The superscript for this psalm generates some discussion because David, of course, was not around for the dedication of the temple.  That happened during Solomon’s reign.  This of course would not preclude the psalm from having been used on that occasion, but that context is not the nature way that these superscripts are generally phrased.  Others have suggested that it was actually during re-dedication of David’s palace after reclaiming it from Absalom.  One other school of thought is that the psalm was composed during dedication of the threshing floor of Araunah (2 Samuel 24:18-25), after the terrible pestilence that claimed the lives of 70,000.

David instructs Joab to number the people.

This latter seems quite likely, and the reference to the Lord’s anger does lend some credence to it.  David referred to his former view of his prosperity in verse 6, and the fact that it was his own self-glorification that had led to his command for the numbering of his forces makes for a convincing argument for this explanation. The lesson for us could also be in how quickly our fortunes may be turned when we forget to depend upon the Lord.  As Clarke noted “Peace and prosperity had seduced the heart of David, and led him to suppose that his mountain – his dominion, stood so strong, that adversity could never affect him.”  We must never forget that all that we are blessed with comes from the Lord, and any or all of it could be lost in the twinkling of an eye.  Entire life savings have been wiped out by recent economic tragedy, loved ones we depend on sometimes die.  It is the Lord that is always our rock and our salvation.

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.