Psalm 92  


Psalm 92 was sung on the Sabbath.  It is also interesting to note in the structure of this Psalm that the name of Yahweh is used 7 times.  Many have felt, in light of the Sabbath being the subject matter for this Psalm and the fact that it follows Psalm 90 and 91, may inddicate this is another Psalm of Moses.  Others feel with the mentioning of the ten string and the lyre, along with the fact that the psalmist speaks about having his horn being exalted and fine oils being poured upon him, that it is more likely a Psalm of David.  The writer of this book follows the latter line of thought.  This Psalm has all the feel and content of the Palms of David. 

As for the time of composition, perhaps the best time would be in the early part of David's reign.  The reasons for placing it there are as follows: The Psalmist speaks about being anointed and declares that in the future his horn will be exalted.  He further says that the enemies of the Lord will be defeated, and that righteous will be as a flourishing palm tree that will grow like a cedar planted in the house of the Lord even when old. 

This Psalm speaks about a particular enjoyment in life.  That enjoyment is to praise Yahweh and to make music to the name of the Most High.  Here is how it is described. 

"It is good to give thanks to Yahweh and to sing Psalms to your name O Most High.  To show in the morning your mercy and your faithfulness in the nights.  Upon the ten strings and upon the lyre, upon a meditation with a harp.  For you have gladdened me, O Yahweh with your work, in the deeds of your hands I will shout for joy.  How great your works are, O Yahweh, your thoughts have been very deep." 

What a shame that this is not the feeling of most people.  Most people are like the brutish man and the fool.  Their enjoyment is short lived like the grass.  They are already blossomed because they delight in that which is perishing.  What a picturesque way to describe a person whose future is already blossomed, their future will fade and fall forever. 

"A brutish man will not know, and a fool will not understand this.  The wicked are as the grass in flourishing, and blossomed are all the workers of iniquity to be destroyed until forever."  

David claims a different fate.  He is not brutish nor is he blossomed like the foolish.  His delight is in the Lord who lives forever, therefore his future will be forever and his horn will be exalted.  His words are very specific.  In his eyes and in his ears they will see and hear that those who are in the Lord will flourish. 

"But you will exalt my horn as the wild ox.  I have been anointed in fresh oil.  And my enemies will look in my eyes, those wicked doers rising against me will hear in my ears.  The righteous will flourish as the palm tree, as a cedar he will grow in Lebanon.  Those who are planted in the house of Yahweh will flourish in the courts of our God.  In old age they will still bear fruit.  They will be fat and fresh, to declare that Yahweh my rock is upright and there is no iniquity in him." 

Now my soul, what have you seen and heard, and where did you see and hear it? What is the declaration and where did you find it? Isn't it the same thing and in the same place his enemies were suppose to find it? Look in the eyes of the Psalmist who still lives, and hear in his ears the everlasting promise of the Lord most high.  "Those who make their delight in the Lord will abide forever in His love and grace." This is the rest, the true Sabbath for all people of all time.  Old age does not affect it and death does not remove it.  How fitting to have this Psalm sung for the day of Worship.  Little wonder that Jesus told the sisters of Lazarus, "He who lives and believes in me will never die." David's eyes and ears still testify to this truth and they always will. 

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