Psalm 92
This psalm was written as a liturgical song for use on the Sabbath Day during worship. The psalm is a doxology (word of praise to God) and similar to the Te Deum in our hymn book. Praising God is ever a joyful response by those who are forgiven.
The first section (verses 1 to 4) begin with praise to God, sung to tunes supported by the lyre, harp and lute “with harmonious sound.” Those who worship the true God have good reason to praise His name, which consists of God’s attributes and His revelation. In His Word, God shows forth His lovingkindness in giving mercy and forgiveness to believers every morning and faithfully keeping His promises of salvation. God’s works of creation, preservation, and salvation bring joy to the believer and gives reason to praise God.
Verses 5 to 7 in section 2 compares the greatness of God’s works with those who do not know them. God’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts. They are beyond man’s under-standing unless the Holy Spirit enlightens him. The prideful man, the senseless, and the fool are all alike, because they do not know the wonderful works of God, ascribing them to man’s own doing or worshiping idols and other forces of nature. Unbelievers and sinners such as these may enjoy good fortune and flourish during their life on earth, but they will sadly experience an eternity of damnation under God’s wrath for breaking His laws.
Section three (verses 8 to 11) describe God’s majesty and rule over His enemies. No matter how powerful the enemies of the Gospel become, no matter what they may be permitted to do to God’s believing children, God rules in heaven forever. His enemies will utterly perish and become disorganized at God’s will. A “horn” is a symbol of powerful strength. God exalts those who believe on Him with quiet strength as they trust in His promises to deliver them. Just as Samuel anointed David and he eventually became King, so God anoints believers as His priests and kings and eventually they shall have the complete victory over sin and death, which the Messiah has earned for them on the cross.
The last section (verses 12 to 15) describe the blessings that come to those who trust in God and His Messiah. First, they are “righteous” in God’s eyes, being forgiven of all their sins by faith in Jesus. Second, they shall flourish and grow—having been planted in the rich garden of the Lord’s Church, which nourishes them with Word and Sacrament. They shall bring forth rich fruits of good works growing out of faith in Christ. Because their strength of faith is renewed by the Holy Spirit, they shall produce works unto their old age, especially the fruit of praise and glory to the Messiah, who is their Rock and Salvation. Though life may bring trials, God is not unrighteous and will do what He promises to those who trust in Jesus for salvation. Let us praise God in our worship.