Journal Through the Bible, Week 42 Day 6

Psalm 30

Some scholars and pastors, including Charles Spurgeon, believe(d) that David wrote this psalm when he received the word that his son would build the house of the LORD, the Temple, in Jerusalem. It is a reasonable explanation for the prologue of the psalm which says, "A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.


Does God make any commands in this psalm?

• Like all of scripture, this passage was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but even so God does not directly speak to David to command him to do anything in this psalm.

Does God make any promises in this psalm?

• God does not directly speak in this psalm; however, David is praising God for promises that God has made elsewhere in scripture.

Does this psalm teach anything about Jesus?

• In verses 1-5 David's words are a picture of the Savior lifted up in death to defeat His foes and yet was brought up from the grave. There was great weeping as darkness fell like night at the crucifixion but also great joy when the resurrected Jesus was revealed as alive to His followers.
• In verse 6 David speaks of never being moved. God's promises are sure and steadfast. Sin has been defeated! Jesus will never suffer again for our sins. They have been put away!
• In verse 7 David speaks of God hiding His face. God did hide His face from Jesus when He was on the cross. God cannot look on sin.
• In verse 8 David speaks of crying out to God. Jesus cried to the Father from the cross.
• In verse 9 David asks what profit there would be of his blood being in the dust. None! But when Jesus shed his blood into the dirt around the cross there was great profit for all who believe! It declared the truth that He is the Savior, the redeemer from sin.
• In Verses 10-12 David speaks of mourning being turned to dancing and sackcloth into gladness. The person whose sorrow is turned to joy will give thanks forever. Even Jesus was sorrowful at the time of the crucifixion but was joyful when death was defeated. He praised His Father.

Does this psalm teach anything about yet-future events?

• In verse 4 David exhorts all the saints to sing unto the LORD and to give thanks to Him. We will do this together around the Father's throne in eternity.
• In verse 12 David again talks of singing the praises of the Father and giving thanks to Him forever. (We'd better get practicing!)