Psalm 31

• The psalm concludes by calling on all the saints to be encouraged in the Lord (Psalm 31:23-24). These words would be true even if David had enjoyed a sedate lifestyle; but coming from one who had experienced the worst hatred and lies that men could deliver, these words are even more powerful.
• How often do we ask God to do something for His own names sake (Psalm 31:3)?
• David committed his spirit into the hands of God (Psalm 31:5); Stephen did (Acts 7:59);and Jesus did, too (Luke 23:46). Shouldn’t you?
• The next time you say, “I don’t have time,” remember Psalm 31:15.
• Be slow to speak, lest you say something false (Psalm 31:22).

Psalm 86

• “For” arguments why God should listen in Psalm 86:1-4.
• David (Psalm 86:8) agrees with Moses (Exodus 15:11) that there is no other god like God.
• The world would be a better place if all nations would worship God and glorify His name (Psalm 86:9).
• A token for good (Psalm 86:17). Who wouldn’t want an added faith boost?

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1 Samuel 28:1-2

When the Philistines prepare to attack Israel again, David and his men are expected to help attack Judah. Now David has a big problem.

Psalm 25

• Ashamed (Psalm 25:2-3, 20). This was not a request that David’s pride be untouched; but rather that David not be put down and become a disgrace to God.
• Ways and paths (Psalm 25:4)-doctrine and practice. What else should we know about God?
• Sins of our youth (Psalm 25:7). Don’t we all have things we’d rather that God not remember?
• God is good (Psalm 25:8). God is always good.
• If God saves us, it’s not because we are so great, but because He is (Psalm 25:11).
• Unlike some people I know, God doesn’t tell everyone He meets everything that’s on His mind (Psalm 25:14).

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In today’s notes we study David’s thoughts and conduct; but we do not attempt to justify them.

• David was sure that Saul would kill him (verse 1). This was exactly opposite to both God’s promises to David and God’s providential care of David, ie. contrary both to divine revelation and to personal experience. Why would David say such a thing?
• David thought there was nothing better to do than to go to the Philistines (verse 1). Had he not done this earlier in his life with humiliating results? When is it ever the best thing to be partners with the unsaved (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)?
• David feigned madness the last time he was with the Philistines.  This time around he feigned loyalty and lowliness, asking for a place “in the country” (verse 15).
• After about a year and a half, David became restless and began attacking the enemies of Judah (verses 8-9). Whose idea was this anyhow? 
• When asked about his doings, David lied and said that he had been attacking Israelite outposts, and King Achish believed him (verse 10, 12). If I had any reason to believe that God was behind this, I would not question David’s actions; but without divine warrant I see nothing to brag about in this part of David’s life.

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With the exception of Psalm 10, the titles of these psalms credit David with their authorship. When during his lifetime he wrote them is unknown; but some of these seem to have been written during the heat of battle.

Psalm 10

• A wicked person does not have God in all his thoughts (Psalm 10:4).  Are you wicked?

Psalm 11

• If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do (Ps 11:3)? Is Christ the foundation of your faith in God (1 Corinthians 3:11)? Is the Word of Christ the foundation of your knowledge of God (Luke 6:48-49)? Are you surprised that unbelievers work so hard to shake our confidence in the scriptures and in the historicity of Christ?

Psalm 12

• See the contrast between the vain, flattering and proud words of men and the pure words of the Lord.

Psalm 13

• How long… (Psalm 13:1-2 – four times)? Have you ever asked God, “How long”?

Psalm 15

• Who can dwell with God?  Does anyone really qualify except the Lord Jesus?

Psalm 16

• Compare Psalm 16:10 with its New Testament interpretation in Acts 2:25-31 and Acts 13:35-38. Now read Psalm 16 again looking for Jesus.

Psalm 17

• Ask David how he kept out of trouble, and he would say, “by following God’s word” (Psalm 17:4).

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