Psalms 92: A Song for the Sabbath

Psalms 92 Scripture
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1

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

2

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

4

For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

5

O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

6

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

7

When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:

8

But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore.

9

For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.

10

But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

11

Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

15

To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalms 92 Commentary
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This psalm, explicitly designated "a song for the Sabbath," offers a powerful expression of confidence and assurance in the Lord. While the exact connection to the Sabbath isn't spelled out, the psalm's themes of rest, trust, and rejoicing in God's goodness perfectly align with the spirit of the Sabbath day. It serves as a beautiful counterpoint to psalms of lament, such as Psalm 88, which express anguish without resolution. Psalms 92:1-15 offers a balanced perspective, reminding us of God's faithfulness even amidst life's challenges.

Praising God's Faithfulness (Psalms 92:1-4)

The psalmist begins by calling believers to worship and praise God. He emphasizes the goodness of giving thanks to the Lord, singing praises to His name, and proclaiming His steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalmist rejoices in the works of God, recognizing that God’s actions inspire joy in those who trust and honor Him. Reflecting on God's miraculous deeds and perfect Word should naturally lead to praise. Genuine worship arises from remembering and acknowledging God's past actions in our lives. The blessings we receive should inspire us to praise Him for who He is, thank Him for what He has done, and trust Him for what He will do.

Understanding God's Eternal Perspective (Psalms 92:5-11)

Confidence in God stems from understanding His divine nature. The Lord is infinitely powerful and possesses perfect understanding. Compared to our limited human perspective, He is all-knowing. Many of our struggles to understand His will arise from this fundamental difference: God is God, and we are not. The psalmist applies this to the anxiety we feel when we see the wicked prosper (Psalm 73:2-3). A wise person recognizes that those who reject the Lord are destined for eternal destruction (Psalm 73:15-18). Foolish are those who abandon God when evil seems to triumph temporarily. This psalm contrasts the eternal perspective of the righteous with the fleeting success of the wicked, who, like grass, flourish briefly before they perish. The psalmist knows that God lifts him above his enemies, offering protection and favor.

The Blessings of Righteousness (Psalms 92:12-15)

The psalm concludes by focusing on the blessings that come from remaining faithful to the Lord. The passage speaks of anointing, which was a symbol of protection and favor. In contrast to the wicked, who will be scattered (Psalms 92:9), those who remain loyal to the Lord can expect ultimate victory. The righteous will flourish, even in old age, bearing fruit and declaring the greatness of God. Because God is omnipotent, omniscient, and good, His people can be completely assured of His promises. The goodness of God inspires adoration of God.