An Exposition of Psalm 50

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I. Introduction The fiftieth psalm begins with the heading “A psalm of Asaph”. Whether it was officially written by him or simply dedicated to him , it is noteworthy to understand who Asaph was and the impact he had on the music and worship of Israel. Asaph was part of a music guild in the court of David along with Heman (1 Chronicles 6:39 ) and Ethan (1 Chronicles 15:19). These men were appointed to lead the musical celebration for the return of the Ark of the Covenant when King David danced passionately enough to embarrass his wife Michal (1 Chronicles 15:16ff). He also served under the leadership of King Solomon during an incredibly significant theophany of the glory of God (2 Chronicles 5:12-14). Perhaps this dramatic encounter with God led to the divine inspiration of Psalm 50’s theophany. Not only was Asaph a music leader, but also a writer of music and referred to as a “seer” (2 Chronicles 29:30). Evidently Asaph’s ability to “see” was an asset in the writing of this psalm, for Asaph “saw” quite a startling prophecy of God and his coming judgments on His people. Scholars agree that the words in this oracle speak prophetically, words from the mouth of God at a time yet to be where people stand before God as He holds them accountable for their actions and intentions. This prophetic nature of this psalm is one characteristic that Delitzsch says distinguishes it as Asaphic. John Phillips goes so far as to pinpoint this prophecy being fulfilled “after great tribulation, after the battle of Armageddon, prior to the judgment of the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat”. This seems ambitious, speaking with such specificity, since this judgment has yet to take place and exists in a literary genre full of figurat... ... middle of paper ... ...lishers), 2005. Moore, Beth. Living Beyond Yourself. Nashville, Tennessee: LifeWay Press, 1998. Phillips, John. Exploring the Psalms. First Two-Volume Edition, July 1988. Vol. 1. 2 vols. Neptune, New Jersey: Loizeaux Brothers, 1988. Spurgeon, C. H. The Treasury of David. Vol. 1. III vols. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1966. The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2002. Tozer, Aiden Wilson. The Knowledge of the Holy. San Francisco, California: HarperSanFrancisco (a division of HaperCollinsPublishers, 1961. VanGemeren, William A. The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein. Vol. V. XII vols. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1991. Whaley, Vernon M. Called to Worship. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2009.

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