The book of Psalms is filled with songs and prayers offered to God. Categorized as a wisdom book.
A bulk of the writings were authored by King David. Although diverse in content, it is unified in the sense that it is centered upon the true1 and living2 God. It is stylized but straightforward; the verses easily remembered.
In my previous posts, I’ve mentioned that repetition is one of the methods used to emphasize importance. A notable example would be Psalm 136. It contains 26 verses and in each verse repeats the phrase, for his steadfast love endures forever.3 Why the overbearing emphasis? Or reminder?
One, that we may be reminded to be grateful—Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, . . . to the God of gods, . . . to the Lord of lords.4 People will surely fail us—our trusted friends, our family, our parents, perhaps even our spouse. But surely God is steadfast in love and faithful. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.5
Two, that we may have the assurance by God’s steadfast love and faithfulness our iniquity is atoned for; thus, we learn the fear of the LORD and turn away from evil.6 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.7
Three, that we may know it is finished.8 In the old covenant God’s Spirit would reside among a few chosen persons although temporarily; but in the new covenant, we have God’s Spirit indwelt among his children. In him we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.10 We are secure in our footing. For the gifts and calling are irrevocable.11
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.12
Notes:
1. John 17:3
2. Matthew 16:16
3. Psalm 136:1-16
4. Psalm 136:1-3
5. Hebrews 13:8
6. Proverbs 16:6
7. Romans 5:8-9
8. John 19:30
9. Ephesians 1:11-14
10. Ephesians 2:8-10
11. Romans 11:29
12. Galatians 2:20-21
