Tag: King David

God Gives Victory and Vindication

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date May 3, 2016

The Psalms Guide Us in Praising God and in Pleading for His Protection

In addition to proclaiming praise to God, the book of Psalms in the Bible also provides comfort to many facing afflictions. The Psalms offer hope in the midst of turmoil and point us to God for deliverance from the world’s oppression.

David writes many of the psalms recorded for us in the Bible, including all five of today’s chapters.

He ends chapter 60 with a subtle two-point conclusion that’s easy to miss if we’re not careful. First, David says that when we walk with God, we will realize success. The implication is that without God, victory is not likely.

The Bible is full of stories that back this up: with God the impossible happens; without God even seemingly sure things falter.

Next David writes that God will punish our enemies. This suggests we shouldn’t seek revenge, but instead we should turn retaliation over to God. He will deal with those who oppose us.

David models this in his own life. When King Saul chases David, intent on killing him, David has an opportunity to slay Saul and end the matter.

Instead David declines and defers to God (1 Samuel 24:4-6). Though David needs to wait a few years, God does remove Saul and elevate David.

David likely recalls this, as well as the many other times God gave him victory and handled his vindication, when he wrote: “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies,” Psalm 60:12.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Psalm 56-60, and today’s post is on Psalm 60:12.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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Tags fear God, King David

Bible Insights

Are Cherubim Angels?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date March 19, 2015

Last week we asked if seraphim are the same as angels? We discovered there is no biblical evidence to suggest they are. Now we ask the same question about cherubim.

The Bible mentions cherubim much more than seraphim. In fact, there are 69 verses (in the NIV) with either cherubim (the plural form) or cherub (the singular form).

All but one of these mentions are in the Old Testament, many relating to the construction of the tabernacle and temple.

Just as with seraphim, none of these 69 verses says that cherubim are angels. The dictionary defines them as “celestial beings,” just as it does for seraphim.

Cherubim have wings and fly, but they also have hands. Their wings make a loud sound and can be heard from far away. Some are in heaven, around the throne of God. David even writes about God riding them.

Although cherubim are not angels, they are some amazing supernatural beings.

Next we’ll look at what the Bible teaches us about angels and then archangels.

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Tags God, heaven, King David, supernatural

Bible Insights

A Personal Note From God

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 11, 2012

When Moses went up the mountain to get the 10 Commandments (the second time), God said “I will write on [the tablets] the words…“Imagine that, God providing written communication for Moses.

But it’s not just Moses, a few centuries later David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the Lord.. God wrote the instructions for David about building the temple, with all the details,” so there’d be no confusion.

Wouldn’t it be ”great if God would write things down for us?

Wait, he did—and we can read it every day.

As we approach a new year, I encourage you to read what God said every day. Consider it a New Year’s Resolution, one with eternal ramifications.

Check back next week for the 2013 Bible reading plans.

[Exodus 34:1, 1 Chronicles 28:19]

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Tags hear God, King David, Moses

Bible Insights

Pass it On

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date April 21, 2011

Influence Future Generations

Despite King David’s many failings, God refers to him as “a man after my own heart.”

A few generations prior, Ruth makes a bold statement of commitment to her mother-in-law and by extension to the God that mom serves. Ruth declares,

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.

May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

Oh, by the way, Ruth is King David’s great grandmother.

Is there a connection? I think so.

Ruth’s sold out, over-the-top commitment to both her mom and mom’s God is likely passed on to her son Obed, her grandson Jesse, and her great grandson David.

Whether or not great grandmother Ruth is still alive to see David, we do not know. But her influence is evident.

What are we passing on to our children, our grandchildren, and our great grandchildren? Will our actions today influence successive generations? I hope so.

[Acts 13:22, Ruth 1:16-17]

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Tags King David, Ruth