PSALMS BOOK 3
(In progress)
73-89  THE LEVITICUS BOOK: CONCERNING THE SANCTUARY. The counsels of God concerning the Sanctuary in relation to man and in relation to Jehovah. The Psalm contains references throughout to Sanctuary, Congregation, Assembly and Zion. The Book concludes with a benediction and a double Amen.
               The Hebrew title for the Book of Leviticus translates “AND HE CALLED”. See Lev 1:1,2 and understand that it describes how God is to be approached. See Ps 65:4 and Jn 4:23,24 for further clarity. In Book I, the Genesis Book, we receive the counsels of God in relation to Man. In Book II, the Exodus Book, it is the counsels of God in relation to the Nation. Here, the Sanctuary is the subject of Book III and is specifically mentioned in almost every Psalm. In Book III of the Psalms we are instructed as to Access and Worship. The Sanctuary is seen in its ruins through to the establishment as the center of the fullness of blessing. The specific mentions of the Sanctuary are: “Sanctuary” (73, 74, 77, 78), “temple” (79), “congregation” (75, 82, 89), “tabernacle/s” (76, 84), “houses of God” (83) and “assembly” (89). “Zion” appears in 74, 76, 78, 84, and 87.
                The Book has two primary divisions: Pss 73-83 present the Sanctuary in relation to Man and Pss 84-89 in relation to Jehovah. In the 1st division all the Psalms are Psalms of Asaph. In the 2nd division all the Psalms (except 86 and 89) are Psalms of the sons of Korah. In the 1st division (Man) we find “Elohim” 65x (twice with “Jehovah”) and “Jehovah” only 15x. In the 2nd division (Jehovah) “Jehovah” occurs 50x and “Elohim” only 28x (four with “Jehovah”). “El” (the Almighty Who knows, sees and performs all things) occurs 5x.
INDEX
73 - 74 - 75 - 76 - 77 - 78 - 79 - 80 - 81 - 82 - 83 - 84 - 85 - 86 - 87 - 88 - 89
Psalm 73 - The Psalmist begins outside of the Sanctuary distracted by and preoccupied with others outside of the Sanctuary: the wicked and their prosperity Upon entering the sanctuary (v.17) he turns his attention to God.
       - “of Asaph” - The 2nd of twelve (1st is Ps. 50). First of 11 consecutive. A combination of Psalms, Songs and Maschils. 
1 - “Truly…Israel.” - “God is nothing but good to Israel.” The conclusion of the Psalm is presented before the distraction.
     - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “Israel” - Connects BOOK II and BOOK III.
     - “clean heart” - Compare Ps 24:4
2,3 - Preoccupation with self - “me” (emphatic), “my”, “My”, “I”, “I”
  (2) - “almost” = “quickly”, “in a little while”
         - “gone” = “stumbled”
  (3) - “foolish” = “boasters”
        - “wicked” = Heb. “rasha`” = “lawless”
4 - “bands in” = “pains at”
     - “is” = “continues”
5 - “in the trouble as other” = “in jeopardy from”
     - “like” = “other”. In summary, “They are not bothered by or bothered with other men.”
     - “men” = Heb. “adam” = “ordinary men”
6 - “chain” = “necklace”
7 - “stand out” = “protrude”
     - “They have..,.” = “The imaginations of their heart overflow”
8,9 - The words of the wicked. For “oppression”. Against “the heavens” (where God dwells) and “the earth” (where His people dwell). The next verse quotes their words.
10 - Begin, “They say”
      - “His People” - God’s People
      - “return hither” = “turn to us”
      - “are wrung out to” = “shall be drained by”
11 - “GOD” = Heb. “El” - The all-knowing God
      - “MOST HIGH” = Heb. “Elyon” - The Possessor of the earth. The Divider of inheritance.
12 - “ungodly” = Heb. “rasha`” = “lawless”
      - “in the world” = “in this age”
13 - “Verily” - Same word as “Truly” in v.1
      - “I have cleansed”, “in vain” - When distracted, we may look to ourselves to do what only God can do.
      - “washed my hands”, “innocency” - An outward action attempting to address an inner condition.
14 - “all day long”, “every morning” = continually
15 - The “I”s continue
      - “offend” = Heb. “bagad” = “deal treacherously”
16 - “thought to know” = “pondered to understand”
      - “too painful…” = “vexation in my eyes” - Looking inwardly increases stress.
17 - “Until” - The operative word in this Psalm. Ps 121:2 
      - “Then” = “Until”
      - “end” = “latter end”, “hereafter”
18 - “Surely” - Same word as “Truly” in v.1 and “Verily” in v.13
      - “didst set” = “wilt set”
19 - “How” = “How is it that”
      - “They” = “How is it that they”
20 - “awakest” = “ariseth” 
      - “image” = The image of which they dreamt. The dreams of the wicked are an abomination to God.
21 - “grieved” - About being distracted from God.
22 - “foolish” = “brutish”
      - “as a beast” - Literally true for Nebuchadnezzar. Dan 4:29-33
23-28 - Now occupied with God. The “I”s, “me”s and “my”s are now connected to God.
      (25) - “Whom…?” - The question for all saints. See Jn 6:66-68
       (26) - “strength” = Heb. “zur” = “rock” or “refuge”
       (27) - “a whoring from Thee” - Idolatry
       (28) - “me” - Emphatic in contrast to those in v.27.
               - “put my trust” = “fled for refuge” - Sanctuary
               - “Lord GOD” = “Adonai Jehovah” = The Controller of Covenant blessings.      INDEX
Psalm 74 - The Enemy In The Sanctuary. The 2nd Psalm in each book deals with the enemy.
        - “Maschil” = “Instruction”. The 9th of 13.
        - “of Asaph” - The 3rd of 12.
1 - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “cast us off” - See 43:2, 44:9
     - “smoke” - See 18:8
     - “sheep of Thy pasture” - 79:13; Jer 23:1; Eze 34:31
2 - “congregation” = “assembly”
     - “purchased” = Heb. “kanah” = “acquired” Ex 15:16; Ruth 4:10
     - “of old” = “aforetime”, “formerly”
     - “rod” - “sceptre” - A symbol of sovereign authority.
     - “redeemed” = Heb. “ga`al” = redeemed by payment.
     - “This Mount Zion” - The psalmist was in view of what he describes.
3 - “Lift up Thy feet unto” - An idiom for “Hasten to and see”. In Gen 29:1 “went” is “lifted up his feet” in Hebrew.
     - “Even…sanctuary” - The subject of this psalm.
4 - “Thine enemies (“adversaries”) - the enemies of God’s People are God’s enemies.
     - “ensigns for signs” - Making territorial claims.
5 - “was” = “used to be considered” - Contrasted with “now” in v.6.
     - “lifted up…trees” - Indicating what one labors to build, many times by clearing trees to make land suitable for farming as well as using the wood itself.
6 - “But now…” - Times have changed.
7 - “cast fire…sanctuary” = “cast Thy holy place into the fire”
     - “to the ground” - Breaking the stones which do not burn in the fire.
8 - “together” = “at once”
     - “synagogues” = “meeting places”
9 - “our signs” - In contrast to “their ensigns” in v.4.
     - “prophet” = “prophecy”: The message, not the messenger. The verse refers to silence from God.
10 - “Thy name” - Represented by the Ark and the Sanctuary.
11 - “Thy right hand” - Representing power.
      - “Pluck…out…bosom” - The hand in the bosom signifies that one’s sword will not be drawn. 
     TEACHER’S NOTE: The ancient manuscripts, and therefore the Septuagint, have a “Selah” here connecting the end of the prayer to the grounds for the plea.
12 - “salvation” - Plural, meaning “great deliverances”
      - “midst…” - See Ex 8:22
13-17 - Former Deliverances
   (13) - “divide” = Heb. “parar” = “cleave” See Ex 14:21
            - “dragons” = “crocodiles” - Always symbolic of Egypt.
   (14) - “leviathan” - often translated as “sea monster”, the word “heads” being plural points again to Egypt being symbolized as “leviathan” and “him” are both singular.
            -“people inhabiting” = “inhabitants”. In this case, wild beasts feeding on the carcasses of Pharaoh’s army and horses.
   (15) - “cleave” = Heb. “baka`” = “open a passage through”
            - “fountain” - Representing the rock through which water flowed. See Ex 17:6 Nu 20:11
            - “flood” - The Jordan. See Jos 3:13-16
   (16) - “light” = “moon” Gen 1:14,15
   (17) - Gen 8:22; 10:25
18-23 - Prayer. The Enemy In The Sanctuary.
   (18) - “LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
            - “Thy name” = “Thee”. The Defending Name of God in Ps 20:1. 
   (19) - “soul” = “life”
            - “turtledove” - Symbolic of the poor who used them for sacrifice if unable to afford more,
            - “poor” = Heb. “`anah” = “oppressed”
   (20) - “the” = “Thy”
            - “covenant” - See Gen 15:16 specifically, and Gen 17:7,8
            - “the earth” = “the land”
   (21) - “oppressed” = “oppressed one”
            - “return” - Compare to Ps 6:10
            - “the poor and needy praise” = “a poor one and a needy one will praise”
   (22,23) - The plea and prayer conclude with The Covenant as the basis.
                  - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship
                  - “Al-taschith” = “Destroy not”                                                   INDEX

Psalm 75 - God’s Anointed In The Sanctuary. The enemies are warned. The people are encouraged.
        - “of Asaph” - 4th of twelve.
1 - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “Thy name…near” = “And we shall call on Thy name”
     - “Thy wondrous…” = “Men shall tell of Thy wondrous works.”
2 - “I shall receive…” = “The appointed time has come.”
     - “I” - Emphatic
3 - “…dissolved” - See 2 Pe 3:10 “melt”
     - “bear up” = “have established”
     - “Selah” - Connects the set time of judgment with the judgment itself and its impact on the righteous and the wicked.
4 - “fools” = “arrogant”
     - “horn” - Symbolic of pride.
5 - “Speak not…” = “Nor speak arrogantly of the Rock.”
6 - “neither…east, nor…west. Nor…south” - Therefore from the north, the location of God’s throne. See Isa 14:12-14. Referenced in Job 26:7-14 (see “bear up” in v.3).
7 - “But” = “No”
8 - “cup” - The symbol of God’s judgment. Isa 51:17-23 (see also 19:14); Jer 25:27-29, 49:12; Eze 23:30-35; Hab 2:15,16
     - “red” = “foaming”, therefore freshly and abundantly poured.
     - “mixture” = “spice” See Rev 14:10
     - “wicked” = Heb. “rasha`” = “lawless”
      TEACHER’S NOTE: The wine is produced at Rev 19:15
9 - Praise promised.
     - “declare” = “exult”
     - “God of Jacob” - Used to indicate the God of Grace.
10 - “All” - The completeness of judgment.
         - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship”
         - “Neginoth” = “Smitings”. The smitings of God’s enemies.                    INDEX

Psalm 76 - The Enemies of The Sanctuary Destroyed. The Psalm alternates between 3rd person (“He”, etc.) and 2nd person (“Thou”, etc.). The 2 Selahs determine the structure and point to the taking of Jebus (later named Jerusalem) by David in 960 B.C. (2 Sa 5:4-9).
     - “of Asaph” = “by Asaph”. The 5th of 12.
1 - “Judah” - The psalm emphasizes locality (“Israel”, “Salem”, “Zion”, “there”).
     - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “known” = “making Himself known”
     - “Israel” - The taking of Jebus is connected to David assuming the throne of Israel.
2 - “Salem” - The ancient Jebusite name for Jerusalem. See Gen 14:18 and Heb 7:1,2
     - “tabernacle” - David’s tabernacle in Zion where it was set up after the taking of Jebus.
3 - “There” - Heb. “sham” - Emphatic. Also Gen 2:8, Ex 40:3 (“therein”), Deu 1:39 (“thither”), 2 Ch 6:11 (“in it”)
     - “brake He” = “hath He broken in pieces”
     - “the battle” - representing all other weapons.
     - “Selah” - Connects the defeat of the Jebusites with the God responsible for it. Passes from 3rd person to 2nd. “Thou” is emphasized.
4 - “mountains of prey” - The prey seized, i.e., the mountain of Zion in this verse, the mighty men in v.5.
5 - “slept their sleep” = “been slain” 
     - “none…found their hands” = Heb. Idiom for helplessness, like English “lost heart”.
6 - “God of Jacob” = The God of Grace as in 75:9.
     - “cast into a deep sleep” = “stunned”. A single word in Hebrew.
7,8 - The wrath of God cannot be withstood nor escaped.
9 - “the meek” = “the patient oppressed ones”. See Jas 5:10,11 and Rev 13:10;14:12
     - “Selah” - Connecting God’s judgment on the Jebusites to it being the basis of praise.
10 - “man” = Heb. “adam” = “mankind”
      - “remainder of wrath…restrain” - See Nu 21:5-9 and 2 Ch 7:13,14
11 - “Vow” - A subject of all Jeduthun psalms.
      - “pay unto” = “pay thy vows unto”
      - “presents” - Sacrifices and offerings (now prayers and praise but primarily tithes, the 1st vow in the Bible (Gen 28:22).
12 - “princes”, “kings” - The exalted among humanity.
      - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship
      - “to Jeduthun” - The Director of music (Ethan)                       INDEX
Psalm 77 - The Effects of Being Outside of The Sanctuary. The Psalm has 2 primary divisions: (vv.1-9) Occupation with self resulting in misery and (vv.10-20) and Occupation with God resulting in happiness.
      - “of Asaph” = “by Asaph” - The 6th of twelve.
1-6 - Featuring “I”, “me”, “my”, “mine”
  (1) - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
        - “unto…voice” - Twice for emphasis.
        - “gave ear” = “condescended to give ear”
  (2) - “the LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
        - “My sore ran” = “My hand was outstretched” (in prayer).
        - “ceased not” - Being outstretched
        - “My soul” = “I” (emphatic)
  (3) - “complained” = “communed with myself” and I was “overwhelmed”. In Holy Communion our remembrance of God has the opposite effect because we commune with Him.
        - “my spirit” = “I” (emphatic)
        - “Selah” - Connects the self-introspection to the resulting misery.
  (4) - “Thou…waking” = “Thou keepest my eyelids from closing”
        - “cannot speak” - Contrast with “voice” in v.1. See Ro 8:26.
  (5) - “days of old”, “ancient times” - When God delivered Israel.
  (6) - “I call to remembrance”, “my song”, “mine own heart”. “my spirit” - Still occupied with self.
7-9 - The consequence of self-introspection. Doubt and misery. Ironically, self-doubt leads to doubting God.
        - “Selah” - Connects the misery with its only remedy - God.
10 - The psalmist moves from “I” and “my” to “Thou” and “Thy”.
        - “infirmity” - See 2 Co 12:9
        - “But” - Recognizing the turn.
        - “right hand” - God’s power now called to remembrance.
        - “the MOST HIGH” = Heb. “Elyon” - The possessor of the Earth.
11 - “works” = “doings”, “deeds”
        - “THE LORD” = Heb. “Jah” - Jehovah having become our Salvation.
        - “wonders” = “work”, “ways”
12 - “meditate”, “talk” - About God
       - “work” = “works”
13 - “the sanctuary” - Where peace and happiness are found in the presence of God.
        - “Who is.?” - The cry of the saints focused on God. See Ex 15:11
14 - “declared” = “made known” - See 76:1
15 - “Joseph” - Added because his sons were not directly from Jacob.
        - “Selah” - Connects Israel’s redemption from Egypt with what is recorded about it in Scripture.
16 - “The waters” - Twice for emphasis and referencing both the Nile (Ex 7:14-21) and the Red Sea (Ex 14:21-31).
        - “The depths” - The Red Sea
17 - “clouds” = thick, dark clouds
        - “arrows” - lightning
18 - “voice” = “sound”
        - “was in the heaven” = Heb. “galgal” = “rolled along”
        - “lightened” = “illuminated”
19 - “is” = “was”
        - “the sea” = The Red Sea
        - “path” = “paths”
        - “footsteps” = “footprints” - No longer visible after the waters returned.
20 - “Moses and Aaron” - The only mention in Book III.                                     INDEX
Psalm 78 - Choosing the site for The Sanctuary.
      - “Maschil” = “Instruction”
      - “of Asaph” = “by” or “for” Asaph. The 7th of 12. Asaph was a seer, or prophet. 2 Ch 29:30.
1 - This Psalm of Instruction begins with a call to heed the words which follow.
2 - “I will open...” - Quoted in Mt 13:35.
     - “parable”, “dark sayings” - Same Hebrew word. Meaning that the historical events contained in this psalm have more than surface meaning.
3 - “known” = “come to know’
4 - “Shewing” = “Recounting”
     - “strength” = Heb. “ezuwz” - Strength in terms of force.
     - “wonderful works” = “wonders”
5 - “commanded our fathers” - See Ex 10:2; 12:26,27; 13:8-10,14,15. Deu 4:9; 6:7,20 and more.
6,7 - The reason for the commandment 
       - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
       - “GOD” = Heb. “EL” - The Omnipotent One
8,9 - The General Provocation of The Lord
       - “rebellious” - See Deu 9:24; 31:27
       - “not steadfast”, “turned back” even though “armed” and “carrying bows” - Indicative of the faithless falling short of their callings and blessings.
       - “Ephraim” - See Judges 12:1-6; 17 and 18. The specific use of Ephraim points to the introduction of idolatry. See “deceitful bow” in v.57 and Hos 7:16; 10:5-8
10,11 - “kept not”, “refused”, “forgot” - The pattern of the rebellious.
12-16 - “Marvellous things”
   (12) - “Zoan” - The capital of Egypt. Noted for wisdom. See Ex 1:10.
   (13) - “divided”, “as an heap” - Ex 14:21,22
   (14) - “led them…” - Ex 13:21; 14:24 Isa 4:4-6
   (15,16) - “clave”, “rocks” - Ex 17:1-7
17 - Provocation in the wilderness
       - “MOST HIGH” = Heb. “Elyon” - The Possessor of Heaven and Earth
18-21 - “meat...lust” - Nu 11:4-13
22 - “believed not”, “trusted not” - The cause stated after the effects.
23 - “clouds” = “skies”
      - “opened” = “set open”
      - “doors” - See “windows” in Gen 7:11 through which things were poured out. The doors indicate the opening of a storehouse.
24 - “manna” = “bread” See Jn 6:31,49-51
      - “of heaven” = “from heaven”
25 - “Man” = Heb. “Ish”. 1st usage in Gen 2:22,23 is feminine (“ishah”) translated “woman”. “Ish” is used of great men or husbands. “Adam” is used of ordinary men.
      - “angels’ food” = “bread of (or from) the mighty ones”
26 - “east wind”, “south wind” - Divine direction from God to deliver quails to the appointed place.
27-31 - See Nu 11:31-34
32 - “For” = “In the midst”
33 - “in vanity” = “in a breath”. The generation of men died out quickly. Nu 14:29, 35-37; 26:63-65
34,35 - The Repentance of Israel - See Nu 14:39,40 
            - “THE HIGH GOD” = Heb. “El Elyon” - El Most High
            - “redeemer” = Heb. “ga`al” = redeemer from a charge by payment. Used in Ex 6:6.
36,37 - “tongues” = “tongue” (singular) 
            - “covenant” - See Ex 34:5-10
38 - “destroyed” = “laid waste”
39 - “He remembered” - They “forgat” in v.11.
       - “flesh” - Gen 6:3 Ps 103:14-16
40 - “How oft…?” - See Nu 14:22. 10x in the first 2 years.
               1. At the Red Sea (Ex 14:11,12)
               2. At Marah (Ex 15:23,24)
               3. The Wilderness of Sin (Ex 16:2)
               4. About Manna (Ex 16:20) 
               5. About Manna (Ex 16:27)
               6. At Rephidim (Ex 17:1-3)
               7. At Horeb (golden calf) (Ex 32)
               8. At Taberah (Nu 11:1)
               9. At Kibroth-Hattaavah )Nu 11:4)
              10. At Kadesh (Nu 14:2)
41 - “turned back” - Repeatedly
      - “GOD” = Heb. “El” - The Omnipotent One
      - “limited” = Heb. “tavah” = “set a mark”. Only other occ. in Eze 9:4. See Nu 11:23 and Isa 54:1,2 to understand.
42 - “They remembered not…” - Contrast v.39. God always remembers. We often forget.
       - “delivered” = Heb. “padah” - redeemed from bondage by power. See Ex 13:13.
43 - “signs in Egypt” - A selective list of the 10 plagues. #s 3,5,6,9 omitted.
44-51 - The Plagues
  (44) - “turned their rivers…” - The 1st plague. Ex 7:17-21
  (45) - “flies” - The 4th plague. Ex 8:21-24
           - “frogs” - The 2nd plague. Ex 8:5,6
  (46) - “caterpillar” = Heb. “hasil” = “corn locust” (larva stage). A more specific word than in Ex 10:1-20. The 8th plague. Also in Joel 1:4; 2:25
           - “labour” - The fruits of their labor.
  (47) - “hail” - the 7th plague. Ex 9:18-26
           - “frost” = Heb. “chanamal” Only occ. in Scripture = “aphids”. The sycamore aphid is a particular pest to such trees. This information is a Divine supplement to Exodus.
  (48) - “hot thunderbolts” = “lightning” Ex 9:23
  (49) - “sending” = “letting loose”
            - “evil angels” - Not demons, but destroying angels. Both mentioned in 1 Ti 4:1 (“seducing spirits” and “devils”). See Ex 12:23 and 2 Sa 24:16.
  (50) - “made” = “pondered” - Used in Pr 4:26; 5:6,21
  (51) - “smote…firstborn” - The 10th plague. Ex 11:4-6; 12:29,30
            - “tabernacles” = “tents”
            - “Ham” = Egypt See Ps 105:23,27; 106:22
52 - See Isa 63:11-14
53 - “led” = “gently led”
       - “overwhelmed” - See Ex 14:27; 15:10
54 - “His sanctuary” - Zion
       - “this mountain” - The psalmist is with Zion within eyesight.
55 - “heathen” = “nations” - Canaanites, Hivites, etc.
       - “by line” - the inheritance was measured off
56 - “the MOST HIGH” = Heb. “eth Elohim Elyon”
57 - “deceitful bow” - Therefore disappointing
58- “graven images” - Scripturally this term includes carved and molten images.
59 - “When” - Omit
60 - “tabernacle” = Heb. “mishkan” = “habitation”
       - “Shiloh” - See Judges 18:31
61 - The story: 1 Sa 4:15 - 5:1
       - “strength” - The Ark of the Covenant. See Ps 63:2; 132:8
       - “glory” - Another name for the Ark. 1 Sa 4:22
62 - “unto the sword” - 1 Sa 4:10
63 - “were not…” = “had no marriage song”
64 - “priests” - See Eli’s sons 1 Sa 4:11
65 - “the LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
66 - “hinder parts” = “rear end”
67 - “chose not…” - Ephraim maintained inheritance, but precedence was transferred to Judah.
68 - “which He loved” - Demonstrated by the Ark being moved to Zion.
69 - “Like the earth” = “In the land”
70 - “chose David” - 1 Sa 16:11,12
71 - “To feed” = “To shepherd”
       - “Jacob” - The natural seed. 2 Sa 7:7,8
       - “His people” = “His servant”
       - “Israel” - The spiritual seed.
72 - “skillfulness” = “understanding”, “discernment”                       INDEX
Psalm 79 - The enemy in the Sanctuary
        - “of Asaph” - The 8th of twelve.
1-4 - Historical and prophecy fulfilled in Rev 11:1-10.
  (1) - “temple” - See 1 Ki 14:25,26 and 2 Ch 12:2-10
        - “defiled” - But not yet destroyed.
        - “heaps” = “ruins” See prophecy in Mic 3:9-12
  (2) - “given…fowls” - Unburied
        - “saints” = “men of Thy lovingkindness”
  (3) - “shed” = “poured out”. Same word in v.6
  (4) - “reproach”, “scorn”, “derision” - See Jer 20:7,8
5 - “How long…?” - Compare question in v.10.
     - “LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
     - “jealousy” - Due to idolatry Ex 20:1-5
6,7 - “not known thee” - See Jer 10:25
        - “they have” = “he hath” (the enemy)
8 - “prevent us” = “come to meet us”
9 - “purge away” = Heb. “kaphar” = “cover”, “atone for”. First used in Gen 6:14 (“pitch it”) as a covering from (the waters of) judgment.
     - “for Thy name’s sake” - Grace is never deserved.
10 - “By the revenging…” = “Let the revenging be known” See Isa 14:12-20
11,12 - “sighing” = “groaning”. See Ex 2:23-25; Ps 102:19-21
            - “Thy power” = “Thine arm”
            - “preserve” = “reserve”
            - “those appointed…” = “sons of death” See Jer 15:2, 43:11; Rev 13:10
      (12) - “sevenfold” - See Gen 4:15 
13 - “We are…pasture” - See Ps 95:7, 100:3
       - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship
       - “upon Shoshannim-eduth” - Only here and Ps 59. Testimony relating to the second Passover. See Nu 9:5-14      INDEX

Psalm 80 - God In The Sanctuary
           - “of Asaph” - 9th of twelve
1 - “Shepherd of Israel” - Part of the blessing of Joseph, thus his name is mentioned. See Gen 48:15 and 49:24.
     - “Joseph” - Representing all of Israel.
     - “between” = “enthroned above”
2 - “Ephraim…Manasseh” - All descended from Rachael, they marched in the rear of Israel’s formation (Nu 2:18-22) with Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun marching in front. The Ark (the presence of God) led them as Shepherd (Ps 78:52-55; Jn 10:4,5).
3 - “Turn” - From idolatry to true worship. 
     - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator.
  NOTE: The Divine titles are particularly significant. In vv.3,7 and 12 we move from “God” to “God of hosts” to “Jehovah God of hosts” as the relationship with His People matures.
4 - “O LORD God of hosts” =Heb. “Jehovah Elohim Zebaioth (Sabaoth)” - Occurs in 59:5 and 84:8. First occ. in 1 Sa 1:3. This denotes the God of Israel as Lord of all hosts in heaven and earth.
5 - An exquisite image of abundant tears as both food and drink. Not being consumed with grief, but consuming grief.
6 - “strife” - No peace.
     - “laugh…” - No respect.
7 - Verse 3 now moves to “God of hosts” - See v.4
     - “to shine” - See Nu 6:25
8 - “a vine” - A frequent image of Israel. Isa 5:1-7, 27:2-6; Jer 2:21, 12:10
9-11 - The use of “Joseph” in v.1 is now connected to Gen 49:22.
  (10) - “goodly cedars” = “cedars of El”
  (11) - “the sea” - The Mediterranean
           - “branches” = “roots”
           - “the river” = The Euphrates”
12 - “hedges” - Representing protection, defenses.
13 - “wood” = “forest”. Prophetic. The “boar” became the Roman military ensign.
14 - “Return…Thee” = “Turn…Thou” in contrast to “us” in vv.3,7,19.
       - “Look down”, “behold”, “visit” - All connected by “and”. Read each followed by (“once more”).
15 - “And the” = “And protect the”
      - “branch” = “son of man” as in v.17.
16 - “They perish…rebuke…” - See Deu 4:24, 9:3; Heb 10:30-31, 12:28-29
        NOTE: These verses allow us to understand that the word “They” includes the “boar” and “wild beast” of v.13.
17 - “upon” = “over” - As a covering or for ordination.
      - “man” = Heb. “ish” - Strong man
      - “son of man” = Heb. “adam” - Ordinary man. “Made strong” by the hand of God.
18 - “Quicken” = “Revive”, “Restore”, “Make alive”
19 - See vv.3,7 notes.
          - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship.
          - “upon Gittith” - Relating to the winepress, thus the references to the vine and the vineyard, the subject of this Psalm.
                                                 INDEX 
Psalm 81 - God In The Sanctuary
                - “of Asaph” - The 10th of twelve.
1 - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “God of Jacob” = The God Of Grace as in 75:9.
2 - “Take a psalm” = “Raise a song”
      - “timbrel” = Heb. “toph” = “drum”. Sometimes rendered “tabret”. See Ex 15:20 and 1 Sa 10:5.
      - “psaltery” = “lute”
3 - “trumpet” = Heb. “shophar” - A curved horn. See Nu 10:1-3
      - “day” = “days” - The “appointed” festivals announced by the trumpets (120 in 2 Ch 5:12).
4,5 - “This” - Omit
        - “He” = “God”
        - “out” = “forth”
        - “through” = “in the sight of” See Nu 33:3
        - “I” = Israel
6 - “I” = God
      - “pots” = The baskets used in brickmaking, though originally designed to carry fruit. For another use see 2 Ki 10:7.
7 - “in” (2nd occ.) = “from”
      - “proved” - See Ex 17:6, Nu 20:1-13
      - “Selah” - Connects the deliverance to the call to hearken.
8,9 - “strange god” = “foreign god” See Ps 44:20, Isa 43:12
        - “strange god” = “god of the foreigner” Deu 32:12,16
10 - “the LORD thy God” = “Jehovah thy Elohim” - The Lawgiver
        - “Open…wide…” - Our mouth is filled AFTER our ears are opened.
11 - “But…” 
        - “would none of Me” = “had no mind for Me” - An ongoing state.
12 - “So I gave them up…” = “So I let him (Israel) go…” - A statement of judgment. See Ro 1:28-32
       - “lust” = “stubbornness”
       - “their own counsels” - Pr 3:5
13 - Rejoicing when FOUND - Lk 15:10
       - Sorrow when LOST - 2 Pe 3:9
14,15 - “soon” = “in a little while”. The “wait” problem is common among us.
     (15) - “haters of the LORD” - Always counted as enemies of God’s People.
          IMPORTANT: “their” = Israel’s, as in v.14
             - “time” = time of blessing
16 - The abundant provision of God for His People. Jn 3:16 Ro 8:32 Eph 3:16-21
        - “honey out of the rock” - Wild honey bees make hives in rock crevices, hollow trees and other areas that scout bees believe are appropriate for their colony. Wild honey, deposited by the bees in the hollows of trees, and in the caverns of the rocks was regarded as the purest, most delicate and valuable. Palestine abounded with bees, and honey was a favorite article of food. In the densely-wooded gorges in Hermon and in Southern Lebanon wild bees are still found, both in trees and in the clefts of the rocks.       INDEX
Psalm 82 - God In The Sanctuary. The righteous judge in contrast to earthly judges. 
1 - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator. Qualified to judge all Creation.
     - “standeth” - In official capacity. The aspect here is civil, not heavenly.
     - “the congregation of the mighty” = “GOD’s (Heb. “El”) assembly.
     - “gods” = Heb. “Elohim” - Used of earthly judges representing Him. See Ex 21:6; 22:8,9,28. See Moses in Ex 7:1. It is also used of idols as representing a false god. See Jn 10:34,35
                 God is the Judge of judges. See Ro 13:1-7
2 - “ye”- The earthly judges.
     - “accept the persons” - Lev 19:15 Pr 18:5 2 Ch 19:7
     - “wicked” = Heb. “rasha`” = “lawless”
     - “Selah” - Connects the indictment of the judges with the command to judge righteously.
3 - “Defend” = “Vindicate”. See “Do justice”.
     - “poor” = Heb. “`ebyon” - An oppressed or helpless one. 
     - “fatherless” - See Jas 1:27
4 - “Deliver…out of…” - The final necessary step. To be pronounced “not guilty” must be followed by the release from prison.
5 - “They” - The oppressed
     - “will” = “can”
     - “on” = “to and fro”
     - “out of course” - The “lost sheep” must be recovered into the fold. Jer 50:6; Eze 34:1-25; Mt 10:5,6, 15:24, 18:10-14; Lk 19:1-10
6,7 - Earthly Judges Condemned
  (6) - “I have said…” - See v.1 notes on “gods”
         - “the MOST HIGH” = Heb. “Elyon” - The Possessor of the Earth, The Dispenser of Blessings.
  (7) - “men” = Heb. “`adam” - ordinary men
         - “fall…princes” - See Nu 18:2,35
8 - “judge” = “judge Thou” (the Righteous Judge)                                 INDEX

Psalm 83 - The Destruction of The Enemies of The Sanctuary
    - “of Asaph” - The last of the twelve Asaph Psalms. Written in 804 B.C. by Jahaziel. See 2 Ch 20:14, 19-21. The answer to the prayer in this psalm is in 2 Ch 20:22-36. Compare v.12 of this Psalm with 2 Ch 20:11 and vv.17,18 with 2 Ch 20:29. The Book of Judges is also heavily referenced.
1 - “Keep not”, “Hold not” - The plea addressed first to “God” (Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator), then to “GOD” (Heb. “El” - The Omnipotent One).
2 - “make a tumult” = “roar like the waves of the sea”
     - “lifted up the head” = acted with arrogance. See Ju 8:28.
3 - We are not attacked randomly by the enemy.
4 - “from being” = “that they be no more”. An expression describing complete military defeat. Isa 7:8 Jer 48:2
5 - “are confederate” = “have solemnized a covenant”
6-8 - A tenfold confederation of enemies.
   (6) - “tabernacles” = Heb. “`ohel” (plural) = “tents”
   (8) - “Selah” - Connects past confederacy of nations to the future Divine destruction.
9 - “Midianites” - See Ju 7:12-25
     - “Sisera”, “Jabin” - See Ju 4:12-24
10 - “earth” = Heb. “adamah” = “soil”
11 - “Oreb”, “Zeeb” - See Ju 7:25
      - “Zalmunna” - See Ju 8:4-21
12 - “houses” = Heb. “ne`oth” = “pleasant pastures” See Ps 23:2
      - “possession” = “inheritance” See 2 Ch 20:11
13-15 - The plea for punishment of the enemies
   (13) - “wheel” = Heb. “galgal” = “a rolling thing”. Typically, the wild artichoke which, when ripe and dry, breaks off at the root and carried by wind rolls like a wheel over the plains. See Isa 17:13
          - “stubble” = Heb. “kash” = dry husks of grain carried about by the wind like the “galgal”.
  (15) - “persecute” = “pursue”
          - “Thy”, “Thy” - See Ro 12:19
16-18 - The appeal against the enemies
   (16) - “their” - The enemies
           - “they” - Thy People (Israel)
   (17) -“them” - The enemies
   (18) - “men” - Israel
           - “JEHOVAH” - One of 4 places in the Authorized Version of the KJV where the name is transliterated and capitalized for importance. See Ex 6:3; Isa 12:2, 26:4
           - “MOST HIGH” = Heb. “Elyon” - The Divider of Inheritance and Distributor of Blessings.
        - “To the chief Musician” - For public worship
        - “upon Gittith” - relating to the winepress used during the autumn Feast of Tabernacles. One of 3 (Pss. 7, 80).    INDEX

Psalm 84 - The Sanctuary and The Blessedness Of Its Worshippers
        - “for the sons of Korah” - 7th of eleven
1 - Entire verse marked as emphatic.
     - “amiable” = “beloved”
     - “tabernacles” = Heb. “mishkan” = “habitations” - Containing the presence of Jehovah. See Ex 25:8.
     - “LORD of hosts” = Heb. “Jehovah Sabaioth” - The God of Israel as Lord of all the hosts in heaven and earth.
2 - “my soul longeth” - Also emphatic. Literally, “I, even I myself, long.”
     - “courts” - Paired with the “altars” of v.3 to include the entire sanctuary.
     - “the LORD” - Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God.
     - “GOD” - Heb. “El” - The Omnipotent God
3 - First 2 lines in parentheses. Imagery only. No actual nest in the altar.
     - “sparrow” = Heb. “tsippore” = “little bird”. The sparrow is emblematic of God’s care for even the least significant, much less those made on His image. Mt 10:29-31
     - “Even” - Add “as I have found” to correspond to the sparrow’s “house”. 
     - “altars” - Two. The brass altar for burnt offerings and the golden altar of incense Ex 30:1-9; Rev 8:3
     - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
4 - “Blessed” - A beatitude. Also vv. 5 and 12.
     - “In Thy house”, “still praising” - See the singers in 1 Ch 9:33.
     - “Selah” - Connects the dwellers and the approachers to the blessings of all true worshippers.
5 - “man” = Heb. “adam” = any of mankind, anyone
     - “strength” = Heb. “owz” = “security”
     - “the ways” = “Thy highways” - The paths set by the LORD.
6 - “of Baca” = “of weeping”
     - “make” = “He maketh”
     - “well” = “place of springs”
     - “rain” = “early rain” - See Ps 126:5,6
7 - “They”, “them” should be “he”. The verb is singular and refers to the “man” of v.5. He goes from “strength to strength” and “appears before God in Zion” to worship.
8 - “God of Jacob” - Not Israel. The God of grace who promised everything to one who had nothing.
     - “Selah” - Connects the request for God’s ear to the words of the prayer.
9 - “shield” - See Gen 15:1. Representative of God’s provision, specifically the Messiah Who is faith’s shield (Eph 6:16) which includes: Favour (Ps 5:12), Salvation (Ps 18:35) and Truth (91:4). Favour includes Life (Ps 30:5), Mercy (Isa 60:10), Preservation (Ps 86:2), Security (Ps 41:4), Salvation and Remembrance (Ps 106:4). See also Ps 115:9-11.
     - “Thine Anointed” = The Messiah
10 - “a thousand” - Add “anywhere else”
      - “a doorkeeper…” = “stand at the threshold”
      - “tents” = “habitations”
11 - “is a sun” - Only occ. of this metaphor in Psalms. See Mal 4:2.
      - “grace and glory” - See Ro 8:29,30. Grace (the flower) is followed by Glory (the fruit).
      - “No good thing…” = Every good thing will be given beyond all mention. See Eph 3:20
12 - Closing beatitude/
      - “trusteth” = “places his confidence”
     - “To the chief Musician’ - For public worship                                         INDEX

Psalm 85 - Prayer For The Land Of The Sanctuary
         - “for the sons of Korah” - 8th of eleven.
1,2 - The LORD’s mercies to the land.
       (1) - “LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
             - “Thy land” connects to “Thy People” in v.2. See Deu 32:43
                TEACHER’S NOTE: Through the communion of prayer, v.12 reads “our land”
             - “brought back the captivity” = restored the fortunes. See Job 42:10; Ps 126:1
             - “Jacob” - The natural and material nation.
       (2) - “covered” = Heb. “kasah” = “concealed” NOT “atoned” (Heb. “kaphar”)
             - “Selah” - Connects the forgiveness to millennial blessing reflected in the completeness of vv. 3 and 4.
3,4 - “taken away”, “turned thyself” - No more “wrath” or “anger”
         - “Turn us” = “Thou has turned” as in vv. 2,3
         - “to cease” - When the former things are passed away. Rev 21:3,4
5 - “for ever”, “all generations” - Still tied to the millennium and the question, “How will we enter eternity?”
6 - The same question asked in the alternative.
     - “revive” - In resurrection.
     - “rejoice” - For ever
7 - “mercy” = grace. Required for “Thy salvation” which is “granted”, never earned.
8 - “hear” - With intelligence and understanding.
     - “GOD” = Heb. “El” = The Omnipotent God
     - “speak peace” - Therefore, to bring about peace as God speaks things into existence. Gen 1:3,6,9,11,15
     - “turn again…” = rebel. Godly admonition can follow deliverance. Jn 5:14, 8:11
9 - “glory” - Jehovah’s glory and presence. Represented by the Shekinah (Heb. “Sekinah” A Chaldean word = “presence”) and the Tabernacle as God’s dwelling. See Ex 13:21,22 and in Ex 33:8-11 (the “pillar”) and 17-23(the “glory”) and Ex 40:34-38. Also Nu 9:15-23; Deu 1:32,33: Neh 9:19.
10,11 - An exquisite metaphor of marriage, communion and oneness.
            - “met together” - To become one. Only “truth” in v.11
            - “kissed” - To seal oneness. Only “righteousness” in v.11
  (11) - “out of the earth” - As fruit. See Gen 1:11,12 where God “saw” just as righteousness “looked down”.
12 - “our land” - After the joining. In v.1 it was “Thy land”. See Ps 67:6
13 - A prophetic verse fulfilled in the persons of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
      - “go before Him” - In anticipation of His coming. To prepare His way. Mt 3:1-3
      - “set us…” - Jesus set the example and marked the path of righteousness for us.                  INDEX
Psalm 86 - Prayer In The Sanctuary. The Humiliation of The Messiah as A Secret Blessing. Isa 53:4,5 Jas 1:2-4  
     - “A Prayer” = Heb. “Tephillah” “A Hymn” or “An Intercession” See Ps 72:20
     - “of David” - The only such Psalm in Book III. Referencing David and the Lord.
1 - “Bow down” - For I am so lowly.
     - “LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
     - “hear” = “answer”
     - “poor” = Heb. “`ebyon” = “helpless”
2 - “holy” = “one whom Thou favors”
     - “God” = Heb. “Elohim” - The Creator
     - “trusteth” = Heb. “batah” = “confides”
3 - “Be merciful” = “Show me favor”
     - “daily” = “all the day”
4 - “Rejoice” = “Bring joy to”
     - “lift up” - As an offering. See Ro 12:1
5 - See Ex 34:6
     - “unto all…Thee” - Forgiveness and mercy accessed through prayer.
6 - “voice” = “sound” See Phil 4:6
7 - The certainty required for true supplication.
8 - “gods” = Heb. “`elohim” = “judges” See Ex 21:6, 22:8-9
     - “…Thy works” - See Gen 1:1. No works comparable to Creation. Thus, we go to The Supplier.
9 - “…Thou hast made” - The Creator referenced in v.8.
     - “All…shall glorify” - Isa 66:23 Phil 2:9-11
10 - See v.8. “doest” = “a doer”
      - “alone” - A declaration of sovereignty. Ps 8:1
11 - “Teach me” - Necessary for us to “walk in…truth”
      - “Unite my heart” = “Let my heart rejoice”
      - “fear” = “reverence”
12 - The promise
13 - The basis for the promise
      - “lowest hell” = “beneath Sheol (the grave)”
14 - “proud”, “assemblies” - The enemy attacks with accord.
      - “And…” - Preceded by a pause to emphasize the enemies’ eternal shortcoming. 1 Jn 4:4
15 - “But” - The contrast. We are shielded by God’s favor.
      - “LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
      - “GOD” = Heb. “El” - The Almighty God
      - “mercy” - Repeated from vv.5 and 13
16 - “have mercy” = “show favor”
      - “Give Thy strength” - See Isa 40:28-31
      - “son…handmaid” = Jesus Christ. See Lk 1:46-52
17 - Prophetically, The Messiah from The Cross                           INDEX
Psalm 87 - The Blessings Of The Inhabitants of Zion
     - “Psalm or Song” - For meditation or public worship
     - “of” = “by” - Repeated in the subscription for emphasis regarding the occasion of its use in the bringing up of the Ark to Zion by David (951 B.C. a Sabbatic year) Ps 24 celebrates the entrance up to Zion. Ps 68 is the setting out of the procession. Ps 87 describes the joy of the entrance with dancings and shoutings. Ps 105 relates to subsequent celebrations of the event.
1 - “His” = Jehovah’s (see v.2)
     - “foundation” - Therefore the only true home for the Ark.
     - “holy” - See Ex 3:5
2 - “The LORD” = Heb. “Jehovah” - The Covenant God
     - “gates” - Enclosing the entirety of Zion.
     - “Jacob” - Israel in terms of its natural seed and material blessings.
3 - “God” = Heb. “ha-`elohim” = the (true) God
     - “Selah” - Connects the other “dwellings” of vv. 1,2 with the other nations in v.4 as Zion is spoken to.
4 - “Rahab” - Literally, “pride”. Used symbolically for Egypt. See 89:10 and Isa 51:9
     - “Ethiopia” - Supply “say” after this
     - “there” = Zion
5 - “of” should be “to”
     - “in her” - A land is known for what it produces (fruit). So are parents, including the Father.
     - “the HIGHEST” = Heb. “Elyon” - The Possessor of the Earth, therefore the Dispenser of Blessings.
     - “Himself” - For emphasis.
6 - “count” = “take note of”. See Gen 4:4 for the sense of the expression.
     - “writeth up” = “enrolls” or “takes roll”
     - “That” = “and say”
     - “Selah” - Connects to the first “Selah”. Again, Zion is spoken to as God writes up all “the people”.
7 - “singers” = those who shout 
     - “players” = those who dance as the Ark is brought up.
     - “fountains” = “springs” - As the sources of life and joy.
      - “to the chief Musician” - For public worship
      - “upon Mahalath Leannoth” - relating to the shoutings and dancings upon bringing up the Ark. See 2 Sa 6:11-15; 1 Chr 15:25-29.
                 INDEX
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