Category: Biblical Reflections

David writes this psalm on the occasion of Saul sending men to watch his house, intending to kill him.  He opens the psalm with a declaration of his own innocence.  These men seek him for no reason, yet they run through the city and need to be punished.  They run through the streets like dogs, … Continue reading I Am Innocent! (Psalm 59)

David writes this psalm regarding the judgement of the wicked.  He calls out the wicked who pretend to be righteous.  He declares that the wicked are astray from the moment they are born, and are as poisonous as a serpent, and close their ears like a cobra that cannot be charmed.  David then asks God … Continue reading Judgement of the Wicked (Psalm 58)

David wrote this psalm when he was hiding in a cave from Saul.  He cries out to God for mercy and declares his trust in God.  He knows that when he cries out to God that He will hear and send from heaven to save him.  Although he is among lions with spears and arrows … Continue reading Save Me (Psalm 57)

David wrote this Michtam (musical cue) while he was in the custody of the Philistines in Gath.  He asks for God's mercy in the midst of his enemy's pursuit of him. Psalm 56:3–4 (NKJV) 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I … Continue reading Prayer for Safety (Psalm 56)

David writes a psalm that, typically, speaks of his oppression by his enemies, yet praises his God.  This is a common theme for David, due to his being pursued by Saul, the Philistines, and many other enemies during the course of his early life.  In this case, he speaks of an enemy that is close … Continue reading Evening, Morning, and Noon (Psalm 55)

Sermon notes by Dr. Greg Sloop from a sermon preached Sunday, January 1st in the 5:00 pm service at Kannapolis Church of God. Matthew 3:13–17 (NKJV) 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, … Continue reading To Fulfill All Righteousness (Matthew 3:13–17 NKJV)

David writes this psalm as a prayer to God when the Ziphites gave up his location to Saul.  He asks God to save him and vindicate him against strangers and oppressors, ungodly people.  He then immediately begins to lift up the fact that God is his helper.  The Lord upholds him, repays enemies, cuts them … Continue reading I Am Delivered (Psalm 54)

Psalm 53:1–3 (NKJV) 1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. 3 Every one of … Continue reading The Folly of the Godless (Psalm 53)

Another psalm of David is written upon the occasion of Doeg the Edomite telling Saul the whereabouts of David.  David begins by calling Doeg--and by extension all evil men--out for his sinfulness.  His boasts in evil are futile and useless, whereas the goodness of God lasts forever.  He lists the sins of the evil man, … Continue reading The Evil Fall and the Godly are Saved (Psalm 52)

A psalm of David is inserted here, several chapters after his last entry.  David writes this psalm in response to Nathan's rebuke after David had gone in to Bathsheba and had Uriah killed to cover up his sin.  David begins by asking God for mercy, that He would blot out his transgressions and wash him … Continue reading Restore Me (Psalm 51)