Psalm 30
A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.
Because this Psalm bears a title such as it does, there has been much discussion and difference of opinion among the scholars (see the K&D commentary) as to the timing and even intent of this piece of scripture. But the conclusion that seems to bear the most weight is that is was a dedication of the citadel on Zion which had just been completed as David wrote here. It
seems that he may have been delayed in the celebration of this new building, which was a monument to the secure place and power of Israel at the zenith of his career. The LXX seems to agree with the assessment
that this was the palace and not the future temple.
Two things are in the front of his mind: the deliverance from his enemies and his recent healing from some very grave disease.
1 I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
It is the Lord alone Who has delivered him. Even though battles have been fought and doctors, no doubt, have labored over him, it is the Lord Jehovah (YHVH) Who is responsible for his security and his recovery. This is a lesson that should be learned, cherished and followed by all of the children of God in whatever century they may live.
4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Whereas in Ps 29 David had urged the angels to sing, here he urges the saints. The experience he has been through is common to all and his response is proper for all.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
It seems that the psalmist had identified the fact that his illness was a chastisement for sin, possible the sin of pride and arrogance that he mentioned in the next verse. Discipline is common to all saints as the writer
of Hebrews pointed out (12:6-11) and, yet, it is an expression of love,
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
Forgetting that even the mountains stand only by the enabling of God, David had declared his security and power as if they were his own doing and the Lord had slapped him down with a reminder that all that he was and all that he had were gifts and Graces from Him.
Seeing his folly, the servant of Jehovah had made an argument for the continuation of his life. It seemed to him that without the merciful intervention of the Great God of Israel his life was certain to end. But,
interestingly, he did not merely ask for continuation of life, he made a case to the Lord for sustaining and healing him.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? 10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
And, he was heard.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
But, he was diligent then to return to the Lord with thanksgiving even as he now dedicated this new emblem of his kingly strength and security.
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
The child of God must ever remember and stir himself up to be thankful. That is one of the sure tokens of spiritual life and progress.
Col 1:9-12
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: