A confession of the nation Israel’s long history of rebellion against the Lord and a prayer that God save his people once again. A history psalm.
A prayer for salvation
v.1-2 Call to praise and give thanks. Praise the Lord!
v.3 Beatitude on righteous people.
v.4-5 Prayer for prosperity of the nation.
A prayer of confession
v.6-12 Praise for God’s mercy on the rebellious nation at the red sea. (Ex 14-15)
v.13-23 The people rebel in the wilderness.
v.24-39 The people rebel in the promised land.
v.40-46 The rebellious people turn from God many times and many times God delivered them.
A prayer for restoration
v.47 Prayer for God’s salvation and gathering of Israel from among the nations.
v.48a Beatitude toward God.
v.48b Closing amen and Praise the Lord!
This brings Book IV of the Psalms to a close.
God was merciful to us in that while we were rebellious sinners, he sent his son to die for our sins (Rom 5:8). How much more merciful will he be to Christians as his children.