Year 1, Week 36, Day 1 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 36, Day 1

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Psalm 133, 106-107.

Today’s reading consists of three Psalms. Only one of the Psalms is specifically ascribed to a particular person. Psalm 133 is ascribed to David. Psalm 133 is also labeled a Song of Ascents, which was a collection of Psalms that came to be sung by Israelites as they pilgrimaged to Jerusalem to participate in the prescribed feasts. Psalm 133 extols the blessing of unity. The other two Psalms provide no historical details as a preface to their lyrics. Psalm 106 has a connection to David’s second and successful attempt of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The words that comprise the opening and closing of Psalm 106 were specifically sung as the Ark was brought into Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 16:34-36). Psalm 106, even as it contains calls and reasons to give praise to the LORD, mainly consists of a reflection on Israel’s past waywardness. Psalm 107, which shares themes with Psalm 106, has strong calls to praise the LORD, who when His wayward people call upon Him, He hears and rescues.

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading is the emphasis upon the LORD’s worthiness to be praised for He rescues His people: “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Psalm 107:1-2a). Psalm 106 expresses the request from the LORD’s people for the LORD to gather them together: “Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise” (Psalm 106:47). Psalm 107 acknowledges that the LORD who gathers His people: “whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south” (Psalm 107:2b-3). A highlight of the LORD’s gathering is when He unifies His gathered people: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). From the historical narratives that is being covered from 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, David’s installation as king has gathered and unified Israel: “Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, “You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over my people Israel”…And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem” (1 Chronicles 11:1-2,4).

Underneath the gathering and unifying of Israel was the faithfulness of the LORD. Psalm 107 describes various episodes of when the LORD gathered His people as He rescued them from their troubles. Each scenario of trouble reaches a point when Israel cried out to the LORD: “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:6); “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:13); “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:19); and “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:28). When the LORD is faithful, even amid the unfaithfulness of His people, there emerges a common thread. Troubles stem from turning away from the LORD. Distress is experienced in troubles. As the LORD’s people cry out in the midst of their distress, the LORD hears. The LORD delivers His people as they return to Him.

Psalm 107 explains what the LORD’s people should do as a response to every time they are rescued: “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalm 107:8); “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalm 107:15); “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalm 107:21); and “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalm 107:31). A fitting response to the various times and situations that the LORD rescues His people is for His people to praise Him. Certainly the praise would acknowledge the rescue that the LORD accomplished, but perhaps more importantly, the praise should emphasize the particular character of God that underlies His rescuing activity—His steadfast love. And the LORD’s people are to experience their gathered unity for the praise of God’s faithful love: “Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders” (Psalm 107:32).

Psalm 107 also teaches the LORD’s absolute rule over His creation. When His people sin, curse results: "He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants” (Psalm 107:33-34). The earth was cursed because of Adam’s sin (see Genesis 3:14-19). And as His people cry out to the LORD in their distress He can reverse facets of the curse: “He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in; they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield.” (Psalm 107:35-37). Thus, the mandate given to Adam and Eve is still pertinent for mankind and yet its fulfillment depends on looking to the LORD for blessing: “By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish” (Psalm 107:38). Living in a cursed world requires wisdom: “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD” (Psalm 107:43). A wisdom that is oriented around the steadfast love of the LORD.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe