This psalm presents an interesting question: is this representative of a covenant individual or the covenant messiah? This individual is seemingly free from any sin. If read quite literally could this be applied to anyone but the messiah?
All in Theology
Though the symbolism of the “smoking firepot” can be linked to the darkness and smoke that Moses encountered on Mount Sinai (Exo 19:18), it is more likely that it along with the “blazing torch” are revisited in the pillar of cloud and fire (Exo 13:21).
Sin permeates everyone’s body and mind since all, Jews and Gentiles, have sinned (Rom 3:23). And all are children of wrath. In this way the Jews were just like the “rest of mankind.”
After establishing how the Lord is the covenant fulfillment for the psalmist, this psalm turns briefly to the assurances of the person seeking after God. It is the one receiving counsel and instruction (v. 7) from God that is not shaken (v. 8). Our “heart” and “flesh” can rejoice for our God is deliverer of both soul and body.
Barth, Society & the Church
For
The Holy Spirit's Covenant
Contrary to popular opinion, it isn't enough to just "read the Bible" and make a decision. One has to struggle to identify their own paradigms and lens. Everyone has them and it is always hard to break away from them (even if they are correct) to evaluate the Scriptures afresh.
The importance of “and you” here cannot be lost within the context of this epistle. This is the designation of Gentile converts (Eph 1:12; 2:11; 3:1; 4:17). Paul’s discourse here is first and best applied to Gentiles.
I've given up trying to type out all my notes for my reviews. Instead I'll turn them into some audio My Takes that let me express a little bit more fluidly. Or perhaps more confusingly. You decide.
Multiple symbolic events occur in the conclusion of this covenant making with Abram that it is fitting to focus on each of them briefly. Adam too was put into a deep sleep in the creation of his wife (Gen 2:21). This event ultimately looks forward to the burial of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of His body which is the church (John 11:25; Eph 1:22-23).
This psalm is different from the rest in that it does not have a portion about the unrighteous. Instead this psalm begins in a strongly covenantal way. The word “preserve” is used early in the OT with reference to covenant obligations (Gen 2:15; 17:9-10; 18:19). Here the request is from man to God to keep us within His covenant. Similar statements can be found even within the New Testament (John 10:29; Jude 1:24).