Day 125—We have begun our FIFTH month of Bible reading.   What insights have you gained about God and yourself through reading so far?  Share in the comments section.

    Day 125 – Psalm 1, 2, 15, 22, 23, 24, 47, 68. – (Psalms of David and others.)

Today’s reading contains several familiar Psalms.

Psalm 1 describes the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Basically, the righteous delight themselves in the LORD and in His Word. The wicked, sinners, and scoffers do not.  The righteous are like a fruitful tree planted near water, while the wicked are like the chaff of wheat that blows away in the wind. 

Psalm 2 speaks about wicked nations standing in array against the LORD’s anointed, meaning either the newly crowned King David, or the coming Messiah (or both). Either way, God “laughs” at them. 

Psalm 15, by David, describes the person who will abide with the LORD. He is blameless, does what is right, speaks truth, does not slander, does no evil, honors the LORD, and doesn’t charge exorbitant interest or take bribes.  This man, David declares, shall never be moved.

Psalm 22 is often associated with the Messiah because Jesus quoted from it on the cross. It was written by David, and “could” also refer to him. (Read it with both ideas.) Verses 14-18 seem especially to picture Jesus being crucified. 

Most of us who have been to Sunday School can quote Psalm 23. It’s often also prayed by people facing death or deep trouble.  It is comforting. 

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. 
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness 
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley 
of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil
for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever."

Psalm 24 is also a psalm of David about  “The King of Glory,”   WHO IS the King of Glory? he asks, It is the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle, and the LORD of hosts.  HE is the King of Glory. 

Psalm 47 is another psalm of rejoicing and praise.  You can almost see the crowd singing, dancing, praising God – perhaps when the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem.  “Clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with loud songs and joy! Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises…. He is highly exalted!”

Psalm 68, also by David, is similar to the song we read in 1 Chronicles 16 when David led the procession before the Ark of God into Jerusalem. Singing and joy, praise and exaltation to the LORD and His attributes. 

And you, ladies, look at verse 11. “The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.”  (See also verse 12 and chuckle!)

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord belongs deliverances from death.”

These verses reminded me of the God who looks on and protects Israel today, too.

“Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God.”