Psalms 117-118
Dear RTB’ers,
Today, the last of the “Hallelujah Psalms” (Psalms 111-118). Tomorrow we begin seven days in Psalm 119.
Today’s psalm appears to be a song of victory over an enemy (or enemies). We’ll never know the exact context, but we tend to apply it to ourselves – either individually or corporately. It’s not hard to make it personal: Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. (vv. 5, 7b-8, 17)
We can also see this psalm in a bigger picture, except that the mixing of the singular and the plural makes it more difficult – unless the “me” is a leader speaking: All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! (vv. 10, 25)
I tend to favor the more personal, individual application. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. I thank You that You have answered me and have become my salvation. (vv. 14, 17-18, 21)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! (vv. 118:1, 29) AMEN!
Blessings.
Fred