From Death To Life!
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with
gladness."
Psalm 30:11
Some psalms have a superscription (historical note) at the
beginning, as does in Psalm 30: “A Song at the dedication
of the house of David.” These notes are part of the original
text of this psalm, not added by modern
Bible translators.
In a case of Psalm 30, the psalm was probably composed
by David at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem.
So why a dramatic reference to David having nearly been
consigned to a grave as a result of God’s anger (verse 3)?
Because Jerusalem, the site of the proposed temple, was
almost destroyed by God as a result of sin on David’s part
(1 Chronicles 21). Instead, God’s mercy (1 Chronicles 21:13)
prevailed and Jerusalem was spared (though thousands in
Israel were judged). So, when the temple was dedicated,
David composed a psalm of praise to God for His mercy
and healing.
Praise Him for deliverance, praise Him for His mercy, praise
Him for turning your “mourning into dancing.” The burden of
sin has been lifted, the decree for your death has been lifted
because of “the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13) shed for
you.
"When all Thy mercies, O my God, my rising
soul surveys, transported with the view,
I’m lost in wonder, love and praise."
Joseph Addison, hymnist
