Psalm 41 — 42
because he knew he had sinned (v. 4). He also affirmed his integrity (v. 12), for he had walked before the Lord in humility and submission (7:8; 18:19–25; 25:21; 78:72). When confronted with his sins, he confessed them and sought the face of the Lord (2 Sam. 12:13ff.). David wanted mercy for himself but not for his enemies, except for his son Absalom (2 Sam. 18:5). Why? Because his enemies (especially Absalom) had committed treason against the Lord's chosen and anointed king. This was not a personal vendetta on David's part, but a concern for the future of the nation of Israel and the dynasty of David. As ruler of the land, David wielded the sword of justice (Rom. 13:1–4), and nations today punish treason with death.
(59:17), "God of my praise" (109:1) and "God of my life" (42:8). 8 For other "intrigue" psalms, see 17, 25, 27–28, 31, 35, 41, 52, 54–57, 59, 63, 64, 71, 86, 109, 140, 141. These involved the plots of either King Saul or Absalom. 9 Since they deal with similar themes, Ps. 9 and 10 have parallel statements. See 9:10/10:1, 18; 9:20–21/10:12,18; 9:13/10:4, 12–13; 9:19/10:11; 9:6/10:16. 10 See Double-Speak by William Lutz (1989) and The New Double-Speak (1996), both published by HarperCollins. 11 Earth and Altar (IVP, 1985), 111. 12 For a comparison of Matt. 5–7 and Ps. 15, see Appendix 70 of The Companion Bible, by E. W. Bullinmger (London: Lamp Press). 13 Dialogues of Alfred North Whitehead, compiled by Lucien Price (New American Library, 1964), 223–24. 14 Critique of Practical Reason, 2. 15 Reflections on The Psalms (NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1958), 63. 16 The Future of Life (NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002), chapter 1. 17 Some interpret the picture as the bridegroom leaving the marriage pavilion after consummating the marriage, rejoicing that now "two had become one." Either way, David saw the sunrise as a time of joy as he faced the day, and also as a time of determination to reach the goals set for the day. 18 This may explain why Ps. 19 is appointed in the church lectionary to be read on Christmas Day. 19 The Road Less Traveled (NY: Simon and Schuster, 1978), 15. 20 For other important "one thing" statements in Scripture, see Josh. 23:14; Eccl. 3:19; Mark 10:21; Luke 10:42; 18:22; John 9:25; Phil. 3:13. 21 David said "I have sinned" more than once (2 Sam. 12:13; 24:10, 17; 1 Chron. 21:8, 17; Ps. 41:4 and 51:4). For others who also said "I have sinned," some of them insincerely, see Ex. 9:27; 10:16; Num. 22:34; Josh. 7:20; 1 Sam. 15:24, 30; 26:21; Matt. 27:4; Luke 15:18, 21. 22 London: Geoffrey Bles, 1950; 81. 23 The Journals of Jim Elliot, edited by Elisabeth Elliot (Revell, 1978), 174.
More than anything else, David wanted to please God (v. 11; 18:19; 22:8; 35:27; 2 Sam. 15:26). He had confidence that the Lord would heal him, restore him to the throne, and deal with those who opposed him. Even more, he was certain that one day he would be in the presence of the Lord and serve in His holy courts in heaven forever (v. 12; 16:11; 17:15; 21:6; 101:7; 2 Sam. 7:16).
Glory: How Do We Treat God? (v. 13) This verse was probably added later by an editor to mark the end of book I of The Psalms. Each of the first four books ends with a similar doxology (72:18–20; 89:52; 106:48), and book V ends with a praise psalm (150). But the verse reminds us that the main thing in our lives must be the eternal praise and glory of the Lord. "Hallowed be thy name" is the first request in the Disciple's Prayer (Matt. 6:9), and it governs all the other requests. God answers prayer, not to make His people more comfortable, but to bring glory to His name. The Lord still had more work for David to do, particularly the preparation for the building of the temple, and His glory would one day move into that holy sanctuary (1 Kings 8:1–11).
Can we honestly say "Amen and amen!" to the prayer in verse 13?