Psalm 76
When you see Salem used it's a shortened form of Jerusalem and Zion also refers to Jerusalem. Let us look at the first few verses of this Psalm; “God is renowned in Judah; in Israel, his name is great. His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.” I understand this to say God's divine presence is in Jerusalem in the Holy of Holies in the temple. Only a chosen priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and only on the Day of Atonement for his sins and the sins of the people. Much is made of the thickness of the veil or curtain that the priest enters on that day, some have said it was (4 inches) thick and others (1 inch) but it is pure speculation, the Bible does not speak to this. What we know is when Jesus died it was torn into from top to bottom, you will find this account in Mark 15:37-39.
Hebrews 10:19-20, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” The curtain in the Temple was 30 feet high and wide, it was not the thickness that matters, even though it was thick enough so no one could see what was inside, but the tearing from top to bottom was a work of God. Jesus died for the sins of humankind and it is clear that Jesus is our High Priest and we no longer need anyone but Him to intercede for us but Jesus with the Father. If you read verse 25 you will understand the importance of developing a habit of believers meeting together for the worship of our great and loving Father.
We see in verse five that the enemies of God soon run out of gas, and it is clear they die in defeat. As often seen in the Psalm of Asaph, the horses and chariot of Egypt are referred to as the waters that came over the army in the Red Sea. When God stands in Judgment, no one has a voice but God and in verse nine it is clear that God’s heart is for those who are unjustly treated on earth, should that not also be the desire of our hearts?
“Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands
bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.” Be very careful in your vow-making, and God takes no pleasure in vow breakers. Never forget this is not a suggestion, no it is a command found in Malachi 3:10, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.” Be very careful in your vow-making, and God takes no pleasure in vow breakers. Never forget this is not a suggestion, no it is a command found in Malachi 3:10, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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