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A Short Guide to Reading the Psalms Devotionally: Book III (Psalms 73-89)

by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

Book I: Psalms 1-41
Book II: Psalms 42-72
Book III: Psalms 73-89
| Psalm 73 | Psalm 74 | Psalm 75 | Psalm 76 | Psalm 77 | Psalm 78 | Psalm 79 | Psalm 80 | Psalm 81 | Psalm 82 | Psalm 83 | Psalm 84 | Psalm 85 | Psalm 86 | Psalm 87 | Psalm 88 | Psalm 89 |
Book IV: Psalms 90-106
Book V: Psalms 107-150


Book III: Psalms 73-89
Note: The reader may wish to mark a personal Bible with the stanzas and subsections outlined in the general notes and reading notes below.

Introduction to Book III
Book III can be divided into three groupings of six, five, and six psalms. Psalms 73-78 contemplate God's greatness in the midst of seeming rejection and difficult experiences. Psalms 79-83 have a chiastic structure which centers on an exhortation to faithfulness. Psalm 81 not only provides a center for the section, it also is the center of Book III. Psalms 84-89 continue the basic theme, yearning for God's presence and help among his special people in his special city. Psalms 73-83 are attributed to Asaph (perhaps including his descendants). Psalms 84-85 and 87-88 are attributed to Korah. Psalm 86 bears David's name; Psalm 89 is titled "a maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite."


Psalm 73
The structure of the psalm contrasts verse 1 with verses 27-28. The first half of the psalm is introduced by a couplet (2-3) and closes with a couplet (13-14). These provide sharp contrast to the description of the wicked (4-12). The last half of the psalm celebrates renewed faith and God's presence.
Reading: Psalm 73:1-28
The psalmist, despite faith in God, is experiencing a trial of faith. We have a natural tendency to look at others when difficulties come and to compare our own difficult experiences with the seeming ease of those around us. This short-sighted view is corrected when one seeks to understand things from God's perspective. Thus the Psalmist finds renewed faith and celebrates God's presence (17, 23, 28).
Prayer
Dear God, we long to be pure in heart and to see your goodness. We are grateful for your presence with us even when we are senseless and weak. We have no hope but you, no one can guide besides you. In sober moments, in our heart of hearts, we see nothing desirable in this world besides you. We seek your presence, we depend on you. Open our lips to tell of your marvelous deeds in our lives. Thank you for being part of our lives through the salvation we have in Jesus and the presence of your Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 74
What does one do when it appears that God has rejected his people? This psalm addresses that question in two sections of 11 verses each, with the center verse (12) affirming that God is the only King and Savior, the only hope for the restoration of his people. Jerusalem may be in ruins (3). The psalmist asks God to remember (2,22). The first section asks God to remember his people who have suffered at the hands of their enemies. The second section celebrates God's creative and saving actions, asking that God remember (do not forget, 19) his people and honor his covenant, that he defend his cause against those who oppose him and his people, remembering the mockers (22).
Reading: Psalm 74:1-23
When God seems distant and remote, it is time to remember his faithfulness through generations past. God is God, even when we humans find it difficult to see him in our present lives. Our world is still filled with those who belittle and mock God and his people, but God's marvelous works on behalf of his people are evidence that he is King and Savior. May we confidently affirm that he will continue in us the good work which he has begun.
Prayer
Dear God, we call upon you from the midst of the storms of life. Often we cannot understand that which happens in our lives-why we seem weak and you seem absent. Turn toward us again and affirm for us your love and grace. You have done marvelous things for your people and even in our own lives. Remember us in our weakness and turmoil, remember your covenant and hear our hearts as we boldly seek your presence and help. Be our defense. Forgive us when we live as though you do not exist. Pardon all of our transgressions and renew our hearts in purity before you, through Jesus our Savior we pray, Amen.


Psalm 75
This psalm seems to be the counterpoint to the doubts expressed in Psalm 74. The theme of assurance is quite obvious. The praise and gratitude of verse 1 and verses 9-10 enclose two stanzas of four lines each (2-5, 6-8), with each stanza having two couplets, typical of Hebrew poetry. In this psalm, the couplets use parallelism with the second part of the couplet repeating the basic thought of the first part. God chooses, judges, sustains, and exalts.
Reading: Psalm 75:1-10
Gratitude to God begins with an awareness of his presence and wonderful deeds. God is always in control. His people declare that truth always and forever, seeking to oppose wickedness and to exalt the righteous.
Prayer
Dear God, we lift our hearts to you with thanksgiving, knowing your presence and your power. We praise you as the one who judges uprightly in your own time, who holds us firmly when life shakes us, who judges and exalts, separating the evil ones from your righteous people. Make us your instruments so that wickedness is cut off and righteousness is exalted. Make us each day more and more like you, more and more like Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.


Psalm 76
Psalms 75 and 76 are companion psalms, both exalting the 'name' of God as near and lifted up. This psalm praises God for his power and presence as he dwells in Zion. Because God judges and saves, it is right that his people fulfill their vows to their God as acknowledgement of his help and sovereignty. The introduction (1-3) and conclusion (11-12) reflect the theme. The construction of the psalms is the same as the previous psalm with two four-line stanzas (4-6, 7-10) each with two couplets. In this case, the couplets may be seen as contrastive (God is resplendent, men lie plundered; lie still vs. none can stand; from heaven, God judges the earth; God is praised, evil is restrained).
Reading: Psalm 76:1-12
God is known by his Name (nature) and is thus highly exalted and great. He dwells securely among his people who acknowledge his Sovereignty. None is like God-the contrasts of this psalm point to God's splendor, rebuke, judgment, and wrath. The psalm provides a helpful pattern for worshipful prayer to the contemporary reader.
Prayer
Dear God, help us know you better today. We want to know and honor your splendor and majesty. None can stand before you. Bring us the things we most need this day and we will praise your name. We remember our commitment to you; give us strength to be what you have called us to be. Strengthen and protect us; forgive and sustain us, in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 77
Although most efforts to categorize the psalms do not include a category designated psalms of comfort, this psalm could easily be included in such a category. The first six verses may be read as past tense (remembering God's past actions) or present tense (a prayer). The psalmist again reflects upon the apparent rejection of God (see especially verses 7-9, compare Psalm 74). God's absence or lack of action is described in nine verses, divided into sections of three verses each. The rest of the psalm (10-20) finds comfort in recalling God's past actions. The reading progresses with a three verse section (10-12) followed by a section with four verses (13-15,20). Steh (NIV Study Bible, 2002) notes that the four verse section has an insertion (also four verses, 16-19) which outlines God's care for his people. Note the close connection of verse 15 and verse 20.
Reading: Psalm 77:1-20
We want to be people of faith, but we sometimes experience what the Psalmist experienced. Sometimes our confidence, based in our past experience of God's presence and actions, only intensifies our concern and doubt when it seems God is not involved in our lives as he has been before. Hope springs from recounting that which God has done in times past. What God has done reflects his nature-he powerfully redeems and leads his people in every generation.
Prayer
Dear God, today we ask your help as we deal with life's challenges and distresses. We contemplate our world and our own experiences and our souls do not find answers to life's mysteries and inequities. We cannot turn back the clock, even though we think again and again about what we might have done differently. We remember the former days and they seem somehow more glorious, so we long for your favor and love to be renewed. But we know that such thoughts are folly, for you are our holy and powerful God, able to do all that we ask and think-and even more. Show us your mighty arm and tenderly direct us in your paths, even as you have in the past. We pray in Jesus' name, grateful for the redemption you have provided through him, Amen.


Psalm 78
The psalm, beginning with the admonition to hear the teaching and listen to the words, may be considered a wisdom psalm or psalm of instruction. It is also a historical psalm, recounting much of the history of God's people (compare Psalms 105-106). The history serves as warning so that God's people will not repeat the sins of previous generations. The history also serves to proclaim that God graciously acts according to his covenant. This covenant reminder urges the current generation to maintain faith.
The psalm has 77 Hebrew poetic lines (in 72 verses). The structure, reflected in some translations, begins with 11 introductory lines followed by sections of 8 lines, 16 lines plus 9 lines, 16 lines plus 9 lines, and 8 lines. Seen in this way, the body of the psalm has a symmetrical structure. To assist with the reading, note the correspondence of the Hebrew lines and verse numbering: 11 lines (verses 1-8), 8 lines (verses 9-16), 16 (17-31), 9 (32-39), 16 (40-55), 9 (56-64), 8 (65-72).
Reading: Psalm 78:1-72
Introduction (1-8): every generation must hear afresh the story of what God has done and the problems of the past so they can be faithful to God. Israel violated God's covenant because they forgot God's deliverance (9-16). Because they rebelled in the desert and tested God despite God's provision, God became angry with them (17-31). Their rebelliousness became a way of life so that they were condemned to wilderness wanderings (32-39), but even so, God led them and gave them the Promised Land (40-55). When their rebellion continued even after they received the Promised Land, God completely rejected them (56-64). As a result, God chose Judah over Ephraim (compare verses 9, 67-68) so that God could bless his people through the lineage of Judah, establishing the kingdom under David (65-72).
Prayer
Dear God, help us to learn the lessons of your people in the Old Testament. Help us develop believing obedient hearts; deliver us from unbelief and rebellion. Help us to see your marvelously persistent grace toward us so that we will continually respond to your love and follow your path. Make us this day more and more like you; transform us ever more into the image of Jesus. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 79
This psalm reflects a historical situation when Israel has been invaded with the temple defiled and Jerusalem destroyed. A communal prayer of the nation, the psalm acknowledges that such defeats are used by God to punish his people. Thus we see the request for pardon and a commitment to praise God and recount his goodness. The first four verses describe the historical situation, followed by four verses that implore God to act. The request for God to help and forgive includes a request for divine redress (9-11) and is followed by vow to praise God.
Reading: Psalm 79:1-13
Even when Israel's political and military difficulties were the result of their own unfaithfulness, they asked for God's protection and intervention. Confessing their sins, they asked God's help and deliverance as evidence of his love for his people. The Psalmist declares that God's deliverance of his people will result in their praise forever, with generations praising him and recounting his deeds.
Prayer
Dear God, we are not guiltless when we consider the problems that are part of our lives. Nonetheless, we appeal to you as our hope and future. Forgive us and work for good against those people and circumstances that oppose us. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 80
The repeated refrain of this psalm (3,7,19) provides internal division markers. The psalm begins with an appeal that God hear his people, awaken his might, and restore his people to open, saving relationship (1-3). The next section is a lament (4-7) which again concludes with the request for restoration. Finally, a description of Israel's past success under God's care leads to a prayer that God return to his people to renew his care (14-15), and a prayer that God revive his people (16-19), climaxed by the final request for restoration.
Reading: Psalm 80:1-19
The reference to God as shepherd (vs. 1) continues the theme of Psalm 77:20 (Moses and Aaron as leaders of the flock), Psalm 78:72 (David as shepherd), and Psalm 79:13 (God's people as the sheep of his pasture). The refrain seeks restoration so "that we may be saved." Restoration is needed with reference to biblical teachings, but even more so with reference to relationship with God. God cares for his people, even in the midst of life's difficulties. Here is a simple prayer for restoration when relationships are broken and strained.
Prayer
Dear God, enthroned and exalted above all, hear us and powerfully deliver us from the temptations, trials, and tumults of this world. You have cared for us throughout our lives. Return to us and continue to watch over us. We seek your face; we call upon your name as we await your revival. Thank you for the salvation you have provided through Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving us access to your throne through Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 81
This psalm provides the center for Book III. It is a psalm of worship, probably used at one or more of the Jewish festivals, which reminds God's people that should live as covenant people. The structure of the book may be described as sections composed of 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, and 4 verses. A summons to worship (1-5) is followed by a call to listen and open hearts to God because God hears and delivers (6-10). In times past, Israel has not listened or obeyed, but if God's people listen and obey, God will act to subdue enemies and fully satisfy every need of his loyal people (11-16).
Reading: Psalm 81:1-16
This brief psalm reminds that God does not automatically intervene in the lives of human beings who were created as free moral agents. God allowed his people to follow their stubborn hearts and own devices. But God's desire is that his people listen and obey. God promises to fill and satisfy his people as the open their hearts to him.
Prayer
Dear God, we celebrate your goodness to your people and in our own lives. Because you have acted on behalf of your people throughout history, we trust you to care for and provide for us as we live as covenant people. We open our hearts to you. Thank you for revealing yourself in Jesus, and for filling our lives with goodness and forgiveness. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 82
This psalm is a prayer for God to judge the wicked. The picture is of a court scene with God presiding, a literary device used often in the prophets. The reference to 'gods" in verse 1 is a reference to the kings and judges of the pagan nations since the leaders were considered in the thought patterns of the ancient Near East to be representatives of the "gods," receiving parallel titles. The call to God is to protect the weak, poor, and oppressed, and to rescue the weak and needy. Although representatives of divinity should have advanced understanding (5), they do not and are mere men who will die like every other human being (6-7). God will judge righteously because all the nations of the earth are his (not only Israel).
Reading: Psalm 82:1-6
The world can little be expected to judge righteously. Those in control are at times those least aware of the needs of the downtrodden. God will judge righteously. All the nations of the earth are subject to him and will recognize his sovereignty. Christians who are interested in imitating God and following him will have the same concern for the cause of the weak, fatherless, poor, oppressed, weak and needy.
Prayer
Dear God, we trust you to do right in a world that is undependable and often veers from right paths. We know that your judgment is not always immediate, but we trust you to judge the earth in righteous. Forgive us our transgressions and sins. Make us like you in our compassion for the downtrodden. Help us to care for others as you care for us, to forgive others as you forgive us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.


Psalm 83
A community prayer in a time when enemies attack, the petition assumes that the enemies of God's people are also the enemies of God. To destroy God's people is to plot against God. The psalm consists of four four-verse sections, followed by a two-verse conclusion. The first half of the psalm appeals to God to act against the nations that oppose Israel (1-8). The second half asks God to destroy his enemies as he did in times past, so that the foe will flee before God's power (9-16). When God acts, all will know that God-whose name is Yahweh-is the only God who is Most High over all the earth (17-18).
Reading: Psalm 83:1-18
When the world, as frequently seems to be the case, is arrayed against God and his people, God's people depend on God more than ever. This psalm is a simple call for God to act on behalf of his people as he has done in the past. The concluding verses declare anew the God whose name is Yahweh (Lord), the one who is above all.
Prayer
Dear God, we pray that you will act and will not be inactive or silent in our world. We live in a world where the enemies of good are everywhere around us. They plot evil and do not seek goodness. Act as you did in times past to declare your glory and name. You alone are Most High. Thank you for giving us assurance of your nature in Jesus Christ, through whom you have also blessed, called, chosen, and given us redemption through your grace. We praise and honor you with gratitude for your great love and gift, in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 84
This is the first psalm of the final grouping in Book III. These six psalms have the common theme of desiring fellowship with God in the temple in Zion. The result of this fellowship is security and blessing. The psalm may reflect a time when a worshiper (or a Levite who served in the temple) could not access the house of God. The psalm remembers the joy of time spent in the very presence of God. Whatever the original circumstance, the psalm introduces the prayers that conclude Book III, reflecting devotion to God and reliance on God's presence and power.
The center section of the psalm has three lines (5-7), introduced by six lines (1-4) and followed by six lines (8-11). Note the frequent use of the word "Lord." The psalm concludes with a summation (12) that pronounces a blessing on the one who trusts the Lord.
Reading: Psalm 84:1-12
The deep longing of the writer for the house of the Lord may seem extreme in the contemporary world where God dwells everywhere and the buildings used by the church seem little different than other buildings. The opportunity to attend assemblies of the church and to worship God seems often a little thing in our day. For the writer, it was a joyful blessed privilege to appear before God in Zion. One might also think of contemporary parallels in the privilege of prayer in God's presence. The conclusion remains valid: God blesses those who trust him.
Prayer
Dear God, restore to us the joy of your presence and the joy of worship. We hunger and thirst for your presence in our lives. We depend on you, we trust you, we have no strength besides your strength. Be our sun and shield. Lead us as we seek to walk closer to you in blamelessness. Forgive us when we fail, in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 85
This psalm reflects a time of distress during which God's people call out together for God's mercy. Two sections (1-7, 8-13) each have seven lines of Hebrew poetry, which further divide into stanzas of three lines and four lines. The prayer of the people (1-7) is followed by confident assurance that God will act on behalf of his people (8-13).
Reading: Psalm 85:1-13
Because God has showed his mercy and forgiveness in times past, his people ask again for restoration and favor, revival and rejoicing. The first half of the psalm concludes with the request: "show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." The second half of the psalm provides the Lord's answer. God's mercy comes from his love and faithfulness extended to his people even in their disobedience. God will surely act because he remains true to his promise.
Prayer
Dear God, in the midst of our own frustrations and failures, we seek your forgiveness. Cover our sins with the precious blood of Jesus. Restore us once again to your favor. Revive us that we may rejoice in the certainty of your salvation. Thank you for your peace, love, faithfulness and righteousness. You have blessed us according to who you are and not according to what we deserve. Thank you for giving us all that is good, in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 86
This psalm, attributed to David, is an individual prayer from one who seeks God's help. The psalm has five stanzas. The first and last stanzas have four verses as they introduce and close the psalm. The other stanzas each have three verses. The introduction (1-4) and conclusion (14-17) contain the prayer for God's mercy, recognizing God's nature as revealed in Exodus 34. The three middle stanzas proclaim an assurance of God's answer, God's uniqueness, and a commitment to praise.
Reading: Psalm 86:1-17
The psalm is carefully constructed and presents a pattern for prayer. Prayers to God may well focus on the certainty or security of God's answer, on the nature of God, and on the fact that God worthy is worthy to receive praise. The psalm has obvious overtones of the covenant relationship between God and his 'servant.'
Prayer
Dear God, we ask again today that you hear us and keep us. You alone are our God and we trust in you. We call to you because you will answer us. There is none like you, forgiving and good, abounding in love. We want to walk in your ways. Focus our hearts that we may praise you. Give us strength to do your will and glorify your name. Thank you for showing us your nature in Christ, and for forgiving us through him. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.


Psalm 87
This brief psalm is a celebration of God's love for his holy city, Zion. As such, it has New Testament parallels in God's love for the church. The brevity of the psalm makes it easy to read.
Reading: Psalm 87:1-7
A contemporary reading of the psalm might focus on God's assurance that he establishes and protects his people, providing refuge and relief. God claims those who are his, and his people find refreshment in him.
Prayer
Dear God, none but you can provide sure foundations for the spiritual life. You assemble your people from all parts of the earth. You declare to all the earth your claim on those who acknowledge you. Establish us this day in your protective care as we rejoice in your gracious and bountiful provision. Thank you for your continual care. Most of all, thank you for doing for us in Jesus that which we could not do for ourselves. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 88
This psalm comes from the heart of one who is near death. The introductory (1-5) and concluding (13-18) sections of the psalm enclose the briefer body of the psalm which has only two stanzas of four lines each (6-9a, 9b-12). The psalmist recognizes that what has happened to him is God's doing, but that his death will not allow him to declare the righteous deeds of God.
Reading: Psalm 88:1-18
The psalm has obvious applications in times of death, but may also be read during times of intense and overwhelming difficulty. Regardless of the source of our problems (and many of our problems are of our own doing), we seek God's deliverance so that we can praise him. Difficulty is no stranger to the psalmist. Life presents problems continually. Even as we learn the lessons God teaches, we seek God's deliverance and strength.
Prayer
Dear God, you alone can save us when our lives are filled with trouble. Our sin separates us from you and we often feel overwhelmed with the darkness of separation and the wrath of your righteousness. We call to you; do not reject us. Thank you for forgiving us through Jesus. Continue to cleanse our hearts as we confess our sins. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Psalm 89
This last psalm of Book III mourns the downfall of the Davidic dynasty and seeks its restoration. The introduction (1-4) exalts God's love and mercy. God's love and faithfulness are extolled (5-18). The Davidic covenant is celebrated (19-37). Yet, God has rejected and judged his people, reversing the promises and assurances of the covenant (38-45). The only hope is that God in his faithfulness will honor his nature and promises even when his people are faithless (46-51). The doxology which concludes the psalm is most likely to be understood as a conclusion to Book III of the Psalms.
Reading: Psalm 89:1-52
This psalm has numerous memorable verses for meditation or memorization. My favorite is verses 14-17. The sequence of the book provides a helpful template for reflecting on life: God is God, God's people are rejected and judged because of unfaithfulness, but even so God is our only hope.
Prayer
Dear God, we extol your love and declare your faithfulness. You love stands firm forever, your faithfulness is established in heaven itself. We cannot depend on ourselves for we are inconsistent and frequently sin. Even when sin separates us from you, you are our only hope. Restore to us your former love; forgive us again because you are great, not because we deserve it. Thank you for Jesus and the privilege of coming before your throne in his name, Amen.


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