Have you ever tried to get someone’s
attention in a crowd? You smile, you wave your hand, your arm shoots up, you
speak, you shout, you jump up and down, side to side. And then you realize it
isn’t the person you thought it was, and you shrink back into the crowd. The
writer of Psalm 28 seems to be trying to get the LORD’s attention. If he
doesn’t get His response, he feels like his life is over (v1). He is afraid he
will get caught up in the LORD’s judgment (v3), caught in the crowd and swept
away. He wants the wicked to be judged and he feels his fate will be different.
As a result, worship springs forth (v6). Then he extends that trust on behalf
of all of Israel (vv8-9).
If we were to make a music video of Psalm
58, I can imagine that the first scene would involve someone pointing a finger
right into the chest of the other, forcefully accusing him. The writer has only
harsh words to describe these rulers. Listen to the images he uses and picture
how you would construct the music video to illustrate his message of judgment. Snakes,
charmer, teeth, fangs, vanishing water, slug. You get the picture. And that is
the point of this language. It engages the mind in multiple ways. It is more
than words, it captures the imagination. Setting our imagination listen to the
Scriptures can open up the meaning to our modern ears. So listen with your imagination
engaged.
Loneliness can be one of the most difficult
emotions to face long term. We were designed to be in relationship with God and
with other humans. Isolation can be torture. Psalm 88 expresses the pain of
being overwhelmed with troubles (v3) and isolated from your support network (v8).
This difficulty is why we are called on to take care of orphans and widows, and
visit those in prison. He is desperate for the LORD’s answer (vv9 & 13-14).
He hasn’t received an answer. Whatever has afflicted him has been chronic (v15)
and seemingly permanently isolating (v18). He is desperate and alone. Not a
good place.
Psalm 118 is an interactional psalm, one
where different groups respond to each other by repeating certain phrases. Three
very obvious responses are “His love endures forever” (vv2-4), “but in the name
of the LORD I cut them down” (vv10-12) and “the LORD’s right hand has done
mighty things (vv15-16). This is probably a very energetic interaction. Verse
15 speaks of shouts resounding. I can’t imagine mumbling the response. There
are responses that are appropriate in worship, and some of them are loud and
energetic. Don’t be afraid of cheers in church.
Psalm 148 calls on various groups to enter
into worship. The writer starts with the universe (vv1-4), inviting the stars
to declare praise to Him. Then he calls on all the creatures of the earth to do
the same (vv7-12). Following each of these invitations he gives the reason for
their praise: He created them and established them forever. We are to join in
this chorus of praise. We are a people close to His heart (v14).