The Difference Between Anger And Anguish
May 30, 2021
Commentary
David turned to his Lord for help and deliverance because he was in great need (vv. 21-25). He reminds the Lord of his sorrow, his sickness, and his scorners. He is frail and feeble and has headed for the hills with his life in danger. It seems that this may have been written in the early days of Absalom’s rebellion. Absalom had the bulk of the nation following him, the armed forces supporting him and the cleverest men in the kingdom as his counselors. David knew that victory had to come from God.
David’s prayer for help was based on his desire that the wicked would understand that the Lord would vindicate him (vv. 26-27) and that he might rejoice when they were put to shame and disgrace (vv. 28-29). He has resolved that it doesn’t matter if men curse him so long as God blesses him. He wanted this victory, not so much that he might triumph over his foes, but that he might have proof that his God was a God of character, to be trusted even in the most desperate times.
In other words, David wanted his deliverance to come in such a way that ungodly men will be forced to see the good hand of God upon him. The good will be David’s but the glory will be God’s (vv. 26, 27). They must know that the deliverance of God’s “servant” is the Lord’s doing and that their judgment is also His work! Enthusiastically and loudly, the psalmist promises to extol the name of the Lord among the multitude (v. 30). He stands beside the needy, ready to defend them when they are on trial (v. 31). David concludes his prayer for deliverance and judgment by standing among the worshipers, filled with praise for the Lord.
Application
I can be assured that when I face my greatest trials, when I am slandered by others and repaid hatred for love, God will be by my side to deliver me.
Psalms 109:21– 31 (NET)
21 O Sovereign Lord, intervene on my behalf for the sake of your reputation. Because your loyal love is good, deliver me.
22 For I am oppressed and needy, and my heart beats violently within me.
23 I am fading away like a shadow at the end of the day; I am shaken off like a locust.
24 I am so starved my knees shake; I have turned into skin and bones.
25 I am disdained by them. When they see me, they shake their heads.
26 Help me, O Lord my God. Because you are faithful to me, deliver me.
27 Then they will realize this is your work, and that you, Lord, have accomplished it.
28 They curse, but you will bless. When they attack, they will be humiliated, but your servant will rejoice.
29 My accusers will be covered with shame, and draped in humiliation as if it were a robe.
30 I will thank the Lord profusely. In the middle of a crowd I will praise him,
31 because he stands at the right hand of the needy, to deliver him from those who threaten his life.