Posts
This psalm is viewed by some as an individual lament, others a community lament, and still others as a royal lament. It was written by David as a song of mourning and prayer, asking God to deliver him from his enemies, but it broadens out to the nations. The first event that is tied to this prayer is 1 Sam 19:11–18. But it is applicable to many situations, much broader than an evil king abusing his power. There are several themes in this psalm that make it difficult to see the structure intended by the author. It seems each Bible student divides the psalm differently.
I. A prayer for deliverance/salvation (vs. 1–3)
A. God alone is the One who can deliver, protect, save
B. David cannot turn to the government; it is a wicked ruler who is stalking him
C. The righteous will have enemies that will seek their destruction and use ruthless tactics
D. The wicked deny the sacredness of human life, they are people of bloodshed
E. The wicked set traps for the righteous and loves to divide people
F. The wicked love sinful behavior and breaking God’s laws and bringing calamity on others
G. The wicked use the element of surprise to their advantage
II. A cry for justice (vs. 4–5)
A. The wicked attack the righteous without cause
B. The government was pursing David when he was innocent
C. The government is not following justice, but the will of corrupt men
D. God, the sovereign king, must reign in the wicked leaders: God is the Divine Warrior
E. It is God who punishes the nations of the world for violating His moral law
F. Yahweh is the God of armies and the God of Israel, His covenant people
G. Antagonistic people will attack the innocent they perceive as a threat to their power or
position, do not join yourselves with them
H. The Great King in a covenant was responsible to bring his army to defend his loyal
governors and subjects (Rev 19:11–21)
III. A description of the wicked (vs. 6–7)
A. The wicked are like a pack of wild dogs that come into an area looking for food
B. They are cowards, but they try to intimidate others with their noise
B. They promote disorder, division, and chaos, and are extremely arrogant
C. Their talk is mocking, scoffing, accusing, and lying
D. They deny God’s sovereignty and God’s justice
1. They are sure they will get away with their sin
2. They think no one knows about their backroom deals or midnight meetings
IV. A description of God, our hope (vs. 8–10a)
A. God sees, hears, and records all things. He laughs at those covering up sin
B. God knows that lawbreaking is self-destructive and the secrets will be revealed
C. God will make sure His will triumphs in justice and deliverance (Exod 1:8)
D. Yahweh is stronger than the enemies of the believer
E. Yahweh is a stronghold and defender of His people
F. God showers His hesed (covenant love) on his anointed ruler and on His people
V. A cry for justice (vs. 10b–13)
A. God will bring deliverance and justice in His time
B. The wicked rulers will be held accountable for their thoughts, plans, deeds, and words
C. These men are deceptive, cruel, and corrupt. What they have sown, they will reap
D. God will make an example out of the wicked rulers from time to time
E. These men are liars, slanderers, arrogant, and proud
F. Wrath from God will come upon them, even though they were part of His wrath on others
G. God punishment of the wicked shows His rule and authority over Israel, the church, and
the world
H. God’s wrath on the wicked is another proof of His existence and sovereignty
VI. Trust in God’s response (vs. 14–17)
A. While the wicked are barking and growling, the righteous are praising God in song
B. We sing of God’s power, sovereignty, and might, therefore we can trust Him to act
C. We sing with joy of God’s grace and covenant love
D. Each new day we can sing of God’s power and might to judge evil
E. Faith and confidence replace the mourning of the acts of wicked leaders
F. God has protected David and His people for generations through the times of persecution
G. God is the only reliable stronghold and refuge in tough times
H. God is our strength, so let's join David and praise Him for His awesome power
I. We will experience the hatred of the enemies of the truth, but at the same time, the
covenant love of our God
Lessons to live by:
• Salvation/deliverance ultimately comes from God and not from men or nations
• Wicked governmental leaders will pursue and seek to destroy God’s people
• We can cry to God for justice like the Jews under Egyptian bondage
• Wicked talk reveals a wicked heart
• God alone is our true defense and shield
• God loves you and will bring about justice in His time
• God is all powerful, and fully sovereign, He sees and knows all
• God is holy and will bring to justice those who do wicked deeds
• God’s wrath is now being revealed from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
• We should praise God for who He is during the trials and storms
• God is faithful and God has covenant love for His people
