REDEMPTION
Key Verse: “But as for me, God will redeem my life, He will snatch me from the power of the grave (HELL).” (v.15)
Key Theme: Death, Wealth, Hell and Redemption
Key Descriptive of God: Redeemer (v.15)
Today we have a very horizontal chapter. By this I mean there is not the normal talking to or about God. The Psalmist begins with, “Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world!” (v.1). He will then go on to speak of DEATH (14 times), WEALTH (10 times), HELL (5 times), and REDEMPTION (5 times). The depth of theme makes me believe it is David even if Psalm 49 is presented as being of the sons of Korah. As I said before I believe there might be some virtual ghostwriting taking place in the book of Psalms. There is a way ahead-of-time revelation that is foundational to basic Christianity.
DEATH
The inevitability of death is almost morbidly expounded on. “They die just like animals” (v.12), “death will be their shepherd” (v.14), “their bodies will rot in the grave” (v.15), “they will die just like animals”(v.20). If this is David speaking, he is being the typical crusade evangelist for one chapter. “Where will you go if you die today?” We already know the urgency of tone from his first verse, “Listen!”, “Pay Attention!” In verse 13, after speaking of “dying like animals” he says “This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise.” He is having an intentionally jolting conversation and especially with the wealthy.
WEALTH
“They trust in their wealth and boast in great riches, Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God.” (v. 6,7) Over and over the Psalmist will explore this theme. In verse 10, he reminds them that they leave their wealth behind when they die and that NONE of it goes with them. In verse 11, they can even name their estates after themselves but it is staying behind as well. Verse 17, when you die NOTHING goes with you. As I said, this chapter seemed to be specifically targeting the rich and comfortable who might be lulled into deception by that wealth.
HELL
It is the word “grave” that is used 5 times, but in Hebrew that is the word SHEOL which is the word for HELL (though it can mean “grave” or “the pit”). Verses 8 and 9, the Psalmist communicates that you can’t pay enough to not end up in hell. No amount of money can cover that price. Over and over he reminds, “death is coming, wealth can’t buy you eternal life, and hell is waiting for you.” Amazing how the Psalmist will know the appeal to sinners message 1000 years before the Redeemer of the world will show up. But as we have seen, David was seemingly ahead in everything.
REDEMPTION
This is where we get to the key verse. “But as for me, God will REDEEM my life, He will snatch me from the power of SHEOL/HELL” (v.15). Truly remarkable, the Psalmist insight from his Old Testament vantage point. He will use the words REDEEM, RANSOM, PRICE, REDEMPTION, and never be mentioning sacrifices or offerings. He does not say “but my sheep will redeem my life.” He had received the New Testament revelation that everything to do with sacrifices and burnt offerings was ultimately speaking into a much higher truth. The word “redeem” in the Hebrew word here is PADAH and it means “to redeem by paying a price; to let go; to set free from servitude; to deliver life from danger;”. How did the Psalmist/David know about all the nuances of Redemption? As he said in verse 8, “ for no one can ever pay enough”. See, even the sacrifices and burnt offering model suggested one could pay enough— but the Psalmist knew that only God Himself could pay this price, “GOD will REDEEM my life.” Somehow, in some way, he had seen God in the future making the provision for sin that would “snatch” him out of the grasp of hell. Truly, the book of Psalms seems to cover all aspects of life and doctrine— and especially so when viewing it in hindsight in the light of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Today we relive the joy of our salvation. May that aspect of His face shine upon you today.
Written by: Johnny Enlow
Featured Image by chris ganser on Unsplash
67 DAY COUNTDOWN SERIES
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The 67 Day Countdown Series is brought to you by Johnny and Elizabeth Enlow, founders of Restore7 ministry, as well as international speakers and best-selling authors. Among Johnny’s books are The Seven Mountain Prophecy, The Seven Mountain Mantle, Rainbow God, The Seven Mountain Renaissance, Becoming A Superhero, and RISE. Elizabeth serves as CEO and penned Rainbow God: The Seven Colors of Love and God in Every Season.
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