“The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…” Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

Numbers 10:35-36

The account in Numbers deals with Moses journeying with the Ark of the Covenant. God was leading His people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. He was present in a cloud by day and fire by night. Thus God was always with His people directing them when they should be traveling and when they should be staying in one place.

When the cloud or the fire began moving, God was telling them to set out on a journey. Moses would direct that the Ark of the Covenant go with them, and his prayer was, "Rise up O Lord! Let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You" (Num. 10:35, NKJV).

When the cloud or fire remained in one place, God was telling them to rest there for a period of time. Moses’ prayer was, "Return O Lord, to the many thousands of Israel" (Num. 10:36, NKJV).

With these prayers, Moses was showing that God has authority over His people - the Israelites, and that He also had power over His enemies who would scatter and flee when they saw this great army marching through their territory.

Psalms 22-24

Psalm 22 is prophecy from David. He may have been expressing the trials that he faced as he fled from King Saul. But God also inspired him to write words that would be explained more completely when Jesus was on the cross.

Jesus spoke those very words, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" in Matt. 27:46. Vs. 7 of the Psalm says that the people ridiculed Him, asking Him to call upon His God for salvation. And this is exactly what occurred with the people surrounding Jesus on the cross.

Vss. 9-15 further describe the suffering of Jesus. But vss. 16-18 are especially literal as the hands and feet of Jesus were pierced, and the soldiers divided His clothes. But in accordance with the rules of the Passover lamb, none of Jesus’ bones was broken, so He could "count all my bones."

David completes Psalm 22 praising God and trusting in His salvation.

Psalm 23 has David again trusting God as his shepherd, and likening himself as a lamb. And as a lamb, he fully trusts in God to protect him from danger, provide him all the food he needs, and finally take him to Heaven to live forever. We should see ourselves as a lamb led by our Shepherd.

Psalm 24 is also written by David as he gives glory to God for His creation. He says that only those who live righteously shall receive God's blessings. And he ends the Psalm by glorifying God as the King and the Lord of Hosts. Truly He is worthy of all our praise.