Today’s reading is Psalm 59.
Psalm 59 divides into two stanzas with similar refrains. Notice how vss. 8-10 and vss. 16-17 sound so alike. This structure accentuates a progression. In vss. 1-7, David calls on God in the face of turmoil. Bloodthirsty men attack. According to human wisdom, hope wanes. He begs God to wake up and do something. He declares faith in vs. 8 and then says, “O my Strength, I will watch for you.” Then in vss. 11-15, David describes the wickedness of the enemies. Then in vs. 17 says, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you.” In the first stanza’s refrain, David watches for God’s coming victory. By the refrain of the second stanza, the victory has come and David sings praise. David moves from watching to singing.
I can’t help but think of an ancient precedent for such a structure. When Israel fled Egypt, but were taken by way of the Red Sea, Pharaoh changed his mind and decided to hunt them down in the wilderness. When Israel discovered they were hemmed in with the wilderness on one side, the Red Sea on another, and Pharaoh’s army on the final side, they demanded to know why Moses led them out of Egypt to begin with.
Moses responded in Exodus 14:13-14:
Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Moses called Israel to watch for salvation from God, to wait on God’s impending vengeance. Further, God did so to inform Egypt “I am the LORD.” As David sang, the ends of the earth must know Yahweh is God everywhere.
When the waters parted, Israel walked through on dry ground. Egypt’s army followed, but God brought the Sea down upon them. As Israel witnessed the bodies of Egyptian soldiers and horses wash up on shore, they sang praise.
I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation…
David sang to God as “My Strength.” When Israel saw God’s victory, they did the same.
Understand this. We have two times in our lives. Sometimes we watch. While living in the interim between God making His promise and God keeping His promise, we watch. We wait. We keep our eyes and hopes on God. Sometimes we rejoice. Having seen the victory of God, we sing praise and declare God’s strength and steadfast love. Watch for God, He will always lead us to singing.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 59.
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
What in Psalm 59 prompts or improves your trust in God?
Read the Bible 