We have been considering just what information was available to the Jews of the OT regarding the future as set forth in the Psalms. The disciples had some knowledge of the Saviour and His purpose, John 6:68-69. But it was limited, especially regarding God’s future purpose, Luke 24:25-27; Acts 1:7. The words of the prophets contain all of God’s future purpose, Rev 10:7.

The last verse reminds us of Psalm 2:1-3 and its references to the end-time apostasy. In this last study of the Psalm, we will see the substance of the cry of the elect Jews at the close of this age, in the closing stages of this apostasy.

This Psalm contains a call for the Lord to act against the enemy. “Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.” It foreshadows the future seeking of the Lord that brings about the Saviour’s return.

1. This is a call for the Lord to return to Jerusalem. There is again an acknowledgement that the Lord is not amongst them. How such an awareness is needed today by us Christians. The Lord is not amongst us as once He was. We ought to know why this is, even if Israel here does not, Isa 59:1-2.

2. They are looking for a most triumphant return. “Lift up thy feet”. They were looking for the Lord to ‘stamp’ upon His enemies. Some would translate the phrase as ‘Tread hard upon thine enemies.” It is interesting the Saviour’s ‘feet’ are mentioned in that well known prophecy of His return and the destruction of His enemies, Zech 14:1-4. This would reverse what it was they were enduring as prophesied by Isaiah. “For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains,” Isaiah 22:5.

3. The ‘sanctuary’ they have built is targeted by the enemy. “The enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.” There will be another temple built in Jerusalem and it will be destroyed by Antichrist. Note how that is here prophetically described, vs 5-7.

4. It is not just Jerusalem that comes under attack. “They said in their hearts, Let us destroy them together: they have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land,” verse 8.

5. Note also the awareness of God’s silence. “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long,” verse 9. This is perhaps the greatest element of God’s judgment. The loss of God’s Word, His speaking unto us, is the greatest of all losses. Amos 8:11. Only sin can bring that about!

That day of judgment is approaching our nation.

6. Note their growing awareness of the person of God. “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth,” V12. Memories of past mercies are awakening.

7. Here then their prayer. “Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily,” V22.

The Lord will surely answer that prayer!