This week’s psalms are from two distinct but similar categories, the Royal Psalms and the Psalms of Divine Enthronement. In the ancient world, monarchies and gods were closely related. Israel was given a king after God allowed it. The royal psalms reflect the ideal earthly kingship and reflect the understanding of monarchies in ancient Israel. The Psalms of Divine Enthronement focus on the kingship of God, not of humans. These psalms are united by theme, not by structure.
Questions
1. Many of the royal psalms offer prayer for the king’s might and wisdom. Today, offer a prayer for those who are in charge of our country, state, city, courts, schools, or churches.
2. The royal psalms speak of power, but it is different from the corrupted power we see in our world. What clues do the psalmists give to help us distinguish between God’s power and human power?
3. This week’s psalms include examples of petitions to God and thanksgiving for gifts received from God. Try to find a balance of praise, thanksgiving, and requests as you interact with people today.
4. Psalmists praise God’s mighty power and strength, but also God’s gentle protection and steadfast presence. What attributes of God do you read in today’s psalm? What attributes of God do you need to focus on in your life today?
The Lord says to my lord,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
The Lord sends out from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your foes.
Your people will offer themselves willingly
on the day you lead your forces
on the holy mountains.
From the womb of the morning,
like dew, your youth will come to you.
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek.”
The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter heads
over the wide earth.
He will drink from the stream by the path;
therefore he will lift up his head.