Psalm 79 - They have defiled your temple

Psalm 79

This is a psalm of Asaph, it seems to have been written after the Babylonian invasion, when many died, and the temple was ruined. The psalmist calls out to God, telling Him of the destruction, he knows that it is ultimately the result of God’s anger against them and calls out for God to judge the nations. For in attacking God’s people the nations are attacking God. The psalmist knows that it is the sins of past generations that are the real cause, so he calls on God to have mercy on them, for Him to deliver them and to forgive their sins. Recognising our sins and looking for mercy and forgiveness are the only way to properly approach God. This will bring glory to God. God’s name is glorified when people repent and are restored by His grace.

Psalm 78 - hear my teaching

Psalm 78

The psalm starts with a call to hear the teaching of the psalmist. He says he will give a parable, Jesus, of course, was famous for teaching with parables. Then he says the lessons are from of old, but at the same time were hidden. What does this mean? The Old Testament all points towards Jesus and the gospels, but it is only in \new \testament times that they were revealed. Note the importance of passing them on to the next generation, it is important to tell them “the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders He has done. God’s giving of the Law to Israel wa an act of grace and kindness, The aim was that they would trust the Lord.

However, Israel was not very good at keeping the Law or trusting in God. The “men of Ephraim” are singled out. There is then reference to the exodus from Egypt, and all that followed.

There was a repeated pattern of Israel turning to God when in trouble, but soon forgetting Him once they were delivered. We need to remember the Lord. They repeatedly put God to the test, turning to idols, we should ensure that we do not do the same, Even so God showed mercy to Israel.

Psalm 77 - I cried out to God for help

Psalm 77

This is not a psalm of David, but is a cry for help. There are lots of cries for help psalms, crying out to God for help is normal.

The psalmist was in distress, and “would not be comforted”. The psalmist was experiencing deep anguish, he wondered if God would reject him forever, if God’s promises had failed, had God forgotten to be merciful. We can have all sorts of negative thoughts, God can still handle us. So the psalmist reminds himself of what God has done in the past. God has not forgotten us, He will rescue us,

Psalm 76 - God is renowned

Psalm 76

This psalm of Asaph seems to be a reflection on the greatness of God, and His relationship to Judah. \he is known in Israel, God is meant to be known among His people, and He dwells among them. He defends His people against their enemies. There are no enemies who can stand against the Lord. He alone is to be feared, so there is nothing nor anyone who comes against us whom we should fear. Many people have a problem with the wrath of God, but when everything is brought to a conclusion, people will praise God for His wrath. So the wise man gives his devotion to the Lord.

Psalm 75 - the God who is near

Psalm 75

This is a psalm of Asaph and is a song of praise. God is praised because He is near. God is not a distant God, but one who is near. In Eden He walked in the garden. In Christ He came to dwell amongst us, and He gives His Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

God acts with justice, and he exalts or brings down. If we want justice we should praise and exalt the Lord.z

Psalm 74 - why have you rejected us?

Psalm 74

This is a maskil of Asapha, the psalmist is reflecting on why God seems to have rejected them. He reminds God that they are the nation that \god purchased, and He has purchased us with Christ’s blood. v7 & 8 seem to refer to what the Babylonians did to Jerusalem. Then the psalmist reminds himself what God has done in the past. In mocking God’s people they are mocking God Himself, so He calls on God to arise against the enemies.

Psalm 73 - My feet had almost slipped

Psalm 73

This is a psalm of Asaph, and one where the psalmist is struggling with his faith. It was not a doctrinal error as such, for he begins by declaring that God is good to Israel and all the pure in heart, but then he says his foot had almost slipped. So what was the problem?  He had become envious of the arrogant and the wicked. The godless seemed to have it so easy, even though they plotted evil. They seemed to be free of cares and enjoy prosperity, his efforts to follow the Lord seemed to be a waste of time. Then he starts to come to his senses, realising that he was “senseless and ignorant”. V17 is a key verse, things started to change when he “entered the sanctuary of God”. However we are feeling we should enter the presence of God, we need God to change our hearts. So in the end he says he has made the Lord his refuge. We can go through all sorts of emotions and thoughts, but whatever we are going through we should seek the Lord.