Reading Plan · Day 159
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Psalms 21-25
Day 159
Previously · Day 158 · Psalms 16-20
The previous day's reading covered five psalms that demonstrated David's reliance on God.
Day 159 Read
Where You Stopped
Psalm 21
1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O Jehovah; And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
Commentary · verse 1
2Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, And hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah
3For thou meetest him with the blessings of goodness: Thou settest a crown of fine gold on his head.
4He asked life of thee, thou gavest it him, Even length of days for ever and ever.
5His glory is great in thy salvation: Honor and majesty dost thou lay upon him.
6For thou makest him most blessed for ever: Thou makest him glad with joy in thy presence.
7For the king trusteth in Jehovah; And through the lovingkindness of the Most High he shall not be moved.
2Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
3For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
4He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.
5His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
6For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
7For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
Commentary · verses 2-7
David had trust/faith in God. He recognized that all the good things in his life came from God.
8Thy hand will find out all thine enemies; Thy right hand will find out those that hate thee.
9Thou wilt make them as a fiery furnace in the time of thine anger: Jehovah will swallow them up in his wrath, And the fire shall devour them.
8Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
9Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
Commentary · verses 8-9
God is Just.
10Their fruit wilt thou destroy from the earth, And their seed from among the children of men.
11For they intended evil against thee; They conceived a device which they are not able to perform.
10Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
11For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.
Commentary · verses 10-11
The enemies of God will be destroyed because of their how/why: "For they intended..."
12For thou wilt make them turn their back; Thou wilt make ready with thy bowstrings against their face.
13Be thou exalted, O Jehovah, in thy strength: So will we sing and praise thy power.
12Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.
13Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
Commentary · verses 12-13
David had a lot of experience with the enemies of God and he knew HOW God handled the enemy.
Where You Stopped
Psalm 22
1For the Chief Musician; set to Aijeleth hash-Shahar. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
1To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Commentary · verse 1
This verse was a Messianic prophecy. It was fulfilled in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34.
2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou answerest not; And in the night season, and am not silent.
2O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
Commentary · verse 2
This verse was specific to David. God always answered Jesus.
4Our fathers trusted in thee: They trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
5They cried unto thee, and were delivered: They trusted in thee, and were not put to shame.
4Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
5They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
Commentary · verses 4-5
An effect of trusting (having faith) in God was that you be delivered/protected and would not be put to shame.
6But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.
7All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, 8Commit thyself unto Jehovah; let him deliver him: Let him rescue him, seeing he delighteth in him.
9But thou art he that took me out of the womb; Thou didst make me trust when I was upon my mother’s breasts.
10I was cast upon thee from the womb; Thou art my God since my mother bare me.
11Be not far from me; for trouble is near; For there is none to help.
6But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
7All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
9But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.
10I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.
11Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Commentary · verses 6-11
This also referred to Christ. He alone bore the cross.
12Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
13They gape upon me with their mouth, As a ravening and a roaring lion.
14I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.
12Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
13They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Commentary · verses 12-14
A picture of what Christ experienced while on the cross.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Commentary · verses 15-16
In Job 2, Job scraped himself with a potsherd while his three "friends" sat and watched. Christ was surrounded by unbelievers: evil-doers. The mention of the pierced hands and feet was also a Messianic prophecy which was referenced in John 19:37.
17I may count all my bones. They look and stare upon me;
17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Commentary · verse 17
Fulfilled in John 19:33.
18They part my garments among them, And upon my vesture do they cast lots.
18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Commentary · verse 18
Fulfilled in Matthew 27:35 and John 19:24.
19But be not thou far off, O Jehovah: O thou my succor, haste thee to help me.
20Deliver my soul from the sword, My darling from the power of the dog.
21Save me from the lion’s mouth; Yea, from the horns of the wild-oxen thou hast answered me.
22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.
19But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
20Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
21Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Commentary · verses 19-22
Hebrews 2:12 referenced this verse.
23Ye that fear Jehovah, praise him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; And stand in awe of him, all ye the seed of Israel.
23Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Commentary · verse 23
Those who feared (reverenced) God should praise Him and stand in awe of Him...
24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath he hid his face from him; But when he cried unto him, he heard.
24For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Commentary · verse 24
…because He heard the cries of the afflicted. Again, like it was stated in the Book of Job.
25Of thee cometh my praise in the great assembly: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
26The meek shall eat and be satisfied; They shall praise Jehovah that seek after him: Let your heart live for ever.
27All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto Jehovah; And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
28For the kingdom is Jehovah’s; And he is the ruler over the nations.
25My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
26The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
28For the kingdom is the LORD’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
Commentary · verses 25-28
God was all ruling. "All ruling" was the non-contradictory definition of omnipotent. God had complete control over everything that did not have a will, as well as being able to lead rulers because they were politically motivated to act in the short term in order to retain power. God knew the causes within those leaders/kings and therefore could foreknow the effect.
29All the fat ones of the earth shall eat and worship: All they that go down to the dust shall bow before him, Even he that cannot keep his soul alive.
30A seed shall serve him; It shall be told of the Lord unto the next generation.
31They shall come and shall declare his righteousness Unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done it.
29All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
30A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
31They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
Where You Stopped
Psalm 23
1A Psalm of David. Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Commentary · verse 1
This Psalm was considered by some to be the John 10 of the Old Testament.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Commentary · verses 2-3
God restored souls and guided people into Righteousness.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Commentary · verse 4
Death would not bring fear if we believed God was with us.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Commentary · verse 5
It is understood that in David's culture, a host was expected to provide everything for their guests. If someone invited another to dinner, the safety/refuge of the guest was guaranteed.
For David to say that God "preparest a table before me," he was saying that God's protection was so powerful that he was safe among even the strongest of enemies and deepest affliction.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Commentary · verse 6
David recognized he would live eternally with God.
Where You Stopped
Psalm 24
1A Psalm of David. The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
1A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Commentary · verse 1
God was the First Cause, the Creator.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? And who shall stand in his holy place?
2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Commentary · verses 2-3
None was greater than God; None was holier.
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, And hath not sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Commentary · verses 4-5
Righteousness was the measure of our blessings and Salvation.
6This is the generation of them that seek after him, That seek thy face, even Jacob. Selah
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; And be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors: And the King of glory will come in.
8Who is the King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors: And the King of glory will come in.
10Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah
6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Where You Stopped
Psalm 25
1A Psalm of David. Unto thee, O Jehovah, do I lift up my soul.
2O my God, in thee have I trusted, Let me not be put to shame; Let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3Yea, none that wait for thee shall be put to shame: They shall be put to shame that deal treacherously without cause.
1A Psalm of David. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Commentary · verses 1-3
Waiting on God would lead to not being put to shame in the long term. Those who dealt treacherously without cause would be put to shame.
4Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; Teach me thy paths.
5Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; For thou art the God of my salvation; For thee do I wait all the day.
4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Commentary · verses 4-5
David wanted God to lead him in truth and to teach him.
6Remember, O Jehovah, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindness; For they have been ever of old.
7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: According to thy lovingkindness remember thou me, For thy goodness’ sake, O Jehovah.
8Good and upright is Jehovah: Therefore will he instruct sinners in the way.
6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.
8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Commentary · verses 6-8
An effect of God being Good (Right and Just) was that He helped sinners by making them aware of their sin.
9The meek will he guide in justice; And the meek will he teach his way.
10All the paths of Jehovah are lovingkindness and truth Unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11For thy name’s sake, O Jehovah, Pardon mine iniquity, for it is great.
12What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.
9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
Commentary · verses 9-12
God not only instructed sinners but also those who feared Him. God instructed all of us to doing His Will.
13His soul shall dwell at ease; And his seed shall inherit the land.
14The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant.
13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Commentary · verses 13-14
Fearing God led to His friendship. Similar to Jesus' Words from John 15:14 – "Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you." In the Bible, friends were able to speak for each other.
15Mine eyes are ever toward Jehovah; For he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; For I am desolate and afflicted.
17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: Oh bring thou me out of my distresses.
18Consider mine affliction and my travail; And forgive all my sins.
19Consider mine enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20Oh keep my soul, and deliver me: Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in thee.
21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for thee.
22Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.
15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Commentary · verses 15-22
This psalm read like a prayer.
Commentary · verse 22
This day's reading covered five psalms from David that contained Messianic prophecy and themes from the Book of Job.
Doctrines on this passage
David was writing about himself as king…