Tag / Adonai

by jdansmall

Psalm 75

Cup-of-JudgmentWe give thanks to our God who is near
His good works we tell all who will hear
Tho earth shakes He will make it stand firm
He, with justice, will bring it to term.

The Judge thunders His warnings aloud:
“Hear me now all you boastful and proud
Who raise fists in defiance toward Me
Who is Judge? You just wait and you’ll see.”

“You think that your greatness and worth
Comes from nations around you on earth”
But our God, the true Judge, holds the crown
It is He who exalts or takes down.

Adonai has prepared a strong cup
From which all of the wicked must sup
Foaming wine mixed with spices of doom
He will make them its contents consume.

As for me, I will sing out God’s praise
And declare all His marvelous ways
He has promised to judge wickedness
While the godly He surely will bless.

© 2014 J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 72

king-david-croppedO God, we pray, endow this king with wisdom from on high
Your righteousness and justice lend that he may rule thereby
In every corner of the land may right and peace prevail
Defend the poor and the oppressed from all who would assail.

In rev’rent fear let peoples bow while sun and moon remain
Let peace abound, the righteous thrive throughout his royal reign
May kings and nomads everywhere bring gifts and tribute grand
And all the ends of earth bow down, his dynasty expand.

All the afflicted, helpless, poor will trust him to do right
The lives of needy he will save, made precious in his sight
Long live the king, your tribute bring, and lift him up in prayer
Then watch the hills abound with crops and fruits enough to share.

Forever let his name endure and men extol his worth
And bless the God of Israel whose glory fills the earth
‘Tis Adonai, the Lord our God, who performs wondrous deeds
His glorious name we bless, amen, all good from Him proceeds.

© 2014 J Dan Small
This ends the compilation of the prayers of David the son of Jesse. (Book Two)

by jdansmall

Psalm 59

wolfBackstory: Written by David as he hid in his house from Saul’s men who were sent to kill him.

Deliver, O my God, from my enemies
Set me out of reach somewhere on high
Fierce and ruthless men full of iniquities
Thirsty for my blood they terrify.

Look, they lie in wait with plans to take my life
I’ve done them no wrong to justify
Openly they gather stirring up more strife
Innocent, I plea to Adonai.

Awaken, Lord of Hosts, see how they stalk me
Punish evildoers everywhere
God, don’t spare these traitors or let them go free
Make them reap in full what is their share.

Just like prowling dogs all night they wander ‘round
Spewing wicked words and evil plots
Thinking they are safe, no one can hear their sound
Laughing, Adonai, You know their thoughts.

O God, You are my Strength, You are my Fortress
Confident, I watch, knowing You’ll come
Your grace and lovingkindness, Lord, is priceless
All my foes will soon be on the run.

Don’t wipe them out or people will forget You
Scatter them to wander to and fro
Bring them down, O Lord our Shield, their schemes undo
Make them reap the evil that they sow.

When You, in wrath, bring to an end the wicked
Men will know that You rule over all
When snarling dogs return and I’m afflicted
Songs will fill my heart, on You I’ll call.

The morning will bring songs about Your mercy
Joyfully, my Strength, I sing Your praise
My fortress and my Refuge provides safety
Grace, You give, to keep me all my days.

© 2014 J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 54

Backstory: 1 Samuel 23:19-29 A Psalm “on the run” as Saul pursues David. Here, David’s own countrymen betray his location to Saul. See commentary below.

Save me, God, I’m counting on Your Name
By Your great pow’r defend me from this shame
Hear my prayer, and turn Your ear toward me
Before You, God, I voice my desp’rate plea.

Violent men are trying to take my life
Strangers, too, rise up and create strife
All their schemes and plots are greatly flawed
As they neglect to turn their thoughts to God.

But God’s my helper, He is in control
Adonai, the Lord sustains my soul
My evil foes He’s sure to recompense
In faithfulness He’ll come to my defense.

I gladly bring my offerings to You
Express my thanks for all the good You do
Adonai has now delivered me
With great relief I watch opponents flee.

WorshipMatthew Henry Commentary: 23:19-29 In the midst of his wickedness, Saul affected to speak the language of piety. Such expressions, without suitable effects, can only amuse or deceive those who hear, and those who use them. This mountain was an emblem of the Divine Providence coming between David and the destroyer. Let us not be dismayed at the prospect of future difficulties, but stay ourselves upon Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. Sooner than his promise shall fail, he will commission Philistines to effect our escape, at the very moment when our case appears most desperate. God requires entire dependence on him, If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established, Isa 7:9.

© 2014 J Dan Small