June 20

1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 17:17-18

After finishing 1 Kings, our psalms readings begin to make more and more sense. Today as we read Psalm 138, we can really understand why David would write these words - “before the gods I sing your praise,” and “all the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth,” and “you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies” (Ps. 138:1,4,7). Those are just a few of the verses, but really the whole psalm could be applied to what we have just read through in the sagas of all the kings.

We do, in fact, see David, as well as subsequent kings, sing and speak praises to the Lord in the midst of the idols and false gods around the nation of Israel. We see a few of the kings of Judah refusing to follow after them and staying true to the One True God. We also see a number of them not staying true and being led astray.

All the kings of the earth truly did hear the words of the Lord, mostly through David’s son Solomon. As we read last week, kings and queens and rulers from all over the earth would come to sit and hear Solomon’s great wisdom. Wisdom that had been given by the One True God. Wisdom that contained His truths for how to live life well according to His ways.

And numerous times we see the Lord stretch out his hand and deliver his people from their enemies. Even when the kings leading Israel or Judah are not good kings, God still delivers his people during the battles and many wars they face over the various reigns of the various kings.

So, David is remembering, as well as proclaiming what is to come, in this psalm. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is on high, yet he regards the lowly (Ps. 138:6). He fulfills his purpose for us (see vs. 8). Just as he did for David, just as he did for Israel and Judah and all their kings, he will do for us. He is a good and faithful God.

I take great comfort in these truths. It's easy for me to think the Bible is disconnected or narrow or old-fashioned. But so often I can see many common threads of truth running throughout it. Even today we must fight false gods and rulers and enemies who would set themselves up against the Almighty. We take confidence in his regard for the lowly and ask to join him in his work of salvation and redemption for all the peoples of the earth.

- Mary Matthias

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