Psalm 86:1-17 & 87:1-7
Q.1. Why did David expect God to help him in times of trouble? Is this still true today? – (Ps.86:1-10)
David knew that God was in the business of answering prayer, and that He would show compassion toward the needy who trust in Him. Mostly, David relied on this sure knowledge – FOR YOU, LORD, ARE GOOD, AND READY TO FORGIVE SIN, AND ABUNDANT IN LOVING-KINDNESS TO ALL WHO CALL UPON YOU (Ps.86:5). Even though he claimed to be godly, David staked his claims for God’s intervention on God’s character, which is unswervingly good, and compassionate toward sinners – For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God (Ps.86:10). That fact is not true for any other. God is the only One on Whom we can truly count. In fact, David understood that God’s concern extended to all people everywhere – All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name (Ps.86:9). God loves the whole world (Jn.3:16). He is much more wonderful than most people realize – For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God (Ps.86:10).
Q.2. What was the heart’s desire of David amid the trials from his enemies? – (Ps.86:11-17)
David had a heart for God. His theme song was – Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name (Ps.86:11). This was a cumulative response to God’s goodness to him, which had become even clearer during times of trouble (Ps.86:12-13). The contrast between the contention of his enemies and the mercy of the Lord, only served to accentuate God’s love and grace (Ps.86:14-15). David sought for a sign of God’s presence, so his assailants would be put to shame for their insults against God and His anointed one (Ps.86:17). God will always ultimately make a distinction between the righteous and the wicked (Mal.3:18).
Q.3. What made Mount Zion special? – (Ps.87:1-7)
This Psalm acknowledges God’s love for Jerusalem, located on Mount Zion in the hill country of Judea – The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwelling places of Jacob (Ps.87:2). It was special, because God promised to meet there with His people – There I will meet with you; and from the mercy seat from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel (Exo.25:22). The Psalmist declared – Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God (Ps.87:3, 5). It was the place that God has chosen as the religious centre of the world in the Messianic Kingdom (Isa.4:2-4; 56:6-8; Mic.4:1-4) – For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His holy habitation. This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it (Psa.132:13-14). The Temple, providing atonement and rich worship, was a regular source of refreshment, where Israel’s relationship with the Lord could be strengthened (c.f.1 Chron.6:31-32, 25:11:1-8). Every place set up for the worship of God, from a cathedral to a hut, can be special and should be valued, because it can foster a real relationship with God (Heb.10:23-25).