📅 February 17: Psalms 83, 84 - God's Justice and Love for His Dwelling Place

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February 17: Psalms 83, 84 - God’s Justice and Love for His Dwelling Place

Introduction:

Immerse yourself in the rich, powerful emotions of Psalms 83 and 84 today. Psalm 83 is a fervent prayer for God’s intervention against Israel’s enemies, while Psalm 84 illustrates the psalmist’s deep longing for God’s presence.

Psalm 83: A Cry for Justice

The psalmist addresses a plea to God to rise against His enemies and bring justice to His people. The details reveal the intensity of the situation faced by the Israelites.

Key Verse: “O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God" (Psalm 83:1)

Psalm 84: A Longing for God’s Presence

The psalmist yearns to be in the sanctuary, a place where God’s glory dwells. The natural images used portray a deep spiritual desire for God’s presence.

Key Verse: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!” (Psalm 84:1)

Key Themes and Reflections:

1. God’s Judgement: Psalm 83 emphasizes God’s ultimate control over justice, reminding us to place our faith in Him in times of adversity.
2. The Allure of God’s Presence: Psalm 84 reflects the desire of our hearts for communion with God, reminding us that being in His presence is of utmost value.

Today’s Application:

Think about areas in your life where you’re longing for God’s justice, and entrust them to Him. Also, ponder on how you yearn for God’s presence in your daily routine. Are there changes you can make to create a dwelling place for God in your life?

Hidden Gem:

Psalm 84 v.10: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” This verse emphasizes the intensity of the pleasure derived from being in God’s presence.

Reflective Q&A:

How can we apply the call for justice in Psalm 83 in our lives today?
A: Resisting evil, advocating for justice, and praying for those under oppression and persecution.

How can we cultivate a longing for God’s presence, as seen in Psalm 84?
A: By spending quality time in prayer, reading the Bible, surrounding ourselves with godly community, and seeking Him in every situation.

Join the Discussion:

Share your reflections and insights from Psalms 83 and 84. How can we be advocates for God’s justice? How can we long for God’s presence more deeply in our lives?

See You Tomorrow in Psalm 85, 86:
As we venture into Psalms of forgiveness and peace, let’s continue to explore the richness of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives today. Do join us in this spiritual journey!

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Psalms 83,84
Psalm 83 was probably written against the background of the distress of Jehoshaphat when he was challenged by overwhelming forces from the confederacy of nations (2Chr. 20:14, 19-21). Divine intervention and mutual slaughter by the opponents of Judah restored the people of God, and demonstrated the importance of seeking the mercy and direction of the Almighty. It presents a type of the future, when the northern confederacy will oppose the greater Jehoshaphat (the multitudinous Christ; the Rainbowed Angel), and similarly be destroyed. The Psalm records the prayer of the king before he led his forces into battle. • Psalm 83 presents: • [1] The Plea of the Oppressed: v. 1. The enemies are loud in their proud boasts and active in preparation against the faithful. “Let God arise!” The word “peace” is from the Hebrew charash to cut in, engrave; to be silent, be dumb, be speechless, be deaf. The Psalmist seeks for Elohim to be active on his behalf. • [2] The Problem: vv. 2-4. • [3] The Power of the Enemy: vv. 5-8. • [4] The Petition of the King: vv. 9-17. • [5] The Purpose of Yahweh Vindicated: v. 18. • Thus Psalm 83 speaks of warfare; the next Psalm expresses the emotion of entering the temple of Zion; they stand as companion songs leading from conquest to worship. • Psalm 84 is a delightful outline of intense love for Yahweh’s sanctuary. It expresses the special vision of the faithful, to be fully experienced in the future kingdom. So the Psalmist sets forth: • [1] The blessedness of access to Yahweh: vv. 1-4. The sparrow is a clean bird, fit for eating (Deu. 14:11); the swallow is a migratory bird which also could be eaten. They have their abode, the latter returning to its home year after year. The Psalmist also desired to return (see Christ’s comment in Mat. 8:20. His earnest desire was for Yahweh). • [2] The blessedness of those who overcome all obstacles in life: vv. 5-8. • [3] The reward of faith: vv. 9-12. The three great blessings of this Psalm (vv. 4, 5, 12) speak of those who dwell in Yahweh’s house; the great man of righteousness made strong for Yahweh’s victory; and all who seek “Yahweh Sabaoth” (He who will be Companies), in the ultimate gathering of all the worthies. — Logos.