Overview: NET, The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.
(VanGemeren)
A. Prayer for Vindication and Affirmation of Innocence (vv. 1–3)
Why was David so confindent that he would asked God to evaluate even his inner thoughts and motives v.2? "For" he was faithful to God v.3 and he do not associate with the evil v.4.
B. Dissociation From Evil (vv. 4–5)
Dissociation from the evil was seen as a faitfulness to the LORD. How do you do in this area? "do not assoicate with" v.4 and 5, and "hate the evil," v.5.
A′. Affirmation of Innocence and Love for the Lord (vv. 6–8)
The reason why David maintain such a pure lifestyle is to worship God v.6-8. A worshiper does not worship on Sunday. We live every day in a way to please God.
B′. Dissociation From Evil (vv. 9–10)
The second round of dissociation from the evil was based on the judgment of the LORD on the evil. David dod not want to be like them and ask God to rescue Him. v.111.
A″. Affirmation of Innocence and Prayer for Redemption (vv. 11–12)
Reflection:
When I read Sermon on the Mount in Mt 5-6 I have an impression that the OT does not focus on the sins of the heart and that was why Jesus needs to give them the new interpretation of the Law. Until I read this Psalm, David was well aware of the importance of his inner motives.
v.2 Examine me, O LORD, and test me!
Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives!
In other words, what he meant for his dissociation with the evil and the loyalty to the LORD was about his heart attitudes. Not only he wanted to dissociated with the evil in their actions but also do not want to do that in his heart. That's a difference. If I just do not want to live like a dishonest or deceitful person or I do not like or I hate dishonest/deceitful in my heart that is a difference.
May we reflect and think in what area we want to dissociate with the evil in our heart.
Audrey
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