Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

IV HE RULES OVER EVERYTHING - 19-22

The last section of the psalm paints a portrait of the celestial throne room much like the one de- picted in the Book of Revelation with the hierarchy of angels and all of creation praising the Lord. • The Lord’s Throne- “The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over every- thing.” (19) • The Arch-Angels or Cherubim- “Praise the Lord, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands.” (20) These are the mightiest of God’s creatures described as ones whose ‘strength is unequaled.’ They ceaselessly praise and carry out the commands of their universal ruler. • The Angels of Lower Rank- “Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!”(21) These are the ‘celestial spirits gathered around the angels of a higher rank 6 .’ • All of Creation- “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom.” (22) This includes all of his inanimate creation; the heavens, the earth, the land and the seas; all living things; plant and animal life, birds and all the creatures of the sea. The rivers, the fields, the clouds, everything is commanded to praise him. • Mankind- “As for me–I, too, will praise the Lord.”(22) While all the rest of creation is commanded to praise the Lord with out option, only mankind has the ability and freedom to choose whether they will serve and worship the living God. The only one who can command your praise is you. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.”

1 Keil & Delitzsch 2 Spence 3 Spence, Psalm 120 4 Spurgeon 5 Scroggie, page 24 6 Keil & Delitzsch

PSALM 104: IN WISDOM YOU HAVE MADE THEM ALL Song of Creation

This is the greatest song in the Bible celebrating the seven days of creation described in Genesis chapter one. It does not follow the sequence exactly but focuses more upon the greatness of the cre- ator. The last section relating to the 7th day when God rested is a musical session of worship and de- votion. It is a companion to Psalm 103 as both begin and end with the similar phrase: “Praise the Lord, I tell myself.” Psalm 103 looks inward to the soul of man and the ‘Kingdom of Grace’ while Psalm 104 looks outward to the creation and the ‘Kingdom of Nature 1 ’ . It is quoted in the Book of Hebrews to val- idate that the uncreated Son of God is greater than the angels. This is the first time the word ‘Hallelujah’ appears in the psalms. It is a call to deep devotion and love for Yahweh that characterized psalms written during and after the exile to Babylon. It is outlined in seven sections:

I THE WINGS OF THE WIND - 1-4 Day 1-The Creation of Light II THE WORLD ON ITS FOUNDATION - 5-9 Day 2- The Waters Separate III WELL CARED FOR - 10-18 Day 3- Plant Life Created IV WHEN TO SET - 19-23 Day 4-The Moon and the Sun Created V VAST AND WIDE - 24-26 Day 5- Life in the Oceans and Skies Created VI WHEN YOU SEND YOUR SPIRIT - 27-32 Day 6- Animals and Man VIII WILL SING - 33-35 Day 7- The Sabbath of Worship

I THE WINGS OF THE WIND - 1-4 Day 1- The Creation of Light

“Praise the Lord, I tell myself; O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty;” (1)

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