2005-09-18 - Hey, Please, All Right

Psalm 10, Part 3

Before we examine the text, a few introductory comments are necessary. As we examine Psalm 10, we will look at both the form and context. Next, we will survey the passage itself, and finally, we will examine what it has to say to us.

Let's first take a look at the form of this psalm. Dr. Vernon McGee felt that there is a direct relationship between Psalm 9 and this psalm:

"There is a certain alphabetical structure, an acrostic, that is not seen in our translation, but which can be seen in the original. As a result, you will find that the Septuagint and the Vulgate put these two psalms together and consider them as one." ²

And while some hold this view, others don't see as strong a relationship between the two. The unity question is unclear and won't be resolved by us. But 10 can clearly stand alone. As with the last psalm we examined, there seems to be no serious doubt David is the author.

Having said this, the text cannot be tied to a specific incident in his life, and so it must be studied outside of any external grounding. The Psalm can be broken down into three sections.

1. Introduction
2. Hey God, Where Are You? Verses 1-11
3. Please God, Will You Listen? Verses 12-15
4. All right God, I Really Do Know You're There! Verses 16-18
5. Conclusion

There are essentially two issues found in the passage. First is a description of the unrighteous, those who are in rebellion against God. These individuals have no concern about God taking action against them. The description certainly seems to fit many of those with whom we come in contact today.

Second, God is aware of what is going on in the world, as well as the apparent lack of justice. Therefore we can have confidence His justice will prevail. We will see we can live in the hope and comfort of the righteousness, mercy and justice of God. We wait with great expectation for the second advent, and we need to let that hope shine through us to others. The lost need to know they will not escape this world unscathed. But they also need to know there is a way of escape made available by the very God they are rejecting.

Finally, the righteous need to be comforted with the truth that God will care for and comfort them. And the day is soon coming when things will be made right.

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org