Psalm 120:1 – 123:4

May 24, 2011

Psalm 120–135 were sung by the Israelites as they traveled to Jerusalem for their annual feasts and worship.

Psalm 120 - A prayer of people who are surrendered by evil
Psalm 121 - The LORD guards His people
Psalm 122 - Happiness for Jerusalem
Psalm 123 - A prayer for mercy
Psalm 124 - The LORD saves His people
Psalm 125 - God protects those who trust Him
Psalm 126 - A prayer for God to bring His people back
Psalm 127 - All good things come from God
Psalm 128 - Happiness and blessings come from God
Psalm 129 - A prayer against enemies
Psalm 130 - A prayer for mercy
Psalm 131 - Child like trust in God
Psalm 132 - Praise for the temple
Psalm 133 - The love of God's people living in peace
Psalm 134 - All servants of God—Praise the LORD
Psalm 135 - Only the LORD saves—dependence on anything else does not

It is good to remind ourselves daily of the same things the Israelites reminded themselves as they prepared for worship or their annual feasts. No matter what circumstance we are in:

1. God is in control; 
2. We need to go to Him for mercy and protection; 
3. The Lord protects and saves those who put their trust in Him; 
4. All happiness and blessings come from God; 
5. All praise, honor, and glory belong to God; 
6. Depending on ourselves or idols is worthless; 
7. Only the LORD saves.

Psalm 120 - The Israelites were tired of being surrounded by evil and conflict. The first thing the writer did was to call upon the LORD. "When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD, and he answered me." When we call—He answers. And then the Psalmist does something that I don't recall happening before in the Psalms. Maybe it has and I just missed it, but it jumped out at me this time. He makes it very personal and directs his questions directly to the person,"You who plan evil, what will God do to you?" Hey!! What do you think God is going to do to you? You who are lying, planning evil, and stirring up war. What do you think God is going to do?

There are plenty of times throughout scripture where it is very clearly articulated what the consequences for sin are. But this time the Psalmist is asking the person(s) directly. Hey! Just what do you think is going to happen? Do you really believe that you can fool God? Do you really think you can get by with your sinful behavior and somehow be under the radar and escape punishment? Seriously? "You who plan evil, what will God do to you? How will he punish you?" And the answer: "He will punish you with the sharp arrows of a warrior and with burning coals of wood."

There is judgment. There are consequences. It is so hard to understand why some people just don't seem to get it. There are IF—THEN situations in life for both the negative and positive. An IF—THEN promise is found in the next chapter, Chapter 121.

IF—you are "His people"
THEN—He guards you and protects you.


Next Entry: Psalm 120:1 – 123:4 (Continued)