Psalm
15 begins with a bothersome question surrounding qualifications for
service to God. Under the old covenant, only descendents of Levi
were permitted to serve in the house of God. More specifically, only
the Levites descended from Aaron were permitted to serve as priests
and only after completing a process of consecration (Setting apart
for His service). These divisions were set and unchangeable. Even
as king of Israel, David was not eligible to be a priest. The psalm
begins, “Lord,
who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?“.
It is interesting to note that the two questions are very different.
The first question refers to a temporary situation, much like the
first house of God was essentially a large portable tent. The great
symbolism is that the earthly temple was never intended for
permanence. I believe it was designed to be a place of preparation
for the coming Messiah, a place where God could demonstrate the
horrific consequences of sin. The bloody sacrifices made it very
clear that the atonement for sin is very costly. To the Jew, the
relationship between sin and death was obvious. “Without
the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin”
(Hebrews 9:22). David’s second question mentions LIVING on the
holy hill. I believe he is talking about a permanent, eternal
situation. David’s answer should make everyone pause. “He
whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous… speaks the
truth… has no slander … does…no wrong“.
As I read the list, I know that does not describe me most days.
Jesus said, “unless
your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers
of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven“.
You and I have an advantage David did not. The Messiah was born,
lived in sinless perfection and died “once
and for all“.
This new covenant is received by faith and now we can live in His
righteousness.
Psalm
16 reminds me how many people trust Christ, simply because they have
no other options. It is true that many more people become believers
during difficult times. David declares, “In
You I take refuge… apart from You I have no good thing“.
Can you still say that? David writes, “I
have a delightful inheritance“,
but he is not talking about a trust fund. Galatians 3:18 speaks of
the inheritance of believers being the faithful promise of God. I
pray that is what I leave for my heirs. The psalm continues, “I
will praise the Lord, who counsels me“.
Do you feel distant from God? The more we read God’s Word, the
more we see His wisdom and that is how we are drawn closer to Him.
And he describes three attributes that develop as we spend time in
His word, “I
will not be shaken… my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices“.
If that does not describe you, then listen to the reason for David’s
joy, “because
You will not abandon me“.
The psalm ends with a promise for all, “You
will fill me with joy in Your presence“.
It trouble and in triumph, true joy is in fellowship with God.
Psalm
17 reminds me of something advertisers have known for years.
Testimonials work only if the one speaking is trusted. When the
spokesperson says, “I use it and it works for me”, people first
look at their reputation. David allows us to hear his appeal to God
for protection. Although David makes a claim of his own worthiness,
“My
steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped“,
his confidence is in God’s faithfulness. He begins, “Hear,
O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry“.
He explains, “I
call on You, O God, for You will answer me; give ear to me and hear
my prayer“.
Basically David says, don’t trust me; trust God. And what does
David ask of God? “Show
the wonder of Your great love,
You
who save by Your right hand“.
He coins a phrase used to describe a proud parent, “Keep
me as the apple of Your eye“.
David asks for protection from his enemies, “hide
me in the shadow of your wings“.
And simply, “O
Lord, by Your hand save me“.
The psalm ends with David’s certainty that in the end, God will
deliver him, “I
will
see your face; when I awake“.
I agree with the apostle Paul, “We
have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men”
(1 Timothy 4:10).