Sunday, July 6, 2014 pm
STUDIES IN PSALMS
Visit me with Your salvation
Psalm 106
In
today’s psalm we find a similar style with an unnamed psalmist who
trusts in and praises God as merciful.
That mercy is demonstrated in His keeping His promises even
though Israel was ungrateful and rebelled against Him over and over.
In this psalm we find the psalmist describes a number of examples
of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness and while in the land.
We will briefly notice some of these events, but we will focus on
the mercy of God.
Again, the psalmist is unnamed and the timing could be anywhere from
later in Judges (ca 1300-1400 BC) through their return from Babylonian
captivity. (536 BC)
a.
“Praise the Lord” – lit. Hallelujah. It is an
expression of praise to God, which is found frequently in scripture, but
this expression is found only in the psalms – in 15 of them (some 23
times).
b.
He is good and kind (merciful, faithful, showing steadfast love).
These are some of the qualities of God we find throughout
scripture that gives us hope.
c.
Who can adequately speak
of His mighty deeds or demonstrate ALL His praise? (2) When
we look at who God is (His greatness) we are awed by Him.
BUT, do we FULLY grasp the magnitude of such qualities?
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding
out!” (Romans 11:33)
In 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 Paul appeals to the wisdom of God which He has
revealed to us. In vs. 16 we
read, “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct
Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” God has revealed enough of
Himself to us that we have every reason to appreciate Him and humble
ourselves before Him, but with our limited human comprehension, can we
FULLY grasp His greatness?
Just something for us to consider.
In this psalm, as we look at the misconduct of Israel and yet God stays
with them, puts up with them and even redeems them, we see a glimpse of
His goodness and loving-kindness.
d.
May the righteous and just be blessed (vs. 3)
Again, we notice a recurring theme throughout the psalms.
The desire is for those who do good and not evil.
Here is one who respects the godly and desires that they prevail.
e.
Remember me with favor.
Visit me with your salvation
(vs. 4-5).
The desire is that the psalmist be as one of God’s favored people.
“I want that.” How
often do we hear that expression concerning material things?
How often do we utter those words?
How often do our children utter those words?
Often such requests are materialistic and based upon those things
one THINKS will make him happy, but that doesn’t often happen.
BUT, spiritually, think about that expression.
Considering the goodness and mercy of God to us, how do we show
our gratitude to Him? Is it
demonstrated in our conduct and demeanor?
THINK about this in light of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your
Father in heaven.” (See also 1 Peter 2:11-12)
Is Christ “magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death”? (Phil. 1:20-21)
Another thought: what
more can we ask for than His salvation?
How many, even among believers, put more emphasis in material
gain and worldly comforts than we do in His ultimate gift?
If in the end we are saved, all else is miniscule.
a.
Vs. 6 – whoever the
psalmist is, there is an acknowledgment of sin.
Certainly all of us have sinned and we do sin – Rom. 3:9, “What
then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously
charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.”
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God.”
1 John 1:8, if we say we have no sin, we lie…
THE FIRST step to forgiveness is acknowledgment – 1 John 1:9, James
5:16, etc.
b.
Vs. 7, “Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders…”
Beginning with this verse, we find the majority of this psalm
describes the sins of Israel in the wilderness and in the land.
There was much ingratitude.
HERE it is stated they did not understand God’s greatness.
It is NOT that they did not witness the plagues and the mighty
hand of God in delivering them from Egypt.
But they failed to let it sink it and move them to fully trust
Him.
c.
Vs. 7, they rebelled at
the Red Sea – Exodus 14:11-12 – as they see the Red Sea as a barrier,
they complain that Moses brought them out of Egypt so that they would
die. They are ready to
return to their bondage in Egypt.
How sad!
d.
Vs. 8-12, Crossing the
Red Sea, “Nevertheless” (God responded with loving-kindness and mercy in
spite of their rebellion) -
He delivered them through the Red Sea and destroyed the army of the
Egyptians (Ex. 14:13-31).
NOTE vs. 13, “And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will
accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you
shall see again no more forever.”
AS Israel safely crossed through the Red Sea and the army of
Egypt drowned in the sea we read in vs. 30, “So the Lord saved Israel
that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians
dead on the seashore.” (Exodus 14:30)
e.
Vs. 13-15 – describes
how quickly they forgot His wondrous works and lusted in the wilderness.
There were several occasions when Israel complained.
Even before reaching Mt. Sinai, they were already complaining
about no water at Marah (Ex. 15:24).
Moses casts a tree into the waters and they are made palatable.
Twice on other occasions the LORD would provide water from a rock
for the whole nation. He fed
them with manna every day (Ex. 16) and quail in the evening.
(Ex. 16:13). But they
were not content or grateful.
VS. 15 says, “And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into
their soul.” That expression demonstrates ingratitude.
In everything God did, it FAILED to strengthen them spiritually
because of their ungrateful hearts.
Remember ALL the goodness God had shown to them, yet it was NEVER
enough! WHAT an attitude to
guard against (Phil. 4:11-12)
f.
Vs. 16-18 describe the
occasion when Korah and his followers challenged Moses and Aaron as
their leaders (Numbers 16).
This followed their failure to enter the land of Canaan the first time
because of their rebellion, ingratitude and lack of faith.
God destroyed them in their rebellion.
g.
Vs. 19-23 – while upon
Mt. Sanai for 40 days, the people waited and finally turned to Aaron to
build them a golden calf that they began to worship (Exodus 32).
Again you note they FORGOT the wondrous works of God as their
Savior.
Exodus 32:9-14 finds the Lord ready to start over with Moses, but he
intercedes for the people and the Lord relents from harming them.
h.
Vs. 24-27 describes
Israel’s refusal to enter the promised land the first time (Numbers 14)
and murmur even to the point of desiring to go back to Egypt and be
slaves again. AGAIN, Moses
intercedes for them (Num. 14:11-25) and they are spared at the moment
(except for the rebellious spies).
HOWEVER, the Lord does punish them and declares that most of them
would NOT enter the Promised Land.
They are here condemned to dwell in the wilderness for 40 years
(cf. Heb. 3:11, 18)
i.
Vs. 28-31 describes
their harlotry with Moab.
This is based upon the ungodly advice of Balaam to King Balak.
Their harlotry is recorded in Numbers 25 where they join with
Baal of Peor. Phinehas, a
priest helped to stop the plague that killed 24,000 by executing a
couple that had presented themselves before the tabernacle.
j.
Vs. 32-33 describe the
waters at Kadesh (Num. 20)
where Moses strikes a rock instead of speaking to it as the Lord
commanded. It results in His
not being able to enter the Promised Land with Israel.
POINT: Their rebellion was so great that it frustrated Moses and
caused him to sin.
k.
Vs. 34-39 – describes
the failure of Israel to finish the job of cleaning the land (Judges 1,
3:5-6, 2:12, etc. cf. Deut. 7:2, 16; Judges 2:2).
As a result, the inhabitants left behind became a snare and sin
to them. They followed their
idols and did many evil things, including human sacrifice.
l.
Vs. 40-43 – because of
these sins, they were punished over and over.
The Lord’s wrath was kindled against them.
He abhorred His own inheritance.
He gave them into Gentile captivity – ultimately, Northern Israel
was carried away by Assyria and Judah was carried away into Babylon.
BUT, prior to this, there were many occasions where God sent
enemies to punish them.
During the period of the judges there were many such oppressions (Judges
2:14, etc.)
BUT, He delivered them from these captivities (Judges 2:16)
demonstrating His mercy, loving-kindness and goodness.
BUT THEY KEPT SINNING!
They never learned the lesson!
a.
He heard their cry
– over and over in the book of Judges we read of their cries to the Lord
and He hears them. He raised
up deliverers (Judges 2:11-23)
b.
He remembered His
covenant and showed mercy
– I contend that one reason He relented was His promises to Abraham, and
later to David, which had not yet been fully realized.
IF God remembers His covenant with such a rebellious people, He
can certainly forgive us as well – this side of the cross.
c.
Vs. 46,
He pitied them even in punishment
– they were permitted to return, often in spectacular fashion, again
demonstrating God’s power.
d.
Vs. 47-48, Save us from
among the Gentiles to triumph Your praise.
As you read this you might think that Israel was experiencing
another time of God’s wrath against them. That is certainly plausible.
BUT consider 1 Chronicles
16:35-36. This was recorded
after the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem by David.
The tabernacle was erected and the Ark resided there before YHWH.
David utters a psalm which concludes with these words.
“And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us
together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, To give thanks to Your holy
name, To triumph in Your praise.” Blessed be the Lord God of Israel From
everlasting to everlasting! And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised
the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 16:35–36, NKJV)
NOTE: This lends some credence to this psalm being authored by David.
e.
THOUGHT: Why did God
continue to show mercy to Israel (and Judah)?
i.
Because He is a just and
merciful God – He DOES care.
He does not want us to perish.
ii.
Because He does and
wants to forgive us.
iii.
Because of His promises
to Abraham and David – as of this writing (though we are not sure of the
exact time) all had not been fulfilled.
God keeps His words.
iv.
Even in this, God does
administer punishment. You
won’t get away with sin.
v.
NOTE: His mercy, while
longsuffering HAS its limits.
Contrary to what many believe, physical Israel is no longer His
chosen nation. Their purpose
has been completed. Gal.
6:16 speaks of “the Israel of God”
In
this psalm we have seen YHWHs longs-suffering, goodness, mercy and grace
demonstrated in Israel in spite of their ungodliness.
While it did not go unpunished, God still loved them.
This was under the Old Law.
We are under a “better
covenant which was established on better promises.” (Heb. 8:6)
Because we emphasize the need to totally obey God (and we
certainly need to strive for that), sometimes we become overwhelmed by
our failures and think there is no hope.
Friends, it is NOT too late to be forgiven.
There is no wickedness we perform that He will not forgive us of
– if we will but repent and turn (or turn back) to Him. He has promised
that He will no more remember our sins and lawless deeds (Heb. 8:12).
That is the covenant WE are under (cf. Heb. 10:16-18).
Let us take comfort in the loving-kindness and goodness of God –
even if we don’t fully understand it.
Think about it.