Psalms (A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition)

Top Highlights

“Why would a sovereign God allow one of His faithful servants to endure so much before interceding? There are no good answers to this question; the suffering of the innocent is inexplicable. What Psalm 22 teaches, however, and what the Cross demonstrates to a far greater degree, is that God can turn the most unjust of circumstances into a reason for all the universe to proclaim his righteousness (22:31).” (Page 78)

“The author appears to have been a young man (119:9, 99–100), facing powerful opponents (119:23, 61, 69, 87, 141, 143, 157, 161), and waiting for an answer from God (119:81–88). Because he knew that obedience to God does not bring freedom from difficulty but does provide a place to go for help, the psalmist prays for two things: to more clearly understand God’s Law and to know its full effects (rescue and vindication).” (Page 362)

“Although the psalms are quite diverse, one theme pervades them all: God is King. His dominion extends throughout the universe because He created and sustained it. This reign will never end because He is eternal and all-powerful.” (Page 21)

“Circumstances may have changed, but God has revealed himself and will again reveal himself. The command to wait for the Lord that concludes the psalm (27:14) is important for all believers to obey. The God we serve is, after all, the slowest One who is always on time. Waiting is easier when we remember that the Lord is sovereign (27:1), has mercifully promised protection to His people (27:13), and has been faithful in the past (27:1, 9). God is at work as much in the delay as He is in the answer, so wait for the Lord.” (Page 90)