WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
The Book of Psalms
“The Royal Psalms”
The Book of Psalms
“The Royal Psalms”
The Royal Psalms are directly related to king David and his dynasty as ruler over Israel. We have studied the largest blocks of wisdom literature in The Psalms when we looked at:
the Praise psalms (74 psalms),
the Personal Lament psalms (40 psalms), and
the Community Lament psalms (16 psalms).
the Personal Lament psalms (40 psalms), and
the Community Lament psalms (16 psalms).
The Royal psalms include the 4 largest portion of The Psalms numbering 11 psalms:
2 21 89 132
18 45 101 144
20 72 110
These psalms celebrate the position and place king David possessed throughout Israel’s history. David was chosen by and used by God to fulfill God’s plan for His people. David was not only special in the covenant God made with Abraham, but He the ruler who prepared the way for the birth of the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. Let’s look at king David’s life:
David as a Youth
David as a Servant to Saul
David Anointed King
This brief survey demonstrates that David was appointed king over all Israel by God, not by the succession of bloodline from king Saul. David’s assent to the throne was a miraculous demonstration of God’s power in his life as the youngest of all his brothers, the mighty warrior who slayed the giant, and the shepherd boy who rose to the highest position in all the land. God’s mighty hand was on David. God’s promise to David made him the perpetual king through whom God’s messiah would come, “He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, and I took it away from Saul, whom I removed for before you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:13-17). Clearly, God’s hand was upon king David and continues to be upon the House of David until now.
What do you think the outcome would have been if Germany during WWII had realized the power and permanency of God’s promise to David?
What do you think Israel would have done differently if they had respected the fact that Jesus was of the house and lineage of king David?
Would the Jews have treated Jesus differently?
On the world stage right now, Volodymyr Zelensky is a Jew. Davidic blood flows through his veins. In biblical terms he belongs in the House of David promises of God.
Do you think that if the Russian people knew the Bible and knew the power of God’s word about the promise God made to king David, they would be bombing and killing the Ukrainian people under Zelensky’s rule?
The question is: Does the promise God made to king David matter in today’s world?
I believe things would be different if people read their Bibles and knew what God’s word says.
Let’s look at one of the most popular Royal psalms – Psalm 20.
Some say that this psalm is a prayer for the king before he goes into battle. The assurance of verse 6 indicates that the presence and power of God is with the king’s army as it fights against the enemy. You might call verse 6 a report from the field of battle, “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand” (Psalm 20:6). Notice that the psalm attaches the fate of those fighting the battle to the anointed leader king, “…the Lord saves His anointed…” In this case the anointed was king David who was set apart by God when Nathan the prophet poured oil on David’s head and prophesied that he would be king, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). In this case, the anointed king of God leads the anointed army of God into the battle of God. When that happens the hosts of heaven and the mighty right hand of God win the victory. Soldiers need to make sure that the king who leads them into battle is truly anointed by God for the job.
Protection – verses 1-5
There is the strong recognition in these verses that the king who is leading God’s army is in fact a Godly man:
Then, the climax comes in verse 5 when the people add an AMEN! Singing, banners, and God’s holy name all show the support this king has from his people. They know his godly character. They know he leads by example. They know that God’s hand is with him. The people love him celebrate their king’s strong and secure relationship to God. They put out banners not in the name of the king, but in the name that their king calls out to God. These folks love their king because their king loves the one and only true God (YAHWEH).
Victory – verses 7-9
We have already looked at verse 6 which establishes the king strong relationship to God. God is fighting the battle through the instrument of this godly king. Notice that the “KNOWLEDGE” of the psalmist in verse 6 turns into “BOASTING” in verse 7. Knowing that God protects His anointed is confirmed by the “Boast” he gives for God’s certain victory. The word for “BOAST” in verse 7 is not even in the original text. The Hebrew itself reads, “Some chariots, some horses…” The translator adds the word boast. You could say, “Some put the confidence in chariots, and some put their confidence in horses…” That’s the way most people fight their battles. People go to war with the instruments of war. A chariot is like armor, tanks and strong battle implements. When you have those in superior numbers, the outcome is guaranteed.
The righteous king and all his forces are grounded in their confidence in one name – YAHWEH. The comparison between the two is profound. Chariots and horses are no match for God’s name. Look at the way the text reads in the original, “Some chariots hand horses, but we the name of God” (YAHWEH). This battle is holy war. The holy army, the holy ones who fight on God’s side are the ones boasting in the end. This is a great way to say what the psalmist is saying, “Before your boast, make sure you have something to boast about.” In no way can chariots and horses stand up to the power of God’s name, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).
The final verses picture a fallen army with the victors standing over dead corpses. In my mind, I see the battlefield that God showed to the prophet Ezekiel, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. He cause me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry” (Ezekiel 37:1-2).
A defeated army looks very different than a victorious one. Defeated soldiers, though they looked strong and mighty at one time, now are bent down and “FALLEN.” Defeat humbles those who once were proud. Victory, on the other hand, brings with it renewed confidence and strength. Read Ezekiel 37: 3-5. Dead bones can be made by the power of God to stand up, breathe and live again. New life comes to armies that trust in God. Look what the psalmist says in verse 9, “Save, O Lord…” The word for SAVE means to DELIVER or to give VICTORY. The picture is that of a STANDING army as opposed to a SUNKEN, HUMILIATED, and DEFEATED army. The difference between the two is not in the power of their implements of war, but in the saving grace of God— “…answer us in the day we call” (Psalm 20:9).
Here is the answer to every fight and battle we face as the people of God, “…for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4). The promise is reaffirmed in the New Testament, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—OUR FAITH” (1 John 5:4).
The Royal psalms include the 4 largest portion of The Psalms numbering 11 psalms:
2 21 89 132
18 45 101 144
20 72 110
These psalms celebrate the position and place king David possessed throughout Israel’s history. David was chosen by and used by God to fulfill God’s plan for His people. David was not only special in the covenant God made with Abraham, but He the ruler who prepared the way for the birth of the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. Let’s look at king David’s life:
David as a Youth
- David spent his youth in Bethlehem – 1 Samuel 16:10-11
- David was the youngest of eight brothers – 1 Samuel 17:12-14
- David saved Israel as a young man by slaying Goliath the giant – 1 Samuel 17:45-50
David as a Servant to Saul
- David played the harp to sooth Saul’s temper – 1 Samuel 16:16-23
- David loved Saul’s son Johnathan – 1 Samuel 18:1-5
- David married Saul’s daughter – 1 Samuel 18:20-26
- Saul plots against David – 1 Samuel 19:1-6
- David spares Saul’s life – 1 Samuel 24:1-10
David Anointed King
- Saul sins against God – 1 Samuel 15:10-15, 27-29
- Samuel anointed David king – 1 Samuel 16:12-13
- David becomes king after the death of Saul and Jonathan – 2 Samuel 2:1-7
This brief survey demonstrates that David was appointed king over all Israel by God, not by the succession of bloodline from king Saul. David’s assent to the throne was a miraculous demonstration of God’s power in his life as the youngest of all his brothers, the mighty warrior who slayed the giant, and the shepherd boy who rose to the highest position in all the land. God’s mighty hand was on David. God’s promise to David made him the perpetual king through whom God’s messiah would come, “He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but my lovingkindness shall not depart from him, and I took it away from Saul, whom I removed for before you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:13-17). Clearly, God’s hand was upon king David and continues to be upon the House of David until now.
What do you think the outcome would have been if Germany during WWII had realized the power and permanency of God’s promise to David?
What do you think Israel would have done differently if they had respected the fact that Jesus was of the house and lineage of king David?
Would the Jews have treated Jesus differently?
On the world stage right now, Volodymyr Zelensky is a Jew. Davidic blood flows through his veins. In biblical terms he belongs in the House of David promises of God.
Do you think that if the Russian people knew the Bible and knew the power of God’s word about the promise God made to king David, they would be bombing and killing the Ukrainian people under Zelensky’s rule?
The question is: Does the promise God made to king David matter in today’s world?
I believe things would be different if people read their Bibles and knew what God’s word says.
Let’s look at one of the most popular Royal psalms – Psalm 20.
Some say that this psalm is a prayer for the king before he goes into battle. The assurance of verse 6 indicates that the presence and power of God is with the king’s army as it fights against the enemy. You might call verse 6 a report from the field of battle, “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand” (Psalm 20:6). Notice that the psalm attaches the fate of those fighting the battle to the anointed leader king, “…the Lord saves His anointed…” In this case the anointed was king David who was set apart by God when Nathan the prophet poured oil on David’s head and prophesied that he would be king, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). In this case, the anointed king of God leads the anointed army of God into the battle of God. When that happens the hosts of heaven and the mighty right hand of God win the victory. Soldiers need to make sure that the king who leads them into battle is truly anointed by God for the job.
Protection – verses 1-5
There is the strong recognition in these verses that the king who is leading God’s army is in fact a Godly man:
- The Lords answer in verse 1 assumes that the king is a praying man, “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.”
- The second phrase, “May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high,” implies that that the king and God are on first name basis. The king knows the proper name for God. He says God’s name often. The king calls out the name of God he knows that name is above every other name.
- The psalmist uses the word “sanctuary” in verse 2. This king goes to church. He knows where to find God in God’s house. “Zion” is the place where the king goes to worship God. It is a high and holy place. It is a place where, like Moses the king meets God and speaks to him as a friend speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11).
Then, the climax comes in verse 5 when the people add an AMEN! Singing, banners, and God’s holy name all show the support this king has from his people. They know his godly character. They know he leads by example. They know that God’s hand is with him. The people love him celebrate their king’s strong and secure relationship to God. They put out banners not in the name of the king, but in the name that their king calls out to God. These folks love their king because their king loves the one and only true God (YAHWEH).
Victory – verses 7-9
We have already looked at verse 6 which establishes the king strong relationship to God. God is fighting the battle through the instrument of this godly king. Notice that the “KNOWLEDGE” of the psalmist in verse 6 turns into “BOASTING” in verse 7. Knowing that God protects His anointed is confirmed by the “Boast” he gives for God’s certain victory. The word for “BOAST” in verse 7 is not even in the original text. The Hebrew itself reads, “Some chariots, some horses…” The translator adds the word boast. You could say, “Some put the confidence in chariots, and some put their confidence in horses…” That’s the way most people fight their battles. People go to war with the instruments of war. A chariot is like armor, tanks and strong battle implements. When you have those in superior numbers, the outcome is guaranteed.
The righteous king and all his forces are grounded in their confidence in one name – YAHWEH. The comparison between the two is profound. Chariots and horses are no match for God’s name. Look at the way the text reads in the original, “Some chariots hand horses, but we the name of God” (YAHWEH). This battle is holy war. The holy army, the holy ones who fight on God’s side are the ones boasting in the end. This is a great way to say what the psalmist is saying, “Before your boast, make sure you have something to boast about.” In no way can chariots and horses stand up to the power of God’s name, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).
The final verses picture a fallen army with the victors standing over dead corpses. In my mind, I see the battlefield that God showed to the prophet Ezekiel, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. He cause me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry” (Ezekiel 37:1-2).
A defeated army looks very different than a victorious one. Defeated soldiers, though they looked strong and mighty at one time, now are bent down and “FALLEN.” Defeat humbles those who once were proud. Victory, on the other hand, brings with it renewed confidence and strength. Read Ezekiel 37: 3-5. Dead bones can be made by the power of God to stand up, breathe and live again. New life comes to armies that trust in God. Look what the psalmist says in verse 9, “Save, O Lord…” The word for SAVE means to DELIVER or to give VICTORY. The picture is that of a STANDING army as opposed to a SUNKEN, HUMILIATED, and DEFEATED army. The difference between the two is not in the power of their implements of war, but in the saving grace of God— “…answer us in the day we call” (Psalm 20:9).
Here is the answer to every fight and battle we face as the people of God, “…for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4). The promise is reaffirmed in the New Testament, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—OUR FAITH” (1 John 5:4).
FAITH IS THE VICORY!
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