannot be moved (Hebrews 12:25–29).
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar and the fullness thereof.
When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge the peoples righteously, the heavens will rejoice, and God’s people upon the earth will be glad. We understand this fairly well. But what does it mean to let the sea (of lost humanity) roar and the fullness thereof? We shall soon find out. No matter what the full-blown commotion and devastation that is about to hit the godless nations a day is coming when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).
12 Let the field be joyful and all that is therein; then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
13 before the LORD; for he has come, for he has come to judge the earth; he shall judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth.
The field is where God planted good seed. A time when the field is joyful along with all that is therein will happen as soon as the tares have been removed from among the wheat (Matthew 13:30). This is when all the trees of the wood will rejoice before the Lord. These are the trees of righteousness planted by the Lord (Isaiah 61:3).
Everyone who is upright and righteous will rejoice before the Lord when he comes to judge the earth. This is when the actual world under Satan, who is referred to as the prince of this world, will be judged with righteousness, and all the people that he has enslaved will be judged with truth. (God will determine who was actually aiding and abetting Satan and who was simply enslaved.)
Let us pray:
Lord, we ask that you do whatever it takes to teach us your new song. We ask to be completely redeemed and cleansed so that our reaction will be to rejoice when you come back to judge the earth and to judge the world with righteousness – and to judge the peoples with your truth. Amen.
****
448 After 490 years of disobedience, God sold his people to king Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed the city and carried all the treasures of the temple to Babylon, including the mention of ninety-six pomegranates on each side of the two chapiters over the two brass pillars that were at the entrance to the porch of Solomon’s Temple. The pomegranate is the fruit of a palm tree that is a symbol of righteousness. In this judgment, two thirds of the population perished, and one third were carried off to Babylon, where they remained for seventy years until all the sabbath years of rest that they had failed to implement were accomplished.
449 After the seventy years of captivity prophesied by Jeremiah were fulfilled, and a godly remnant returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, one of the first things that they did was to sacrifice ninety-six rams (a symbol of their wholehearted decision to return and submit to God’s government).
450 The new song is referenced in nine Scriptures. This is the third mention.
451 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in the place of his holiness? He that has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not taken my name in vain, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his saving health (Psalm 24:3–5).
Chapter 97.
Ninety-seven is a prime number that does not occur in Scripture other than in the title of this psalm. The spiritual significance of this number is veiled, but it undoubtedly has to do with the day of the Lord and the unveiling of the direct intervention of God upon the earth.
Psalm 97
1 The LORD reigns;452 let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Many of those who dwell upon the earth have been attempting to use God (or to control others) to get what they want while they elbow aside anyone who gets in their way. But when the LORD reigns, the outcome will be very clear: the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). This is cause for rejoicing. The multitude of isles represents the multitude of private kingdoms that have been ruling over vast sectors of the people of God. When the LORD reigns, the inhabitants of the multitude of isles will be glad of it.
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him; righteousness and judgment are the seat of his throne.
3 A fire shall go before him and burn up his enemies round about.
This sounds like when the presence of God descended upon Mount Sinai.
4 His lightnings enlightened the world; the earth saw and trembled.
The unveiled presence of God will expose all of the deceit, iniquity, and perversion that has been going on in the world (Rev elation 6:15–17). All of the citizens of the earth will see this and tremble.
5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The mountains represent principalities, powers, false doctrines, and ideas that will be melted like wax before the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.
When the Lord Jesus returns with his saints, every eye will see him (Revelation 1:7).
7 Let all those that serve graven images be confounded, those that boast of idols; worship him, all ye gods.
One of the subtlest strategies of the enemy has been to promote the worship of man (humanism). Even atheists easily succumb to this. Whatever the case, all those that serve graven images (idols made by man), will be confounded (brought down in shame).
8 Zion heard and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
Those who dwell in Zion (primarily a spiritual place in God) are those who have made the Lord their place of residence and are registered citizens of the heavens. The daughters of Judah are those congregations who offer genuine sacrifices of praise. All these people will be glad and rejoice when the righteous judgments of the Lord hit the earth.
9 For thou, O LORD, art high above all the earth; thou art exalted far above all gods.
Yes, the Lord is high above all the earth; he is exalted far above all gods, yet he also lives in the hearts of his people such as those represented by Zion and the daughters of Judah. What an amazing honor and privilege to have his presence within us by the Holy Spirit.
10 Ye that love the LORD are to hate evil; he preserves the souls of his saints; he delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.
If we love the Lord, then we are to hate evil. The two are not compatible. God’s saints are those whom he has sanctified and set apart exclusively to himself. They live to make him happy. This is their joy. Therefore, the Lord preserves the souls of his saints (sharing his eternal life with us), and he delivers us out of the hand of the wicked. This psalm is filled with great and precious promises, some of which are applicable even now, and all of which will soon be reality.
11 Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart.
How does God sow light? I wonder if this has anything to do with when the prophet saw that his lightnings enlightened the earth? The very thought of this strikes gladness into my heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, we thank you for who you are. Your name is our greatest source of joy. With awe and anticipation we await your direct intervention on the earth. Your presence in our hearts inspires us to hate evil. May you preserve our souls and deliver us out of the hand of the wicked. We love your light; may it be sown everywhere on the earth, causing all the upright in heart to rejoice. Amen.
****
452 “The Lord reigns” occurs five times in Scripture. This is the fourth.
Chapter 98.
Ninety-eight is two times forty-nine (deciding to go God’s way of peace, wellbeing, and freedom) or seven times fourteen (complete and total salvation) or in a negative sense the opposite of the above. This number is used three times in Scripture beginning when Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes had become dim so that he could not see (1 Samuel 4:15). This is when the glory departed Israel. The other two mentions are of the ninety-eight sons of Ater of Hezekiah who left Babylon with Ezra (Ezra 2:16) and remained faithful unto the building of the wall (Nehemiah 7:21)
Psalm 98
A Psalm.
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song;453 for he has done marvellous things; his right hand has gotten him the victory, even the arm of his holiness.
The new song is about the marvellous things that our victorious Lord has done, including the complete and total salvation that he offers us. It is his right hand that has gotten him the victory over sin, over the world, and even over death. The arm of his holiness, of his being completely dedicated to truth, mercy, and righteousness (justice), has accomplished this.
2 The LORD has made known his saving health; he has openly showed his righteousness in the sight of the Gentiles.
3 He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the saving health of our God.
God’s people are referred to as the house of Israel, and he has seen fit to share his victory with people like us from the fallen race of Adam. The Lord always couples his mercy and his truth because this results in justice (righteousness). He will forgive and restore us if we respond to his initiatives, but he will also shine the light of his truth into our hearts, expose our inner motives, and cleanse us from all sin and corruption. God is preparing a clean people to put on display to make known his saving health and show his righteousness in the sight of the Gentiles (whose hearts are not right with him). Soon all the ends of the earth will have seen the saving health of our God.
4 Sing with joy unto the LORD, all the earth; lift up thy voice and rejoice and sing praises.
5 Sing praises unto the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of a song.
6 With trumpets and the sound of the shofar make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.
Entering God’s way of peace, wellbeing, and freedom will fill us with joy as we learn to sing his praises. Only the redeemed may learn this new song.
7 Let the sea roar and the fullness thereof, the world and those that dwell therein.
The sea of lost humanity and the world that is at enmity with God under the control of Satan may rage and roar against us but they will not prevail because things are about to radically change. Jesus said: Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in the heavens (Matthew 5:16). The day will soon come when the meek (those who submit to God) will prevail and inherit the earth.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains be joyful together
9 before the LORD; for he has come to judge the earth; with righteousness he shall judge the world and the peoples with equity.
The “rivers of God” will soon be restored and provide the inhabitants of the earth with a clear, steady flow of the unadulterated Word of the Lord. The “mountains of his holiness” will be put on magnificent, joyous display. These rivers, of course, flow from the mountains and into the sea of lost humanity, cleansing everything in their path and even the waters of the sea shall be healed (Ezekiel 47:8). In fact, every living soul, which swims wherever these two rivers shall come, shall live (Ezekiel 47:9).
Yes, our Lord will soon come to judge the earth and the world and the peoples. This will be done with righteousness and equity. That is, his judgment will be just and fair. When his plan of salvation is complete, there will be peace.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, we long for the day when the rivers will clap their hands and the mountains will be joyful together. We desire for you to teach us the new song that may only be learned by those whom you have redeemed. Amen.
****
453 This is the fourth mention (out of a total of nine in Scripture) of the new song that may only be learned by the redeemed (Revelation 14:3).
Chapter 99.
Ninety-nine is three times thirty-three (the fruitfulness of resurrection life in Christ) or nine times eleven (the judgments of Christ are final). This number is used six times in Scripture.
The first and second use is when Abram (means “exalted father”) was ninety-nine years old, and God cut a covenant with him and he was circumcised (as a sign of the covenant). This is when God changed his name to Abraham (means “father of many Gentiles”). We may also note that Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born; therefore, Isaac, the son of the promise, was conceived after Abraham was circumcised and after his name454 was changed (Genesis 17:1–14, 24).
The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth uses of this number occur in relation to Jesus’s parable of the man who had one hundred sheep and lost one of them. So he left the ninety-nine and went to seek the one who was lost (Mathew 18:12–13; Luke 15:4). This is what Jesus came to do. He came to seek the lost. This is the heart of God. Jesus said, There shall be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine just persons, who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).
Psalm 99
1 The LORD reigns; the peoples shall tremble; he who sits above the cherubim reigns; the earth shall be moved.
2 The LORD is great in Zion, and he is high above all the peoples.
3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name, for it is holy.
In the tabernacle of Moses and in the temple of Solomon, the ark of the testimony (of the presence of the Lord) was under the wings of the cherubim. This indicates that Jesus Christ (whom the ark represents) would come from heaven as a man – remember that men are made a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7–9) – to become our new High Priest, who ascended up far above all the heavens after his death and resurrection, that he might fulfill all things (Ephesians 4:10). Now he sits at the right hand of the Father above the cherubim. It is very interesting to note that in the tabernacle of David, the two cherubim with their wings extended from one side of the room to the other were apparently missing. It is likely they were back in the empty tabernacle of Moses that had been moved from Shiloh to the height of Gibeon. However, there were two cherubim, facing each other, built into either end of the seat of reconciliation that was placed above the ark, with their wings extended, covering the seat of reconciliation455 (Exodus 25:18-22). This symbolizes the covering and protection provided by God for those who are reconciled by the blood of Jesus Christ, and who are brought into intimate communion with him,456 and may come boldly unto the throne of his grace (Hebrews 4:16).
The fact that the Lord reigns will definitely cause the people of the earth to tremble at his imminent return. In fact, at his first coming, the earth (representing the people of God) was moved. (The natural earth was also severely shaken at his death.) The first coming of Jesus Christ shook the “earth” so that the age of the law came to an end, the temple was destroyed, and now we are the temple in which he dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
Regarding the second coming, he has promised, saying, Yet even once, I shall shake not the earth only, but also the heaven (Hebrews 12:26). The wicked principalities and powers allied with Satan will all be shaken out of the heavenly realm. The tares that they have been planting in and among the people of God (in Israel and the church) will also be removed. This will cause the earth once again to be moved, and the age of grace (the age of the church) will end. Even now it is ending.
4 The king’s strength is that he loves judgment; thou dost establish equity; thou dost execute judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
Our king will not rest until his people are clean. In fact, he will return for a bride not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, who is to be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27), and who has made herself ready (Revelation 19:7–8). Basically, we have two choices: submit to God now and by his mercy and grace become ready, or else his coming will take us by surprise and he will lower the boom.
The strength of our king is that he loves judgment. Therefore, he will establish equity (fairness). Likewise, he executes judgment and righteousness in Jacob (in those who are God’s people but they still attempt to get God to do what they want instead of the other way around). The heart of God is to seek lost sheep (he does not always seek lost goats457). In the case of Jacob, God was very successful, and Jacob was converted and renamed Israel, receiving even greater promises than any of his ancestors (Genesis 49:26).
5 Exalt ye the LORD our God and worship at the footstool of his feet, which is holy.
What is the footstool of his feet? David declared, I had in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God and had made ready for the building (1 Chronicles 28:2), but God did not allow him to proceed.
In the broadest sense, the Lord’s footstool is wherever he chooses to rest his “feet.” The earth (which can also represent the people of God) is his footstool (Isaiah 66:1).458 This, however, becomes even more interesting because God desires to make the enemies of Jesus into his footstool.459 God has been going about this for many years, taking his time bringing as many of his enemies as possible to repentance. And Jesus, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, is seated at the right hand of God, waiting for that which follows, that is, until his enemies are made his footstool (Hebrews 10:12–13).
All of us, in the past, have opposed God. Remember that Jesus commands us to love one another so that everyone will know that we are his disciples (John 13:34–35).
Therefore, let’s be patient as God brings enemies of Jesus to repentance and incorporates them into his footstool – into full submission to him. We exalt the Lord our God when we worship at the footstool of his feet among those whom he has redeemed and separated for himself.
6 Moses and Aaron are among his priests and Samuel among those that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.
The psalmist names Moses and Aaron and Samuel as if they are still alive. And yes, they are among the saints, among the great cloud of witnesses in heaven that are cheering us on as we run the race for the prize of the high calling in Christ (Hebrews 12:1). This is nothing less than the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4–6). When Jesus returns, he will bring along those he has chosen to rule and reign with him for a thousand years. This will undoubtedly include all the great men and women of faith who have gone before us and received a good report, such as those listed in Hebrews 11 and many more.
7 He spoke unto them in the pillar of fire; they kept his testimonies and the order that he gave them.
8 Thou didst answer them, O LORD our God; thou wast a God that didst forgive them, and an avenger for their works.
Note that Moses and Aaron and Samuel did not just petition God. He spoke to them. And after hearing directly from God, they kept his testimonies and the order that he gave them. God intends for prayer to be two-way communication with him. God answered them. But notice this: Moses and Aaron and Samuel all interceded on behalf of people that God called stubborn and stiff-necked. And yes, God did forgive them. However, he was also an avenger for their works. What exactly does this mean? Those who refused to enter into the promised land when the time was ripe (after the instigators of the uprising against God were dealt with) were consigned to spend forty years in the wilderness until they all died off. Even so, God did not withdraw his pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night or his protection and provision (this is another indication that God did forgive them). He was, however, an avenger for their works. The judgment that he made when they provoked him to anger was immovable.
Those that disobeyed due to unbelief were not allowed to enter into his rest in the promised land. In fact, even though Moses disobeyed God on only one occasion (and struck the rock twice while being severely provoked by the people), God refused to let him lead the people into the promised land. If God forgave them, I assume that they were, in some sense of the word, saved. But they did not enter into God’s rest.
I fear that many of God’s people today may fall into the same category. They may miss a unique opportunity to reign and rule with Christ for a thousand years, even though at the end of the thousand years in the general resurrection, they may, somehow, be saved as by fire.
The case of Moses is even more interesting. He was in good health at 120 years of age, and God told him to go up a mountain and die (Deuteronomy 32:48–52). Moses died obeying the Lord. In fact, it may have been a face-to-face encounter with God that killed him. Then there was a dispute over the body of Moses, and God sent Michael the archangel to contend with the devil (Jude 9). It is obvious that Michael won, because Moses appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration (inside the promised land) with Jesus and Elijah prior to Jesus’s death and resurrection (prior to his work of redemption).
9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at the mountain of his holiness, for the LORD our God is holy.
Some people worship God any old way, any old place, according to their traditions or whims, or according to the latest fad. If we truly desire to exalt the Lord our God, then we will worship at the mountain of his holiness.
Where is that? It is wherever he says it is. In order to find it, we must be in constant communication with him, like Moses and Aaron and Samuel were. Wherever he leads us, we will find that true worship is in Spirit and in truth.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we desire to yield to your judgments. We ask you to cleanse us from any spot or wrinkle or other impediment that might hinder us from entering into your heavenly, eternal rest. May you prepare us and qualify us to reign and rule with Christ. Amen
****
454 The name has to do with the nature.
455 And thou shalt make two cherubim of gold; of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the seat of reconciliation. And make one cherub on the one end and the other cherub on the other end: even of the seat of reconciliation shall ye make the cherubim on the two ends thereof. And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the seat of reconciliation with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the seat of reconciliation shall the faces of the cherubim be (Exodus 25:18-20).
456 And David arose and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God upon which the name of the LORD of the hosts is invoked, who dwells there between the cherubim (2 Samuel 6:2).
457 The father did not leave everything to go out and seek the prodigal son. The prodigal had to make it back to the father’s house on his own. And yes, when he finally showed up, there was great rejoicing. He was, however, considered dead until he returned and sought reconciliation with his father (Luke 15:11–24).
458 See also Matthew 5:35; Acts 7:49.
459 Psalm 110:1; Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:43; Acts 2:35; Hebrews 1:13, 10:13
Chapter 100.
One hundred is two times fifty (being led by the Holy Spirit), or four times twenty-five (the eternal consequences of God’s mercy and grace), or five times twenty (giving thanks for the gifts and abilities and grace God has bestowed on us), or ten times ten (the fulfillment of God’s word or of God’s plans). This number also has to do with the destruction of the wicked and the cutting off of all the workers of iniquity.
First use is when Shem was one hundred years old and begat Arphaxad460 two years after the flood (Genesis 11:10). Second and third use is when God changed the name of Abraham and Sarah and told them they would have a child in their old age: Then Abraham fell upon his face and laughed and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him who is one hundred years old? (Genesis 17:17). And Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac (means, laughter) was born unto him (Genesis 21:5). Fourth use is when Isaac sowed in that land and received in the same year one hun[1]dred-fold, and the LORD blessed him (Genesis 26:12) and so on. One hundred figures prominently in the dimensions of the tabernacle of Moses, in the details of Solomon’s temple, and in the dimensions of the house described by Ezekiel.
Psalm 100
A Psalm of praise.
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD all the earth.
God’s plans and purposes will not be fulfilled until all the earth makes a joyful noise unto the Lord. This is presently not the case, but it will be.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before his presence with joy.
Wholeheartedly serving the Lord is the only way for us to be fulfilled and satisfied.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God; it is he that has made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Knowing that the Lord of all the earth is God and that he has made us what we are, should cause us to be eternally grateful to be his people and the sheep of his pasture. If we have been redeemed and converted, we are sheep (not goats) and we desire his pasture (not some other pasture).
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name.
We are invited to enter into his gates with thanksgiving. If we are not thankful for what the Lord has done for us and for all that he has given us, we will never be happy, no matter how many temporal things we obtain. There are different “courts” within his “gates” that we may be invited to enter with praise (giving him all the glory). When we are thankful, we bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.
God is the only one who is truly good.461 Anything that is good has come from him and because of him, for he is the only source. When we thoroughly understand this, we will be highly motivated to thank him, to praise him, and to bless his name.
Therefore, once again we see God’s mercy (which is everlasting) paired with his truth. God will never pretend that we are clean and holy if this is not really the case. Even if we are part of the last generation recorded in Scripture, the generation (of the body) of Christ (Matthew 1:16), God will continue to apply his truth.
Let us pray:
O Lord of all the earth, uphold us with your everlasting mercy and with your truth that endures to all generations. We will always be eternally grateful. We thank you and bless your name. Amen.
****
460 The meaning of “Arphaxad,” is uncertain.
461 Matthew 19:17; Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19
Chapter 101.
One hundred and one is a prime number that does not occur anywhere in Scripture except in the title of this psalm. This number has to do with the way of perfection that cannot be found simply by reading Scripture. It can only be found by following the Lord step by step, for he is the way.
Psalm 101
A Psalm of David.
1 I will sing of mercy and judgment; unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
Judgment has to do with the application of the truth. If God judges us with mercy, this is wonderful motivation to sing praises unto him.
2 When thou shalt come unto me, I will walk in the way of perfection and understand. I will walk in the midst of my house in the perfection of my heart.
David would begin to sing and praise the Lord, and the presence of God would come and surround him. The way of perfection is a matter of the heart. David was a man after God’s own heart.462 God desires to change our hearts and place a new spirit in us.463 He desires to place his heart in us, and his heart is perfect. Jesus said, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).
David was able to say, When thou shalt come unto me, I will walk in the way of perfection and understand. In order for us to be able to walk in the way of perfection and understand how to live this blameless life, we must be overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Then we, like David, will be able to say, I will walk in the midst of my house in the perfection of my heart.
As this psalm continues, it’s clear that David’s heart is completely lined up with God’s heart. In fact, Jesus, who had the fullness of the presence of God the Father dwelling in his heart, could easily have pronounced all of the following verses of this psalm:
3 I will set nothing of Belial464 before my eyes: I hate the work of those that betray; it shall not cleave to me.
“Belial,” meaning “worthless” or “lawless,” is another name for the devil. Here Belial is linked with those that betray. There are many things “of Belial” today that some of those who call themselves God’s people continue to set before their eyes. To contemplate that which is of Belial is to betray God.
4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know a wicked person.
A perverse heart is the opposite of a perfect heart and is the mark of a wicked person. On a previous occasion David declared, Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity (Psalm 6:8). On the judgment day, Jesus will use the same words: I know you not from where ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity (Luke 13:27).465
5 Whosoever secretly slanders his neighbour, I will cut off; he that has a high look and a proud heart I will not suffer.
If we have a problem with our neighbor (or with our brother), we are to go to them and confront them personally (Matthew 18:15) and not slander them behind their back. Those who secretly slander their neighbor are linked with those that have a high look (haughty) and a proud heart.
6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he that walks in the way of perfection, he shall serve me.
The faithful of the land are linked with he that walks in the way of perfection, and the Lord will be looking out for them. Note the contrast between those whom David (and the Lord) will cut off and those whom he will watch out for.
7 He that works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he that tells lies shall not tarry in my sight.
Satan is the father of lies, and those that work deceit are related to him (John 8:44). In the end, all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the LORD.
When Jesus returns, he will make it an immediate priority to early destroy all the wicked of the land (to remove the wicked out from among the people of God) so that he may cut off all the workers of iniquity from the city of the Lord.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, please come near and teach us how to walk in your way of perfection and understand mercy and judgment.. Amen.
****
462 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22
463 Ezekiel 11:19–20, 36:26–27
464 The word “Belial” occurs twenty-eight times in Scripture (27 times in the OT and once in the NT).
465 Also see Matthew 7:23.
Chapter 102.
One hundred and two is two times fifty-one (the poor in spirit), or three times thirty-four (the fruit of a life dedicated to prayer), or six times seventeen (intimate communion with God). This number does not occur in Scripture other than in the tittle of this psalm.
Psalm 102
A Prayer of the poor in spirit,466 when he is overwhelmed, and pours out his complaint before the LORD.
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.
3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as in a hearth.
4 My heart is smitten and withered like grass so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones cleave to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert.
7 I watch and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
I believe that David wrote this psalm after he and his men got kicked out of the Philistine army – just before king Achish and his men defeated king Saul (1 Samuel 29). Upon their return to Ziklag, the city Achish had given to David to live in, they were astounded to find that the Amalekites had invaded the Negev and Ziklag and had burned the city with fire and had taken all the women and children captive (1 Samuel 30:1–3). Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more power to weep (1 Samuel 30:4). David is withered both in body and spirit.
David had been banished from Israel, the Philistines who had given him refuge were sour on him, Ziklag467 was burned, all the women and children of David and his men had been taken captive, and now many of David’s own men were turning against him.
8 My enemies reproach me all the day, and those that are mad against me are sworn against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping,
10 because of thine indignation and thy wrath; for thou hast lifted me up and cast me down.
11 My days are like a shadow that declines, and I am withered like grass.
David’s family was captured, and in their bitterness, some of his men even wanted to stone him (1 Samuel 30:6). In this time of deep anguish, David sought the Lord for direction in a very unorthodox way. Instead of having the priest use the ephod to consult God on behalf of David and his men, David had the priest bring him the ephod (1 Samuel 30:7), and David used it to directly consult the Lord.
And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue; for thou shalt surely overtake them and without fail recover all (1 Samuel 30:8).
David and his men went on a furious chase after the Amalekites (meaning “strangers”), and on the third day, they recovered everything they had lost, plus all of the enemy’s goods and livestock. They said, This is David’s spoil (1 Samuel 30:17–20). This undoubtedly greatly strengthened David’s faith, and he wrote the following lines:
12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever and thy remembrance unto all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, the set time, is come.
David prophetically knew that there was a set time468 for him to become king instead of Saul (this had to do with his thirtieth birthday and coming of age for ministry). He also knew that after he was king, the seemingly impregnable fortress of Zion that had been in the hands of the enemy Jebusites for more than five hundred years would be delivered into his hands. David had a history of using the ephod to consult directly with the Lord concerning import matters (1 Samuel 23:9–12).
14 For thy slaves love her stones and have compassion on the dust thereof.
15 So the Gentiles shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory
16 because the LORD shall have built up Zion, and he shall be seen in his glory.
After David and his men captured the fortress of Zion and the city of Jerusalem, David brought the ark to Zion to the tabernacle of David.469 This is where David beheld the beauty (or glory) of the Lord (Psalm 27:4). All of this, however, is a living prophetic parable of what will happen when the Lord Jesus Christ returns and is seen in all his glory (Revelation 6:15–17).
17 He shall have regarded the prayer of those who are alone and destitute and not despised their prayer.
18 This shall be written for the generation to come, and the people who shall be created shall praise JAH.
This prophetic, messianic psalm is written for the poor in spirit of all ages. Jesus said, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens (Matthew 5:3). What is the generation (singular) to come that this will be written for?
The generation of the body of Christ. These are the people who shall be created that shall praise JAH.
19 For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from the heavens the LORD beheld the earth
20 to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death,
21 that they might declare the name of the LORD in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem,
22 when the people are gathered together as one and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
The condition for this prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, but it soon will be. This will happen when the people are gathered together as one and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. In order to fully loose those that are appointed to death, resurrection is in order (Revelation 20:4–6).
23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
24 I said, O my God, do not cut me off in the midst of my days; thy years are from generation to generation.
25 Of old thou hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture thou shalt change them, and they shall be changed:
27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
28 The sons of thy slaves shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
Here is clear and early revelation (three thousand years ago) that the present heavens and earth will pass away; they will wear out (wax old) in the same way garments do. God will change them, and they shall be changed; he will remove them and toss them aside like changing out of a worn-out garment. Yet God will remain the same, and his years shall have no end. This psalm ends on a messianic high note: the sons of thy slaves shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. The prophecy is that the line of the house of David will continue until their seed (singular), referring to Jesus Christ (including the body of Christ), shall be established before God the Father.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you that thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. As we look ahead to the time when the earth will wear out like an old garment, may our hearts be prepared for your return, when the body Christ will be established before you forever. Amen.
****
466 The phrase “poor in spirit” occurs seven times in Scripture (this is the fourth).
467 “Ziklag” means “winding” or “bending.”
468 On the third day after David returned from the slaughter of the Amalakites, he found out that Saul was dead (2 Samuel 1:1–2). Then David enquired of the Lord (most likely with the ephod) and was told to go up to Hebron where he was made king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:3–4). After six years and six months in Hebron, David took the fortress of Zion: the same is the city of David and reigned over all Israel for the next thirty-three years (2 Samuel 5:5–10).
469 See Appendix A.
Chapter 103.
One hundred and three is a prime number that does not occur in Scripture other than in the title to this psalm.
Psalm 103
A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless the name of his holiness.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3 Who forgives all thine iniquities; who heals all thy diseases;
4 who redeems thy life from destruction; who crowns thee with mercy and compassion;
5 who satisfies thy mouth with good things so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
When we worship and bless the Lord, it is of great importance that we remember all his benefits. These include forgiveness, healing, redemption, exaltation, satisfaction, and renewal of our youth (that is compared to an eagle).
6 The LORD executes righteousness and justice unto all that suffer violence.
The Lord will eventually set right every injustice and remove all tears and pain; even death itself will be undone (Revelation 21:4).
7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the sons of Israel.
The children of Israel witnessed God’s mighty acts, but it was to Moses that God revealed his ways.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10 He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth so does he increase his mercy over those that fear him.
The fear of the Lord is the key to obtaining an increase of his mercy. God loves to pour out his mercy and grace upon his people. Even though he is slow to anger,
it is definitely possible to make him mad. However, after he deals with the situation, he will not keep his anger for ever.
12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our rebellions from us.
Rebellion is when we openly, knowingly defy God, and he wants to completely eradicate it.
13 Like as a father has mercy upon his children, so the LORD has mercy upon those that fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are as grass; as an open flower of the field, so he blossoms.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more. Here again God’s mercy is for those that fear him.
17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon those that fear him, and his righteousness unto the children’s children,
18 to such as keep his covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
If we fear him and keep his covenant and remember his commandments to do them, the mercy of the Lord upon us will never end, and his righteousness will be upon our children’s children. Even though our lifespan is short, and he knows our bodies are made of dust, his covenant is ever lasting. In order for us to keep our end of his covenant, we will need the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
19 The LORD has prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, valiant and strong, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
There are many angels, valiant and strong, that do his commandments. They hearken (that is they hear and obey) the voice of his word. Note that these excellent angels do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word. They directly hear and obey God (not us). God wants us to come into close fellowship with him. He will give his angels orders as he sees fit concerning us.
21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
If we are ministers of his that serve him and that do his pleasure, we are to operate in such a way as to be a blessing unto the Lord. In fact, this is to be the case with all his works in all places of his dominion. The Lord desires to work inside every one of us who submits to his dominion. As he transforms our hearts by his mercy and grace (and yes, at times even by his anger), he will then be able to work through us.
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, please make us into a blessing. May we never forget all your benefits. May we live to do your pleasure. Amen.
Chapter 104.
One hundred and four is two times fifty-two (participating in the restoration of creation), or four times twenty-six (heavenly judgment), or eight times thirteen (new beginnings in the kingdom of God). This number does not occur in Scripture other than in the title of this Psalm.
Psalm 104
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty,
2 who dost cover thyself with light as with a garment, who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain,
3 who dost establish his chambers between the waters, who makes the clouds his chariot, who walks upon the wings of the wind,
4 who makes his angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire,
5 who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved by any age.
6 Thou didst cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.
7 At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.
8 The mountains were exposed; they descended through the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.
9 Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over, that they not turn again to cover the earth.
In the beginning, God divided the waters below from the waters above by creating a firmament that he called Heavens on the second day of creation (Genesis 1:6– 8). Therefore, he did establish his chambers between the waters. In other words, he created creatures (such as man) to live in the lower realm of the earth and angels to live in the higher realm of the heavens. He makes his angels spirits, his ministers (or servants) a flaming fire. God’s angels operate as spirits, and they are from the heavenly realm. God’s ministers, which may include us, are made a flaming fire470 by the Holy Spirit.
God’s “covering,” or clothing, is honor and majesty as portrayed by his light. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain (or veil). The heavenly realm is veiled from those who dwell on the earth just like the holy of holies that represented the direct presence of God.471 Another portrayal of this is the tabernacle of David.472
God laid the foundations of the earth, that it (singular) should not be moved by any age. We know that the sure foundation of the earth (the earth may represent the people of God) is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never be moved, and we will never be moved if we are in Christ.
When God judged the ancient world by the flood, he chose to cover it with the deep as with a garment. Then the waters stood above the mountains. This happened literally, but the spiritual significance is that all the mountains representing all the kingdoms of man went under. Then at God’s rebuke, at the voice of his thunder,473 they hurried away. This is when the mountains were exposed; the extent of the rebellion against God was revealed. They descended through the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. This place is known as Sheol (Hades in Greek) and linked to death and the grave. When Jesus died, he descended into the lower parts of the earth (Ephesians 4:9) and preached to the imprisoned spirits of the disobedient antediluvians.474
After the flood, God established a covenant with righteous Noah that applies to his seed after him, that all flesh shall not be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth (Genesis 9:11). Therefore, regarding the waters of judgment the psalmist explains: Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over, that they not turn again to cover the earth.
10 Thou art he who sends the springs into the valleys, which run among the mountains.
11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild asses quench their thirst.
Since the flood, God has sent rain upon the earth along with the sign of his covenant with Noah,475 which is the rainbow. Therefore, he sends springs into the valleys, which run among the mountains. God sends forth his “springs,” and those who are humble may seek his word in the “valleys.” Regarding Zion (the city of God) the Scriptures state: And singers and players on instruments in her shall say: all my springs are in thee (Psalm 87:7).
The springs sent by God give drink to every beast of the field. This is true in the natural realm, and it is spiritually significant to note that without understanding, man is really a beast (Psalm 73:22). Even the wild asses quench their thirst. “Wild asses” are also a symbol of the natural man (Job 11:12). Truly God offers his Word as water of life to everyone.
12 Next to them the fowls of the heavens have their habitation; they sing among the leaves.
The fowls of the heavens (representative of angels) have their habitation (they may dwell securely in God). However, the angels who did not keep their first estate but left their own habitation, he has reserved in eternal chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day (Jude 6). God’s faithful angels, who did not leave their habitation, sing among the leaves. The leaves of God’s trees are for the healing of the Gentiles476 (of those whose hearts have not yet been circumcised by the Word of God). This is where “the fowls of the heavens” will sing.
13 He waters the mountains from his chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
God waters the mountains (of his holiness) from his chambers (from the throne of his dominion). Then the earth (the people of God) is satisfied with the fruit of God’s works. We will never be satisfied unless we feed on what God says. This goes back to the original problem with Adam and Eve. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
14 He causes the hay to grow for the cattle and grass for the service of man, that he may bring forth bread out of the earth
15 and wine that makes glad the heart of man, making his face to shine with oil and bread which sustains man’s heart.
God causes the hay to grow for the cattle. We know that under the blessing of God, the earth brings forth fruit of herself: first the blade, then the ear, after that the full grain in the ear (Mark 4:28). Even the natural man that is as a beast (like cattle) can feed off of the first level of historical truth in the Scripture. God, however, will continue and bring forth grass for the service of man, that he might bring forth bread out of the earth.
Jesus was sent here to earth in the flesh as the true bread from heaven. This is linked with wine that makes glad the heart of man. Wine is a symbol of life, but there are two kinds: the corrupt life we inherited from Adam, or the eternal life we may inherit in Christ. Many continue to be drunk in the life of Adam, but we are offered the wine that makes glad the heart of man, making his face to shine with oil (with the anointing of Jesus Christ, which is the Holy Spirit) and bread which sustains man’s heart. 477
16 The trees of the LORD are satisfied; the cedars of Lebanon, which he has planted,
17 that the birds may make their nests there: the stork makes her house among the fir trees.
God’s desire is that we might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified (Isaiah 61:3b). Then the birds may make their nests there (among us) and those who have access to the heavenly realm will multiply. The stork was not only unclean and not to be eaten, it was an abomination (Leviticus 11:19). However, God showed Peter that he could cleanse even the most unclean, abominable Gentiles (such as Cornelius, the Roman centurion) and incorporate them into Israel, the people of God (Acts 10:9–44). Therefore, the stork makes her house among the fir trees.
18 The high mountains are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the conies. 478
The “wild goats” are clean (Deuteronomy 14:5) but undomesticated animals that may take refuge in the high mountains of God. Some of David’s mighty men that followed him home to the mountains of Israel were like wild goats when David found them. Conies were unclean because they chew the cud but do not split the hoof (Deuteronomy 14:7), yet they are
included when Scripture states: There are four things which are little upon the earth, but they are wiser than the wise men … because the conies are but a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks. (Proverbs 30:24, 26). No matter how small and feeble we may be, if we build our house upon the rock (if we hear Jesus’s words and do them), we will be safe and secure no matter how intense the storm around us (Matthew 7:24–25).
19 He appointed the moon for times and seasons; the sun knows his going down.
The moon can be a symbol of God’s people that have no light of their own and, therefore, are to reflect his light (and rule the night). On the fourth day of creation, God said: Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for appointed times and for days and years (Genesis 1:14). When the sun goes down, it is the beginning of a new day because with God, a day consists of the evening and the morning (Genesis 1:5). Therefore, the sun knows his going down signals a new day.
20 Thou makest darkness, and it is night, wherein all the beasts of the forest move.
21 The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God.
How does God “make” darkness? By removing or veiling the light. Then it is night wherein all the beasts of the forest move. God may use the beasts of the forest to judge his people and to remove his enemies (Isaiah 56:9). God may use his people and strengthen them as a young lion until all their adversaries shall be cut off (Micah 5:8–9).
22 The sun arises, they withdraw and lay themselves down in their dens.
23 Man goes forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.
The beasts of the forest operate at night. When the sun arises, they withdraw to their dens, and man goes forth unto his work. Jesus said: It is expedient that I do the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night comes, when no one can work (John 9:4). The same is true for us. If God sends us out to do something, we must promptly go about his work in the time that is allotted to us.
24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom thou hast made them all; the earth is full of thy riches.
25 So is this great and wide sea, where[1]in are innumerable creeping things, both small and great beasts.
All of God’s creation was made according to his wisdom. His works are manifold (they have many forms and features and are such in various ways and for many reasons). The earth is full of his riches. Among his greatest treasures are his people who fear him; they are recorded in his book of remembrance … And they shall be mine, said the LORD of the hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him (Malachi 3:16–17).
This great and wide sea contains lost humanity that may be won for the kingdom of God. When Jesus called his disciples he told them: Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17). Remember that man without understanding is as a beast. In the sea, in addition to innumerable creeping things, there are both small and great beasts.
26 There go the ships; there is that leviathan,479 whom thou didst make to play therein.
The “ships” are busy going to and fro as they ply their commerce seeking temporal gain. God made the leviathan to play in the realm of the sea. Leviathan is a dragon or sea serpent that can fly and access the heavenly realm (Genesis 1:20– 21). God said of him: Thou wast perfect in all thy ways from the day that thou wast created, until iniquity was found in thee (Ezekiel 28:15).
Even though Lucifer fell when he rebelled against God, he has been allowed to continue for almost six thousand years because God considers that he and his fallen angels still serve a useful purpose (similar to the purpose of having birds of carrion in the natural realm).
27 These wait all upon thee, that thou may give them their food in due season.
There is no source of food or sustenance other than God. The beasts of the forest, the young lions, the innumerable creeping things and the great and small beasts of the sea must all wait on God to give them their food in due season. 480
28 Thou givest unto them, they gather; thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
Anyone that receives their food from the hand of God will be filled with good.
29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled; thou takest away their spirit, they cease to exist and return to their dust.
When God hides his face (such as under the curse), the creatures are troubled. If God takes away their spirit, they cease to exist and return to their dust, and dust is the food of the serpent (Genesis 3:14).
30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the earth.
When God puts his Spirit in us, we become part of his new creation. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is how God renews the face of the earth.
31 Let the glory of the LORD endure for ever; let the LORD rejoice in his works.
God created the original heavens and the earth in seven days. So far, he has spent close to six thousand years working on his new creation. On the seventh day God rested to enjoy his creation. By the end of the prophesied day of the Lord (the seventh prophetic day), God will rejoice in his works that will now include a new heavens and a new earth where there is no more sea (Revelation 21:1). This will endure forever.
32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles: he touches the mountains, and they smoke.
Jesus will soon return and judge the earth. This is motive of great joy and song for the redeemed.
33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 My meditation of him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the LORD.
Anyone whose heart is right with God will completely identify with this.
35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Halelu- JAH (Praise ye the LORD).
Let us pray:
Dear Lord, our meditation of you is sweet. Words cannot express our thankfulness at being redeemed and allowed to participate with you in the restoration of creation. May your heavenly judgments fall. May your new creation come forth quickly. Amen.
****
470 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion and upon the places of her assemblies a cloud and darkness by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night because over all glory there shall be a covering (Isaiah 4:5). That desired “covering” is the Spirit of God, and when the day of Pentecost was fully come, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church, and There appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them (Acts 2:3).
471 On the prophesied day of the Lord, John saw when the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, exposing his glory and majesty and light to cleanse the earth (Revelation 6:14). For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and those that dwell therein shall perish in like manner; but my saving health shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall never perish (Isaiah 51:6). Therefore, in order to be secure, we must become registered citizens of the heavens (Matthew 5:3; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 12:12).
472 See Appendix A.
473 Thunder is representative of the direct voice of God and is linked to lightning, which represents his direct presence (Revelation 10:3-7).
474 For the Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in spirit, in which he also went and preached unto the imprisoned spirits, which in the time past were disobedient, when once the patience of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being made ready, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water (1 Peter 3:18–20).
475 “Noah” means “rest.”
476 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of her plaza and on either side of the river was the tree of life, which brings forth twelve manner of fruits, yielding her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the Gentiles (Revelation 22:1–2).
477 From very early on, bread and wine are considered elements that denote the ratification of a covenant (Genesis 14:18–19).
478 “Hyrax.” Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/hyrax/. The term “conies” here refers to a hyrax, a small hoofed mammal that is about the size of a rabbit.
479 Leviathan (Levi-athan) has to do with “unity” that entangles (such as groupthink). See Job and the Place of Understanding, Russell Stendal, Ransom Press International.
480 At the fall, God told the serpent: Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all beasts and above every animal of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life (Genesis 3:14). Satan’s food, therefore, is spiritually dead, fallen humanity (Genesis 3:17-19).
Chapter 105.
One hundred and five is three times thirty-five (the fruitfulness of redemption), or five times twenty-one (divine intervention), or seven times fifteen (covenant with God to bear fruit according to his mercy and grace). In a negative sense, it is quite the opposite. This number is used once in Scripture when Seth481 lived one hundred and five years and begat Enos482 (Genesis 5:6).
Psalm 105
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him; speak of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory in his holy name; let the heart of those that seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his face continually.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he has done, his wonders and the judgments of his mouth,
6 O ye seed of Abraham his slave, ye sons of Jacob his chosen.
7 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
This psalm is about God and about remembering what he has done for his people. Therefore, we are encouraged to seek the Lord and his strength. We are to seek his face continually. This is where the throne of mercy is located (Isaiah 16:5).
If we are in Christ, we are part of the seed of Abraham. Jacob was chosen over his twin brother Esau to be the one to continue the line of the seed of Abraham (the line of Christ went through Jacob). God made this choice before the twins were even born. The sons of Jacob formed the twelve tribes of Israel.
8 He has remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded for a thousand generations,483
A thousand generations in prophetic language speaks of a perfect generation. This is the generation of Christ. The fulfillment of God’s covenant forever is Jesus Christ.
9 which covenant he made with Abraham and his oath unto Isaac
10 and confirmed the same unto Jacob by decree, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:
In this living prophetic parable, Abraham represents God the Father. Isaac, the son of the promise who Abraham was willing to sacrifice to God, represents Jesus. Jacob, chosen by God, may represent us if we respond to God’s call upon our lives. Jacob responded to God and eventually came to a place named Peniel (means “the face of God”), where he wrestled desperately with God most of the night. Jacob came out of that encounter blessed but crippled (he limped for the rest of his life) and with his name (nature) changed to Israel (means “God prevails,” or “he who prevails with God”).
God made the covenant with Abraham (the Hebrew literally says God cut a covenant with Abraham, and the sign of the covenant was circumcision of the flesh), and he ratified it with an oath to Isaac; he then confirmed the same thing unto Jacob by decree. By the time Israel is mentioned, this has become an everlasting covenant.
11 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance,
12 when they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.
13 When they went from nation to nation from one kingdom to another people,
14 he suffered no man to do them wrong; yea, he chastened kings for their sakes:
The covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has to do with the promised land of Canaan being stipulated as an inheritance. This is literally true, yet is also symbolic of an even greater covenant having to do with faith, in which the promised inheritance is nothing less than the fullness of the life of Jesus Christ, who died for us in order to activate a new covenant by his blood (the sign of this covenant is the circumcision of the heart).484
15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.
God’s anointed include prophets, priests, and kings who have been anointed with the Spirit of God. (Sometimes this was symbolized by anointing them with oil). It all pointed toward the coming Messiah or Christ, meaning, Anointed One. Very early on, God told a pagan king that Abraham was prophet and not to touch or harm him upon pain of death (Genesis 20:7).
16 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land; he broke the whole staff of bread.
God told Abraham prophetically that his seed (which began with Isaac) would dwell in a strange land and be afflicted for four hundred years until they would be given the promised land (Genesis 15:13).485 In order to set this up he called for a famine upon the land. This was so severe that he broke the whole staff of bread (he cut off their food supply) until there was no natural way out. However, God made special provision for them.
17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a slave,
His envious brothers sold Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, for a slave, and this was God’s way of sending a man before them to save the family and everyone else in the entire region. When the food supply was cut off, God had a place for them to go for food.
18 whose feet they hurt with fetters; his soul was laid in iron.
19 Until the time that his word came, the spoken word of the LORD purified him.
God used the affliction of about thirteen years in prison to prepare Joseph to rule the kingdom of Pharaoh (the prevailing world power at the time). While waiting until the time that his word came (until God’s time for him to be released and put on the throne), the spoken word of the LORD purified him. The only way this could happen is if the Spirit of God was upon him. Therefore, God anointed Joseph.
20 The king sent and loosed him, the ruler of the people let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his substance:
22 To bind his princes at his pleasure and teach his elders wisdom.
It did not take young Pharaoh very long to discern God’s anointing upon Joseph and to realize that God had sent him for a very important reason. It was vital, if Egypt were to be saved from the coming famine, for Joseph to be put in charge.
23 Afterwards Israel entered into Egypt, and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.
Once Joseph was in position and had taken advantage of the prophesied seven years of plenty to store immense grain reserves, the stage was set for God’s people to be given food and refuge in Egypt, where Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham. This is very interesting because Ham was the father of Canaan, and Noah put Canaan under a curse.486 Then, hundreds of years after the flood, God promised Abraham the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Since Egypt is referred to here as the land of Ham, then the wicked Pharaoh who did not know Joseph was most likely a descendant of Canaan, son of Ham. At the very least, Egypt was the world power dominating the entire region, which included the land of Canaan. Therefore, if God’s people were to receive their promised inheritance, God would have to begin by breaking the power of Egypt, the land of Ham.
24 And he increased his people greatly and made them stronger than their enemies.
God increased his people until he had made them stronger than their enemies. What enemies? Those of the land of Ham and of the Canaanites whose abominable wickedness had passed a point of no return.
25 He turned their heart to hate his people to think evil against his slaves.
26 He sent Moses his slave and Aaron whom he had chosen.
The Egyptians thought that the Israelites were their slaves when they were really God’s slaves (they belonged entirely to God). Moses belonged entirely to God, and Aaron was chosen to go with him to speak to the wicked Pharaoh.
27 He put the words of his signs in them and his wonders in the land of Ham.
Here is another reference to Egypt as the land of Ham.
28 He sent darkness and made it dark, and they did not rebel against his word.
When God sent darkness and made it dark in Egypt,487 and they did not rebel against his word, this is referring to Moses and Aaron.
29 He turned their waters into blood and slew their fish.
30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance in the chambers of their kings.
The first three plagues were general across all the land, but beginning with the plague of the flies, God made it so the last seven plagues did not affect the children of Israel who lived in the land of Goshen (Exodus 8:22).
31 He spoke, and swarms of flies and lice came within all their borders.
32 He turned their rain into hail, into flaming fire in their land.
33 He smote their vines also and their fig trees and broke the trees within their borders.
34 He spoke, and the locusts came and caterpillars without number,
35 and ate up all the grass in their land and devoured the fruit of their ground.
36 He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.
There are similarities between the destruction that God leveled on the wicked Pharaoh and upon the land of Ham (Egypt), and with the pending destruction upon the wicked world that surrounds us that is at enmity with God (James 4:4) and the coming destruction upon Satan, who is known as the prince of this world.488 In the book of Revelation, the last three trumpets are described as woes, and I think that they happen prior to the victorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ. They appear to apply generally, like the first three plagues in Egypt (Revelation 9, 10, 11). It is at the sound of the seventh trumpet that the mystery of God is revealed. It is also at the sound of the last (or seventh) trumpet that the first resurrection will take place (1 Corinthians 15:51–53), and this is linked to the second coming (Revelation 20:4–6).
This, and other factors lead me to believe that the seven vials will be directed only against our enemies in the world and the prince of this world (Satan), until Satan and his kingdom are destroyed like Pharaoh and his kingdom in the land of Ham (Revelation 15, 16). The wrath of God will not fall upon the people of God, just as the last seven plagues did not affect the children of Israel living in Goshen. God does not destroy the righteous along with the wicked (Genesis 18:23–32).
Look what happened with the children of Israel:
37 And he brought them forth with silver and gold, and there was not one sick person among their tribes.
38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them fell upon them.
After Egypt and Pharaoh and all the firstborn489 were destroyed, God brought his people forth with silver and gold. Scripture states that they spoiled the Egyptians (Exodus 12:36).
39 He spread a cloud for a covering and fire to give light in the night.
This is symbolic of how Jesus is able to baptize us in the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). This is God’s provision to cover us and give us light in the night under the new covenant.
40 The people asked, and he brought quails and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
Jesus came so that we may partake of him, the real bread of heaven (John 6:47– 58). The quail and manna that God fed his people in the wilderness only brought temporary satisfaction. Those who partake of Jesus will be permanently satisfied with eternal life.
41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places and became a river.
The rock is another illustration of Jesus Christ who provides the refreshing water of his word for thirsty souls that languish in spiritual dry places. Jesus even said, He that believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).
42 For he remembered his holy word with Abraham his slave.
43 And he brought forth his people with joy and his chosen with singing
44 and gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labour of the nations,
45 that they might observe his statutes and keep his laws. Halelu-JAH.
God always remembers his holy word. In fact, the Scripture states that his Word will not return void. It will always accomplish his purpose (Isaiah 55:11). When God gave Abraham’s descendants the lands of the Gentiles and when they inherited the labour of the nations, it was so that they might observe his statutes and keep his laws.
God really did fulfill his promise to Abraham, yet this was also a living parable about what will happen in the future when Jesus’s words are fulfilled. Jesus said, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). At the first resurrection, all of God’s special people – including Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses – will participate along with us in the fullness of our inheritance in Christ. At his imminent return, Jesus will truly bring forth his people with joy and his chosen with singing.
Let us pray:
Dear Jesus, we long for the day when your promises to your people are completely fulfilled. May the time come quickly when your judgments are in all the earth. Amen.
****
481 “Seth” means “substitute” or “compensation” (presumably for the tragedy of Cain killing Abel).
482 “Enos” means “mortal.”
483 Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 5:10
484 Romans 2:28–29
485 See Appendix B.
486 “Ham,” meaning “warm” or “multitude,” was the second son of Noah. Ham was the father of “Canaan,” which means “trader” or “trafficker.” Due to an unfortunate incident that happened when Noah celebrated after the flood and wound up drunk and naked, Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brethren outside. Then Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a slave of slaves shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his slave. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his slave (Genesis 9:22–27).
487 “Egypt” means “(double) black.”
488 John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11
489 Culturally, birth order was significant, and the firstborn were the leaders of all the Egyptian families.
Chapter 106.
One hundred and six is two times fifty-three (recognizing the depravity of fallen man). This number does not occur in Scripture except in the title of this psalm.
Psalm 106
1 Halelu-JAH. O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever.
2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can show forth all his praise?
3 Happy are those that keep judgment and he that does righteousness at all times.
What does it mean to keep judgment? God is our ultimate judge and authority. When he makes known his will regarding any given matter, this is his judgment. If we keep judgment, this means we will not undo, pervert, or explain away any of God’s pronouncements. For example, this means we will not go through and underline or highlight all the Bible verses we happen to like and then ignore others that we dislike.490 The person who keeps judgment remembers God’s answers to their questions along with the lessons when God has intervened in their lives with his discipline and chastisement.
Those who keep judgment will be happy, and they are linked to he that does righteousness at all times (note the singular pronoun, “he”). In Hebrew, righteousness and justice are both rolled into one word. The only person I know that does righteousness (or justice) at all times is our Lord Jesus Christ. He does, however, desire to dwell in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and enable and empower us to do righteousness at all times.
4 Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou dost bear unto thy people; O visit me with thy saving health,
5 that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
If we are to please God, it is imperative that we receive favor (or grace) from him. The psalmist is well aware of this. Favor (or grace) is linked here to saving health, seeing the good of God’s chosen, to being able to rejoice in gladness along with God’s nation (his people), and to being able to glory with God’s inheritance. God’s inheritance is his people, and in order for God’s people to have glory and for any of us to be able to participate in that glory, favor from God is indispensable.
6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedly.
7 Our fathers did not understand thy wonders in Egypt; they did not remember the multitude of thy mercies but rebelled by the sea, even at the Red sea.
Even though some individuals remained faithful to God, enough Israelites sinned and committed iniquity and acted wickedly for so long that corporate repentance was desperately needed and long overdue. This is a central purpose behind this psalm.
8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
9 He reprehended the Red Sea also, and it was dried up, so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.
10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.
God is in the business of saving as many as possible. When we are redeemed from the hand of the enemy, this means that we belong to God. However, as it turned out, it was much easier for God to save them from the hand of the one that hated them and to redeem them from the hand of the enemy than it was to save them from the sin and iniquity and wickedness that lurked beneath the surface of many of their hearts.
11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.
12 Then they believed his words; they sang his praise.
They believed and sang and celebrated when they saw the dead bodies of the Egyptian army (including Pharaoh) washed up against the banks of the Red Sea the next morning.
13 They became rash. They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel:
14 They gave themselves over to lust in the wilderness and tempted God in the desert.
Note the degenerate progression: first, They became rash. Then, They soon forgot his works. Next, They waited not for his counsel. Then the consequences were: They gave themselves over to lust in the wilderness and tempted God in the desert.
This is mind-boggling. God was the one who got “tempted” in the desert as they tested his patience with their carnal desires.
15 And he gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.
The progression continues: He gave them their request, and then he sent leanness into their soul.
Could this type of thing continue today among sectors of the people of God?
16 Then they envied Moses in the camp and Aaron the saint of the LORD.
17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan491 and covered the company of Abiram.492
18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.
Those who lusted had their material request granted along with leanness in their soul. However, those who envied Moses and Aaron received a much more drastic penalty that was irrevocable.
19 They made a calf in Horeb493 and worshipped the molten image.
20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eats grass.
Paganism must have made some serious inroads into the Israelites (and their servants) during all the years that they were in Egypt. Today, God’s people also need to be very careful not to get conditioned by the values of the God-hating world that surrounds us.
21 They forgot the God of their saving health, who had done great things in Egypt,
22 wondrous works in the land of Ham,494 and terrible things upon the Red Sea.495
23 Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath lest he should destroy them.
Moses was chosen by God to lead his people out of Egypt. He took this seriously. When Moses stood in the breach to intercede between the people and God he said: I pray thee, for, this people who have sinned a great sin and have made themselves gods of gold, that thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me now out of thy book which thou hast written (Exodus 32:31–32).
Moses was willing to risk his eternal future and place in God for the people that he was leading. And the LORD answered unto Moses, Whoever has sinned against me, this one will I blot out of my book. Therefore go now, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee; behold, my Angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day of my visitation I will visit their sin in them. And the LORD smote the people because they had made the calf, which Aaron formed (Exodus 32:33–35).
There were basically two types of problems with the people who Moses led out of Egypt that continue even today among many congregations that belong to the Lord: one, A mixed multitude (of those who later proved not to have a serious commitment to God) went up also with them (Exodus 12:27–28), and two, many of those who were committed to God were immature and, therefore, not ready for war or for major responsibility (Exodus 13:17).
24 And they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his word:
25 But murmured in their tents and did not hearken unto the voice of the LORD.
26 Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness,
27 to overthrow their seed also among the Gentiles, and to scatter them in the lands.
Some of the children of Israel despised the pleasant land (the promised land) and refused move when God told them to enter in. Therefore, God lifted up his hand against them (and swore an oath that they would not enter into his rest) and proceeded to overthrow them in the wilderness. Throughout subsequent generations (after the conquest of Canaan), many others also despised the pleasant land, and God vowed to overthrow their seed also among the Gentiles, and to scatter them in the lands. (See also Deuteronomy 28:15–68.)
28 They also joined themselves unto Baalpeor496 and ate the sacrifices for the dead.
Baalpeor, meaning “lord of the opening” (in a sexual sense), was the pagan sun god of prosperity. The worship of Baal involved sexual perversion, worship of the dead, and even human sacrifice.
29 Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions; and the plague broke in upon them.
Twenty-four thousand people died in that plague (Numbers 25:9).
30 Then Phinehas stood up and executed judgment, and so the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness from generation to generation for evermore.
Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, took a javelin and ran it through two of the ringleaders of the rebellion (Numbers 25:6– 8). The fact that he executed judgment, and it is recorded here in Scripture that this was counted unto him for righteousness from generation to generation for evermore, means that Phinehas had to have been carrying out the will of the Lord at a time when others were indecisive or even complacent.
The Lord said regarding Phinehas, Behold I establish my covenant of peace with him; and he shall have, and his seed after him, even the covenant of the everlasting priesthood because he was zealous for his God and reconciled the sons of Israel (Numbers 25:12–13). God can still choose to make covenants directly with individuals, such as when he established his covenant of peace with Phinehas who was awarded “the covenant of the everlasting priesthood” because he was zealous for his God and reconciled the sons of Israel. Note that this covenant even pertains to his seed after him.497 Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God (Matthew 5:9).
In the ensuing war against Midian, Phinehas was an outstanding leader.498 One thousand Israelites from each tribe completely defeated the enemy without losing a single man (Numbers 31:49).
32 They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:
33 Because they provoked his spirit to rebel, and he spoke it with his lips.
Even though God knows our thoughts, every one of us will eventually give an account on the day of judgment for every idle word (Matthew 12:36). When Moses became angry with the obstinate people, they provoked his spirit to rebel (against God), and instead of saying what God had told him to say, he focused on his inner turmoil and spoke it with his lips. This disqualified him from leading the people into the promised land (Numbers 20:7–13).
34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:
35 But were mingled among the Gentiles and learned their works.
36 And they served their idols, which were a snare unto them.
This happened over and over again for many generations.
37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils
38 and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood.
Things are not much different today among the modern congregations who sacrifice their sons and their daughters to the same devils on the altar of conformity to the world and to political correctness.
39 Thus they were defiled with their own works and went a whoring with their own inventions.
We must obtain our directives from God and implement his will in the power and wisdom and authority of the Holy Spirit. God’s people will remain defiled as long as they insist on perpetrating their own works and their own inventions.
40 Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
41 And he gave them into the hand of the Gentiles, and those that hated them ruled over them.
It seems to me that many of God’s people today have also been given into the hand of the Gentiles (into the hand of unconverted government rulers) in the sense that those that hate them rule over them. Some have even lost hope that this type of oppression may ever be reversed, short of the second coming.
42 Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.
43 He delivered them many times, but they rebelled at his counsel and were brought low for their iniquity.
It is not only the history of ancient Israel that was littered with such examples; the long history of the church has had many similar episodes.
44 Nevertheless he would look upon their affliction and hear their cry
45 and remember his covenant with them and repent according to the multitude of his mercies.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will continue to look upon the affliction of his people and hear their cry. Now he has an even better covenant to remember, and instead of men like Moses and Aaron (excellent as they were), we now have the Lord Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the Father reigning with all power and all authority to implement the new covenant in us by the Holy Spirit. He is able to write his laws in our hearts and in our souls.
We are extremely fortunate that God has a long history of “repenting,” according to the multitude of his mercies, from giving his people what they sometimes deserve, although he does hold every individual accountable.
46 He also caused those that carried them captives to have mercy upon them.
I have certainly experienced this on multiple occasions. The longer that one is captive, however, the more they tend to value freedom, even if God moves the captors to mercy. In order for us to worship God in Spirit and in truth, freedom is essential, for where that Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). Yes, I know that even when held hostage or in prison or under a repressive regime, we have liberty of thought in the Spirit. But in order to fulfill the will of God in the earth, actual freedom and lack of oppression in both the natural and in the spiritual realms is essential.
Moses and Aaron faced the wicked pharaoh because God told them to tell him: Let my people go! (This was because Israel needed freedom to worship and honor God.) It may have been that many of God’s people at the time were praying for God to soften Pharaoh’s heart so that he would have mercy on them. Pharaoh, however, prided himself on his hard heart, and God hardened it even more until Pharaoh completely shattered in the midst of God’s judgments. Something similar is about to happen with Satan and with those he has placed in positions of authority to control, hinder, oppress, and persecute the people of God.
47 Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, that we might lift up thy holy name, that we might glory in thy praise.
When the Lord gathers all of his people from wherever they have been scattered, his people will undoubtedly – and with great enthusiasm – lift up his holy name. As we look back and learn from all the mistakes of the past, we will become more and more convinced that God deserves all our praise. This brings us back to the questions posed at the beginning of this psalm: Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can show forth all his praise? (vs. 2).
God knows our human limitations, because he made us. We can, however, aspire to have clean hands and a pure heart before him by his mercy and grace.
48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say, Amen. Halelu-JAH.
Let us pray:
O Lord, we wholeheartedly identify with the psalmist and join in the refrain: Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say, Amen. Halelu-JAH.
****
490 This is one reason why I do not like to underline verses in my Bible. Every time I read or preach from a given passage, I want to be completely open for whatever the Lord would show me without having established a previous prejudice for one verse or passage over another. An added benefit to not marking up my Bible is that I am always free to give my unmarked Bible to someone that I am witnessing to or to someone in need because I can always get another one.
491 “Dathan” means “custom” or “law.”
492 “Abiram” means “father of loftiness.”
493 “Horeb” means “desolate, utterly waste.”
494 This is the third and final time that Egypt is referred to as the land of Ham.
495 The Red Sea is mention twenty-eight times in Scripture. This is the twenty-third.
496 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to fornicate with the daughters of Moab, who called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor; and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel (Numbers 25:1–3).
497 But ye are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an acquired people, that ye should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9).
498 And Moses sent them to the war; he sent a thousand of every tribe; and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, went to the war with the holy instruments, with the trumpets to blow in his hand (Numbers 31:6).
