Part 15: David (30-32, 34-41)

Honest to God
Psalms of David (30-32, 34-40)

Psalm 30
This Psalm and its title seem to be at odds. The Psalm seems to be about a man (David) who has overcome a physical illness and is, therefore, praising God. The title, however, suggests that this was a song for the dedication of the Temple. How do the title and the content fit together? Nahum Sarna suggests that while the Psalm was originally a praise of God for delivering from illness, it became a metaphor for the delivery of the group (downtrodden Israel) from exile to restoration.

Worth noting in Psalm 30
- The Psalm may seem private at first (1-3), but is for public worship (4).
- The grave/sheol (3) is non-literal (death's door)
- The Psalmist believed that his suffering was due to God's anger (5) at his pride (6)
- The Psalmist was brought to a point of humility (8)
- The Psalmist pledged to return to a life of praise (9-10)
- The Psalmist seems to feel that death is the end of potential praise (9)
- The prayer was answered, thus he is sharing praise with the congregation (11-12)

Psalm 30/31 God Rescues
How temporary are troubles? (5)
What are the pros & cons of hope?

Psalm 32/38-40 Dealing with Sin
Try to keep it quiet (3-4)
What should happen if we try this?
Acknowledge it to God (5)
What are the results of these methods?
Sin must be dealt with at a heart level (39:2-3)
What impact do sins have on us? (40:12)

Psalm 34 Free From Fear
Does God answer prayer (4, 6, 15-16
Are there good & bad fears? (4, 9)

Psalm 35/41 Prayer for Vindication

Psalm 36 The Nature of the Wicked
Do many people fit this description? (1-4)

Psalm 37 The Future of Righteousness
Why shouldn’t we envy the wicked? (1)
What kind of desires will God grant? (4)
What are we waiting for? (9, 11, 22, 29, 34)
Are you a taker or a giver? (21)
What does God give to the righteous? (25)