In this psalm, David claims that he is surrounded by enemies who want to “eat up my flesh”. Were they cannibals?! What did he mean by this strange idiom? And what important insight does this psalm provide about Yeshua’s instructions to ask, seek, and knock? And what does this psalm have to teach us about the fall holy days? And how can one Hebrew word mean “morning”, “cattle”, and “punishment”? And how does this psalm reflect Yeshua’s words spoken from the cross?
Of David.
1-3 Adonai is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Adonai is the stronghold of my life, whom then shall I dread? 2Even when evildoers approach me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though a camp should encamp around me, my heart will not fear; even if war arise against me, in this I will trust.
4-6 One thing have I asked of Adonai, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of Adonai and to inquire [ie. seek deep understanding] in His temple.
בקר (bakar) = “inquire” / “morning” / “herd”
– To Distinguish Differences –
5 For He hides me in His sukkah in the day of calamity. He conceals me in the concealment of His tent. He lifts me high upon a rock. 6 Even now my head is lifted up high above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in His tent offerings of rejoicing. I will sing and make melody to Adonai.
7-10 Hear, O Adonai, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me. 8 You have said, “Seek My face.” To You my heart says, “Your face, Adonai, do I seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me. Do not turn away Your servant in anger. You who have been my help. Do not abandon me; do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but Adonai will gather me in.
11-13 Teach me, Adonai, Your way; and lead me on a straight path [c.26:12] because of my watchful foes. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my oppressors, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 Had I not believed that I would see the goodness of Adonai in the land of the living…
14 Hope in Adonai. Remain strong, and let your heart take courage. Indeed, hope in Adonai.
REFERENCES:
Verse 2
Daniel 3:8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward to maliciously accuse [lit. ‘devour’] the Jews.
Verse 3
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Verse 4
Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Yeshua, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
John 19:26-27 When Yeshua saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Verse 11
Psalm 26:12 My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless Adonai.
Psalm 5:8 Lead me, Adonai, in Your righteousness because of my watchful foes [שררי, shorari]. Make Your way straight before me.