Psalm 28:1-9 & Psalm 29:1-11
Q.1. Did David expect God to answer his prayers? Why did he distance himself from the wicked? What did David testify about his God? What will God do for those who trust in Him? – (Ps.28:1-9)
David was a praying man. He knew that God would answer his prayers, but not always according to his own finite timetable. Here he expressed the devastation that he felt when God seemed deaf to his cries – … do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit (Ps.28:1). Later, he testified to the joy of God’s response – Blessed be the Lord because He has heard the voice of my supplication (Ps.28:6). He had a healthy fear of God and was convinced that God would recompense evil, even as He rewarded righteousness. He distanced himself from the ungodly and prayed – Requite them according to their work and according to the evil of their practices; Requite them according to the deeds of their hands; Repay them their recompense. Because they do not regard the works of the Lord nor the deeds of His hands, He will tear them down and not build them up (Ps.28:4-5). He praised God because – The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him (Ps.28:7). In his song, David encouraged God’s people to look to Him to save them and to shepherd them – 8 The Lord is their strength, and He is a saving defence to His anointed. 9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; Be their shepherd also and carry them forever (Ps.28:8-9).
Q.2. Why did David call on people to worship God? How did God’s power over nature in the present and past impact David? To what conclusion about God, did David want the people to come? – (Ps.29:1-11)
This song celebrated God’s greatness, as it is displayed in the thunderstorm. For David, these storms revealed both God’s glory and His strength (Ps.29:1). David was in awe of the sound of thunder, and of the destruction wrought on mighty trees (Ps.29:3-5). Lightning brings flames of fire and shaking of the earth (Ps.29:6-8). Nothing can withstand God’s power on display in nature – The voice of the Lord makes the deer to calve and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, “Glory!” (Ps.29:9). God is not just awesome in power, but also tender in His intricate care of His creatures. God is worthy of our worship on earth and in the heavens – Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array (Ps.29:2). All this is nothing new for – the Lord sat as King at the flood; Yes, the Lord sits as King forever (Ps.29:10). David closed by encouraging Israel – The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace (Ps.29:11).Â