How fitting to follow Romans 11 with Psalm 92 and 93 which teach us much about humility, about the Creator, the Sovereign One in all of His fullness, and His work. The psalmist says it is fitting (it is a beautiful thing, it is a good thing) that we should give thanks to the Lord Most High! Stop and give Him praise today for Vs. 5 He works are great, His thoughts are deep; Vs. 8 He reigns forever; VS. 10 He has chosen to exalt the righteous and anointed us; Vs. 12 He promises that the righteous will flourish; and Vs. 14 He promises as the palm continue to be fruitful even in old age. How marvelous is our God!
As the psalmist walked about and observed the workings of the Temple and the Palace of the King he came away with a picture of God’s provision for those He has blessed. The cedar is mentioned 51 times as Cedar and 24 times as Cedars in the Bible. Because of its strength, longevity, its height, and its durability it was chosen for the building materials to construct the Temple. Its walls were lined with cedar, on which were carved figures of cherubim, palm-trees, and open flowers, which were overlaid with gold. (Wikipedia)
The palm also is a picture of longevity and in fact continues to provide fruit even when old, is continually filled with vitality with many leaves. In the cedar built courtyard, the palm provided shade in the heat. Sequestered in the court it was protected against the desert storms and fluctuating temperatures and it is here that it was nourished and protected.
Both of these trees give us a beautiful picture of the righteous who has chosen to dwell in the courts of God. Psa 84:10 “Certainly spending just one day in your temple courts is better than spending a thousand elsewhere.” Psa 65:4 “How blessed is the one whom you choose, and allow to live in your palace courts”
We thank thee Our Father for these beautiful pictures of the righteous. May we give you thanks and praise! You truly are the Lord Most High…and thus it is fitting, right, correct, and my duty to praise Thee!
Rom 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen.