Post by arete on Jul 28, 2014 19:34:37 GMT
Introduction:
In communication, there is a concept called “sandwiching”. Have you heard of it? The idea is that if there is a criticism to be given, you sandwich it between two things that are praiseworthy. The hope is that the criticism will then be taken to heart and corrected to align with the praises. That concept can be applied very loosely and carefully to prayer and petition before God. Where I am going with that is the psalmist this morning has a grief to bring before God, but he sandwiches it with praise – not because he is criticizing God, but by praising God before and after the psalmist keeps his mind on the goodness and graciousness of God regardless of the outcome God decrees. That kind of sandwiching is a good lesson as we turn to Psalm 9…
Context: In Catholic tradition, Psalms 9 and 10 are often listed as a single psalm. However, the two give evidence of being two separate thoughts. Both psalms are laments. Remember a lament psalm expresses grief of one’s condition and includes the lament, a statement of trust in God and an affirmation of praise to him. Psalm 9 is an individual lament psalm, combining prayer with praise and telling of God's just rule over the nations. Psalm 10 is also a lament psalm but the focus is on the enemies of the covenant, who prey upon the weak. The differences in the two psalms caution us against treating the two psalms as one.
Body – Psalm 9:1-12 - ESV
I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds
To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish before your presence.
4 For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
their cities you rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
he has established his throne for justice,
8 and he judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with uprightness.
9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!
12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Personal Praise vv. 1-2 (Affirmation of praise part 1)
The psalmist makes four echoing statements of “I will.” Repetition is for emphasis in Hebrew poetry. This is also a break from standard laments - they usually begin with the grief of the condition. Here, the psalmist begins with praise and ends the psalm with praise – this attitude is much to be commended in God’s children.
Praise means a thankful heart (v. 1a). The same word for praise is also to “give thanks”. This is simple gratitude toward God for who he is as well as what he has done. It is a heart attitude. One can say the words without love and they are meaningless. True praise comes from a right heart
Praise means remembering what God has done (v. 1b). “Wonderful deeds” is a common Hebrew expression for the signs and miracles of creation and redemption of the nation. By remembering the great works of God, the psalmist give thanks, but also reminds himself that no problem is too big for the God who has made everything.
Praise means glorying in who God is (v. 2a). The psalmist doubles up on the idea of rejoicing – specifically in who God is. By keeping the person of God as the centerpiece of his joy then he cannot be disappointed. God may not move the way the psalmist hopes, but his joy is in God’s person and the knowledge that God will do the right and holy thing always.
Praise means knowing who God is (v. 2b). God’s name is more than a label. To know God’s name as he has revealed it, is to know God – and to know him in a salvific sense. Even more, the psalmist focuses on one name – Most High. He is the most exalted. He is the highest over all and over all creation. Nothing is too big for him for he is over it all.
Illustration:
For God, praise is the sweet echo of his own excellence in the hearts of his people. John Piper
Application:
You cannot know God and not be moved to praise him. Praise is based in who God is and also what God has done. To know him is to praise him. If you are not praising him, then it is far past time to be spending time in his presence in prayer & in Scripture. To praise him more, you must know him more & better. There is no excuse because if he is your father, he makes himself available to you.
Perishing Enemies vv. 3-6 (The lament portion)
God’s enemies are our enemies. Note that the psalmist identifies how these enemies receive a righteous judgment from God. The psalmist marks his enemies based primarily on their relationship to God and secondarily to himself.
These enemies flee God’s person & presence stumble and perish (v. 3). The turning back is in reality a turning away from God’s person and his righteous rule. Rebellion against God leads only to death. Even when the wicked seem to flourish they sow only more sin and reap what they sow.
God sits in right judgment on the just and unjust (v. 4). The difference is the relationship. God maintains his own – he disciplines us. He punishes his enemies. No one can escape his perfect justice
God’s judgment on his enemies is total (v. 5). God has laid entire civilizations low. When he punishes and destroys names are blotted out. This is a terrible punishment for that culture – to have no name and no remembrance. It is a hellish idea and represents final punishment.
God’s enemies can be nations as well as individuals (v. 6). This is sobering. As an individual we are far easier for God to discipline or punish. As citizens of a nation, any nation that makes itself an enemy to God will be severely punished by the hand of the most high unless that nation repents
Illustration:
You may juggle human laws, you may fool with human courts, but there is a judgment to come, and from it there is no appeal. Orin Philip Gifford
Application:
You cannot rebel against God and escape his judgment. Likewise, you cannot be a disobedient and unruly child and not receive appropriate discipline. His judgment can be escaped by trusting in Christ who has paid our debt. His discipline can be escaped by repenting often and making amends.
Perfect Justice vv. 7-10 (The statement of trust)
The justice and rule of the Lord is permanent (v. 7). And let’s be clear, none of us really want justice. If we receive our just due, we go to hell. Praise God that Jesus has taken our due punishment. Where God’s justice is concerned there is no court higher. When he passes judgment it is true and it is forever.
The Lord judges the entire world and individual persons (v. 8). This is the root of most rebellion against God and most atheism – that there is a judge; there is right and wrong; we will answer to that judge for every right and every wrong. Even nations must answer to the Most High
The Lord is the refuge for oppressed and subjugated people (v. 9). Woe to a nation or any individual that sins against God and persecutes the helpless and innocent. God hears the cries of the helpless and he is their protector and he is their avenger
The Lord is wholly faithful, wholly trustworthy, and never abandons his own (v. 10). To know his name is to know him relationally. This is an OT statement of salvation. His children cannot trust him too much and he can never forsake his children.
Illustration:
Promises, though they be for a time seemingly delayed, cannot be finally frustrated.... the heart of God is not turned though His face be hid; and prayers are not flung back, though they be not instantly answered. —Timothy Cruso
Application:
You must know God to trust him rightly. You must know him and his character. You must know that he never forsakes his own. He is always just. He is always righteous. He is always holy; always true. Because a time will come, and has come already for many here, where it seems that God has failed our trust or his outcome is disappointing to us. But when we really know him and know that he will act perfectly according to his nature – then we trust in his person and rest secure in him whatever the outcome.
Praise Among the People vv. 11-12 (Affirmation of praise part 2)
The person of God is too good to keep to ourselves. There is a communal aspect of the praise in this psalm. Our praise is meant to stimulate others to likewise praise and give thanks to the most high.
God deserves song and praise (v. 11a). He is supremely worthy of praise and thanks. The psalmist reminds us to just tell people what God has already done.
God’s person and presence is the best gift for all people (v. 11b). Knowing him and having access to his presence is the best thing we can ever have or will ever need.
God is the avenger of blood (v. 12a). This may seem an odd addition to praise. It’s not. It is a guarantee of justice. And it is yet another reason to thank God.
God is the help of the afflicted (v. 12b). If you are among the afflicted – then by all means cry out to God for his aid and his care. He cannot forget his own child. Trust in him to exact perfect justice. Be prepared for him to extend grace to your afflicter and give thanks for that too. Even as we have all been afflicted, we have all caused affliction and have enjoyed the grace of God’s forgiveness.
Illustration:
Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die? Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you damned? Leonard Ravenhill
Application:
You must not be guilty of keeping God to yourself. He is too good to keep to ourselves. If you know him then you tell people about him. You tell them with your words, but your life has to back it up and the notes of your songs of praise must ring true.
So What? What do we do with this?
From the ESV Study Bible: God offers his name as a personal introduction and as a window into his character. This is why David says, “Those who know your name put their trust in you” (Ps. 9:10). To know his name is to know he is trustworthy. God’s act of naming himself is a profoundly gracious act of accommodation and engagement.
Praise & worship is an outward expression of the inward reality of knowing God. To know God is to praise and worship him. To fuel proper praise & worship, one must know him better.
Part of knowing God is knowing he cannot be thwarted. Regardless of the situation, God’s will and God’s justice and righteousness will prevail. We don’t look to God to be on our side – we find out God’s side and stay on it.
Trusting God rightly requires knowing God for who he truly is. This requires relationship with him that is found only in salvation by the blood of Christ. In that relationship, as his child we trust our father to do the right thing whether we like it or not.
If you know God then you must not keep that knowledge to yourself. It is a sin to try to hide God’s light. It is a sin to mask or hide our praise, our worship, and our relationship with him.
So as life comes and we turn to God in need and in affliction, let it be sandwiched with praise and affection. Praise of God is never wasted time. It is necessary for us to praise him. It is necessary because praise reminds us that he is our protector and stronghold. It is even more necessary simply because he is supremely and sublimely worthy of any and all praise.
Benediction
Now unto you "who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith--being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
(1 Peter 1:5-9 NRSV)
In communication, there is a concept called “sandwiching”. Have you heard of it? The idea is that if there is a criticism to be given, you sandwich it between two things that are praiseworthy. The hope is that the criticism will then be taken to heart and corrected to align with the praises. That concept can be applied very loosely and carefully to prayer and petition before God. Where I am going with that is the psalmist this morning has a grief to bring before God, but he sandwiches it with praise – not because he is criticizing God, but by praising God before and after the psalmist keeps his mind on the goodness and graciousness of God regardless of the outcome God decrees. That kind of sandwiching is a good lesson as we turn to Psalm 9…
Context: In Catholic tradition, Psalms 9 and 10 are often listed as a single psalm. However, the two give evidence of being two separate thoughts. Both psalms are laments. Remember a lament psalm expresses grief of one’s condition and includes the lament, a statement of trust in God and an affirmation of praise to him. Psalm 9 is an individual lament psalm, combining prayer with praise and telling of God's just rule over the nations. Psalm 10 is also a lament psalm but the focus is on the enemies of the covenant, who prey upon the weak. The differences in the two psalms caution us against treating the two psalms as one.
Body – Psalm 9:1-12 - ESV
I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds
To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3 When my enemies turn back,
they stumble and perish before your presence.
4 For you have maintained my just cause;
you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish;
you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins;
their cities you rooted out;
the very memory of them has perished.
7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever;
he has established his throne for justice,
8 and he judges the world with righteousness;
he judges the peoples with uprightness.
9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!
Tell among the peoples his deeds!
12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them;
he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
Personal Praise vv. 1-2 (Affirmation of praise part 1)
The psalmist makes four echoing statements of “I will.” Repetition is for emphasis in Hebrew poetry. This is also a break from standard laments - they usually begin with the grief of the condition. Here, the psalmist begins with praise and ends the psalm with praise – this attitude is much to be commended in God’s children.
Praise means a thankful heart (v. 1a). The same word for praise is also to “give thanks”. This is simple gratitude toward God for who he is as well as what he has done. It is a heart attitude. One can say the words without love and they are meaningless. True praise comes from a right heart
Praise means remembering what God has done (v. 1b). “Wonderful deeds” is a common Hebrew expression for the signs and miracles of creation and redemption of the nation. By remembering the great works of God, the psalmist give thanks, but also reminds himself that no problem is too big for the God who has made everything.
Praise means glorying in who God is (v. 2a). The psalmist doubles up on the idea of rejoicing – specifically in who God is. By keeping the person of God as the centerpiece of his joy then he cannot be disappointed. God may not move the way the psalmist hopes, but his joy is in God’s person and the knowledge that God will do the right and holy thing always.
Praise means knowing who God is (v. 2b). God’s name is more than a label. To know God’s name as he has revealed it, is to know God – and to know him in a salvific sense. Even more, the psalmist focuses on one name – Most High. He is the most exalted. He is the highest over all and over all creation. Nothing is too big for him for he is over it all.
Illustration:
For God, praise is the sweet echo of his own excellence in the hearts of his people. John Piper
Application:
You cannot know God and not be moved to praise him. Praise is based in who God is and also what God has done. To know him is to praise him. If you are not praising him, then it is far past time to be spending time in his presence in prayer & in Scripture. To praise him more, you must know him more & better. There is no excuse because if he is your father, he makes himself available to you.
Perishing Enemies vv. 3-6 (The lament portion)
God’s enemies are our enemies. Note that the psalmist identifies how these enemies receive a righteous judgment from God. The psalmist marks his enemies based primarily on their relationship to God and secondarily to himself.
These enemies flee God’s person & presence stumble and perish (v. 3). The turning back is in reality a turning away from God’s person and his righteous rule. Rebellion against God leads only to death. Even when the wicked seem to flourish they sow only more sin and reap what they sow.
God sits in right judgment on the just and unjust (v. 4). The difference is the relationship. God maintains his own – he disciplines us. He punishes his enemies. No one can escape his perfect justice
God’s judgment on his enemies is total (v. 5). God has laid entire civilizations low. When he punishes and destroys names are blotted out. This is a terrible punishment for that culture – to have no name and no remembrance. It is a hellish idea and represents final punishment.
God’s enemies can be nations as well as individuals (v. 6). This is sobering. As an individual we are far easier for God to discipline or punish. As citizens of a nation, any nation that makes itself an enemy to God will be severely punished by the hand of the most high unless that nation repents
Illustration:
You may juggle human laws, you may fool with human courts, but there is a judgment to come, and from it there is no appeal. Orin Philip Gifford
Application:
You cannot rebel against God and escape his judgment. Likewise, you cannot be a disobedient and unruly child and not receive appropriate discipline. His judgment can be escaped by trusting in Christ who has paid our debt. His discipline can be escaped by repenting often and making amends.
Perfect Justice vv. 7-10 (The statement of trust)
The justice and rule of the Lord is permanent (v. 7). And let’s be clear, none of us really want justice. If we receive our just due, we go to hell. Praise God that Jesus has taken our due punishment. Where God’s justice is concerned there is no court higher. When he passes judgment it is true and it is forever.
The Lord judges the entire world and individual persons (v. 8). This is the root of most rebellion against God and most atheism – that there is a judge; there is right and wrong; we will answer to that judge for every right and every wrong. Even nations must answer to the Most High
The Lord is the refuge for oppressed and subjugated people (v. 9). Woe to a nation or any individual that sins against God and persecutes the helpless and innocent. God hears the cries of the helpless and he is their protector and he is their avenger
The Lord is wholly faithful, wholly trustworthy, and never abandons his own (v. 10). To know his name is to know him relationally. This is an OT statement of salvation. His children cannot trust him too much and he can never forsake his children.
Illustration:
Promises, though they be for a time seemingly delayed, cannot be finally frustrated.... the heart of God is not turned though His face be hid; and prayers are not flung back, though they be not instantly answered. —Timothy Cruso
Application:
You must know God to trust him rightly. You must know him and his character. You must know that he never forsakes his own. He is always just. He is always righteous. He is always holy; always true. Because a time will come, and has come already for many here, where it seems that God has failed our trust or his outcome is disappointing to us. But when we really know him and know that he will act perfectly according to his nature – then we trust in his person and rest secure in him whatever the outcome.
Praise Among the People vv. 11-12 (Affirmation of praise part 2)
The person of God is too good to keep to ourselves. There is a communal aspect of the praise in this psalm. Our praise is meant to stimulate others to likewise praise and give thanks to the most high.
God deserves song and praise (v. 11a). He is supremely worthy of praise and thanks. The psalmist reminds us to just tell people what God has already done.
God’s person and presence is the best gift for all people (v. 11b). Knowing him and having access to his presence is the best thing we can ever have or will ever need.
God is the avenger of blood (v. 12a). This may seem an odd addition to praise. It’s not. It is a guarantee of justice. And it is yet another reason to thank God.
God is the help of the afflicted (v. 12b). If you are among the afflicted – then by all means cry out to God for his aid and his care. He cannot forget his own child. Trust in him to exact perfect justice. Be prepared for him to extend grace to your afflicter and give thanks for that too. Even as we have all been afflicted, we have all caused affliction and have enjoyed the grace of God’s forgiveness.
Illustration:
Could a mariner sit idle if he heard the drowning cry? Could a doctor sit in comfort and just let his patients die? Could a fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand? Can you sit at ease in Zion with the world around you damned? Leonard Ravenhill
Application:
You must not be guilty of keeping God to yourself. He is too good to keep to ourselves. If you know him then you tell people about him. You tell them with your words, but your life has to back it up and the notes of your songs of praise must ring true.
So What? What do we do with this?
From the ESV Study Bible: God offers his name as a personal introduction and as a window into his character. This is why David says, “Those who know your name put their trust in you” (Ps. 9:10). To know his name is to know he is trustworthy. God’s act of naming himself is a profoundly gracious act of accommodation and engagement.
Praise & worship is an outward expression of the inward reality of knowing God. To know God is to praise and worship him. To fuel proper praise & worship, one must know him better.
Part of knowing God is knowing he cannot be thwarted. Regardless of the situation, God’s will and God’s justice and righteousness will prevail. We don’t look to God to be on our side – we find out God’s side and stay on it.
Trusting God rightly requires knowing God for who he truly is. This requires relationship with him that is found only in salvation by the blood of Christ. In that relationship, as his child we trust our father to do the right thing whether we like it or not.
If you know God then you must not keep that knowledge to yourself. It is a sin to try to hide God’s light. It is a sin to mask or hide our praise, our worship, and our relationship with him.
So as life comes and we turn to God in need and in affliction, let it be sandwiched with praise and affection. Praise of God is never wasted time. It is necessary for us to praise him. It is necessary because praise reminds us that he is our protector and stronghold. It is even more necessary simply because he is supremely and sublimely worthy of any and all praise.
Benediction
Now unto you "who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith--being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
(1 Peter 1:5-9 NRSV)
