Heart of a Psalmist - Worshipping Christ Through The Psalms

This verse is probably referring to the men who were banding themselves to the rebellion of Absa- lom. David prayed that he might be spared from their fate as they were being gathered together for de- struction. Evil truly loves company as Jesus explained in the Parable of the Tares: “ First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned…”(Mt. 13:30 NIV)

These wicked persons are described as doing two things:

1.) “ those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts.” This is what Absalom did as he instigated the rebellion against his father. The scriptures say that he ‘stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.’ (2 Sam. 15:6)

2.) “ They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made.”(5a)

Those who rebelled against David did not regard God’s promise that he was going to give him an everlasting dynasty. They forgot all the incredible works God had performed through David from the slaying of Goliath to the subduing of all the nations surrounding Israel. Rebellion blinds the mind to the goodness of God.

Evil has a ‘reward’ and will surely be paid in full: • “ Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!”(4) • “ Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.”(4) • “ Pay them back for all their evil deeds!”(4) • “ Give them a taste of what they have done to others.”(4) • “ So he will tear them down like old buildings, and they will never be rebuilt!” (5b).

Verse 5 literally happened to Absalom after his defeat and execution by David’s general Joab: “ They threw Absalom’s body into a deep pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over it.”(2 Sam. 18:17) He ended his life in a heap of rubble.

III. SONGS OF THANKSGIVING - Praise from David’s Heart – 6,7

“ Praise the lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (6,7) As David realizes that God has heard his ‘prayer’ he begins to ‘praise’ the Lord. Spurgeon calls prayer and praise the ‘two lips of the soul’. 1 His cry for help and mercy in verses 1 and 2 are now met with confident statements: “ he has heard my cry for mercy…he helps me… ” The thought of answered prayer fills the heart with joy and leads us to experience exhilarating and happy music in his presence! The renewing of our strength and protection from the Lord results in trust that becomes a solid foun- dation for worship. Without complete trust there can be no whole-hearted praise. The believer should be the happiest person in the world knowing that God is listening and answering the cry of their heart: “ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!”(Phil. 4:4)

IV. SAVE YOUR PEOPLE - Protection of God’s People- 8,9

“ The Lord protects his people and gives victory to his anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession! Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them forever in your arms.” (8,9)

The victory of the king assures success for his subjects. David overcame the rebellion of Absalom and brought blessings to his kingdom. The triumph of Jesus our Messiah, (anointed king) blesses even the weakest members of his kingdom: “ …the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! (Zech. 12:8)

There are five wonderful benefits of the Messiah’s victory: • Protection - “ The Lord protects his people…” • Salvation - “ Save your people!” • Blessing - “ Bless Israel, your special possession!”

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