November 29, 2017 (Wednesday)
(From the Cambridge Bible Commentary:)
When Saul was seeking David’s life, Jonathan went to him secretly, and “strengthened his hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16); and when David’s followers in a fit of blind exasperation threatened to stone him, he “strengthened himself in Jehovah his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). In the face of treacherous plots against his honour and perhaps his life, when his followers are in danger of being carried away by the power of position and wealth, this Psalmist “strengthens himself in God.” With triumphant reiteration he dwells upon the thought of all that God is to him–his rock, his strong rock, his high tower, his refuge, his salvation, his hope; and with this trust in God he contrasts the folly of trusting to man and material resources, and the futility of opposing the will of God.
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
I. LET US ALL PATIENTLY AWAIT GOD’S HELP (1-4)
1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down–
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
II. LET US KEEP ON TRUSTING GOD (5-8)
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
III. TRUST IN GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE (9-12)
9 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
12 and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”