This psalm gives a graphic picture of the suffering King. It is likely that David initially spoke/penned these words to describe a personal affliction. Yet, the Lord gave him the words in such a way that it would be a prophetic explanation of the physical and spiritual sufferings that would be endured by the Son of God.
The whole world is filled with suffering. The Buddhists believe that it is the one constant in human existence and that all religion should be based on finding an escape from the suffering of the world. Yet, Christianity claims the power to find glory even in suffering. We look today at the glory of suffering.
Most of this chapter gives a list of the ills experienced by Job. After considering the afflictions laid on him in the first two chapters of the book, this does not seem to be any exaggeration. The amazing part of this chapter is found in verses 25-27 where Job bursts out in an outstanding proclamation of faith in the middle of his list of trials and afflictions. He suffered. But he never lost faith. What an example to us!
Job may have been the first book of the Bible to have been written down. It is certainly one of the earliest. It deals with a universal theme: the problem of suffering. Is suffering always a punishment for sin? Can we know why we suffer? Will justice triumph in the end? How should we deal with suffering? Consider these questions and others that come to your mind as you study this passage.
Josiah continues to turn Israel back to the Lord. He establishes a covenant with God and cleanses the land from all spiritual defilement. However, judgment is still set to come and after the death of Josiah, the nation goes down quickly.
