August 25 / Psalms 64-65

Psalms 64-65 Dear RTB’ers, Two psalms today, both ascribed to David, and totally different in their content. Psalm 64 is all about David’s enemies while Psalm 65 is all about praise. As to David’s enemies… The first eight verses in Psalm 64 mention the enemies; only the last two, speak of God’s deliverance. The enemies …

August 23 / Psalms 61-62

Psalms 61-62 Dear RTB’ers, Another two Psalms today, both ascribed to David, but neither pointing to any specific incident in his life – and he had a number of enemies! In both of these Psalms “the king” is specifically mentioned (Prolong the life of the king…, v. 61:6a) or suggested (They only plan to thrust …

August 22 / Psalm 60

Psalm 60 Dear RTB’ers, David makes his plea (Psalm 60:1-5), the Lord answers directly (Psalm 60:6-8), then David continues his plea (Psalm 60:9-11a), and eventually expresses his confidence in the Lord’s deliverance (Psalm 60:11b-12). I can understand David pleading for the Lord’s deliverance, then the Lord’s response, almost like He has already delivered Israel, but …

August 21 / Psalms 58-59

Psalms 58-59 Dear RTB’ers, Two psalms today – unlike yesterday’s two psalms, these two are seemingly unconnected. In Psalm 58 David is attacking unrighteous judges, asking the Lord to restrain them and praying for deliverance for this unjustly tried. Then in Psalm 59 David is again praying for his own protection against his enemies. David …

August 20 / Psalms 56-57

Psalms 56-57 Dear RTB’ers, What can man do to me? (vv. 56:4b, 11b) David has the perfect perspective here. For us, on this side of the Cross, it’s an easier perspective because we can think eternally. But David did not have that level of assurance, although he did have events in Israel’s history (e.g., the …

August 18 / Psalms 52-54

Psalms 52-54 Dear RTB’ers, Three psalms today, but they could easily be read as one. Try it. Move Psalm 52:8-9 and Psalm 53:6 to the end of Psalm 54 and the remaining verses are consistent as a prayer by David for deliverance from his foes and his recognition of their foolishness in not trusting/believing in …

August 16 / II Samuel 23

II Samuel 23 Dear RTB’ers, David is brimming with confidence as to his relationship with God: For does not my house stand so with God? For He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. For will He not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? (v. 5) …