Psalm
Psalm 92
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.
Outline
The Goodness of Faithful Thanksgiving
by Pastor Clinton Macomber
Godly Living is Musical Living
There is benefits in thanksgiving and praise to God, Psalm 92:1
There is benefits in demonstrating love and faithfulness to God, Psalm 92:2
There is benefits in playing an instrument to God, Psalm 92:3
Godly Living is Fulfilled Living
Joy comes from serving God, Psalm 92:4
Mental Challenges come from God’s Word, Psalm 92:5
Insight comes from Godly experience, Psalm 92:6-7
Godly Living is Productive Living
God’s Omnipotence is evident in stopping evil, Psalm 92:8-9
God’s Love is evident in stopping our enemies, Psalm 92:10-11
God’s People grow tall and stately under God’s care, Psalm 92:12-13
God’s Blessings demonstrate His Righteousness, Psalm 92:14-15
Photo
Sermon
The Goodness of Faithful Thanksgiving
Psalm 92
This Psalm was used for the Sabbath day. It is one that reminds us of a holy attitude that should be kept by reminding us of the value of thanksgiving and faithfulness to God. We need this day in order that we can refocus our lives after a busy week of things that pull us away from God, so that we can get back on the track of holy living.
Godly Living is Musical Living
There is benefit in thanksgiving and praise to God
Psalm 92:1 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:
The Hebrew word for "good" is one that encompasses a wide variety of meaning. It is what God called the things of this world that He had created each Creation day. It is the thing that is beneficial, life-giving, and of value.
Giving thanks to God is of vast importance to us. It brings health benefits, mental benefits, spiritual benefits, as well as benefits to the soul. One of the best ways to do it is to sing praise to God's name, the Most High.
There is benefit in demonstrating love and faithfulness to God
Psalm 92:2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
In the morning it is of great benefit and proper for us to demonstrate the kindness, mercy, love, and concern of God. It is the way to start our waking moments and give the day the proper focus. But how is this done? The prophet Isaiah told us how he did it, by starting with personal experience and moving on to national experience:
Isaiah 63:7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.
The prophet Jeremiah declared that the very fact we are alive is proof of God's loving-kindness, and that they are renewed each morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
We learn the opinion of God through the laws recorded by Moses, but we learn of love and truth through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
There is benefit in playing an instrument to God
Psalm 92:3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.
This verse is used with others (Psalm 33:3 and 81:2, etc.) as proof that praise of God was not simply a noise making event, with everyone making racket, but a well planned orchestration.{1} Specific tuned instruments were used and the sound produced was solemn or reverent. It is a glorious thing to be able to sing along with a musical instrument. It was a professional and well rehearsed presentation.
Cult musicians in Ashdod[2]
The instrument of 10 strings may have been a zither. This is an instrument that is not found in Egypt and Mesopotamia, but is found in Phoenicia. If this is true, it was a rectangular instrument as shown in the following figure.[3]
Zither of Phoencia
Godly Living Is Fulfilled Living
Joy comes from serving God
Psalm 92:4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.
Although we think that joy comes from parties, lots of money, toys, trinkets, hobbies, etc. the real fact remains that joy only comes to those who are doing what they were created to do: doing the work of God. Everything else is hollow and meaningless. God's work brings true joy as we see what God does when we commit our lives to Him for guidance and leadership.
Mental Challenges come from God’s Word
Psalm 92:5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.
God's words and actions are never superficial. They have meaning and regard that leave a great deal to examine and learn from. The ocean depths are beyond what man can examine. Not only is the water something to examine, but the life God created in the various levels of the ocean is fascinating.
Insight comes from Godly experience
Psalm 92:6-7 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. 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:
The brutish man is a person that simply does not learn important things. As a result he is stupid when it comes to understanding the realities of life and relationships. God explains to us how to perceive what is really going on in our live and the lives of others. Fools are incapable of understanding the things of God.
There is a fact of life. Those who are wicked seem to prosper, but their prosperity is like nothing more than a grass blade. It pops up quickly and dies before the day is over. The reason they look so glorious is their lifespan is so short. They only live for a short period, and then they are gone.
The people are God are described in the following verses.
Godly Living is Productive Living
God’s Omnipotence is evident in stopping evil
Psalm 92:8-9 But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
Although evil may be fierce and cruel, it does not last long. The evil have a certain death, and in the scope of history, are only allowed to occupy time but for a moment. Their impact is thus limited in scope and extent. The righteous are given eternal life in contrast and are all united and gathered together forever. The workers of sin are scattered about as weeds, having little or no interaction or future.
God’s Love is evident in stopping our enemies
Psalm 92:10-11 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 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.
The unicorn name comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The Greek word means “one-horned,” but this translation and conception is not supported in Scripture. While some argue it is the rhinoceros, it probably is the stately, noble animal known as the orynx. It is a large powerful animal and very fast, fierce and savage.[4] It is described in Job:
Job 39:9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? 10Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee? 11Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him? 12Wilt thou believe him, that he will bring home thy seed, and gather it into thy barn?
Orynx
God’s People grow tall and stately under God’s care
Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
The people that do what is right are the ones that flourish like a palm tree. This tree carries significant meaning in Scripture. Deborah the judge sat under the palm tree. She may have been using the tree to signify her qualities, as a food source, leaves that are woven into mats and baskets, and wood used for shelters and fences. Palm trees are used as motifs by kings to represent righteousness, stateliness, and uprightness.[5]
Palm Tree in Sinai Mountains
The palm is a tall, fruit-bearing, shady tree. It produces 15 to 20 clusters of dates, each cluster weighing 20 pounds. The Arabs celebrate having 360 uses for parts of the tree: ropes, sacks, mats, hats, sandals, etc. Some live entirely on its fruit. Its branches are used as tokens of victory and joy.[6]
The Cedar of Lebanon is a notorious tree for its value and glory. They now grow to 70 or 80 feet tall. The branch spread is over 100 feet wide. The wood has been highly sought by the ancient kingdoms of Assyria, Babylon, and the Egyptians. Because of its high value and the lack of management in recent years, there is only a few stands left of these relics. The remaining trees have trunks that are 10 feet in diameter. The wood is red, very aromatic, rot and insect resistant. The wood has been used for ships, palaces, and the Temple in Israel. The following is a photo of them.[7]
Cedar of Lebanon
The tree is easy to spot because its branches point upward, while other species hang downward. The Child of God is very much like the mighty cedars in usefulness, proven durability and majesty.
God’s Blessings demonstrate His Righteousness
Psalm 92:14-15 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
The date palm is never on a retired list. It reaches maturity at 30 years of age, but produces fruit until its end. God’s people are the same way. They are enabled to carry the fruit of the spirit right up to the end of their earthly life and be a blessing to many.{8}
[1] John Wheeler. “Music of the Temple.” Bible and Spade (Associates for Biblical Research, 1989; Galaxie Edition: 2004). Winter, 1989. Vol. 2. Nu. 1. p. 13.
[2] Photo by Zev Radovan. The Biblical World in Pictures; BAS Biblical World in Pictures (Biblical Archaeology Society, 2003; 2003). HB114.
[3] Ovid R. Sellers. “Musical Instruments of Israel.” Editor, G. Ernest Wright, Biblical Archaeologist : Volume 4 1-4, electronic ed. (Philadelphia: American Schools of Oriental Research, 2001, c1941). Drawing from Sachs History of Musical Instruments p. 118.
[4] John Kitto, Daily Bible Illustrations (Pleasant Places Press, 2005; 2005). 5:214.
[5] The Biblical World in Pictures; BAS Biblical World in Pictures (Biblical Archaeology Society, 2003; 2003). ESN132: Date Palm.
{6} John Kitto, An Illustrated History of the Holy Bible (Redding, CA: Pleasant Places Press, 2004). P. 165. Drawing 32 on page 167.
{7} J.I. Packer, Merrill Chapin Tenney and William White, Nelson's Illustrated Manners and Customs of the Bible (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995). P. 248.
{8} “A Lesson from the Palm Tree.” AMG Bible Illustrations, electronic ed., Logos Library System; Bible Illustrations Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000).
Topic Study
It is Good
Elements of the Creation are declared "good" by God, signifying their appropriateness and benefit.
Genesis 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
The evil tree in the Garden was one that let the eater experience both beneficial aspects of living as well as harmful
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Adam was not "good" alone, he needed an help suitable to him, signifying there is a condition where things are not beneficial or healthy.
Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
The thing that is good, is better than the alternative.
Genesis 29:19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
Exodus 14:12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
Jonah 4:3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
Crops can be beneficial and valuable or worthless.
Genesis 41:22 And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
The Promised Land was "good" in appearance to the Israelites, signifying it appealed to them as a beneficial and healthy place to live.
Numbers 14:7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
The laws and instruction of God are for our benefit, vitality, and preservation.
Deuteronomy 6:24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.
Quote
I am anointed with fresh oil. Psalm 92:10
There is perennial freshness in God—in the works of nature, in his love, and in the renewal of the soul. Does the eye ever tire of the changeful beauty of the clouds? Though we look out from childhood to old age on the same landscape, there is always something fresh to captivate the roving eye. Think of the unfailing freshness in love—love of woman to man, of mother to child. Think of the freshness of each returning day, of earth in her springtime robe, with the myriads of sweet children, whose laughter is as ringing and their eyes as bright as if the earth were young, instead of being old and weary. And if God can do this for the works of his hands, is there any limit in the freshness which He will communicate to his children?
Each morning bend your heads, ye priests of the Most High, for the fresh anointing for the new ministries that await you. The former grace and strength will not suffice; old texts must be rejuvenated and reminted; old vows must be respoken; the infilling of the Holy Spirit must be as vivid, and may be as definite, as at the first. See to it that you do not rise from your knees till you can say, “I have been, and am, anointed with the fresh oil.” And the anointing that ye receive from Him shall abide on you, teaching you how to abide in Him. So you shall bring forth fruit in old age, and in life’s winter be full of sap and fervor.
Pastor Harm used to say: Pray diligently. I do not mean your common prayer alone; but pray diligently in your room daily for the Holy Spirit. How their faces shine, who receive this daily unguent!
Coppied from:
Frederick Brotherton Meyer, Our Daily Homily (Redding, CA: Pleasant Places Press, 2004). Vol. 3 page 92.
Devotions
Monday, Psalm 92:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-6
There are more reasons than we know for demonstrating our thankfulness and faithfulness to God. The Israelites were so taken up with their physical needs, they did not remember how God had supplied their needs all along the way. Their constant demands and grumbling wore away at God’s patience, and they were sentenced to die before the Nation reached the Promised Land. Grumbling and fussing does more damage than we realize.
Tuesday, Psalm 92:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 10:7-11
Humans beings have a real problem with boredom, nowadays, more than in past days. We are not as disciplined and knowledgeable of things to occupy our thoughts as the generations before us. The result is we quickly tire of saying “thank You” to God. But there is a number of ways to thank God, through an instrument, through singing, through telling what God did, and through actions we take. The consequences of not following God are horrible, and serve as reminders to us to be faithful in all things and at all times.
Wednesday, Psalm 92:6-7 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-17
Without the Spirit of God inside us, we are incapable of changing our ways or doing what is right. Everything of God looks so foolish to the fool. Unless we want to come and go and add up to nothing, we must flee the status quo of this world and race towards Christ. We can only survive if we are in communion with Christ, eating at His table. Then the troubles that come our way are simply ordinary ones, not the big “end of the world” events that world makes of them.
Thursday, Psalm 92:8-10 and 1 Corinthians 10:18-22
We are faced with a choice. Either we serve the Lord and obey God and His Word or we honor devils and go the way of the wicked to perish. We cannot have it both ways because each side is an enemy of the other. This also is not a war that will end in a compromise, but one that will end with the eradication of all those that align themselves with evil. Any attempts to go both ways are sure to anger the Lord that reaches out to save us.
Friday, Psalm 92:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-28
In order to see victory over things in our lives we have to align ourselves completely with God. We must shun even the appearance of honor to something that belongs to God but was dedicated to a worldly or demonic cause. We have a great deal of freedom in life, but that does not mean we do it just because we can, but instead we do what is right and beneficial and honorable.
Saturday, Psalm 92:13-15 and 1 Corinthians 10:29-33
In order to be prospered by God we must be planted in His courtyard. When we grow, we learn to give up certain privileges of life in order to reach others for Christ, and help them escape a sure demise. God then becomes the rock and fortress from which we can work and minister to others.
Puzzle
| G | S | W | S | C | T | G | T | U | I | G | R | N | H | C |
| T | A | N | G | R | O | W | N | N | R | L | A | U | H | K |
| M | B | T | E | E | R | A | E | R | I | K | D | U | N | O |
| O | B | E | A | B | S | U | M | I | H | S | E | F | E | L |
| S | A | E | W | O | N | S | U | G | G | T | C | I | M | S |
| T | T | K | L | I | P | E | R | H | W | E | H | S | I | D |
| P | H | E | C | H | F | A | T | T | H | O | S | E | N | W |
| A | M | O | S | W | I | R | S | E | B | P | C | N | E | E |
| N | R | E | G | A | D | S | N | O | R | M | A | E | R | W |
| N | R | G | N | R | E | N | I | U | U | G | T | M | D | O |
| F | N | R | I | U | F | E | M | S | T | N | T | I | E | R |
| F | O | E | R | G | G | L | M | N | I | I | E | E | S | K |
| H | O | F | T | D | A | G | H | E | S | R | R | S | I | E |
| A | K | O | S | P | O | P | E | S | H | P | E | E | R | R |
| K | I | F | L | O | U | R | I | S | H | S | D | I | E | S |
| BRUTISH | GROW | SHEW |
| CEDAR | HORN | SOLEMN |
| DESIRE | INSTRUMENT | SPRING |
| EARS | MINE | STRINGS |
| ENEMIES | MOST | TREE |
| FLOURISH | PALM | UNICORN |
| FOOL | SABBATH | UNRIGHTEOUSNESS |
| FRESH | SCATTERED | WORKERS |
