Some more praise to God from David. He first sets an example himself, mentioning that he will offer praise to God with all he is. What kind of person would he be if he claimed to have this awesome relationship with God, but then failed to live that out in real life? Not much, I would suggest. And that's not to suggest David always led a sinless life. We know he didn't. He did however, as I've mentioned, live a blameless life, constantly in conversation and back-and-forth with God.
He goes on to instruct his readers to put their trust only in God. A nation of polytheists, humanists, and generally those who ignored God in spite of belief that he is real and all-powerful, Israel apparently was putting their trust either in their kings (Presumably Saul at this time...unfortunately) or in their idols and their respective priests. This is why he differentiates, saying "the God of Jacob."
Why is this all-powerful God praiseworthy? David makes another list.
- Maker of heaven and earth
- Remains forever faithful
- Upholds the cause of the oppressed
- Feeds the hungry
- Sets prisoners free
- Gives sight to the blind
- Lifts up those who are bowed down
- Loves the righteous
- Watches over the alien
- Sustains the fatherless and the widow
- Frustrates the ways of the wicked
All pretty wonderful things. The mention of the "alien" is interesting. While they were not allowed in the temple, they were not to be mistreated by Israel. Both Exodus and Leviticus make mention of how Israel were aliens in the land of Egypt, and mistreated there. This principle of be bigger than your tormenter (or mocker) is one I've always found useful. Of course this list is probably physically carried out (when possible) by those who claim to love God and follow his covenant and precepts. Things like giving sight and watching over and sustaining the fatherless...those types of things only God can really do. But the rest of that list is a challenge to those claiming to be God-followers.
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