PSALMS
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Psalms 89
Psalms 89: 29 – 37
I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
The psalmist reminds GOD of His election of David’s line to rule over Israel and of His promise that David’s dynasty would endure forever in spite of the unfaithfulness of Israel.
OLD TESTAMENT
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Numbers 23: 1 – 16
Numbers 23: 1 – 10
With the camps of Israel full in view, Balaam ordered seven altars to be built, and a bullock and a ram to be offered on each. Oh the sottishness of superstition, to imagine that GOD will be at man’s back! The curse is turned into a blessing, by the overruling power of GOD, in love to Israel. GOD designed to serve His own glory by Balaam, and therefore met him. If GOD put a word into the mouth of Balaam, who would have defied GOD and Israel, surely He will not be wanting to those who desire to glorify GOD, and to edify His people; it shall be given what they should speak. HE who opened the mouth of the ass, caused the mouth of this wicked man to speak words as contrary to the desire of his heart, as those of the ass were to the powers of the brute. The miracle was as great in the one case as in the other. Balaam pronounces Israel safe. He owns he could do no more than GOD suffered him to do. He pronounces them happy in their distinction from the rest of the nations. Happy in their numbers, which made them both honourable and formidable. Happy in their last end.

Death is the end of all men; even the righteous must die, and it is good for us to think of this with regard to ourselves, as Balaam does here, speaking of his own death. He pronounces the righteous truly blessed, not only while they live, but when they die; which makes their death even more desirable than life itself. But there are many who desire to die the death of the righteous, but do not endeavour to live the life of the righteous; gladly would they have an end like theirs, but not a way like theirs. They would be saints in heaven, but not saints on earth. This saying of Balaam’s is only a wish, not a prayer; it is a vain wish, being only a wish for the end, without any care for the means. Many seek to quiet their consciences with the promise of future amendment or take up with some false hope, while they neglect the only way of salvation, by which a sinner can be righteous before GOD.

NEW TESTAMENT
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1 Peter 3: 1 – 12
1 Peter 3: 10
Love life and see good days.
Peter quotes Psalm 34: 12 to 16 to emphasize that those who turn away from evil in both word and deed and pursue peace will experience lives full of GOD’s blessing and favour. GOD’s close presence with His help and grace is GOD’s answer to their prayers.