Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: In our monthly series from the Psalms, we look at , a Psalm of petition to God for relief, both individually and nationally.

The author is not identified, even in abstract.

But, the message points to a time of national and personal suffering because of God’s wrath – vs.10.

I) Call of the distressed – vs.1-11

A) Psalm begins with borrowed phrases of similar writings – vs.1-2; ; – showing that using repeated phrases in prayer is acceptable

B) Original and unique language is also found, describing the state of suffering for the petitioner – vs.3-7 – describing the breakdown of the flesh from his mental anguish, he compares himself to unclean nocturnal birds that live in solitude

C) He is reproached by his enemies continually, and eats ashes as bread, and drinks tears as water – vs.8-9

D) This is because of God’s indignation and wrath that he has been cast away to wither like cut grass – vs.10-11 – although the idea of relocation would suggest God’s wrath against the nation, nothing in the grammar supports understanding the target of God’s wrath as being anything but the writer himself

II) Compassion on Zion – vs.12-17

A) As the object of God’s compassion switches to the nation, it suggests that the personal suffering of the writer is a direct result of the national disgrace; this suggests a connection between the church and our own condition before God

B) Based on God’s eternity, the author knows that will bring compassion once again on Zion, it is time for this to happen – ,

C) Servants of Jehovah will find pleasure – – in the stones and dust of Zion (city of Jerusalem, particularly the temple site)

D) But the Gentiles will fear the Lord, not in terror, but in reverence –

E) Because God will listen to the prayer of the destitute – ;

III) Generation(s) to come – vs.18-22

A) Clear reference to the future fulfillment of this promise to restore Zion – v.18 – that a later generation will praise God

B) God looks down from His holy height – vs.19-20 – which emphasizes His overview of all things, and His glory; to hear the groaning of those who suffer

C) Result is that freed men will praise God in Zion to Jerusalem to all kingdoms

IV) God is the same – vs.23-28

A) An appeal that God not remove him while he lives – vs.23-24 – since he wants to experience the eternity of God

B) God is eternal, so His work in establishing His people will survive even the end of the physical creation – vs.25-27 – quoted by the Hebrew writer – – to speak of the eternity of the Son

C) This gives hope to the servants of God and their children for all generations

Concl: God chastises His people, but for their own good, that He might establish them forever in his care.