Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men. (vv 1-2)
These have become familiar refrains from David as he implores God to release him from the constant harassment of his enemies. Time after time we hear him turn to God in need of protection, shelter, and safety, describing his enemies in the harshest terms. In this psalm we share David’s apprehension as his home is watched by Saul’s men who are intent on killing him. To place this in historical context, refer to 1 Samuel 19. Does David succumb to the temptation to rid himself of Saul? No, he righteously refuses to touch God’s anointed, a lesson that the modern lesson can learn as member are tempted to attack and destroy a pastor.
God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget.
In you might make them wander about, and bring them down. (v 11)
Rather than see them destroyed, David wishes that they might simple lose their way. Possibly he hopes that they will realize how far astray they have gone in hunting down God’s chosen king. He follows with a plea that their pride might be realized and they might turn back. We can be thankful that our intercessor please for one more minute for us to repent despite our manifold sins, even though they are injurious to Him. Ultimately, the redemption of a horrific sinner such as myself brings more glory to the King than my immediate destruction, though it would be well deserved.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. (v 13b)
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LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 