Bible Commentaries
Psalms 92

Verses 1-3

It is appropriate to praise God because of the good things He has done for His people. He is faithful to His word and lovingly loyal to His people. Musical instruments contribute to the joy and rejoicing that characterize His people’s praise.

Verses 1-7

1. Praise for God’s goodness 92:1-7

Verses 1-15

Psalms 92

In this psalm, the unknown writer praised God for the goodness of His acts and the righteousness of His character.

"Psalms 90-92 are united by the development of concepts and the repetition of vocabulary. These psalms lead the worshiper from a meditation on the transiency of life (Psalms 90), a call for wisdom (Psalms 91), to a climactic celebration of divine deliverance and protection (Psalms 92)." [Note: Ibid., p. 602.]

Verses 4-7

The psalmist gloried in the Lord’s goodness to him, which was evident in His acts for him. God’s thoughts, as He revealed them to His prophets and in His Word, also drew the writer’s praise. These revelations helped him understand what God was doing. He understood, as those who do not benefit from God’s revelation cannot, that the prosperity of the wicked is only temporary.

Verses 8-9

In contrast to the wicked who will perish (Psalms 92:7), the Lord will reign forever. He will cause His enemies to die.

Verses 8-15

2. Praise for God’s righteousness 92:8-15

Verses 10-11

Rather than defeating the writer (Psalms 92:9), the Lord made him stronger, as strong as the horn of a wild ox. He had also refreshed him and made him glad. Refreshment and joy are what anointing with oil represented in Israel. Psalms 92:10 b does not necessarily mean the writer was a king or a priest in Israel, though he may have been. God had blessed him by allowing him to experience victory over his enemies rather than dying.

Verses 12-15

Palm trees produced tasty fruit, so they symbolized fruitfulness. Cedars were not subject to decay, so they stood for long life in the ancient Near Eastern mentality (cf. Psalms 92:7). Both types of trees were also beautiful and desirable. The writer likened the godly to these trees planted in the temple environs. They represent people who delight in drawing near to God (cf. Psalms 1:3; Psalms 52:8). Such people praise God for His consistent righteousness. Because of His unwavering righteousness, He is a sure foundation-similar to a large rock-on whom people can build their lives (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). [Note: See Richard D. Patterson, "Psalms 92:12-15: The Flourishing of the Righteous," Bibliotheca Sacra 166:663 (July-September 2009):271-88.]

Reflection on God’s good acts and His righteous character gives His people optimism as they face life. As believers, we can see things in their proper perspective and go through life rejoicing.