(16) PSALMS 42-49

Psalm 42 - The faithful Jewish remnant, rejected by their apostate brothers (Isa. 66:5), is described as a deer cornered in a place far from the springs it knows, and which longs for the streams of water. Cast down by discouragement, they lament being deprived of the privilege of worshiping in the house of God (vv. 1-5). From outside their land they cry out to God to sustain them in their tribulation (vv. 6-11).

Psalm 43 - Being exiled, the faithful remnant suffers a double persecution: that of their apostate brothers ("the ungodly people," v. 1), and that which comes from the Gentiles ("enemy," v. 2), to whose borderlands Israel they were forced to flee. The remnant cries out to God (Elohim) to bring them back so that they may again approach the altar of God and enjoy the privileges of the temple (vv. 3-5). Psalm 44 - While those who are part of the faithful remnant await deliverance, they recall an occasion in Israel's history when the land was also given over to ungodliness and idolatry, when the Canaanites possessed it. As they think of the power of God who cast out the idolaters of old and brought the children of Israel into the land, they understand that if they are to be brought back, it must be through the same divine power (vv. 1-8). Feeling the oppression coming from the Gentiles, to whose lands they had to flee (vv. 9-22), they cry out to the Lord (Adonai) with all sincerity, that He may come and deliver them (vv. 23-26).

Psalm 45 - In response to their cries in the previous psalms, the remnant rejoices to see the Messiah coming in His power and royal majesty (vv. 1-5). The Lord, as a warrior King and conqueror, strikes down His enemies with His sword of judgment (Deut. 32:41-43). At that time, the enemies are the Beast (the Western powers) and the King of the North and his Arab Confederation, although they are not specifically mentioned here. This would fit points 4 and 5 of the summary.

Having assumed His throne in Zion (Jerusalem), the Lord recognizes and exalts the afflicted remnant and unites Himself to it in all His glory, as in a marriage, in the presence of all the earth (vv. 6-17). The queen is Jerusalem. The King's daughters are the cities of Judah. The virgins are those of the remnant, who kept themselves undefiled from the abomination of desolation established by the Antichrist. The daughter of Tyre and the rich of the people are the converted Gentile nations (Zech. 2:11). All bow voluntarily before the King, paying Him homage. This could refer to the interval between points 5 and 6.

Psalm 46 - Psalms 46 to 49 unveil the glorious results of the King's advent. Psalm 46 shows that although the King has returned (Psalm 45), the remnant is not yet in complete rest in their land. Once again they turn to God for refuge and complete deliverance, as they see the Gentile nations (particularly those under the command of Gog-Russia*) rising against them like waves of a raging sea (vv. 1-3). The seas are, in the Scriptures, a well-known figure of the rebellious nations of the earth (Rev. 17:15; Ps. 65:7; Ps. 93:3-4; Isa. 17:12; etc.) With the Millennium (the 1 years of Christ's reign) about to begin, which is indicated by the Lord dwelling in Zion as the "Most High" (His name in the Millennium), He will not allow the city to be taken (vv. 4,5). Compare with Isa. 59:19,20; Zech. 9:8; 12:8; Nah. 1:9. The Lord rises in defense of restored Israel and destroys the pagan armies, bringing peace to the troubled world (vv. 6-11). This refers to point no. 6.

[ Note: *The prophecy indicates that the nations that invade the land, after Christ has returned and restored Israel to Himself, are those led by Gog.#29# ] Psalm 47 - Having struck down all enemies, the earth is called to recognize Christ as King (vv. 1,2). The armies of Israel, helped by the Lord, will be victorious in subduing what remains of the nations according to their inheritance. As a result, Israel will be placed in a position of head over all nations (Deut. 28:13; Ps. 18:43), according to God's original purpose for them (vv. 3,4). Having established His Kingdom, the Lord returns to His throne in the heavens, from which He will reign over all the world (vv. 5-9). Compare Ps. 103:19. The converted Gentile nations willingly join themselves to Israel and their God (v. 9). See also Zech. 2:11.

Psalm 48 - Jerusalem is established as the metropolitan center of the millennial earth; the principal city of the world. Compare Isa. 2:2,3. It is the city of the great King, the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 1-3). All the nations that rose against it will have been defeated by His power (vv. 4-7). The city is now the place of Israel's joy and worship (vv. 8-14).

Psalm 49 - The establishment of Christ's kingdom is announced to all the world. Both great and humble, rich or poor, are exhorted to trust not in riches, but in the Lord.