Psalm 52
Overview:(NET) The psalmist confidently confronts his enemy and affirms that God will destroy evildoers and vindicate the godly.
According to the superscription, David wrote this psalm during the period when Saul was seeking his life. On one occasion Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s head shepherd (1 Sam 21:7), informed Saul of David’s whereabouts (see 1 Sam 21–22).
Observations:
(1) About Doeg, David's enemies
a. He boasts about his evil plans, destructive plans, v.1-2.
b.His tongue was sharp and deceiving v.2, and his words destroyed v.4. He loved evil, and lies v.3.
c. He was powerful v.1 and had great wealth v.7.
It is hard to defend oneself from people like this because you will not know what he is doing. He is both crafty/skillful and powerful/strong.
(2) David's was confident that all he needed was God
In each section, after he described his enemy David also "replied" with the description of God
a. v.1-3
v.1a God’s loyal love protects me all day long!
David was covered and felt secure.
b. v.4-5
v.5 Yet God will make you a permanent heap of ruins.
He will scoop you up and remove you from your home;
he will uproot you from the land of the living.
(NET) [make you a permanent heap of ruins]=Heb “will tear you down forever.
Note the first word, "yet." No matter how tough the enemy is, it is not difficult at all for God to deal with him. The description is almost like the giant superhero who lift up the evil man like a toy.
c. v.6-9
52:8 But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God;
I continually trust in God’s loyal love.
52:9a I will continually thank you when you execute judgment;
(NET) [flourishing olive tree]=Or “luxuriant, green, leafy.
(BKC) The metaphor of a flourishing tree was used in Psalm 1:3.
(EBC) The imagery of the tree brings out the blessedness of the godly (cf. 1:3; 92:12–13; Jer 11:16). He is like a luxuriant, productive olive tree. The olive tree may last for hundreds of years and is a symbol of longevity and usefulness. Olives are used for food and oil. A productive olive tree supplies about six gallons of oil per year.
The imagery of the tree in the house of the Lord suggests the blessedness of the godly (cf. 15:1). The godly prosper to the extent that they depend on the “love” (v. 8) of God for their nourishment and fellowship. The wicked will be brought “to everlasting ruin” (v. 5), whereas the godly will enjoy God’s “unfailing love” (v. 8).
Twice, David said, "I continually..." He continually trusted in God's loyal love and continually thanked God when He executed judgment.
Reflections:
How confident you are when you encounter evil, deceiving, strong enemies? David was surprisingly calm and confident v.1-3. On one hand, it was because the power of the enemies cannot compare with God's v.4-5. More importantly, God loves him! He continually trusted in God's loyal love v.1,8 and continually thanked Him. That means, David was sure his relationship with God was a long term relationship.
How good or productive are you when you are under stress caused by your enemies? Depending on God's love our lives can be like a luxuriant, green, leafy, flourishing olive tree. It is useful, productive and blessed. Do you admire this kind of life?
Audrey
Comments