God’s Guiding Word: Promise
June 15
Introduction
Psalm 78:52–72: Today’s reading begins with God leading the people out of Egypt and bringing them to “his holy land.” But the people continue to rebel against God, and God’s anger at the people is described. The psalm concludes with God’s mercy in establishing Mount Zion and choosing David as king of Israel.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 78:52
He led his people out like a shepherd and guided them through the desert.
Reading
52 Then he led his people out like a shepherd
and guided them through the desert.
53 He led them safely, and they were not afraid;
but the sea came rolling over their enemies.
54 He brought them to his holy land,
to the mountains which he himself conquered.
55 He drove out the inhabitants as his people advanced;
he divided their land among the tribes of Israel
and gave their homes to his people.
56 But they rebelled against Almighty God
and put him to the test.
They did not obey his commandments,
57 but were rebellious and disloyal like their ancestors,
unreliable as a crooked arrow.
58 They angered him with their heathen places of worship,
and with their idols they made him furious.
59 God was angry when he saw it,
so he rejected his people completely.
60 He abandoned his tent in Shiloh,
the home where he had lived among us.
61 He allowed our enemies to capture the Covenant Box,
the symbol of his power and glory.
62 He was angry with his own people
and let them be killed by their enemies.
63 Young men were killed in war,
and young women had no one to marry.
64 Priests died by violence,
and their widows were not allowed to mourn.
65 At last the Lord woke up as though from sleep;
he was like a strong man excited by wine.
66 He drove his enemies back
in lasting and shameful defeat.
67 But he rejected the descendants of Joseph;
he did not select the tribe of Ephraim.
68 Instead he chose the tribe of Judah
and Mount Zion, which he dearly loves.
69 There he built his Temple
like his home in heaven;
he made it firm like the earth itself,
secure for all time.
70 He chose his servant David;
he took him from the pastures,
71 where he looked after his flocks,
and he made him king of Israel,
the shepherd of the people of God.
72 David took care of them with unselfish devotion
and led them with skill.
Reflect
According to verses 52–55, how did God care for the people? In what ways did the people anger God (verses 58–64)? How is David described (verses 70–72)? Based on the reading of this psalm over the past four days, what did you learn about God?
Pray
Lord God, you are our shepherd, watching over us and leading us day by day. With praise and thanksgiving, I worship you and seek to do your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 30:8–18: The LORD implores the people to return to him.
