* We have in this Psalm what are amongst the first cries of some in Israel to the Lord during the days of the Great Tribulation, foretold by the Saviour, Matthew 24:21. This will be in the period of the last three and half years before the Saviour returns.

* These cries do not denote a full awakening to faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather they are the first streaks of a spiritual dawn whereby they begin to recognise their sinfulness and the favour God has shown to the nation in times past.

* I would liken it to the spiritual state of the ‘rich young man’ of Matthew 19:16-22. He was aware that he did not possess salvation but desired it. He was not ready, however, to fully commit himself to Christ and follow Him. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions,” verse 22.

* There is not one mention of national or personal sin throughout the Psalm, no reference to the Lord’s righteous dealing in their punishment, no supplication for pardon and forgiveness.

* Nevertheless, I believe that we can expect to see a dawning realisation amongst a remnant of Israel in the last days.

* This ‘instructive’ (Maschil) Psalm is penned by ‘Asaph’. That name means ‘Gatherer’. I think that is significant for the Psalm deals with the beginnings of the Lord’s ‘gathering’ of lost Israel to Himself.