Proclaim Hope Daily | Week 22

Below is a short summary or synopsis of the Bible reading for the day. Use it as a helpful tool to think through the Scripture. There are also some cross references to study other passages of Scripture to highlight or better understand that passage.

Identified as a royal psalm, this prayerful collection of verses petition the Lord for a king that would reign justly over the people. It is seen as a worship-filled prayer unto the Lord, asking God to bless the people by lifting up a ruler that would break the chains of the oppressed, bring prosperity and godly righteousness to the land. While this can be seen as a legitimate prayer for the present generation of Israel, there are without a doubt undertones of the coming Messiah; a king that would reign with eternity, a pure and blessed kingdom with no end or boundary. The latter part of the psalm is rightly giving praise and credit to the only One who could ever rule and reign with such an undefiled nature and power.

(Psalm 41:13; Isaiah 9:7, 11:4; Zechariah 9:10; Luke 1:33, 4:18; Hebrews 1:8-12; Revelation 19:11)

Much of the focus in this section of wisdom literature is on the wealthy and poor, elaborating on both godly and flawed human perspectives. For instance, a poor man is hated by his brother and has no friends, for many people sinfully assign more value to the money a man has rather than the character of the man. A righteous man will value a person based upon their character and sense of morality and justice, being a friend regardless of financial gain. An unrighteous and shallow individual will degrade or reject the brotherhood or friendship if there is nothing to obtain physically or monetarily. There are many gifts of great value beyond financial appraisal, such as: a prudent, gentle wife and children who value wisdom and honesty. Even the judgement, correction and conviction of the Lord has infinite worth, as it brings wisdom and salvation to those who openly seek and receive it.

(Proverbs 14:20; Zechariah 7:10; Matthew 6:24, 25:33-46; James 1:27, 2:1-4)