These Pilgrim Psalms cover the topics of God’s protection over Israel, the power and purpose of His merciful forgiveness & the need for humility and not getting involved with earthly things of high-mindedness or the pursuit of wealth.
In Chapter 129, the psalmist addresses the undercurrent of general faith most of Israel had regarding the protection of the Lord for their land and nation. That God would bless those who blessed them and curse. Of course at times their “faith” certainly took the form of presumption. In any case this psalmist is encouraging Israel to acknowledge that though they had been sorely treated by their enemies, the Lord has not allowed them to permanently prevail against them.
In Psalm 130 God’s forgiveness for His people is mentioned in connection with the effect it has of producing reverential fear for God leading to a change of actions. That forgiveness of sins precedes times of chastening where through faith and endurance God effects a more lasting change in us as the Potter has over the clay.
Finally in Psalm 131 David, himself a king, makes the decision to not be high minded nor concern himself with things too profound for him nor in the pursuit of earthly wealth. That instead he quieted his heart before God and placed his hope in Him.
These lessons are repeated throughout both testaments making them timeless and not isolated in time to one covenant or another since they are issues of heart and character. We spent some time exploring these topics as they appear in the New Testament in order to establish a clear connection with New Covenant life in Christ.
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