RPG Adults
A PRAISE FOR DELIVERANCE
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Psalm 143:1-12
1 Corinthians 14:15
God, be merciful
to me a sinner.
A PRAISE FOR DELIVERANCE
This Psalm of David has been classified as one of David’s seven Penitential Psalms, but Spurgeon does not agree. It is rather a vindication of David’s own integrity and an indignant prayer against his slanderers, than a confession of fault.
It is true the second verse shows that he never dreamed of justifying himself before the Lord. But even in it there is scarcely the brokenness of penitence. It is purely supplication for deliverance from trouble, than a weeping acknowledgement of transgressions.
It is an outcry of an overwhelmed spirit, unable to abide in the highest slate of spiritual prayer, again and again descending to bewail its deep temporal distress, yet evermore struggling to rise to the best of things. The singer moans at intervals. His hands are outstretched to heaven, but at his girdle hangs a sharp sword, which rattles in its scabbard as he closes his Psalm.
One historical association of this Psalm is related to Savonarola. He “was executed on May 23, 1498, by the Papal authorities for his fearless preaching of the truth, was the great dominican preacher who for five years held within the hollow of his hand the destinies of Florence and stands out as one of the most fascinating figures in history. That he had a deep affection for the Psalms is proved by his written meditations on many of them. As a hard-featured youth, he often pondered over the sin and misery of the world, praying, as he would tell his father, in the words of Psalm 143:8, “…cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” Seeking to escape the stifling atmosphere of wickedness surrounding him, Savonarola fled to the cloister and remained a man of unsullied morality.”
(Herbert Lockyer)
THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 143:6.)
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 143:1.)