1 A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
5 O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep.
6 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; [it is] that they shall be destroyed for ever:
8 But thou, LORD, [art most] high for evermore.
9 For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
11 Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies, [and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me.
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
15 To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.
Overview of Psalm 92
Psalm 92 is a song of praise, often attributed to the Sabbath, celebrating the greatness of God and the blessings of righteous living. It contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, emphasizing the eternal nature of God’s justice and the flourishing of those who remain faithful.
Structure of Psalm 92
- Verses 1-3: Call to Worship
- Verses 4-9: Celebration of God’s Works
- Verses 10-15: The Righteous Flourish
Verses 1-3: Call to Worship
In these opening verses, the psalmist expresses the importance of giving thanks to God. The call to worship is characterized by:
- Gratitude: The psalmist acknowledges the goodness of God and the joy that comes from praising Him.
- Public Declaration: The act of proclaiming God’s love and faithfulness in the morning and His faithfulness at night signifies a continuous relationship with God.
- Musical Expression: The use of instruments (lyre and harp) highlights the significance of music in worship and the joy it brings.
Verses 4-9: Celebration of God’s Works
These verses reflect on the greatness of God’s deeds and the joy they inspire. Key themes include:
- Divine Majesty: The psalmist acknowledges the profound works of God, which evoke awe and wonder.
- Contrast with the Wicked: The fate of the wicked is highlighted, emphasizing their eventual downfall and the transient nature of their success.
- Joy of the Righteous: The righteous rejoice in God’s justice and are assured of His protection and favor.
Verses 10-15: The Righteous Flourish
In the concluding section, the psalmist contrasts the flourishing of the righteous with the fate of the wicked. Important points include:
- Divine Strength: The psalmist declares that God has exalted the righteous, giving them strength and vitality.
- Enduring Legacy: The imagery of flourishing like palm trees and growing like cedars signifies stability, growth, and longevity in the life of the righteous.
- Witness to God’s Faithfulness: The righteous bear fruit even in old age, demonstrating that a life lived in faithfulness to God yields lasting results.
- Affirmation of God’s Righteousness: The psalm concludes with a proclamation of God’s righteousness, reinforcing the idea that He is just and faithful to His people.
Theological Themes
- The Importance of Worship: Psalm 92 emphasizes the necessity of praising God, particularly in communal settings.
- The Nature of God: The psalmist portrays God as just, faithful, and powerful, contrasting His eternal nature with the fleeting success of the wicked.
- Hope and Assurance: The psalm offers hope to the faithful, assuring them that their lives will bear fruit and that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
Conclusion
Psalm 92 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, the nature of God, and the assurance that comes from living a righteous life. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, celebrating God’s goodness and justice throughout their lives.
