Psalm 14
In this song David the king is telling his people about the very, very special status they have with Jehovah. Though he doesn't give that status a name, yet his words make extremely plain what their relationship to the Lord is.
He begins with a general principle, a principle that, sadly, governs the majority in this world. The principle is this: fools simply say no to God in their hearts - they simply deny His existence and make plain that they want nothing to do with any notion of such a being. But the result of such atheism is always corruption As David puts it, "They are corrupt. They have done abominable works." That's the way it is with those who don't think there's anyone above who cares.
David probably sang all the words up to this point in a very minor key, possibly even with musician-provided dissonance. Then, suddenly, that mood reaches a climax as he expresses the fact that the whole world is involved in that awful atheism and corruption. He sings, "They have ALL turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is NONE who does good - no, not one!" We can almost hear the crashing and clashing of the cymbals!
But then, amid such resounding declarations of the guilt of absolutely every member of the human race, David the king sings a very surprising line when he asks, "Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on the Lord?" By saying this David was claiming that his kingdom wasn't involved in the general atheism and corruption, but that the rest of the world that was, and that Israel was being persecuted by the wicked atheism all around them.
We have to come to an obvious and necessary conclusion: Israel was indeed involved with the fallen human race, but, by pure grace they were the covenant people of God nevertheless! They were rescued sinners, the chosen and redeemed people of God! The result is that the God-hating world hated them as well and "eats them up as they eat bread!"
But they do it at a price. David sings, "There they are in great fear - for God is with the generation of the righteous." It needs very much to be understood that the rebels of this world, the fallen human race - knows its own guilt and knows the just wrath of God. The people of the world may not express it in so many words, but deep down they know they're doomed. David turns to them and sings, "You shame the counsel of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge." In other words, "You'll have to pay for this - God sees!"
Finally, realizing what a sinful world this is, realizing all the pain and shame that sin has caused and is causing - David, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's Messianic promise, sings, "Oh that the salvation of Israel (Christ) would come out of Zion! When the Lord brings back the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"
The great difference for us is that Christ has come! It's the beginning of the end for this sinful world. But what is it to YOU? Do you long for His coming again and for the judgement of man's rebellion? Do you long for the final salvation of God's saints and the end of this world's rebellion? If so, then let's join David in this song!
I've added a clickable to Psalm 14 to the above. It's such a great Psalm and so interesting to read along with your notes, Al.
Thanks so much for putting them in here.
This one speaks of almost as if David was seeing today's headlines. With allt he iniquity that the world is involved in today.
QuoteThe great difference in our day is that Christ has come! It's the beginning of the end for this sinful world. But what is it to YOU? Do you long for His coming again and for the judgement of man's rebellion? Do you long for the final salvation of God's saints? If so, then let?s join David in this song!
Yes I do long for his coming and for the salvation of all those who have not yet met Jesus. Not just the family members but of those of other religions who do not even know who He is. I pray daily for them to come to Jesus.[/b]
I'm so thankful to know that, in answer to our prayers, what Jesus said is going to come to pass. He said, "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me, and Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (Please pardon - I memorized the old KJV.)