Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

The parallel between David/Ahithophel and Jesus/Judas is remarkable. Judas was all of these things to Jesus, a companion, friend and spiritual co-worker. The depth of his betrayal will never be fully fathomed in this life. “While they were eating, he (Jesus) said, ‘the truth is, one of you will betray me.’ …But how terrible it will be for my betrayer. Far better for him if he had never been born!” (Mt. 26:21,24) Betrayal is a horrible fact of life and few who live will ever escape its effects. We must re- member the 11 faithful disciples and the many who remained loyal to David in his time of trial and focus our attention on the true friends God has given each of us.

“Let death seize my enemies by surprise, let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.” (15)

This horrible but necessary prayer was soon to be fulfilled in the lives of Absalom and Ahithophel and many of their followers. David never mentions his enemies by name, he removes his personal judg- ment in favor of God’s divine justice.

IV

ANSWER FROM GOD - 16-19

“But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the lord hears my voice. He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me. God, who is king forever, will hear me and will humble them. In- terlude (Selah) (16-19) David uses two titles of God here: “I will call on God (Elohim), and the Lord (Yahweh) will rescue me.” As in previous psalms we have a faint echo of the interplay between God the Father and God the Son in bringing redemption to David. The title Elohim is possibly alluding to the Father, and Yahweh could be in reference to the Son. David intensifies his prayer life in this time of turmoil calling on God three times daily and the Lord answers the opening prayers of this psalm: “…listen to my prayer, O God.” Daniel follows King David’s custom of praying three times a day. Intense situations require in- tense prayer!: “But…Daniel …went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”(Dan. 6:10) “For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God. As for this friend of mine, he betrayed me; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as cream, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! (19-21) Absalom and Ahithophel refused to change their course of destruction. Both Ahithophel and Judas betrayed their trusting leaders offering words of loyalty but harboring intentions of war and treachery. “Judas walked over to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. But Jesus said, ‘Judas, how can you betray me, the Son of Man, with a kiss?’”(Luke 22:47,48) Just as Ahithophel betrayed David, Judas betrayed the Son of David. V ABSALOM AND AHITHOPHEL - 19-21

VI

ASSIGN YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD - 22-23

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (22)

This verse is quoted directly by Peter in his first letter and while it is a promise for every Christian, it is particularly addressed to leaders, the elders of the church. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) None of us are capable of carrying the spiritual and emotional burdens of a fallen world that is filled with heartache and disappointment. David rolled this burden onto the eternal shoulders of the Lord and kept walking by faith.

“But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.”(23)

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