January 22, 2022
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in some selections from Psalms and Proverbs? Here’s today’s reading:
Psalms 48-49 (NIV)
A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah.
1 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise,
in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
2 Beautiful in its loftiness,
the joy of the whole earth,
like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,
the city of the Great King.
3 God is in her citadels;
2Kings 24&25
Psalms 48&49
Psalms 48&49
Something I have come to appreciate as we read through the Bible together, is the strong connection that God has to the land of Palestine and Jerusalem more specifically. God is in covenant with His people and the land of Canaan is directly linked to it. As much as they were driven from the land in 2 Kings because of forsaking the covenant, so here the land/city of Jerusalem is exalted as something that has come from God’s hand and it’s beauty and grandeur are evident because of it. And the grandeur of the city is like the grandeur of God. He certainly is better and His people are benefited because of it, but the city is a reflection of God’s greatness and it is something they could see.
Psalm 49 then makes it clear that we do not need to be fearful or discouraged when evil people prosper because any advancements they gain in this life will not go with them. All men alike die and we can’t take anything with us. But when we live our lives before God, He is saves us and redeems our lives. Verse 20 is a good summary “A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.”
Psalm 48 – God has a city. He will establish it forever.
Psalm 49 – I couldn’t help but think of those who are considered wise and their power and wealth grows, they cannot purchase redemption for their souls are the souls of others.
By meditating on God’s word, the author concludes that the rich cannot do anything that enables them to live on forever. They trust in themselves, they have followers who revere them, and people who approve of their successes. Although they seem to have a great life, it will all end in despair, verse 17 says for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. After reading Psalm 49, I will think twice before envying people who are rich and successful but have no salvation. These people need prayer, not praise!