I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1

And David said to Gad, "I am in great distress, please let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man." (verse 13)

Message: The Temple's Location Identified

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the previous lesson, a census is carried out by David, though influenced by Satan, opposed by Joab, yet allowed by God though man is responsible for this. Man chose to rely on his one understanding of the army that God establishes. I suppose we do this all the time. Though it is not right or showing a trust of God, God still works it together for His glory. 

Verse 7, "And God was displeased" with David for him not trusting God. "So He struck Israel." God's response to David's sin was to send a plague on Israel that killed 70,000 (verse 14). Thus, corporate responsibility. God views sin seriously and because of David's selfishness it results in other people dying. Jesus will make all free because of him bearing the punishment. Adam's sin resulted in sin for all mankind. Here David is favored by God, a man after his own heart, but his disobedience results in many dying. Back in chapter 21 verse 5 there was a count of 1,100,000 men and so this number is 6% of those men; 1 in 15. 

Verse 9, "the Lord spoke to Gad." God gives David the opportunity to be involved in the decision making consequence of his sin: 1) 3 years of famine, 2) 3 months of being defeated by your enemies, 3) 3 days of plagues on the land. David responds by deferring to God's mercy and thus the 3rd option results, a plague on the land that results in 70,000 dying. 

With 70,000 fallen, the Lord sets his sight now on Jerusalem. Again, all for this act of the census which showed David's pride and lack of trust in God. Just as the angel is about to destroy the land God intercedes and says, "It is enough; now relax your hand." 

David pleads to God in verse 17 that judgment would fall upon him and not all of these people. In verse 18, this commentary states: "Threshing floors were open spaces used for separating grain, often located on elevated ground. Ornan, a Jebusite, was a member of the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before David's conquest. The choice of this location is significant, as it later becomes the site of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1), symbolizing God's presence and the central place of worship for Israel. The transformation of a common threshing floor into a sacred site illustrates God's ability to sanctify and redeem." David goes hear to build an altar, a place of worship, reconciliation and repentance. There remains a large consequence for this sin that he committed but afterwards God has him build an altar, giving him another opportunity to start over, begin again. David had to pay for the site, "600 shekels of gold," a significant amount to purchase this land. 

In verse 1 of 22 David identifies this area as the house of the Lord or the location of the future temple. 

Once again here is Divine Sovereignty. David does a census which is contrary to God's ways, showing his pride, but because of many people of Israel die and David has remorse and is told to build an altar at a place that will eventually be the sight of the temple. 

Summary: The consequence David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

Promise: All works together for God's good purposes. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences of life. You weave all of life together for Your glory. But there are huge consequences along the way. It is hard to reconcile the loss of any person, let alone 70,000 men of Israel through a plague. Yes, there is a seriousness of sin. Is all death the result of judgment? Lord, I submit and surrender to You and plead for your grace and mercy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

I Chronicles 21:1-6 - David's Census

I Chronicles 21:1-6

1 Then Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me word so that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the Lord add to His people a hundred times as many as they are! My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why does my lord seek this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?” 4 Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 5 Then Joab gave the number of the census of the people to David. Israel was 1,100,000 men in all who drew the sword; and Judah was 470,000 men who drew the sword. 6 But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, because the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

Message: David's Census

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: In the last 2 issues of Tabletalk, I have been skipping these passages from I Chronicles. Maybe it is because I am so far behind and I am just trying to get through 1 and 2 Samuel now and through these passages. But today I thought I would try and do it. 

In this passage, David is being influenced by Satan. It is rare in Scripture that Satan is named. Satan opposes God and any reliance on him. In this instance the reliance is on man's understanding of how many people are available for an army. The danger reported here is a reliance on human strength. It seems interesting because I don't think many would object to what David is doing. 

David solicited the help of Joab, but Joab thought it a bad idea. Up to this point I haven't thought Joab to always be a man of integrity. He is one that seems to want to be in control. Granted, he has confidence in himself. He defeated and killed Amasa when David started to put him in charge of the army. And he has been responsible for other deaths as well, such as Absalom, David's son. But here Joab sees the spiritual consequences David is potentially bringing upon himself. 

But he did not prevail and went through the land and made a count, though he would not go along and include Levi among the counts. 

This action is paralleled in 2 Samuel 24:1 though there God is mentioned as inciting David to perform the census. Though in that verse the anger of God is mentioned and with the explanation that, "God can use even the actions of adversaries to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 50:20 - "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good"). Ephesians 1:11 says, "He works all things after the counsel of his will." Everything is under God's sovereign will, even the incitement to not rely on God. But though the outcome of this is under God's will, the act itself is the responsibility of David and Satan. As Tabletalk records, "God ordained this sin but He did so without committing sin Himself."

That's a hard idea to wrap oneself around. And I imagine there are many opponents of this idea in our world. God cannot sin, but God allows sin to achieve His good purposes. 

There is a purpose here. This sin would eventually lead to the building of the temple. 

Summary: Under God's sovereign will, Satan incites David to count his people to prepare his army. Joab objects but this counting will result eventually in the building of the temple. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "the Lord can use anything—even sin—to accomplish His holy purposes."

Prayer: Lord, in these texts is your will revealed though it is carried out in ways that oppose your perfect plan. You can use any circumstance and you can work all things together for good. I take this to mean that even when I disobey you, though I am accountable and responsible for this and will many times bear consequences, those consequences and results are a part of your means to work things out for good. Lord, I am a child of God now for almost 42 years and this is still hard for me to comprehend its complete meaning. There is no excuse for sin and still I must stand against it but no sin is greater than your plan and you can use it still to accomplish your good purposes. I praise you God for making this work and forgive even my words that often maybe do not frame this correctly. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:20 - Train the heart

Proverbs 11:20 

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in [their] walk are His delight. 

Message: Train the heart

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: These contrasts are always interesting to me. The contrast here is the perverse and the blameless; the result is an abomination or a delight and how it relates to the Lord. Matthew Henry comments here, "Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness." It is interesting and amazing to me that this book is written, that we have this collection in Proverbs. It reminds me of Rob's lessons and the numerous ways to say the same thing. Like there is this constant need for more information, in the hopes that people will live their lives in the correct manner. Like, how many different ways can it be said. 

The Lord wants our upright behavior. The Lord wants us to walk in ways of blameless. At my PT appointment there seems to be a recognition by the people of the hospital to be attentive to people's needs. We get these feedback ratings and the good feedback is wanted, the good ratings of customer service. The cable guy knows he needs the good rating even though his demeanor wasn't necessarily great, but he asked for all 10's and I guess you want to give that to him, even though there was something about him that wasn't helpful. But it is wanted is the point. People see that what people want is good customer service. We see this in life. To be respectful. And in many ways that is what these passages are saying over and over. 

It amazes me and makes me wonder how did we get all of these sayings and why did Solomon write them all. I think of Grandmother Payton and Wiley and even my mom and the various sayings around the house, the phrases and the notebooks Wiley had of all the sayings and the clippings my Grandmother had - little motivating words, little reminders. All of these little reminders. 

Maybe this is what we need continually, to be reminded more and more of these truths. 

Source of following statements: 

• In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, intentions, and will.
• The emphasis on the heart suggests that God is concerned not just with outward actions but with the inner motivations and attitudes of individuals.
• The term "blameless" does not imply sinlessness but rather integrity and uprightness in one's conduct.
• The "walk" refers to one's way of life or conduct, suggesting a consistent pattern of living that aligns with God's commandments.

It isn't only the outward God is focused on, but what is on the inside. And living that sort of life that encompasses thoughts, intentions and will. But it isn't about being perfect. And yet in Scripture whatever the failure rate there is - 10% or 15% or more that Jesus covers it. And yet that 10% makes us completely unworthy. LDS thought is do your best and Jesus covers the rest, but this misses the boat. We are stamped not acceptable the moment we sin. Yes, we want to live good lives, but for our own well being, not for God's acceptance. 

Prayer: God, these verses and the meaning of these verses is what I need though at times I don't understand the repetition but I suppose we need these reminders continually. We need the constant reinforcement of the behavior we are all trying to live by. I need these good sources of information and need to be trained in this manner that reminds me that life is about glorifying you. That it is about pleasing you and making you number one. But God I thank you for covering my sin. That you cover it all. That you make it so I can know you. You have given me the right understanding of who you are and who I am in Christ. Keep working on my heart and not only mine but all those I am in contact with, in my life. I thank you for the friends you have given me and the course of life we are all on. Thank you for my grandmothers and the reminders in life that we need to live rightly. I need that reinforcement. Lord, you want my good behavior. Help me to make the right choices in life, to honor you. And I need this good behavior in my life. I live by peace when I live in this manner. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words

2 Samuel 23

The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, he who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain. (verse 2-4)

Message: David's Last Words

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of 2 Samuel in chronicling David's life starts 2 Samuel 23 by saying, "These are the last words of David." David is raised high, anointed and the sweet Psalmist. "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me" and David mentions God equipping him to rule. God has set David apart by establishing a covenant relationship with him. David recognizes something special has occurred with God on his side. Not every person is set aside. Some are worthless. 

David describes the perfect king as well, chosen by God, ruling by God's hand, listening to God and being directed by him. Thus, this is what the ideal ruler looks like. 

David then mentions mighty men and their accomplishments: 

• Josheb-basshebeth - 800 slain by him
• Eleazar - struck the Philistines with 2 others; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Shammah - took his stand, defended it and struck Philistines; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Then 3 of the 30 men came to David in cave of Adullam. David wants a drink from the well. Got him drink but he would not drink it. 
• Abishai - swung his spear against 300 and killed them; he was most honored of the 30. 
• Benaiah - killed 2 sons of Moab; killed a lion, an Egyptian
• Then David mentions 1. Asabel, 2. Elhanan, 3. Shammah, 4. Elika, 5. Helez, 6. Ira, 7. Abiezer, 8. Mebunnai, 9. Zalmon, 10. Maharai, 11. Heleb, 12. Ittai, 13 Benaiah, 14. Hiddai, 15 Abi-albon, 16. Azmaveth, 17. Eliabba, 18. Shammah, 19. Ahiam, 20. Eliphelet, 21. Eliam, 22. Hezro, 23 Paarai, 24. Igal, 25 Bani, 26 Zelek, 27 Naharai, 28. Ira, 29 Gareb, 30. Uriah
• 37 in all 

The author here takes the time to mention and list these men. It is important to recognize others always. David did not work alone. He was a leader and had many men that came to his aid. These men formed an elite group that were involved in establishing David's rule. There is community and collective strength in establishing God's purposes. The church body has many members, all contribute and part of the whole. 

Summary: David mentions last words about characteristics of a Godly king and then also lists out all of the men that assisted him in establishing his kingdom. 

Promise: God is concerned not only with the central players in the story of redemption but also with the saints who play lesser parts.

Prayer: God, thank you for using everyone. It is good to recognize the importance of community, of many people working together for Your good. As I speak to someone that lives somewhat on an island and does not have many people in their life, I am reminded of the importance of having many, of the value in having multiple people that can assist and help. Thank you for gifting many the way you have and keep working out all for your glory. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 22:32-51 - Kindness to the Lord's Anointed

2 Samuel 22:32-51

He is a tower of deliverance to His king, and shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever. (verse 51)

Message: Kindness to the Lord's Anointed

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of 2 Samuel starts to conclude the life of David by offering here a song of praise with God as David's deliverer, fully expressing God's intervention in David's life. David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. And now in today's lesson is the conclusion of this song or hymn to the Lord. 

We express our thanks to God. As we walk with God in life, we recognize His hand of providence and for this we express our thanks. 

"For who is God, besides the Lord? And who is a rock, besides our God? God is my strong fortress. And He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me on my high places." I can navigate difficulties in my life because God is God. Because he is my rock, my strong fortress. He anchors me. I can navigate difficulties because God is present. I have His support. The difficult terrain is there and part of my journey, but God stabilizes me. He will lift me up. 

"He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy help makes me great. Thou does enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped. I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and I did not turn back until they were consumed. And I have devoured them and shattered them, so that they did not rise, and they fell under my feet. For thou has girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me. Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I destroyed those who hated me." David recognizes that he is strong because of the Lord God. That God makes him great. That God prepares him on his path so that his feet do not slip off target. That he is victorious over his enemies because of God's strength. That they fell under his feet because of His working. He places enemies below him and those that hate him are destroyed. Thus, David constantly is thankful to God for any and all victories in his life. God is the reason for his greatness and doing great. Lord, help me be more thankful in life for all that you are doing. 

"They looked, but there was none to save; even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. Then I pulverized them as the dust of the earth. I crushed and stamped them as the mire of the streets. Thou hast also delivered me from the contentions of my people; thou hast kept me as head of the nations; a people whom I have not known serve me. Foreigners pretend obedience to me; as soon as they hear, they obey me. Foreigners lose heart, and come trembling out of their fortresses." There are those that are chosen by God and there are those that are not. God saves some and some He does not. David is a chosen one and with God by His side he delivers him from the contentions of his people. People might look like they are on David's side but He can only count on God. 

"The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be God, the rock of my salvation, the God who executes vengeance for me, and brings down peoples under me. Who also brings me out from my enemies; thou dost even lift me above those who rise up against me; thou dost rescue me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Thy name. He is a tower of deliverance to His king, and shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever."  Once again, David returns praise to God. Blessed be God. Exalted be God. God who takes care of my enemies. God who pulls me from my enemies. God rescues me. Therefore I give thanks to Him. He sings praises to His name. He shows me lovingkindness, both for me and all His anointed. 

Summary: God stabilizes me. I am only strong because of God. David is one of his chosen one's, but not all are chosen. David praises God. I give thanks to Him. 

Promise: In this life, we will have trouble, but God is with us. 

Prayer: Lord, you make me stand firm. You stabilize me. You work out my good and you protect me from those that are against me for there are always. Lord, it is true that not all are your chosen ones and some are not in your favor. You defeat them and I return my praise to You always. Your name is great. I praise You. I thank You. In life there will be trouble but You are with me. Thank you God and praise You God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Mark 6:45-51 - The Right Kind of Fear

Mark 6:45-51

51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Message: The Right Kind of Fear

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: What scares me the most? I think prior to it happening, the biggest fear I have is pain and experiencing intense pain in my body. Dying a very painful death, like getting shot or some part of my body mutilated or cut off. People will say public speaking is a big fear. It isn't a fear and yet when I am placed in that situation, like at the front of city council my words get jumbled. I am not scared but maybe scared of saying something wrong. I think I might also have a fear of not being well received or valued or appreciated because in those moments is when temptation creeps in. I fear those close to me ending up in hell. I fear that hell is real and a horrible place and I have a fear that a family member might end up there. I think there is a fear of dying as I think that is normal. And a fear of being deceased and what that will mean. Even as I read, pray, study and trust in these Words, there is still fear that they are not true, though I think that fear is a small percentage I think it is still real. But there isn't a fear that I have wasted my life in believing in something not real because all of what I am doing with this faith and all of its experiences is the right way to live. 

I've studied this passage before. Preceding this event of the disciples being sent by Jesus on a boat ride is the feeding of 5,000 in which Jesus provides food, provides people what they want and need. Jesus is in this business, providing. God is in this business - providing. God bestows His gifts on us continually and we receive what we need and sometimes get what we want. 

After this miracle and the disciples being with him He was ready to return to praying. In verse 45 it says "He made His disciples get into the boat." He wanted to be alone and he wanted them to get to the other side of this lake or sea. He obviously knew a storm was coming but he wants his disciples to experience the storm and hopefully navigate it. After praying He takes a walk because He is about His father's business and following praying He is walking. 

In the boat it does not say the disciples were afraid of the weather. It does say they were "straining at the oars, for the wind was against them" but what these disciples feared was Jesus walking, on the sea, and appearing like a ghost. Maybe it is understood they are fearful of the wind or maybe that difficulty and then Jesus looking like a ghost produced fear. 

1st lesson from the writer of this article is "do not fear what Jesus is doing." In life there will be obstacles and things that occur to us that we don't like. Trust God through them. Like my friend Bobby did when he experienced all of that cancer in his 40s and had numerous surgeries. He trusted God through them despite the hard situations. Not sure he knows why yet he went through them. But whatever life it, God can be trusted. 

2nd lesson is fearing the Lord is the right fear to have. In some ways this is the same lesson as the first lesson. And for me the fear is uncomfortable situations and how averse we are of being uncomfortable. 

I must admit this reading, this article, doesn't give me the meaning of what it means to fear God. I found another article. First, fear is needed. Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God (Exodus 9:29-31). Fear is something that God wants from us. We need to fear. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "Fear only God." So in order to be a true follower of God, in Christ, fear is needed. 

From this articles is the recognition that if we fear anything it must be God. Fearing the world or thinking that disasters, wars are what we fear is not the right fear. The fear I need to have is fear of God who created all, ordains all, so if we fear, we are to fear Him. And perhaps fear also teaches us to trust and serve others. 

The key here I think is this article starts with idea of being scared or having terror. This is one definition of fear. But the other definition is extreme respect and awe. It is the extreme recognition that God is over all. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." To be wise, to want this, to walk in this begins with the right view towards God. We need to have this awe and respect for God. This is what I want often from employees, respect for me and others. 

Maybe that is where I will end this, with the idea of respect. I respect God because he is authority in my life and I need to have a reverential respect for His authority to the point that life is defined by what pleases Him. It is to know my place, that I am a man and He is God, the creator. And out of this respect, I can serve Him. I can be respectful in my speech toward Him. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me prioritize time with you each day, to be trained by your words, Lord. Thank you for the life lesson of having the fear of the lord. continue to help to find this in my wife. Help me to show respect to those that are over me. I pray that this respect would motivate me to serve others, and not simply be self focused. Maybe Lord today that is my big lesson from this that respect and doesn’t mean a question, but rather respect those over me, and then return serve those alongside me and over me. That the reason I better myself and improve myself continually, it’s not simply to benefit myself, but to benefit others. Perhaps that’s my reminder today in my daily reminder.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

2 Samuel 22:21-31 - The Righteousness of David

2 Samuel 22:21-31

The Lord has treated me in accordance with my righteousness;

In accordance with the cleanliness of my hands He has repaid me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord,

And have not acted wickedly against my God.

(verse 21-22)

Message: The Righteousness of David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to study this song of deliverance as the author of 2 Samuel describes it in verse 1 - “David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had saved him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." Yesterday the words were directed to God on what he had done in delivering Saul from his enemies. It is all about what God has done for those he has called. The Lord is my refuge. I call upon him. The Lord of great power works and comes to me and rescued me. 

I studied this yesterday in great detail, looking up each line on this site: https://biblehub.com/study/2_samuel/22-2.htm and seeing what it said about the verse. I did this and yet at the same time there was a little disconnect because I have not experienced being victorious in a battle of flesh and blood and then coming out the victor. I appreciate the psalm or song. I resonate with the words. But their is a lofty-ness to them that is sort of unrelatable to me. 

David spends much time speaking of how great God is in rescuing David from his enemies. 

As I now turn to this section - verse 21 to 31 - I see how David responds to the Lord. It reminds me of Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

God gives us a great gift of being on our side. He extends to us grace. And then in response to saving us - extending the righteousness of His son to us so that we can be declared righteous by God - we then respond to God with works of righteousness. And with deeds of righteousness we see good outcomes and not so good outcomes. 

David here in these verses is responding to the Lord with works of righteousness. David has not been perfect by any means. He has had selfish moments - taking peoples lives and committing adultery — and yet this doesn’t disqualify him of any form of living righteous and seeing the fruit of that good behavior. 

When I live righteous and live a clean life (verse 21) keeping God’s ways (verse 22), not deviating from His commands (verse 23) keeping myself from wrongdoing (verse 24), God repays me according to my righteous living (verse 25). 

I have been studying Proverbs and Solomon contrasts living in a righteous way to living wicked and with each kind of living there are results and consequences or repayments. 

In Verses 26 - 27 David summarizes this about God - live in a way that honors God and be honored. 

Verse 28 reminds us that God saves His people. But for those that are not His will receive His wrath. 

Verse 29 — “For You are my lamp, Lord;
And the Lord illuminates my darkness” 

God has a covenant relationship between God and His people. He lights my way. God transforms me from darkness to light. Hope, deliverance, and God’s presence in times of trouble.  

Because of God my foes are defeated and weakened (verse 30). 

God is perfect.  He is blameless (verse 31). praise God for the refuge we have in Him. He protects those who trust in Him. 

Summary: David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. 

Promise. God promises to be faithful to faithful people. 

Prayer: Lord you have saved me. I see this Lord though at times I really don’t understand it that in your divine grace you choose me to be your representative on this earth. I think you for this life that you have given me. I am grateful for the riches of blessings that you provide, the entertainment choices, the beautiful scenery in nature that is pleasing to her eye, the joy of being with others, but also the joy of working in ways that you have gifted me, and seeing the good results of that labor. Keep teaching me how to honor you with good works and walk in those good works. You deliver me from sin. you are a great guide, and your power is known throughout this land, and I recognize it and see it. Help me to see it more. And help me to know how to extend it to others and extend your message of hope to others. Help me to be more vocal.

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.