Psalm 140:13 Study Bible: Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

◄ Psalm 140:13 ►

Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.

Surely
The word "surely" conveys a sense of certainty and assurance. In the Hebrew text, this is often translated from the word "אַךְ" (akh), which emphasizes a confident expectation. This assurance is rooted in the faithfulness of God, a theme that runs throughout the Psalms. The psalmist is expressing a deep conviction that the promises of God are reliable and will come to fruition.

the righteous
The term "righteous" refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments. In Hebrew, "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik) is used, which denotes someone who is just, ethical, and in right standing with God. The righteous are often contrasted with the wicked in the Psalms, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. Historically, the concept of righteousness is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness.

will praise
"Praise" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "יָדָה" (yadah), which means to give thanks or to confess. It implies an active expression of gratitude and worship towards God. Praise is a recurring theme in the Psalms, reflecting the importance of acknowledging God's greatness and goodness. The act of praising God is both a personal and communal expression of faith, often accompanied by music and song in ancient Israelite worship.

Your name
In Hebrew culture, a name is more than just a label; it represents the character and essence of a person. "Name" here refers to God's revealed character and attributes. The name of God is sacred and powerful, often invoked in prayer and worship. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring God's name, which is a reflection of His divine nature and covenantal relationship with His people.

the upright
The "upright" are those who live with integrity and moral rectitude. The Hebrew word "יָשָׁר" (yashar) conveys a sense of straightness or correctness. In the biblical context, being upright is associated with living a life that aligns with God's will and commands. The upright are often depicted as those who seek justice, mercy, and humility before God, embodying the ethical teachings of the Torah.

will dwell
To "dwell" suggests a sense of permanence and stability. The Hebrew word "יָשַׁב" (yashav) means to sit, remain, or inhabit. This implies a close and continuous relationship with God, where the upright are not merely visitors but permanent residents in God's presence. The idea of dwelling with God is a powerful image of communion and fellowship, reflecting the ultimate hope of believers to be in eternal relationship with their Creator.

in Your presence
"Presence" refers to the immediate and intimate proximity to God. The Hebrew term "פָּנִים" (panim) is often translated as "face," indicating a personal encounter with the divine. Being in God's presence is a place of safety, blessing, and joy. Throughout the Scriptures, the presence of God is associated with His glory, guidance, and protection. For the upright, dwelling in God's presence is the fulfillment of their spiritual longing and the ultimate reward of their faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Righteous
Refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek to follow His will. In the Hebrew context, "righteous" (tzaddik) implies a person who is just and morally upright.

2. The Upright
Similar to the righteous, the upright (yashar) are those who live with integrity and honesty, aligning their lives with God's truth.

3. God's Presence
The ultimate place of blessing and peace, where believers long to be. In the Hebrew tradition, God's presence (panim) signifies His favor and closeness.

Teaching Points

The Call to Righteousness
Believers are called to live righteously, not just for personal benefit, but as a response to God's holiness and love.

The Joy of Praise
Praising God's name is a natural response for the righteous, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will and filled with gratitude.

Living in God's Presence
The ultimate reward for the upright is dwelling in God's presence, which begins now through a relationship with Him and culminates in eternity.

Integrity in Daily Life
Upholding integrity and honesty in all aspects of life is essential for those who desire to be in God's presence.

The Assurance of God's Favor
The righteous can be assured of God's favor and presence, providing peace and strength in life's challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of righteousness in Psalm 140:13 relate to the characteristics described in Psalm 15?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart of praise in our daily lives, as encouraged by this verse?

3. How does living with integrity and uprightness impact our relationship with God and others?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are dwelling in God's presence daily?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) reinforce the message of Psalm 140:13 regarding righteousness and seeing God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 15
This psalm describes the characteristics of those who may dwell in God's holy presence, emphasizing integrity, righteousness, and truthfulness.

Matthew 5:8
Jesus speaks of the pure in heart seeing God, connecting purity and righteousness with the ability to be in God's presence.

Hebrews 12:14
This verse encourages believers to pursue peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, linking righteous living with experiencing God's presence.

Sermons

The Inward Sense of Right is an Assurance of Safety	R. Tuck	Psalm 140:13
God Preserves His Servant		Psalm 140:1-13
Our Adversary and Our Defense	S. Conway	Psalm 140:1-13
The Holy War	C. Short	Psalm 140:1-13

People

David, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

141, Dwell, Holy, Praise, Presence, Psalm, Righteous, Surely, Thanks, Truly, Upright, Yea

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 140:12

     1075   God, justice of
     1330   God, the provider
     5360   justice, God
     5449   poverty, remedies
     5888   inferiority
     9210   judgment, God's

Library

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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