Background
Jesus Christ was the son of David. Like his ancestor, his life was constantly in danger from the attacks of evil men. There is nothing wrong with recognizing evil and voicing our concerns to the heavenly Father.
Background
Jesus Christ would have found great comfort in this Psalm. Despite the vanity of men, the Messiah could trust in the words of the Lord, for they are pure as refined silver. The Lord will preserve His Word and those who believe it.
Background
Ancient versions of Psalms (based on Massoretic and manuscript evidence) divide them into five sections that correspond to the first five books of the Bible.
(Psalms 1—41) Genesis: Written concerning “the true David,” the Messiah. Just as Genesis shows God’s “good work” in giving man dominion (Genesis 1:27-31) and in promising to send a redeemer (Genesis 3:15), these 41 Psalms show the Messiah overcoming his enemies with God’s help. The final Psalm ends with blessing God and “Amen and Amen.”
Background
Psalms 9 and 10 form a unit and are linked together by an irregular acrostic arrangement. This is the first Psalm that has an acrostic, where a Hebrew letter is used to begin a verse.
Background
This Psalm was well known to Jesus Christ. He quotes verse 2 in Matthew 21:16 in response to the chief priests and scribes being displeased that the people said “Hosanna to the Son of David.” These people were in the temple and praising God for sending the Messiah, for Jesus Christ had just entered in triumph to Jerusalem.
Background
The title of Psalm 7 includes “Shiggaion,” a Hebrew word showing a loud shout (for help or in joyful thanksgiving). This Psalm shows that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would shout for help and in joy in his time of need. Both of these shouts were made from the cross: for help (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), and in joy (John 19:30).
Background
As mentioned at the Background of Psalm 5, this is a prayer in the night (verse 6) where David asks “how long?”will his soul be “sore vexed” unto death in mental pressure and anguish as his enemies attack (verse 4).
Background
This is the third of four Psalms (Psalms 3—6) that show the Messiah’s prayer in light of those who rebel and vainly plan evil against him (Psalm 2). Like Psalm 3, it is a prayer in the morning.
Background
This Psalm of David shows the Messiah’s absolute trust in God. It concludes: “For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety (confidence).” David is confronted by those who love falsehood, but the Lord sets him apart and hears him. David spent time “communing with his heart” in deep reflection upon God’s goodness. He anticipated his son, the Messiah, who would “offer the sacrifices of righteousness.” David was glad and at peace, for he knew that the Lord would send the Messiah to deliver His people.
Background
The third Psalm has a title: “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” This is recorded in II Samuel 15—18. David was forced to leave Jerusalem and was under attack by his own people (who were influenced by religious leaders). Jesus Christ centuries later read of his “father” David and his exile and persecution.