Psalm 83 is the last psalm of Asaph in the Hebrew songbook. Verse two seems to indicate that this composition was written right before the temple’s defilement and Jerusalem’s unexpected overthrow by her enemies as described in Psalm 79:1-4. This psalm and its…
God’s punishment of wickedness and wicked nations is never arbitrary or capricious. Send article as PDF
Asaph’s frequent battles with the question of “Why?” are easily documented. “O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?” (Psalm 74:1). “Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?” (Psalm 74:11). “How…
Psalms 79 and 80 appear to be companion psalms. In Psalm 79, Asaph focuses upon a recent calamity in Jerusalem; in Psalm 80, he petitions God to restore His people. Psalm 79 concludes with a reference to God’s people as “sheep of Your…
“Those who fail to study history are destined to repeat it” is a maxim that has been around for many years. It is true. Send article as PDF
Despair is a spiritual abyss. It is a black hole of the soul. It is treacherous quicksand. Send article as PDF
Even though the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20), it has been repeatedly overruled by God and His providence to bring about His praise. Jehovah’s government of this universe is so perfect that He is able to…
A good writer writes about what he knows. In light of this maxim, the content of Psalm 74 suggests that Asaph lived through some very dark and difficult days of defeat—days haunted by the questions of “Why?” (vv. 1, 11) and “How long?”…
Envy is a vicious and dangerous spiritual disease. Wise is the person who heeds the Scriptures’ plain counsel: “Do not let your heart envy sinners…Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them…Do not fret because of evildoers, nor…
Rarely is envy recognized and correctly identified in our hearts. This green-eyed monster is a blood-thirsty beast. Cain killed Abel because of envy. King Saul relentlessly hunted David because of envy. The Jewish rulers handed Jesus over to Pilate because of envy. …
