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The Psalms.
We pass from the testimony of Job to the Psalms, for although no explicit statement
concerning Resurrection may be discovered by a superficial reading, there is evidence
awaiting us that the Psalms like Job, ask and answer this basic question:
"If a man die, shall he live again?"
Psa. 1: compares and contrasts two kinds of men "the righteous" and "the ungodly",
an concludes saying:
"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall
perish" (Psa. 1: 6).
The expression "The Lord knoweth" means something more than mere knowledge of
an event, for surely "the Lord knoweth" the way of the ungodly also. To know here,
means to know with approval:
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble: and He knoweth them that trust
in Him" (Nah. 1: 7).
When the foolish virgins were told "I know you not" (Matt. 25: 12), or as in
Matt. 7: 23, "Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you", disapproval, not lack of
information, is implied.
We can often interpret a word, by observing its opposite. The two words `knoweth'
and `perish' compel us to see in the Divine approval a hope of resurrection, even though
it be but implied and not stated.
Turning to Psa. 2:, we find that the words "This day have I begotten Thee" (verse 7)
are referred to resurrection by the N.T. Thus the Apostle Paul testified:
"But God raised Him from the dead:
He was seen . . . . .
We declare . . . . .
God hath fulfilled . . . . .
In that He hath raised up Jesus again,
As it is also written in the second Psalm,
Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee" (Acts 13: 30-33).
This reference to Psa. 2: is followed, in Acts 13: 34-37, by quoting from Isa. 55: 3,
"The sure mercies of David", which the Apostle couples with Psa. 16: 10:
"I have set the Lord always before me:
Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth:
My flesh also shall rest in hope.
For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell;
Neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt show Me the path of life:
In Thy presence is fullness of joy;
At Thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more" (Psa. 16: 8-11).