Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

II DAY AND NIGHT BELONG TO YOU - 12-17

In the midst of the destruction and chaos, Asaph rehearses what he knows about the character of God and his works of redemption and creation. He reminds himself of 9 unshakeable truths of which he is certain. They all refer to God’s ability to divide things; in God’s judgment on the Tabernacle and the nation he was dividing between the false and true worshippers. 1. The division of past and present- “You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.”(12) Jesus is the only one who can claim to be God, King and earthly savior. 2. The division of the sea- “You split the sea by your strength and smashed the sea monster’s heads.”(13) This is a poetical reference to the might that God displayed by dividing the Red Sea. The sea monster is in reference to Egypt. 3. The division of the ‘monster’ Egypt- “You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert an- imals eat him.”(14) Leviathan is referring to the crocodile, the symbol of Egypt’s world power. 4. The division of the rock- “You caused the springs and streams to gush forth…”(15) Asaph re- calls the faithfulness of God when he brought water from the rock during Israel’s journey in the wilder- ness. 5. The division of the Jordan river- “and You dried up rivers that never run dry.”(15) He reminds himself of the drying up of the Jordan river in order that Israel could cross over to the Promised Land. 6. The division of day and night- “Both day and night belong to you;” (16) Asaph turns from God’s miracles of redemption to focus upon his miracles in creation. 7. The division of sunlight and moonlight- “you made the starlight and the sun.”(16) Starlight is also translated as ‘moon’ or simply the light that shines in the nighttime. 8. The division of the earth- “You set the boundaries of the earth,”(17) This refers to the division between the waters and the land as well as the natural boundaries of mountains, islands, rivers, conti- nents, etc. that separate the nations. “From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth…and he determined their boundaries.” (Acts 17:26) 9. The division of the seasons- “and you make both summer and winter.”(17) This refers to all the four seasons as spring is a part of summer and fall is the beginning of winter. As the nation of Judah is being exiled to a distant land Asaph issues four desperate prayers of re- membrance to the Lord: • Don’t let them destroy your people- “See how these enemies scoff at you, Lord. A foolish na- tion has dishonored your name. Don’t let these wild beasts destroy your doves.” (18,19) The dove is a favorite pet in middle-east cultures. The ‘turtle-dove’ is the gentlest of birds and completely harmless in the face of the wild beast that is about to destroy it. • Don’t forget your people- “Don’t forget your afflicted people forever. Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence!” (19,20) As in verse 1 Asaph prays that the judg- ment will not be permanent and appeals to the unbreakable covenants of mercy that God has promised to his people. Darkness and violence can only exist when the light of the good news is absent. • Don’t let your people be disgraced- “Don’t let the down trodden be constantly disgraced! In- stead, let these poor and needy ones give praise to your name.”(21) Even in the darkest moments of life, Asaph asks God to help his people sing a song of praise! • Don’t forget to defend your people- “Arise, O God, and defend your cause. Remember how these fools insult you all day long. Don’t overlook these things your enemies have said. Their uproar of rebellion grows ever louder.”(22,23) Asaph prays the banner prayer of his people given to Moses cen- turies earlier in the wilderness journey: “Arise, O God” . The last sentence lets us know that the terrible events of the enemy conquest of Judah were not yet over. God had his prophet singing a song of in- tercession as the judgments were unfolding. In his wrath God remembered his mercy. III DON’T FORGET YOUR PEOPLE - 18-23

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