Morning Cup of J(esus) Fueling the Day!
A Proper Perspective in a Crazy World (continued)
From a sermon by Dr. Ken Burkett:
Understanding Psalms 9 and 10
King David originally wrote Psalms 9-10 as one poem and one unit with two contrary themes. The division is illustrated by two main characters: the Lord and the Wicked.
The single poem is divided into three sections: 9:1-10:2, 10:3-11, and 10:12-18.
II. The Poetic Structure of the Poem
Alphabetic Acrostic
Psalms 9-10 together form one poem in which the first (Psalm 9:1-10:2) and last (Psalm 10:12-18) sections are alphabetic acrostics. Each stanza of 4 lines begins with a successive letter. When things are in alphabetical order there is control, order, logic, and sequence.
This alphabetic acrostic has metaphorical significance. It is poetry and art with a purpose and a meaning. In these ordered verses, the focus is on the Lord. Things make sense. There is rationality and order and meaning to everything. Additionally, there is also accountability for all.
Non-alphabetic Portion
In this section of the poem (Psalm 10:3-17), the verses are not alphabetic. The emphasis is on mankind. Here nothing makes sense. Things are chaotic. Godless philosophies run rampant such as existentialism, nihilism, humanism, and evolution. These philosophies lead to view of a world that is with no hope, no purpose, no right or wrong.
III. The Lord's Control
The Nature of God's Control
The nature of God’s control is expressed in a three-fold manner:
- God is the King, thus He sovereignly controls all events. (Psalm 9:3-4 & 10:16) Both passages refer to His throne.
- God is the Righteous Judge. All the wrong that He sovereignly permits in the world will be set right someday. All the wicked will give account and be punished accordingly. All the saved will be vindicated and rewarded. (Psalm 9:4, 7b, 8, 12,16-17, 19 & 10:17-18)
- God is our Refuge. With Him as King and Righteous Judge we can run to Him for refuge and safety. (Psalm 9:9-10 & 10:14)
The Extent of God's Control
To what extent is God in control? Is He only in control of the major events or circumstances of life? Or is He also in control of every little thing? That brings us back to our alphabetic acrostic. It has another significance of totality or wholeness just like we use the expression “from A-Z” meaning “everything.” Christ is referred to as the “Alpha and Omega ” in Revelation 1:8b.
So this poem (Psalms 9-10) begins with and alphabetic acrostic with the emphasis on the Lord , and it ends with one as well that focuses on the Lord. King David, the writer of this Psalm, under inspiration from the Holy Spirit, makes it abundantly clear that the Lord is in control of everything from A-Z . He is in control of the world (9:8) and all the nations (9:17b). And He is in control over all the pain and hurt that we don’t understand. He is in control over all time (9:5-7 & 10:16,18).
Conclusion
The conclusion is simple, and it a choice that we make. There is a man-centered perspective in which things are chaotic and often don’t make sense. Alternatively, there is a God-centered perspective where everything makes sense and is reasoned and designed.
When you have the proper perspective, you can say with the Psalmist in 9:1-2:
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.