Between the Lines

Psalms

v. 7 “Son and Father”

It is believed by some that the Son here refers to David as he is undoubtedly in some respects the son of God as are all believers (John 1:12; I John 3:9 and James 1:18). However, it more likely refers to Christ who was described as such in both the Old and New Testament (Proverbs 30:4; Matthew 2:15, 3:17and 4:3 + 6). The second part to this verse would also likely indicate Christ and refers to the manifestation of Christ’s eternal son ship which is referred to in Luke 1:32, Matthew 3:17, and 17:5. Note that in the first instance it was by the angel, in the second by God the Father, and in the third by Christ Himself. In this passage it more specifically refers to Christ’s resurrection from the grave (Acts 13:33). Therefore at this point in time it might well refer to be ‘begotten by the Father’ (KJV) as the resurrection from the dead in Scripture is referred to as a regeneration or second birth. Further evidence for its reference towards Christ can be found in Hebrews 1 and most noteably in verse 5.

v.3 “sleep in death”

This isn’t maybe the best interpretation and the KJV uses the phrase ‘lest I sleep the sleep of death’. Death within the Bible is often referred to as sleep (Job 3:13, 14:12; Psalm 76:5; John 11:11). Here David pleads with God to help him lest the burdens he bears overcome him and he dies. It is thought that the body sleeps while the soul/spirit goes to be with the Lord (or down to Hades if unsaved), at the resurrection body and soul will be joined together again in a new form.

v. 9 “which friend?”

This is one of those verse which can be interpreted both in real-time as in the times of David and also as a reference to Jesus. We are not told who David refers to but it probably refers to Judas in relation to Christ (John 13:18). In David’s situation, it refers to a Judas type person in his life.

v. 11 “removal of the Holy Spirit”

While this at first may suggest that we can lose our Holy Spirit this doesn’t actually state that we can. Note the title of the Psalm and consider the guilt that David must have felt. For a more in-depth look at whether we can lose the Holy Spirit please read my paper on eternal salvation.

After the cross, we cannot lose the Holy Spirit. However, David could and this is because of the nature of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament times. Dispensation was different to our time. Back in those days He came upon people for service, He did not indwell them as He does us today. Saul is one prime example of one upon whom the Spirit came, but then left again… David would know of this also (Cf 1 Samuel 11:6 & 1 Samuel 16:14).

Samson would be another example (Judges 15:14 and 16:20).

v. 28 “blotting out from the Book of Life”

Can we be removed from the Book of Life? The Book of Life, as shown from the next part of the verse, is the Book containing the righteous. There is some contention over this verse and other verses referring to the Book of Life. My commentary on Genesis refers more to this discussion. However, remember that just because David requests that they be blotted from the Book of Life does not mean that they will be.

v. 14 “Leviathan”

For more information regarding the Leviathan please refer to my commentary of Job.

v. 25 “the bread of angels” KJV has "bread of the mighty"

This is an interesting verse which there is no real answer to. Is this what angels eat or is it made by them? No one knows. It does, however, show the grace of God who was willing to provide the Israelites with food from heaven.

v. 6 “gods”

Here is a warning to everyone in power. In this scenario God is warning those whom He has placed in power (v.1 -2) of the fact that it is He who presides regardless of their own beliefs and while they may become gods on earth, they will die as all men do. It is a warning to all those in power that God is the ultimate judge.

This is an interesting verse when taken into context of modern times. The modern age thinking is that man will be god - it is within and all around you… ties in well with other religious views and maybe the one world religion - until Anti-Christ proclaims himself as god that is.

104

v. “Leviathan”

For more information regarding the Leviathan please refer to my commentary of Job.

110 Messianic Psalm - Prophet, Priest and King!

v. 4 “the order of Melchizedek”

For more information regarding Melchizedek please refer to my commentary of Genesis.

120

v. 5 “Meshech and Kedar” (Cf. Isaiah 21:16, 42:11, 60:7 & Jeremiah 49:28)

Meshech is reputed to be a nation to the north of Israel and Kedar to the south. However, others suggest that this refers to a type of person rather than a nation. It is more likely to refer to the nations since it talks of ‘dwelling’. This passage must be understood metaphorically, therefore, as there is no mention of Israelites ever living in these places). It is believed that the author is referring to the concept of living far from home and amongst pagan people. Thompson's Chain Reference says Kedar is a clan of Ishmaelites.

130

v. 3 “who could stand?”

This is indeed a powerful testament to the grace of God. All men are sinners (James 3:2) and yet we are provided with the assurance that God not only forgives but He forgets. However, this does not mean that God forgets the sins of all, and thereby all may enter heaven. This Psalm is written by a believer and has put his hope in the Lord just as he pleads Israel to do (v. 7).

139

v. 16 “what book?”

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. It is thought that David is referring to God as a builder who first draws out a plan of that which he wishes to create. Therefore, David is stating that God planned everything before he had been born.

So is it a book of life from the moment we are conceived in our mother's womb? Now there's a thought...