What does Psalm chapter 85 mean?This psalm is not explicitly tied to a single event. However, early references connect the Lord's forgiveness to the restoration of Israel. This may suggest the return from captivity as described in the book of Ezra. The Sons of Korah are also mentioned in psalms 42, 44—49, 84, and 87—88. This group was influential i

What does Psalm chapter 82 mean?God has reasons to allow limited human beings to administer government here on earth. Among the most important is to reflect His character of compassion and justice. Restraining evil and protecting the weak are fundamental to the Lord's view of human rulers (Romans 13:1; Psalm 72:12–14; Proverbs 31:9). In this

What does Psalm chapter 83 mean?Some psalms are considered "imprecatory:" they call on God to bring direct, literal, severe harm on some enemy. This is one such song. Other imprecatory psalms include Psalm 5, 10, 35, 58, 69, 109, and 140. God does not necessarily promise to deliver the results these passages request. Mostly, the imprecatory psalms

What does Psalm chapter 79 mean?This psalm refers to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The city fell centuries after the lives of King David and one of his musicians, named Asaph (1 Chronicles 6:39). This could mean that the label "of Asaph" refers to style. Or it suggests a later writer named Asaph composed the song.Between 605 and 5

What does Psalm chapter 80 mean?This psalm is associated with Asaph; the most famous man of that name was a servant of King David (1 Chronicles 16:5). Other psalms attached to that name (Psalm 74:1; 79:1) describe events which happened centuries later; the label "of Asaph" might refer to style instead of direct authorship. This song is labeled with

What does Psalm chapter 81 mean?The song is also associated with Asaph, who was a servant of king David (1 Chronicles 16:4–5). This psalm is described using the term gittiyth, which literally means "winepress." This might refer to an instrument or a style of music.Israel's people are called to praise the Lord using various musical instruments

What does Psalm chapter 77 mean?Psalms associated with Asaph (1 Chronicles 16:5–7) often follow a pattern of gloom and brooding (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 79:5) which resolve to confidence in the Lord (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 79:13). This song is another example. Jeduthun was a worship musician and contemporary of Asaph (1 Chronicles 25:

What does Psalm chapter 78 mean?Asaph's psalms often start with expressions of deep resentment (Psalm 73:2–3; 74:1; 77:2–3; 79:5) which are overcome by reassurance about God's nature (Psalm 73:16–18; 74:12; 77:10–11; 79:13). This psalm is a resource which encourages that very process. This makes the use of the term maskiyl a

What does Psalm chapter 76 mean?This is described as "a psalm of Asaph." The most famous Asaph was a contemporary of king David (1 Chronicles 6:39). However, this song seems to perfectly describe a failed Assyrian invasion which happened centuries after David's life (2 Kings 18—19). If the song addresses that issue, then its association with Asaph

What does Psalm chapter 73 mean?Asaph was a worship leader and prophet in the time of King David (1 Chronicles 6:31–32, 39), but he almost lost his faith in God. Bitterness and envy over what seemed to be an unfair situation led him to a spiritual crisis. Scripture does not say if some specific event, or person, inspired this psalm. By deeply

What does Psalm chapter 74 mean?Asaph is the name of a musician who lived in the same era as king David (1 Chronicles 6:39). However, this psalm appears to refer to the Babylonian devastation of 586 BC; that invasion destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. This event happened centuries after David. That this song is labeled "of Asaph" may suggest that i

What does Psalm chapter 75 mean?This passage, along with Psalms 57—59, refers to "Do Not Destroy." This was probably a melody to which these words were set. It is also associated with Asaph, a common name seen in titles of psalms (Psalm 50; 73—83). While other psalms request victory, this one speaks in expectation that God's victory is guaranteed.T

What does Psalm chapter 71 mean?David wrote psalms 22, 31, 35, and 40, among many others. The opening of this psalm is much like that of psalm 31. Specific phrases from psalms 22, 35, and 40 are also seen here. The psalmist speaks about a lifetime worshipping God, growing older, and his current challenge from murderous conspirators. For all these r

What does Psalm chapter 72 mean?This psalm opens with a prayer. The request is for blessings on the reign of a king. Not only does the psalmist ask for the king's rule to be successful, but he also prays that this king will rule with justice and mercy. The language used in this opening suggests a view beyond Solomon, into the far future. Elements o

What does Psalm chapter 70 mean?This psalm is nearly identical to what David wrote at the end of Psalm 40 (Psalm 40:13–17). The only significant changes are in the terms used for God. Psalm 40 mostly uses YHWH, translated as "LORD" in most English versions, while Psalm 70 more often chooses Elohim, usually rendered as "God." It's likely that

What does Psalm chapter 69 mean?The title of this psalm refers to some type of musical leader. It also notes the Hebrew word sō'sannim, or "lilies," which may refer to a tune to which the psalm could be sung. Another example of this same reference is in the title verse of psalm 45.This is one of the "imprecatory" psalms which call on God to h

What does Psalm chapter 67 mean?This psalm connects closely to the themes of psalm 66. The prior psalm is heavy with praise for God's salvation. Here, the focus is on God's provision and a general call for the entire world to worship Him.The blessing contained in the first verse is nearly identical to words given to Moses, by God, as a blessing to

What does Psalm chapter 68 mean?This psalm repeats themes seen in psalms 66 and 67 about worldwide praise for the Lord God. This psalm uses especially vivid imagery to depict God coming to Zion—meaning Jerusalem—to establish His presence. The psalm is labeled "of David," though this might be a reference to style, and not a suggestion that David per

What does Psalm chapter 66 mean?No author is assigned to this psalm. David might have written it, but it is likely this song was composed much later. Two possible events are thought of as most likely to have inspired this psalm. One is the defeat of the Assyrian forces who attacked Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36—37). Another is w

What does Psalm chapter 65 mean?The early words of this psalm suggest calm, inspired trust that God will forgive sins—and so praise for the Lord is soon to come. The Hebrew phrasing is obscure, but various translations share core ideas such as worship, stillness, and obedience. This faith is described both in personal and group terms. David also ce