PSALMS (FROM CAC'S NOTES)
PSALMS (FROM CAC’S NOTES)
It is to be noticed how the psalm speaks of the assembly, the sanctuary, the tabernacle as being destroyed or profaned. The enemy and the adversary are to be seen active in the sphere of holy things. The carved work broken down with hatchets and hammers — the beautiful ornamentation which evidenced the presence and activities of the Spirit and the fruit of active spiritual affections in the saints. These things replaced by outward and material splendour, but spiritual beauty defaced and destroyed. There is a call to God to remember His assembly, and to accomplish deliverance. The greatness of the power is dwelt upon — “Thou”.
Psalm 78 Shows how God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, but at every point in the history of His people they were a stubborn and rebellious generation, so that in the end He forsook the tabernacle at Shiloh. But then He falls back upon the principle of sovereignty and sets up the kingdom and the sanctuary on the principle of sovereign mercy, and of the perfection of integrity and skill in the true David — the Man of divine choice.
Psalm 88 This is a Romans 7 psalm: one learning utter weakness so as to be as one dead. It is not will in this psalm but weakness learned under the dealing of God. But this is to teach us to appreciate Psalm 89.
Psalm 89 We have Jehovah’s loving-kindness and faithfulness celebrated: faithfulness seven times, loving-kindness seven times. His loving-kindness is built up for ever: in the very [p. 353] heavens His faithfulness is established: we have to look there. “The heavens shall celebrate thy wonders, O Jehovah, and thy faithfulness in the congregation of the saints” (verse 5).
The covenant made with Christ, Jehovah’s Elect; not a single engagement of God to Christ can possibly fail. The kingdom is secured to Him and priesthood (Psalm 110); “Ask of me” (Psalm 2); the saints given to Him (John 10; John 17). It is blessed to think of transactions between God and His anointed, which cannot be interfered with by the power of I evil.
“I have laid help upon a mighty one”. ‘I come to do Thy will, when the whole sacrificial system failed’ (Psalm 40: 6, 7). “Then said I”. ‘I come down from heaven’. He came from God and went to God, accomplishing all that had been entrusted to Him. “I have completed the work” (John 17: 4). The pleasure of Jehovah prospered in His hand.
Second Book Psalm 52 The loving-kindness of God.
Psalm 53 The captivity turned.
Psalm 54 The delivered man’s sacrifice and free-will offering.
Psalm 55 The reproach of a familiar friend.
Third Book Psalm 74 The assembly and the sanctuary profaned.
Psalm 78 The sovereignty of God and securing all that He chooses in spite of all human failures.
Psalm 88 What God will do for one as good as dead.
Psalm 89 Christ the subject of covenant and anointing.
Fifth Book Psalm 142 Jehovah a refuge and portion when no man cares for one’s soul.