Psalm 92
Psalm 92 is a psalm of praise, often associated with the Sabbath, celebrating God’s greatness, faithfulness, and justice. It contrasts the flourishing of the righteous with the temporary success of the wicked. This psalm encourages believers to reflect on God’s work with joy and gratitude, knowing that God's ways are just, and the righteous will ultimately thrive in His presence.
Psalm 92:1-4 (NKJV)
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
The psalmist emphasizes the goodness of praising God regularly. Morning and night reflect a continual acknowledgment of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness. Music enhances this praise, using instruments to express joy. The joy comes from contemplating God’s works, leading the believer to triumph in God's perfect ways.
Psalm 92:5-7 (NKJV)
5 O Lord, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep.
6 A senseless man does not know,
Nor does a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring up like grass,
And when all the workers of iniquity flourish,
It is that they may be destroyed forever.
God’s works are awe-inspiring and His thoughts beyond human comprehension. Those who reject wisdom fail to grasp God’s deeper purposes. Although the wicked seem to prosper briefly, their flourishing is like grass—temporary and destined for judgment. This highlights the contrast between appearances and God’s eternal justice.
Psalm 92:8-11 (NKJV)
8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.
9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord,
For behold, Your enemies shall perish;
All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox;
I have been anointed with fresh oil.
11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies;
My ears hear my desire on the wicked
Who rise up against me.
God’s sovereignty remains unchanged throughout time. The wicked and those who oppose God will ultimately be defeated and scattered. In contrast, God lifts up the righteous, represented by the psalmist’s “horn” (a symbol of strength) being exalted. The fresh oil signifies God’s favor and blessing, assuring the righteous of victory over their adversaries.
Psalm 92:12-15 (NKJV)
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
15 To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
The righteous are compared to trees known for strength and endurance, indicating that they thrive under God's care. Planted in God’s presence, they continue to grow and bear fruit throughout their lives, even in old age. Their flourishing reflects God’s faithfulness and righteousness, bearing testimony that the Lord is their rock, firm and without fault.