Page 77 - The Poetic Books - Student Text

Psalm 85 appears to be the righteous man interceding for the people. He prays for restoration of the
fortunes of Jacob (85:1, 4, 6) based on the
unfailing love of Yahweh (85:7). His appeal
continues in Psalm 86, “Hear me, LORD, and
answer me (vv. 1, 6).” He is in great distress with
arrogant foes attacking and ruthless people trying
to kill him (86:14). He is not a sinner and stands
apart from the nation (86:16). “The pious
individual of 73 and 86 (also portrayed in 75, 77,
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78, 80, 84, 85) are one and the same.” “When
this poor and afflicted (v.1) …son of Psalm 86 has
been saved by Yahweh… (v. 13)), and helped by
him (…v.17), he can do the same for others who
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are in like situation.” God’s rescue is striking.
Using OT language, the writer speaks of
Figure 41: Water, tidal survey resurrection. “Great is your love toward me; you
have delivered me from the depths, from the
realm of the dead (86:13).” This is the greatest of marvelous deeds (the OT word for miracle) done by
God (86:10).

Remarkably, the salvation goes beyond Israel. Nations like Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre are included as
acknowledging Yahweh (87:3-4). Such a great salvation can only be achieved by God’s grace. The
righteous man again cries out to God (88:1-2) as he is overwhelmed with troubles approaching death
(88:3-5). God’s miracles are not proclaimed in the place of darkness (88:9-12). This man has suffered
from youth but not for his own sins. God’s wrath has swept over him (88:15-16). Only God can help and
bring victory.

The same language is continued in Psalm 89 only in a more triumphant manner. The heavens praise
God’s wonders (89:5). Escape is from the power of the grave (89:49). The righteous one calls out to God,
“You are my Father,” and God appoints him his firstborn, “the most exalted of the kings of the earth”
(89:26-27). The words stretch back to Psalm 2 as well as to the original promise to David in 2 Samuel
7:11b-16. The assurances are based on the faithfulness of Yahweh (89:1, 2, 5, 8, 14, 24, 28, 33, 37, 49,
52) to his anointed at a time future to the writing of the psalm. The writer recognizes that the anointed
one will experience the anger of God first (89:38). This is not a light matter as he endures “the taunts
with which your enemies LORD, have mocked, with which they have mocked every step of your anointed
one (89:51).” The prophet has spoken. “Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen (89:52).”

As we turn briefly to Book IV (90-106), we note a change from the pain of sin and the longing for God to
intervene. Instead Book IV is filled with praise to Yahweh for his reign (93:1; 94:1; 97:1; 99:1). God’s rule
is based on his unfailing love rather than anything good Israel has done.

123 Ibid., 142.
124 Ibid., 149.
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