PSALM 103 - DAVID'S LEGACY OF PRAISE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 103, 1 Kings 2, 2 Samuel 24

This is a PSALM OF DAVID, probably written in his last days, wanting to leave a legacy to his son Solomon who he was soon to anoint as the new king;  and the people of Israel, who he had endeavoured to serve as a "man after God's own heart". In HUMILITY and GRATITUDE, David praised God, as he had many a time before, for all GOD'S GOODNESS, MERCY AND LOVE.

The first few verses, 1-5, speak of what God has done for David personally, specifically in the area of FORGIVENESS.  In Verses 6-18, David goes on to speak of what God has done for all  His people. Again, in his great LOVE AND MERCY, he recalls how the Israelites were delivered out of slavery in Egypt. Finally, in Verses 19-22, we read  how David, nearing the end of his life, is hoping to sing GOD'S PRAISES with the Angels in Heaven.

In the final scenes of David's life, we read of both good and bad times. Words of godly advice as he anoints his son, but also the desire to "settle an old score" and disobeying God's will, with the census. He became a "flawed hero". Yet, he still seeks forgiveness from God, and returns to Him. Though, in his life, he had "turned away from God" for short moments, GOD NEVER LEFT HIM.

There is no escaping the consequences of wrong doing, just like David. But with the FORGIVENESS AND MERCY OF OUR FATHER, like David, we are STILL ABLE TO PRAISE HIM. David wants to give us too, a LEGACY OF PRAISE, and a reminder of who God truly is.

PRAISE GOD WITH MY INNER BEING - Read Psalm 103:1-5

In this first part of this Psalm King David reminds himself that in all that he has done in his life - good and bad - in his inner most being, he still needs to PRAISE THE LORD. Hebrew is the language David speaks and "all that I am" means his "soul" and "everything that is in him". This is how we too need to PRAISE THE LORD. We also need to PRAISE HIS "HOLY NAME" because He is pure and sinless, God has never done anything wrong. 

"All that I am, PRAISE THE LORD. Everything in me, PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. My whole being, PRAISE THE LORD, Do not forget all His kindness." Psalm 103:1&2 (ICB)

"PRAISE THE LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. PRAISE THE LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:1&2 (NIV)

"The "PIT" mentioned in Verse 4 was the place the Jews named Sheol, where they believed they went when they died. When God forgives us, we are REDEEMED (SAVED) from this PIT. On his death bed, David would have been glad to have known this. The GREAT MERCY OF GOD, would have given him a place in Heaven, rather than Sheol (the Pit).

"The Lord forgives me from all my sins. He heals all my diseases. He saves my life with GRACE, He loads me with LOVE and MERCY." Psalm 103:3&4 (ICB)

"David felt this LOVE OF THE LORD and had a great passion for GOD WHO WAS WITH HIM. Deep within his heart, he had this THIRST FOR GOD and a DEEP DEPENDENCE ON HIM. This was how his relationship began, with humility and a deep need for Him, and this is why he would pass it on." El Centro Network

Even in His final days, David felt GOD'S STRENGTH, like a "young eagle", a large bird "flying through the sky strong and free."   When God forgives us, we feel like David felt, and we definitely want to PRAISE GOD IN HOPE.

"He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like an eagle." 

                                                                      Psalm 103:5 (NIV)

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will sour high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD - Read Psalm 103:6-18;         Exodus 3,4,12:31-15:21; 1 Chronicles 29:1-20

In these verses David talks about the "Covenant People" - the Israelites. They agreed to LOVE and OBEY GOD. God told Moses His plan to take His people out of Egypt, and HE WAS FAITHFUL TO HIS PEOPLE. 

"But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."  Exodus 14:13&14 (NLT)

"Moses told the people of God that there home with God was there DWELLING PLACE. Do you have this thirst for God and this spontaneous outburst of your soul that makes you want to lives in GOD's TRUE DWELLING PLACE." El Centro Network

Why does God want this for us?

1. HE IS KIND AND MERCIFUL.

"The Lord is COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL, slow to get angry and filled with UNFAILING LOVE. For His UNFAILING LOVE TOWARRDS US who fear Him is as great as the height of the Heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the East is from the West."

                                                          Psalm 103:8, 11&12 (NLT)

2. HE IS A COMPASSIONATE FATHER. 

"The Lord is like a father to His children, TENDER AND COMPASSIONATE to those who fear Him." Psalm 103:13 (NLT)

God made us and knew what we were like from dust. He knew that our lives were short, like flowers. He is righteous with us, just as He was with His people - the Israelites - who obeyed Him. 

It is true today, as it was in the past,  YOUR LIFE AND YOUR LOVE FOR GOD is going to make a difference. GOD PROMISES THAT HIS LOVE and MERCY  NEVER ENDS, and He will always CARE for our children and grandchildren, even more than we do. His LOVE AND COMPASSION is so OVERWHELMING! You see, God sees the BIGGER PICTURE! You, too, like David, can have a LEGACY OF PRAISE, when we remember  GOD'S MERCY, LOVE AND COMPASSION.

"Then David said to the whole assembly: "GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD YOUR GOD!" And the entire assembly praised the Lord, the God of their ancestors; and they bowed low and knelt before the Lord and King." 1 Chronicles 29:20 (NLT)

JOIN IN ANGEL's PRAISES - Read Psalm 103:19-22;                  1 Kings 2:1-5

This Psalm ends with David speaking of the Angels, God's Servants, PRAISING GOD IN HEAVEN. David too, was a servant of God, and he knew that his days were numbered. Heaven was God's home, and David soon hoped that he would be able to sit at the throne of his Father God. He too would be able to JOIN IN THE ANGEL'S PRAISES. 

These may have been the last words that David set down in a Psalm. His thoughts centred on God's dynasty, and He himself who was a "man after God's own heart". 

"PRAISE THE LORD, everything that He has created, everything in all His Kingdom. LET ALL THAT I AM, PRAISE THE LORD." Psalm 103:22 (NLT)

CONCLUSION - Read Psalm 103; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

David urges everyone to PRAISE GOD. He talks of God's FAITHFULNESS, MERCY AND LOVE; and praises Him personally with His people, and then we would hope with the angels in Heaven.

We are to avoid allowing God to become so "commonplace" that we forget to praise Him. PRAY DAVID'S PSALM OF PRAISE - HIS LEGACY. 

In 1834 the British Clergyman Henry Francis Lyte wrote this hymn, "PRAISE MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN", as a development of Psalm 103. Like David, Lyte urged us not to forget the Lord's benefits: "ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven".  He also indicates  "God is slow to chide" and "quick to bless". 

This is a GREAT SONG OF PRAISE, and was chosen by Queen Elizabeth to be sung at her wedding. It is something that can help us maintain our spirit of WORSHIP AND PRAISE, just like DAVID's LEGACY.

"David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly saying, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord is the GREATNESS and the POWER and the MAJESTY and the SPLENDOUR, for everything in Heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the Kingdom, You are exalted as Head over all......now O GOD WE GIVE YOU THANKS AND PRAISE YOUR GLORIOUS NAME." 1 Chronicles 29:10,11 &13

Lyte, Henry Francis, "Praise  My Soul the King of Heaven", 1834, The Spirit of Psalms,. (Commonwealth Service, 2022, Wesminster Abbey)

"The Holy Bible - International Children's Bible: Magnify", 2015, Tommy Nelson

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook of the Bible - 4th Edition", 2009, Lion Hudson.

Churchyard, Gordon, "Psalm 103 - The Love of God", 2002, Wycliife Association, www.easyenglish.bible.com

El Centro Network, "David - A Man After God's Own Heart", 2002, New Version

Lucado, Max, "The Devotional Bible, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, New Century Version", 2003, Thomas Nelson

Peterson, William & Ardythe, "The Complete Book of Hymns", 2006, Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 102 - A PRAYER OF HOPE FOR ANXIOUS HEARTS

INTRODUCTION - Read  Psalm 102; Jeremiah 29:1-14; Nehemiah 1:4-6;  8:5-10

The writer of this Psalm is unknown, but many commentaries agree that it is likely to have been Nehemiah, Jeremiah or Daniel, during the time of exile to Babylon; for this was definitely a time of "sadness" and "anxiety". These men were also known as "men of prayer", who would pray not only for their own concerns, but also for the people in their communities - God's people, the Israelites.

Psalm 102:1-11, is a personal "sad complaint" in which the Psalmist speaks of his own "great affliction". Yet, it would have been a something that most of the Jewish people would have been feeling during this time of exile.  

"Hear my prayer, Lord, LET MY CRY FOR HELP COME TO YOU. Do not hide your face from me. WHEN I AM IN DISTRESS, turn your ear to me. WHEN I CALL, ANSWER ME QUICKLY."

 Psalm 102:1&2 (NIV)

"When I heard these things, I SAT DOWN AND WEPT. For some days I mourned and fasted and PRAYED before the God of Heaven." Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)

Psalm 102:12-22 are words of encouragement for God's people. as they consider the HOPE and STRENGTH they can have from their "eternal God", who would ANSWER THEIR PRAYERS. They could have confidence and faith in their God, who would, IN TIME, rescue them from their affliction.

"The Lord will REBUILD JERUSALEM, and His glory will be seen. He will ANSWER THE PRAYERS OF THE NEEDY. He will NOT REJECT THEIR PRAYERS." Psalm 102:16&17 (CEV)

"Do not grieve, for the JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH." Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV)

Finally, Psalm 102:23-28, is another "prayer of lament" for the afflicted, but it is also a time of hope. The Psalmist looks forward to the "resurrection" of his nation, because of his eternal, omnipotent, omnipresent, creator God, and His Son Jesus Christ. They would have a bright future. God is gracious  and cares for His people. We, like the Israelites, can have a calm confidence for our future and that of our children.

"No Zion, thou shalt never perish. The sun is not set forever; brighter days are in store for thee."

                                                                                               Charles Spurgeon

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "PLANS TO PROSPER YOU and not to harm you, TO GIVE YOU A HOPE AND A FUTURE." Jeremiah 29:11

 

MY PRAYER - Read Psalm 102:1-11; Nehemiah 1:4-11, 4:4-14;      Daniel 9:3-19; Jeremiah 12, 20;7&8.

The Psalmist "humbly begs God" to listen to his prayer of suffering. In their books, Nehemiah, Jeremiah and Daniel are known for their prayers, both their "complaints", and their blessings for God's people. These men all suffered in their life, at one time or another, with "great trouble and grief". At times they felt the "anger (wrath) of God", not only for themselves personally, but for their family, friends and community. 

The Psalmist likens himself to birds - the PELICAN, OWL and SPARROW. These were usually "emblems of gloom". Writers in the Word would usually use EAGLES who were symbols of strength, but the grief of his people had really brought him down. He was feeling, not only "melancholy", but also "alone, like a bird who had lost it's mate or it's young." 

We, even as Christians, feel this way when we have lost a loved one, or when we have gone through a real trial, and are grieving, depressed or anxious. But by PERSEVERING IN PRAYER we can find THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD  WILL LIFT US UP.

"The Sovereignty of God in all things is an unfailing ground for CONSOLATION - HE RULES AND REIGNS whatever happens, and therefore ALL IS WELL!" Charles Spurgeon

Daniel, Nehemiah and Jeremiah were all MEN OF FAITH. They knew from experience that God would LISTEN TO THEIR PRAYERS. He was a GOD OF MERCY AND COMPASSION and the Psalmist, whoever he may have been, knew that God would not have ignored him, in his prayer.

In the style of one who was truly MOURNING, His pain was TRULY DEEP INSIDE. It effected his body as well as his internal organs spiritually (the heart), and he had "no appetite". Worst of all was the "affliction that came from enemies". These men all faced "constant disapproval and rejection". They were "forever mocked", particularly persecution for the work they were doing for the Lord. The Psalmist felt like "life was short and had no meaning". 

"At that time I, Daniel, mourned for 3 weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the 3 weeks were over." Daniel 10:2&3 (NIV)

"At this the administrators and satraps tried to find grounds to charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said: "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of the Lord.". Daniel 6:4-5 (NIV)

GOD'S ANSWERS - Read Psalm 102:12-22;  Jeremiah 29:4-12; Nehemiah 8:5-9:31

God is always LOVING, MERCIFUL and GRACIOUS. Although Jerusalem was in a time of distress, there would come a time "when she would be helped". God would LISTEN TO HIS PEOPLE'S PRAYERS and they would be GREATLY ENCOURAGED.

"Then you will call on me and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

"You will come and have MERCY on Jerusalem, because the time has now come TO BE KIND TO HER, the RIGHT TIME HAS COME." Psalm 102:23 (CEV)

God took notice of the prayers of His afflicted people, even the groans and moaning, and He answered them with GRACE. In this case it was with the release of His people who had been "prisoners and captives in Babylon". 

"But in your GREAT MERCY you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL GOD." Nehemiah 9:31 (NIV)

"This is what the Lord says: "When 70 years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place." Jeremiah 29:10 (NIV)

"Though in deep affliction the Psalmist had great confidence that the Psalmist would ACT and SHOW MERCY to Jerusalem once again. At GOD'S APPOINTED TIME Jerusalem would be the object of God's favour. He had a set time for their RESTORATION and would never again leave them in ruin." David Guzik

The Psalmist's intent here in this Psalm was to say that the REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM would be an object of PRAISE AND WORSHIP for the Jewish people for MANY GENERATIONS to come. They will want to encourage and bring joy to their children with their stories, by "bringing delight" to them. 

"Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" They bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground." 

Nehemiah 8:6 (NIV)

"Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise." Nehemiah 9:5 (NIV)

The RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM was the first part of God's greater work He was to do for His people and for the whole world. It was a testimony for the future, for "people who were not yet created may praise the Lord". God would look down from Heaven to:

* See what would happen in the WHOLE WORLD.

* Listen to the groaning of HIS PEOPLE.

* Bring SALVATION at His appointed time.

* Proclaim the NAME OF THE LORD - HIS SON JESUS.

* Gather His people TOGETHER.

* Receive the PRAISE AND WORSHIP of His servants.

"For God so loved the world that He gave HIS ONLY SON, that whoever believes IN HIM shall not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE. For God did not send HIS SON INTO THE WORLD to condemn the world, but TO SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17

WHO IS MY GOD? - Read Psalm 102:23-28; Daniel 7,                 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Once again, in the last part of this Psalm, the Psalmist confesses "his weaknesses and frailities". He writes, like the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, that there were times, although he was a man of great faith, he struggled with personal weaknesses. Yet, it was in his weakness, that he found his greatness STRENGTH IN THE LORD. 

"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said: "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weaknesses." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG." 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)

God is ETERNAL and He sent His son Jesus, who like His Father, "is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow". (Hebrews 13:8) God and His Son Jesus were UNCHANINGING and have complete power over CREATION.  God was also OMNIPOTENT and OMNIPRESENT, and like Paul in his writings, the Psalmist ends his Psalm with a "note of confidence and triumph". Even if he did not see God's ULTIMATE VICTORY in his own day, he knew it would definitely be seen in the life of his children.

"He was given AUTHORITY, HONOUR and SOVEREIGNTY over all the nations of the world, so the people of every race, nation and language would obey Him. HIS RULE IS ETERNAL - it will NEVER END! His Kingdom will never be destroyed." Daniel 7:14 (NLT)

"But YOU WILL NEVER CHANGE and YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER END. Our children will LIVE IN YOUR PRESENCE and their children will remain with You." Psalm 102:28 (CEV)

CONCLUSION 

There is a wonderful PROGRESSION IN THIS PSALM:

* The Psalmist begins with an HONEST DECLARATION OF HIS OWN MISERY.

* Then he looks OUTSIDE HIMSELF to the PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY AROUND HIM.

* He then goes to look for the SALVATION OF THE WORLD.

* Finally, he looks OUTSIDE HIS TIME TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.

The Psalmist distress was not HOPELESS, for through FAITH he saw a glorious future for unborn generations. God will never forget about us. He will always protect and restore us, NOW, as he did in the PAST, and He will do so in the FUTURE.

"DON'T SUFFER ALONE! When you feel attacked and overwhelmed with anxiety, LOOK TO THE LORD, your friends and your mentors, and THEY WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH!" Max Lucado

"RESTORATION AND REFORMATION come and are still coming! The GOOD NEWS OF ABOUNDING GRACE and the POWER OF THE GOSPEL is the REVIVAL OF THE CHURCH, and it will go on into Heaven for the RESURRECTED." C.M Ward

"The Devotional Bible: Experiencing the Heart of Jesus - New Century Version - ", Max Lucado, 2003, Thomas Nelson

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Guzik, David, "Psalm 102: Afflicted, But Full of Trust - Enduring Word Bible Commentary",

2020, ewm, enduringword.com

Henry, Matthew & Manser, Martin H, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", 2002, Zondervan

Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David: Commentary on Psalms", 1885, 2021, Christianity.com

Ward, C.M, "Review Time Pulpit - Book 8, General Council of Assemblies of God", 1964, Radio Department Copyright.

PSALM 101 - DAVID'S RULES TO LIVE BY

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 101, Psalm 37

David was the author of this Psalm and "aside from a temporary slump in disobedience", he understood that God had a plan for his life. Most of the time he served God faithfully and "was a man after God's own heart".

"After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: "I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; HE'LL DO EVERYTHING I WANT HIM TO DO."

                                                                                                                 Acts 13:22 (NIV)

David was "no saint" but neither was he "a monster". He was a "complex, complicated leader", but we have much to learn from his life.

"For every Goliath in the story, there was a Bathsheba around the corner. For every soul David showed compassion to, there were hundreds he was responsible for slaughtering. ....David caused a devestating plague and caused the execution of his enemies on his deathbed." Mark Rutland

Yes, David failed at times, but being "a man after God's own heart", meant he endeavoured  to live by God's will and timing and "the statement of his faith" was in short, "I'M YOURS, AND I WILL TRUST IN YOU," even when he failed and went off course.

"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. Though he may STUMBLE, he WILL NOT FALL, for the LORD UPHOLDS HIM WITH HIS HAND." Psalm 37:23&24 (NIV)

The first 4 verses of this Psalm are David's godly resolutions he endeavours to live by: 

* HONOUR (Love and Justice)

* INTEGRITY (A Blameless life)

* HONESTY (Faithfulness and truth))

* PURITY (Rejecting perverse ideas)

In verses 5-8 David "makes a declaration for his house", his government officials, and all who served in his Kingdom. These were behaviours he didn't like and would prefer they had or didn't have:

* SLANDER of neighbours.

* PRIDE (conceit, haugty eyes)

* FAITHFULNESS -  of his companions to dwell with him. 

* BLAMELESS  (above reproach ) - to serve and minister to him.

* DECEIT -no one will dwell or serve in his house

* LIEING (speaks falsely) -  in his presence

*WICKED (evildoers) - not allowed in his city. 

Do you, like David choose to be a person "after God's own heart", having made a decision to follow the Lord and His Son Jesus? Then you need to commit yourself to SERVING WITH POSITIVE VALUES. Choose to be a person, like David, who was COMMITTED TO GOD'S WILL AND PURPOSE.

"TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD; TRUS IN HIM and He will do this." Psalm 37:3-5

AS FOR ME: DAVID'S STATEMENT OF FAITH -   Read Psalm 101:1-4; 1 Samuel 16, 18:1-16,19:1-10; Psalm 51 & Proverbs 21

In these first 4 verses David tells us how committed he was to God's will and purpose, and to following GOD'S VALUES in His life. He lists these 4 qualities:

1. HONOUR 

"I will sing of your LOVE and JUSTICE, Lord. I will sing YOUR PRAISE." Psalm 101:1 (NIV)

LOVE and JUSTICE define who GOD IS and they are guiding values for us to live by.

LOVE is represented by our UNSELFISHNESS, MERCY, KINDNESS and LOYALTY. In the New Testament we are reminded of GOD'S GRACE and FORGIVENESS.

JUSTICE helps us live PEACEFULLY. In our government we would hope it would "denote a civil, orderly administration."

"David resolves to make these  two diving qualities the song of his life. He is committed to letting them animate every decision and every relationship." Charles Swindoll

"The Lord has told you what is good and what He wants from you: Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting the Lord." Micah 6:8 (ICB)

"Whoever pursue righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness and honour." 

Proverbs 21:21

INTEGRITY

"I will be careful to live a BLAMELESS LIFE - when will you come to help me?" Psalm 101:2

David wanted to be a witness of  "public integrity" and truth - living a "blameless life" in his home and Kingdom. His people needed, not only a strong warrior, they needed someone with an "authentic heart" as their Ruler.

David wasn't the smartest or strongest man in his kingdom. He made mistakes! But he knew that a RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD was a KEY TO INTEGRITY, and he always sought forgiveness for his failures. 

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your infailing love; according to your great compassion, blot out all my transgressions. Wash away my iniquity and cleanse from my sin.......Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalm 51:1,2, 11&12  (NIV)

"You can be a PERSON OF INTEGRITY, a "man after God's own heart", if you SEEK HIM WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART AND SOUL." Mark Rutland

HONESTY

"I hate what FAITHLESS PEOPLE do. I will have no part of it all." Psalm 103:3 (NIV)

David's predecessor King Saul was a "weak, dishonest man", both spiritually and mentally. Because of his failures, "God withdrew his anointing"and although David was anointed the new king, he had to wait, and meanwhile, it could be said "he was stripped of his childhood".  Saul fell into a "denomic nightmare". He summoned David to play and sing for him. This would have been a frightening time for the young lad, and something he would never forget. 

"When David came to Saul, he began to serve him. Saul loved David very much. David became the officer who held Saul's armour. Saul sent a message to Jesse, "Let David stay and serve me, I like him." When the evil spirit from God entered Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then the evil spirit would go out of him. He would feel relief. He would feel better again." 

                                                                 1 Samuel 16:21-23 (ICB)

When David grew into a young man he became one of the best soldiers in Saul's army and a favourite with everyone. Saul became very jealous of him, and David could no longer trust him.

"The next day an evil spirit from God entered Saul with power. And He prophesied in his house. David was playing his harp as he usually did. But Saul had a spear in his hand. He raised the spear and thought, "I'll pin David to the wall". But David got away from him two times. The Lord was with David and had left Saul. Saul was afraid of David." 1 Samuel 18:10-12 (ICB)

David knew that one day he would be king, but he also knew that he needed to wait on God's timing. He needed to learn the values that would make him a GOOD KING. David "resolved to avoid" and reject the behaviours he had seen in his predecessor King Saul, for they were definitely NOT HONEST.

PURITY

"I will reject the PEVERSE IDEAS and stay away from evil." Psalm 101:4 (NLT)

We all know that David made mistakes when it came to PURITY. But we also know that when faced  with the consequences of his actions he sought FORGIVENESS from his FATHER GOD. If there was a time that was emphasized his "weakness" most in David's life it was his "adultery with Bathsheba" and the "murder of her husband". God was certainly displeased with David's behaviour . How can a "man after His own heart" COMMIT ADULTERY, MURDER, IMPURITY, CONSPIRACY and CORRUPTION?

Yet, we can see by David's response in Psalm 51, that he knew that he had done wrong. He confessed his sins, repented and accepted the consequences. From this time on David resolved to "know no evil" and he struggled with the "impure memories". But for the sake of his family and his Kingdom, he would now endeavour to live a PURE LIFE.

"For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, and You only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge." Psalm 51:3&4 (NIV)

"My sacrifice, O God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, You, O God, will not despise." 

                                                                                  Psalm 51:17

A PURE LIFE is a "spiritual investment" and we cannot emphasize how important this is. David realised that a "perversed heart" would lead to a weakening of his spiritual life, and was determined to follow God's will, not his own. 

"How can a young man keep his way PURE, by OBEYING YOUR WORD." Psalm 119:9 (ICB)

"Those who are TRULY GOOD will live. But those who chase after evil will die. The Lord hates those with evil hearts, but He is pleased with those who are INNOCENT." (ICB)

AS FOR MY HOUSE - WHAT I WOULD LIKE  TO SEE:                   Read Psalm 101:5-8; Luke 12:13-21, 16:1-14 &                       1 Chronicles 21:1-17

David no longer "LOOKS WITHIN" he "LOOKS AROUND", at the people in his home and Kingdom, and the 7 types of behaviour they exhibited:

THE SLANDERER

"I will not tolerate people who SLANDER THEIR NEIGHBOUR." Psalm 101:5a (NLT)

David would not "tolerate the slanderer", he would "silence them" by stopping their "smear campaigns" and "backstabbing". 

THE PROUD

"I will not endure CONCEIT and PRIDE." Psalm 105b (NLT)

David could not tolerate arrogant people, who had "HAUGHTY EYES and a PROUD HEART"; although this is something he did struggle with later in his reign, and it prevented him from listening to wise counsel. But he was accountable to His Father God, and he wanted his people to learn that GOD's WAY not MAN's WAYS were truly the right ones.

"He learnt a difficult lesson in a very painful way." Jimmy Evans

"Haughty eyes, a proud heart and evil actions are all sin." Proverbs 21:4 (NLT)

FAITHFULNESS

"I will search for FAITFUL PEOPLE to be my companions." Psalm 101:6a (NLT)

David longed to dwell with FAITHFUL PEOPLE in his land. Faithful people supported his vision to follow the WAYS OF THE LORD. 

"Without FAITHFUL PEOPLE to fulfill their roles, leadership cannot succeed." Charles Swindoll

"Many claim to have unfailing love, but a FAITHFUL PERSON who can find?" 

                                                                       Proverbs 20:6  (NIV)

Jesus told a lot of parables about FAITHFULNESS, for He knew it was one of the most important "fruits of the spirit." 

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, FAITHFULNESS and self control." Galatians 5:22&23 (NIV)

"Whoever can be TRUSTED with very little, can be TRUSTED with much. Whoever is dishonest with very little is dishonest also with much." Luke 16:10 (NIV)

"The Lord answered: "Who then is a faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns." Luke 12:42&43 (NIV)

Faithfulness is 'STEADFASTNESS, TRUTHFULNESS and CONSISTENCY". A faithful person is LOYAL TO THEIR DUTY, showing ALLEGIANCE TO THEIR LEADER. This is what David would have wanted. He wanted soldiers, government officials, priests, family and friends he could COUNT ON and he wanted them to know that they could COUNT ON HIM and THE LORD.

"God will NEVER let us down. He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL. Faithful to YOU and faithful to HIS PROMISES." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT)

"We inherit our FAITHFULNESS from our HEAVENLY FATHER." Kenneth Copeland

THE BLAMELESS

"The one whose WALK IS BLAMELESS will minister to me." Psalm 101:6b (NIV)

David admitted that he needed certain people to MENTOR HIM - to SHEPHERD, COUNSEL and SERVE HIM. They would be "BLAMELESS PEOPLE/ABOVE REPROACH". 

One of these men would have been Samuel the prophet, whom God chose to anoint David as the new king. David struggled to have a relationship with his children. This was probably because his father Jesse had not included him in the gathering of his sons, until Samuel specifically asked for him.

 Nathan was another prophet who was sent to confront David when he had "sinned against the Lord."  After repenting and receiving forgiveness from God, David would have needed to face the consequences of his actions.  But Nathan would have stood by him, to encourage him until "he chose to put his focus back where it needed to be - ON THE LORD."

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors."

                                                                              Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

"David was not a great king because he had it all together, nor did he know how to handle every situation. He relied on others who understood his strengths and could fill the gaps when he was weak."  Jimmy Evans

Joab was another of his counsellors, a wise advisor, whom David listened to most of the time. One day, however, David decided to do things HIS OWN WAY. He wanted to "demonstrate his strength rather than God's". He did this by taking a census, counting all his soldiers. Joab urged David to reconsider, but PRIDE prevented David from listening to WISE ADVISE, and he learnt a painful lesson.

"Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. The king's word overruled Joab's; so Joab left and went through Israel and then came back to Jerusalem. This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel......Then David said to God, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now I beg you to take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing" David said to God, "Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people." 1 Chronicles 21:1,4,7&8, 17

We need to have someone in our life to mentor and guide us, to keep us accountable, and from whom we can seek wise, blameless counsel. The greatest of these is the LORD GOD HIMSELF.

THE DECEIVER

"No on who PRACTICES DECEIT will dwell in my house" Psalm 101:7a (NIV)

The word  "dwell" literally means "to sit". David didn't want anyone in a place of responsibility in his government or to serve in his home who was a "hypocrite" or "deceiver". Deception means "keeping back the real story" or simply "not telling the truth" - anyone who would hide the motive behind their actions or cause anyone to be misled. DAVID FELT VERY STRONLY ABOUT THIS. This was probably due to the "number of spears his father in law, King Saul, had thrown at him".

"But an evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand. While David was playing his lyre, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him, as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape."

                                                                                      1 Samuel 19:9&10 (NIV)

THE LIAR

"LIARS will not stay in my presence." Psalm 101:7b

King David had a policy: "Anyone caught telling a lie (speaking falsely) would not keep his position in authority." Charles Swindoll

Relationships are built on TRUST. You cannot maintain TEAMWORK when there is a LIAR in the group. You have a CHOICE - you can either pursue the TRUTH or "pattern yourself after a lie". What would be the way of Christ?

"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are truly my disciples. Then YOU WILL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE." 

                                                                         John 8:31&32 (NIV)

"Jesus answered: "I AM the way, THE TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)

Pattern yourself after His Word. Let your words reflect the HEART OF GOD - CHOOSE THE TRUTH!

"Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right." 

                                                                          Proverbs 16:13 (NLT)

WICKED

"Every morning I will put to silence ALL THE WICKED in the land. I will cut off EVERY EVILDOER from the city of the Lord." Psalm 101:8 (NIV)

David resolved to rid his Kingdom of all criminals - "to cut off and put an end to all evil and wipe out wickedness." David promised to assemble an honest government and administration with a high "moral conduct", with which he could hold himself accountable. 

He would also follow the WILL OF GOD, "after God's own heart". We too want to do the same, having as our motto: "I'M YOURS, AND I WILL TRUST YOU, NO MATTER WHAT."

CONCLUSION

David says in Psalm 101 that he doesn't want to be near things or people that he know would tempt him. He wants to define himself by God's FOUR PRIMARY VALUES: HONOUR, INTEGRITY, HONESTY AND PURITY. He wants to rid his home, work and His Kingdom of all negative influences, and most of all he wants to GROW IN HIS FAITH IN THE LORD - following His will and purpose for His life.

Most people remember David as a GIANT KILLER, a WARRIOR and a KING, but his greatest desire was to WORSHIP GOD. He is the only king God describes "as a man after His own heart". So what does this mean?

* We are to SEEK A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

* We are to GIVE HIM THE RELATIONSHIP HE WANTS, not based on money, position or power.

* This RELATIONSHIP IS WITH SOMEONE who VALUES YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.

* You are to EMULATE OR IMITATE GOD, developing the same DESIRES AND CHARACTERISTICS.

We acknowledge God's RIGHTFUL POSITION in our lives. Our life depends on HIS PRESENCE AND HIS POWER. Without GOD, WE DON'T STAND A CHANCE. THERE IS NO HOPE! But it as simple as WORSHIPPING HIM every day, when you wake up in the morning.

"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendour of holiness." 

                                                                                         Psalm 29:2 (NIV)

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:6&7  (NIV)

"The Holy  Bible, New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible, New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale Publishers

"The Holy Bible, International Children's Bible", 2015, Tommy Nelson

Copeland, Kenneth, "Walk in the Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness",2022, Kenneth Copeland Ministries (You Version)

Evans, Jimmy, "I am David - Devotional", 2020, Gateway Publishing (You Version)

Jackson, Vance K, "Do Not Bear False Witness", 2022, www.vancejackson.com (You Version)

Rutland, Mark, "David the Great", 2001, Charisma House (You Version)

Swindoll, Charles, "Living the Psalms", 2011, Worthy Publishing

PSALM 100 - A SONG OF CELEBRATION

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 100 

Psalm 100 is a SONG OF CELEBRATION. It helps us restore a SPIRIT OF THANKFULNESS and JOYFUL GRATITUDE. It was written "for all the earth" to WORSHIP and PRAISE the Lord.

The Psalm was written as a "poetic hymn" by David, following a style of "meter" and "beat". Each verse has a "distinct message", with a final verse summing up God's character of GOODNESS, LOVE, and FAITHULNESS - giving us a reason for our WORSHIP, PRAISE & THANKS. 

CHOOSE JOY - Verses 1&2

"Shout to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with joy. Come before Him with singing"

                                                                                                Psalm 1001&2 (NCV)

"Shout for joy, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs." 

                                                                                                      Psalm 100:1&2  (NIV)

We are to first "shout joyfully to the Lord" and then to "serve(worship) the Lord with gladness, and then finally, "come before Him with joyful songs." These are three ways as happy people we can come into the Lord's presence. JOY and WORSHIP are choices that we make. "It does our heart good and it is truly contagious."

"The essence of worship is relating to God Himself. It is all about HIM, not just the SONGS themselves. Express your willingness to worship God in TRUTH , as well as in our SPIRITUAL SINGING." Matt Redman

"But the time is coming - indeed it is now here - when TRUE WORSHIPPERS will worship the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. For GOD IS SPIRIT, so those who worship Him must worship in SPIRIT and TRUTH."

                                                                                                 John 4:23

CULTIVATE A FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD - Read Verse 3

"Know that the LORD HIMSELF IS GOD. It is He who made us and WE ARE HIS; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

"Know that the LORD IS GOD. He made us and WE BELONG TO HIM; we are His people and the sheep He tends." Psalm 100:3 (NCV)

Knowledge of God is PERSONAL, not merely theological; and we should develop a RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. 

1. He is our SOVEREIGN GOD, and has dominion over us. He is OUR CREATOR. When we understand this, we are no longer anxious about the life we live, but WE HAVE PEACE AND JOY. 

2. We can have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with God -  this is an experience like no other - as we TRUST HIS DECISIONS on our lives. He is our FATHER and we can have FAITH in HIS WORD and PROMISES. We become confident, people living in JOY and PEACE.

GATES OF THANKSGIVING & COURTS OF PRAISE -     Read Verse 4

HIS GATES & COURTS

"Enter His GATES WITH THANKSGIVING and HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE." 

Psalm 100:4a (NIV)

"Come into HIS CITY WITH SONGS OF THANKSGIVING and into HIS COURTYARDS WITH SONGS OF PRAISE."Psalm 100:4a (NCV)

What was in the Psalmist David's mind when he spoke about the "gates and courts"?

1. He could have been referring to the "stronghold of a ruler"- a judgement seat, where he held court - "deciding cases and granting favours". In this case, when you enter HIS GATES AND COURTS, you would meet with the righteous and just judge, who would have MERCY and GRACE upon you.

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive mercy and we will receive grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

2. In David's day, the tabernacle was the place where the "people of God approached Him". The city of Jerusalem had gates and courts, and only the Priests has access into God's presence. Today we can all approach God in PRAYER with THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE. 

"When the Priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple." 1 Kings 8:10-11 (NLT)

'One cultivates a personal relationship with the God by LISTENING TO HIM and HE SPENDS TIME WITH HIS LOVED ONES. How much quality time do you spend with the Lord, accomplishing His work, showing love to others?" Charles Swindoll

GIVE THANKS TO HIM & BLESS HIS NAME

"GIVE THANKS TO HIM AND PRAISE HIS NAME."Psalm 100:4b (NIV)

"THANK HIM AND PRAISE HIS NAME." Psalm 100:4b (NCV)

"Give Thanks" in Hebrew means "to confess, praise, acknowledge, extol and thank". This is more than just thanking Him for His blessings. It literally means "we don't say enough about Him and what He does for us". 

In Scripture the idea of GIVING THANKS is not just suggestion; Jesus actually modelled it in His PRAYER LIFE. God has already given us everything we need, particularly, GRACE and MERCY. We now need to channel these to others. We need to create a "Thank You List" and tell a story of GOD's GOODNESS and FAITHFULNESS in our lives. 

"Cultivating a THANKFUL HEART is no small issue with God." Charles Swindoll

When we are "Praising (Blessing) His Name" we are showing honour to God. "His Name is Higher than any other Name." We affirm HIS POWER AND GOODNESS, and commit ourselves to following Him. 

GIVING THANKS AND PRAISE has special significance for the believer, but it doesn't always come naturally. It does, though, "develop a bond of friendship" and helps us to "pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ".

"PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING open up our hearts and cause JOY to well up in OUR SPIRITS. We can now open up the doors into His courts and into His presence." Max Lucado

BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS - Read Verse 5

"God is GOOD and HIS LOVE ENDURES FORVER" Psalm 100:5a (NIV)

"The Lord is GOOD. His LOVE IS FOREVER." Psalm 100:5a (NCV)

God is a the ONE AND ONLY Creator and Sovereign Lord. His commands are for OUR GOOD and He has "loving motives in every word and deed". 

LOVINGKINDNESS has many meanings - MERCY, KINDNESS, EVERLASTING LOVE AND GOODESS. His GRACE came through:

1. His covenant promise given through Moses to His people, requiring obedience and committment.

2. No greater love through Jesus Himself, who gave His life for us.

3. The salvation and  freedom we now have

"Praise the Lord  who has given rest to His people Israel just as He promised. Not one WORD HAS FAILED ALL HIS WONDERFUL PROMISES He gave through His servant Moses."1 King 8:56

"For GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD that He gave His only son, that whoever believed in Him, will not perish, but will have everlasting life." John 3:16

"I mean that you have been SAVED BY GRACE through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a GIFT FROM GOD." Ephesians 2:8

"HIS FAITHFULNESS continues to all generations." Psalm 100:5b (NIV)

"HIS LOYALTY goes on and on." Psalm 100:5b (NCV)

Our God is fair and FAITHFUL, but not only to us, He was also "faithful to our ancestors", and will also be "faithful to our children and grandchildren"in the future. The PROMISES IN HIS WORD apply throughout "time", to all people! "He never changes and is consistently faithful"!"

"For the Word of the Lord HOLDS TRUE and we can TRUST everything He does."

                                                                                                Psalm 33:4 (NLT)

"Thank you Lord that you are unchanging and because of your FAITHFUL PROMISES, we can always COUNT ON YOU." Charles Swindoll

"Understand therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the FAITHFUL GOD who keeps His covenant to all generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commandments". Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT)

"The FAITHFUL LOVE OF THE LORD never ends. His mercies never cease. GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS, His mercies begin afresh every morning." Lamentations 3:22&23 (NLT)

CONCLUSION

At some time in our life we have to decide what is "our highest joy". Are we going to live life based om POSSESSIONS OR EXPERIENCES or will we live like the CHARACTER OF GOD. Jesus tells us that the "highest joy" should be to "see God" and to "trust Him". 

Our God is FAITHFUL, LOVING, MERCIFUL, KIND AND GOOD. We too need to be like Him and t WORSHIP and PRAISE HIM. We need to be a witness and encouragement to others. 

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the HOPE WE AFFIRM, for GOD CAN BE TRUSTED TO KEEP HIS PROMISES." Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

"The Devotional Bible - New Century Bible", 2003, Thomas Nelson

"The Holy Bible -  New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - The Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", 2009, Lion Hudson

Lucado, Max, "Before Amen", 2014, Thomas Nelson

Lucado, Max, "The Devotional Bible - Experiencing a Heart of Jesus", 2003, Thomas Nelson

Swindoll, Charles, "Living the Psalms - Encouragement for the Daily Grind", 2012, Worthy Publishers

Wiersbe, Warren, "Live Like a King", 1983, Moody Press

Heavenly Worship, "What a Faithful God Am I", 2014, YouTube

Moen, Don, "God is Good all the Time", 1995, YouTube: DonMoenTV

Redman, Matt, "Heart of Worship",  2009, https/www.youtube.com

Smith, Henry. "Give Thanks" 1978, Integrity, Hosanna Music  (youtube:DonMoenTV) 

Psalm 99 - Worship & Praise Our Holy & Sovereign Lord

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 99

"GOD, OUR KING, IS THE HOLY ONE. He sits on the throne and forgives and disciplines His children from the least to the greatest. We need to PRAISE AND WORSHIP HIM," 

                                                                                           Pat & David Alexander

This is the last of the 6th "ROYAL PSALMS", calling God and His Son Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. This is a "HOLY, HOLY" hymn and was fitting to be sung by those who lived in Jerusalem - the HOLY CITY - like David, who himself was a chosen king and God's people the Israelites.

It was indeed a proclamation of GOD'S HOLINESS, and as the Jews spoke Hebrew, this was the first language in which this Psalm was written, and the author was King David himself.  Later it was translated into Greek, when the Temple was built in Jerusalem and rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, and it is believed that this "Psalm of David", along with the other "Royal Psalms" may have been changed a little. But the truth of these Psalms remains: GOD IS STILL THE GREATEST KING. HE IS STILL HOLY, RULING OVER THE WHOLE WORLD. 

"Here after the carefree delights of Psalm 98, we recall how exalted and holy God is, and how profound is the reference we owe Him." David Kidner

Also mentioned in this Psalm are MOSES, AARON AND SAMUEL. They too, like David are honoured for their leadership of God's people. They prayed for them, "calling on the Lord" and seeking His presence, faithful to God's promises. Like these men, we must LOVE AND OBEY THE LORD, and WORSHIP HIM AS OUR HOLY KING.

"God can be praises and trusted by believers because HE IS HOLY, GOOD and PERFECT. All believer should be motivated to honourable conduct." Max Lucado

"These "ROYAL PSALMS" remind us that one day JESUS WILL COME BACK TO EARTH TO RULE AS OUR KING and we will see Him for who He really is." Gordon Churchyard

THE LORD REIGNS - HE IS GREAT, JUST & RIGHT -         Read Psalm 99:1-4

"The Lord reigns.....He is great in Zion.....let them praise Your great and awesome name."

                                                                                  Psalm 99:1,3b&4

This is the 3rd Psalm that begins with "THE LORD REIGNS" and speaks of God's presence dwelling in Zion. This great and awesome presence makes His people tremble. Zion is the mountain in the Holy City, Jerusalem, and it is believed that His throne in the cherubim is, in David's time, the Ark of the Covenant. 

The Lord reigned on the throne and is esteemed with acts of MERCY, POWER, WISDOM and JUSTICE. 

"The King's strength also love the judgement and God is the King. His mercy-seat is the throne and the sceptre which He sways is HOLY." Charles Spurgeon

"The King is MIGHTY. He loves JUSTUCE. You have established EQUITY in Jacob, You have done what is JUST AND RIGHT."  Psalm 99:4

He is our Sovereign God and pledges RIGHTEOUSNESS, works JUSTICE and establishes EQUITY among His people. Truth shines not only in His Kingdom, but on earth. For God raised up David and other godly leaders to "walk in His ways" and to attempt to bring God's people up in the ways of the Lord. David ruled in justice and got His strength from the Lord. Israel had other "good Kings", but of course their greatest was the their Messiah, Jesus Christ. 

GOD'S PRIESTS: LEADING TO A FORGIVING & PUNISHING GOD - Psalm 99:6-8, Exodus 3&19, Leviticus 16,   1 Samuel 3:&16:1-13, Jeremiah 31:1-14

In the next few verses of this Psalm we read about Moses - who was a great leader of God's people and his brother Aaron, God's chosen priest. Samuel was also another of His servants, later serving in the time of Eli the Priest. These men all had intimate relationships with the Lord, "praying and calling on the Lord", keeping His "laws and decrees" and following His commands and duties.

"Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you....Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain."

                                                                                             Exodus 25:8,9&40

Moses was a TRUE PRIEST - a Holy Man who saw the Lord in a `FLAMING FIRE' and revealed the "PERFECT LAW " on the mountain. Aaron watched the "SACRED FIRE" devouring sin offerings according to his priestly duties. Samuel, witnessed `JUDGEMENT FROM THE LORD' on Eli's house, and ANOINTED DAVID, God's chosen King. 

"One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. The angel of the Lord appeared to Him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush......When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses, Moses"! "Here I am!" Moses replied.....Now go, for I am sending you to Pharoah. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypyt."  Exodus 3:1,2,4.10 (NLT)

"Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai.....Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to Him from the mountain and said, "Give these instructions to the family of Jacob, announce it to the descendents of Israel." Exodus 19:1&3 (NLT)

"Aaron will present his own bull as a sin offering to purify himself and his family, making them right with the Lord. Then he must take the two male goats and present them to the Lord at the entrance to the Tabernacle. He is to cast sacred lots to determine which goats will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel. Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by the Lord." Leviticus 16:6-9 (NLT)

"And the Lord came and called as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening". Then the Lord said to Samuel, "I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am about to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgement is coming upon his family forever, because his sons have blasphemed God and he hasn't disciplined them"  1 Samuel 3:10-14  (NLT)

"So, as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on." 1 Samuel 16:13 (NLT)

Moses, Aaron and Samuel were all committed and true servants of their Lord, standing in awe of His presence, Yet they were different, with peculiar works. We have tasks that God has prepared for us - we too need to pray each day for wisdom, as we faithfully seek God's presence in the service He has "laid on us".

These men made it their life's work, in their prayers, to call upon the Lord's blessings upon His people. God was true to His promises in answering those prayers from "His MERCY SEAT" and we can still call on Him today in our time of need, as HE ANSWERS OUR PETITIONS.

LEVITICUS 16 gives us examples of the atonement rituals for God's people. God also revealed that He was a "GOD OF FORGIVENESS" as well as "ONE WHO TOOK VENGEANCE". Moses, Aaron & Samuel were all punished or disciplined in some way because of their actions or those in which they served. This was the same true in David's life, as is also true in our lives as God's children. 

In Jeremiah 31, we read of God's love that "yearnes for his children". He has a "burning passion" for His people, and even though he forgives, there are times he still needs to punish us for our disobedience. But this will not stop us from going to Heaven, because God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins, and he rose again for our full redemption and salvation.

God cares enough to want to listen to our "complaints and laments", as well as our praises. Try to be as honest as possible just like Jeremiah was with the struggles he faced, as were Moses, Aaron, Samuel, and even David himself.

"Long ago the Lord said to Israel, "I have loved you, my people. with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I will draw you to myself." Jeremiah 31:3

"Is not Israel still my son, my darling child?" says the Lord. "I often have to punish him, but I still love him. That's why I long for him and surely will have mercy on him." Jeremiah 31:20 (NLT)

"O Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but you punished them when they went wrong." Psalm 99:8 (NLT)

CONCLUSION - WORSHIP THE LORD - Read Psalm 99:5&9

"Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before His feet, for HE IS HOLY." Psalm 99:5

For the Jews to get down "at His footstool", it was a special place in Zion, in Jerusalem. As some commentators remind us, it was probably,  "the Ark of the Covenant", and we understand the POWER, HOLINESS and GOODNESS of God. This is why they were led to "exult and humbly worship Him".

"David rose to his feet and said, "My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant, the Lord's Footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it...." 1 Chronicles 28:2 (NLT)

"This is what the Lord says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place?" Isaiah 66:1 (NLT)

"HOLINESS is the harmony of all the virtues of God - HIS MERCY, HIS LOVE, HIS JUSTICE - the Lord has the ONE glorious attribute alone. HIS POWER is not His choicest jewel, nor HIS SOVEREIGNTY, but HIS HOLINESS." Charles Spurgeon

"Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His Holy Mountain in Jerusalem, for the LORD OUR GOD IS HOLY!" Psalm 99:9 (NLT)

Verse 9 becomes the most important verse in this Psalm, because we are now forgiven from our sins and  we are now saved. We can again PRAISE THE LORD AND KNEEL BEFORE HIM AGAIN. We will exalt the Lord a second time for we are reminded that HE IS INDEED HOLY - as our FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. We will again worship Him as the infinite, perfection of a TRIUNE LORD, and is worthy of our praise. 

Finally, the LORD'S HOLINESS IS PROCLAIMED as we are encouraged to WORSHIP OUR LORD!

"And they were calling to one another, "Holy, Holy is the Lord, God Almighy; the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty", who was, who is, and is to come." 

                                                                                          Revelation 4:8 (NIV)

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www.easyenglish.bible.com

Goldingay, "Old Testament Theology - Volume 2, Pge 164"

Guzik, David, "Psalm 99 - The Holy God, Present and Revealed - The Enduring Bible.com",

2020, elm.enduringword.com

Henry, Matthew & Manser, Martin H, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", 2002, Zondervan

Kidner, Derek, "Psalm 73--150: Classic Commentary", 1975, InterVarsity Press

Lucado, Max, "The Devotional Bible: New Century Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus",

2003, Thomas Nelson

Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms", 1885/2021, Christianity,com

Heber, Bishop Reginald & Bacchus Dykes, John, "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!", (1826/1861)

Monsell, John Samuel & Reinhardt, Johann.H, "Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness", (1863/1744)