Background and Context Psalm 93 is a short but majestic hymn celebrating the eternal kingship of the LORD. It is the first in a series of psalms (Psalms 93, 95–99) known as the “enthronement psalms,” which have the central theme, “The LORD reigns!” This psalm is anonymous and was likely written for use in the […]
Psalm 93 Commentary: A Proclamation of God’s Eternal Reign Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 92 is uniquely identified in the Bible as “A psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.” This designation places it directly within the context of Israel’s corporate worship. It was designed to be sung on the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and for refocusing on God. The psalm’s purpose
Psalm 92 Commentary: A Joyful Sabbath Song of the Righteous Flourishing Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 91 is one of the most beloved and powerful psalms of trust and protection in the entire Psalter. It is an anonymous psalm, not tied to any specific historical event, which gives it a timeless and universal quality. It is a confident and triumphant declaration of the security, safety, and comprehensive
Psalm 91 Commentary: Resting in the Shadow of the Almighty Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 90 is the first psalm in Book Four of the Psalter and is the only psalm in the entire collection attributed to Moses, the man of God. This attribution is profound, as it places the psalm in the context of the wilderness wanderings. It is the prayer of a leader who
Psalm 90 Commentary: A Prayer for Wisdom in a Fleeting Life Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 89 is a powerful and poignant national lament, written by “Ethan the Ezrahite,” who is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wisest men of his time, a contemporary of Solomon. This psalm is the final one in Book Three of the Psalter and it grapples with one of
Psalm 89 Commentary: A Lament for a Broken Covenant Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 88 is the darkest and most sorrowful psalm in the entire Psalter. It is a raw, unrelenting lament from a man named Heman the Ezrahite, one of the three chief Levitical musicians appointed by King David. Heman was a respected sage and worship leader, which makes the content of his prayer
Psalm 88 Commentary: A Prayer from the Edge of Darkness Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 87 is a short but breathtakingly beautiful “Song of Zion,” written by the Sons of Korah, the guild of temple musicians. This psalm is one of the most remarkable missionary and prophetic psalms in the Old Testament. It looks forward with stunning clarity to a day when the city of God,
Psalm 87 Commentary: Zion, the Mother City of All Nations Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 86 is titled “A prayer of David.” It is a beautiful and deeply personal lament, an individual’s cry for help in a time of distress. While many psalms are a patchwork of human emotions, this one feels like a patchwork of Scripture itself. The psalmist (David) weaves together phrases, ideas, and
Psalm 86 Commentary: A Humble Prayer Anchored in God’s Character Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 85 is a community prayer from the “Sons of Korah,” written by a people who have experienced a great deliverance but are still waiting for the fullness of God’s blessing. The language of the psalm, particularly the opening line, “You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of
Psalm 85 Commentary: A Prayer for Revival and the Kiss of Peace Read Post »
Background and Context Psalm 84 is a beautiful and deeply loved Song of Zion, written by the “Sons of Korah.” The Sons of Korah were a guild of Levites who served as musicians and doorkeepers in the Jerusalem Temple. This background is essential for understanding the psalm. The author is not a distant admirer of
Psalm 84 Commentary: A Pilgrim’s Song of Longing for God’s Presence Read Post »
