Psalms 93

Psalms 93:1-5

the Lord Who Ruleth over All Psalms 93:1-5; Psalms 94:1-5 It is thought that these two psalms date from the Assyrian invasion in Hezekiah’ s time, and that the psalmist compares the strength of Sennacherib and his hosts to the mighty breakers of the sea. But they well befit all times of anxiety and opposition. It is interesting to remember, also, that these and the six psalms which follow have always been applied by the Jews to the days of the Messiah. Surely, then, we may apply them to our own time. It is an infinite comfort to know that above and beyond all that distresses and hinders the Church or our individual lives, there exists the great fact of our Lord’ s sovereignty. This encourages us in conflict and makes us steadfast and unmovable. We can almost hear the dash of successive breakers with foam and fury around the throne of God, which, however, stands without a tremor. The miracle of Jesus in quieting the storm has a symbolic and far-reaching meaning. He is in our hearts, in the world, and in His Church, as it is tossed on the surface of the storm-swept water-“ and Jesus rules the waves.” He must vindicate the law of righteousness and save His people.

The Lord reigneth! It is thought that this Psalm dates from the Assyrian invasion. It is the might of the terrible Assyrian foes which is here compared to the mighty breakers of the sea (R.V.). But the Psalm fits all times of anxiety and opposition. It is interesting to remember that this, and the six Psalms which follow, have always been applied by the Jews to the days of the Messiah. Surely then we may apply them to the Lord Jesus.

Psalms 93:1. The Lord reigneth It is a great support to know that above and beyond all that here hinders and distresses us, there exists the great fact of Jehovah’s sovereignty. This encourages us in conflict and this sustains us in the hour of trial. Five times in Scripture is this declaration repeated (1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalms 93:1; Psalms 96:10; Psalms 97:1; Psalms 99:1; Revelation 19:6). This is also the war-cry of the Church in answer to the defiance of her foes. Calvin says: “All acknowledge with the mouth what the prophet here teaches; but how few place this shield in front of the might of the world, so that they fear nothing, be it ever so terrible.” Thus might we oppose all attacks of our spiritual foes and find ourselves ever victorious. What magnificent apparel–majesty and strength!

Psalms 93:3. The floods have lifted up their voice The sea is the usual symbol of the tumultuous masses of the nations. In this splendid reiteration we can almost hear the successive dash of the breakers with foam and fury around the throne of God, which stands out in eternal immoveability (Psalms 93:2). We irresistibly contrast this with Canute’s throne, which had to be drawn back and back from before the incoming tide.

Psalms 93:4. The Lord is mightier than many waters “As thunder is louder than the loudest noise of the sea, so is Jehovah infinitely more mighty and glorious than the sea, and the world power which it symbolizes.” The miracle of Jesus in quieting the storm has symbolic and far-reaching meaning. What! Do you fear one man, when this God is yours? (Isaiah 51:12).

Psalms 93:5. Thy testimonies (Psalms 19:7; Psalms 25:10) The sureness of God’s testimonies is emphasized here, because the Psalmist would remind us that among their other contents is the sure promise that our foes shall not prevail. Over twenty times God’s testimonies are named in Psalms 119:1-176.

Holiness is here used in the sense of separation from every evil thing, a condition which God’s honor requires Him to maintain. And is there not a pledge implied that He will maintain intact the separateness of the temple of the heart? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).