We have spent numerous weeks studying the life and times of King David and haven’t yet focused on one of his most well-known traits, as the author of many of our biblical psalms. For many people, the Psalms are a marvelous way of connecting with God, of expressing themselves in worship and prayer, and of experiencing an intimate relationship with our Lord. It is worth our time to remind ourselves of this characteristic of David, his worship through song, and the benefits with which we are blessed.
Just about half of the Psalms in our Bible are directly attributed to David, either as the author himself or as the subject of the psalm. The historical record of David’s life (the books of 1 & 2 Samuel) also makes clear his ability to communicate God’s presence, love, and peace through music and song. David frequently was called upon to calm King Saul when he was spiritually agitated; and many of us have been touched by the psalms in the same way. Before he was king, David was a skilled musician who famously played the harp and lyre, his abilities soothed the distress of those around him. As King, David continued this musical heritage using the Psalms for worship, prayer, and the education of all Israel.
Part of why David’s psalmistry is justly famous is his ability to explore the full spectrum of human experience—the psalms cry out for deliverance, express dismay and sorrow, communicate ecstatic joy and praise, declare one’s trust in God, and the yearning for forgiveness. All this and more are encompassed in the pages of the psalms David authored.
However, we can get so engaged personally with the psalms—marveling at how they speak to us individually—that we miss the prophetic, redemptive character of the psalms. Like all Scripture, the Psalms are provided to direct us toward salvation and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without denying the emotional impact of David’s work, their greatest impact is in the psalms ability to bring us face-to-face with our Redeemer.
Take the soaring, majestic language in Psalm chapter 8; as glorious as this is, we must not miss the anticipation of the incarnation (see Hebrews chapter 2). The comfort and peace of Psalm chapter 23; yet recognizing Jesus as our Great Shepherd (John chapter 10). The authority, power, rule, and sovereignty of Psalm chapter 2 points directly to our Christ. Psalm chapter 22 details not only David’s misery and frequently speaks to our own, but it also captures the suffering of our Savior on the cross. Many of David’s writings foreshadowed the life, suffering, and ultimate resurrection of the Messiah, which is one reason Jesus is frequently referred to as the “Son of David” in the New Testament.
This week in worship we will be looking at one psalm of David that is recorded, not in the Book of Psalms, but in 2 Samuel chapter 22. As you prepare for worship this week, ask…
- In verses 2-3, how does David describe his relationship with God? Notice how often he uses “my” in these verses. What all is being captured there?
- Read verses 5-7. When you feel surrounded by life’s “chaos,” is your immediate instinct to call out to the Lord? How does the doctrine of God’s sovereignty bring you comfort in times of distress?
- What does the metaphor of “rock” tell us about God? What attributes or character traits are being highlighted here? Why are they important?
- Read verses 32-37. Reflect on the phrase “Your gentleness has made me great”. How does God’s kindness and gentleness shape your daily sanctification rather than rigid legalism?
- Read verses 47-51. How do these verses point forward to Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David? How does recognizing Christ as the ultimate victor change the way you fight spiritual battles?
By Henry Knapp