Overview: (NET) The author looks to the Lord for vindication, asks that the wicked be repaid in full for their evil deeds, and affirms his confidence that the Lord will protect his own.
1. repeated word
(A) Ask God to separate him from the wicked and evil men
v.1 My protector...if you do not respond to me I will...descending into the grave
v.3 Do not drag me away with evil men
(BKC) Addressing the LORD, the psalmist prayed to be kept separate from the wicked when they are overthrown....the Lord would not drag him off with hypocritical sinners (v. 3), and that the Lord would justly punish the wicked (v. 4).
(B) Ask God to retribute the evil
v.3 evil men...who behave wickedly
who talk so friendly to their neighbors while they plan to harm them
v.4 Pay them backx2, punish them
v.5 For they do not understand the LORD’s actions, or the way he carries out justice
demolish them
(NET) The highly repetitive style reflects the psalmist’s agitated emotional state and draws attention to his yearning for justice.
(BKC) The wicked have had their chance; but instead of accepting their responsibility to the Lord, they showed their disregard for him...Both the Lord and the wicked evidence their nature in their work
(C) praise God for his protection
v.6 The LORD deserves praise, for he has heard my plea for mercy.
v.7 strengthens and protects me
I am rescued...I will sing to him
v.8 strengths...protects...and delivers
(D) Last plea
v.9 Deliver your people.
Empower the nation
Care for them like a shepherd
carry them in your arms at all times!
(BKC) The psalmist knows that kingship belongs to the Lord and that, ultimately, the Davidic king is representative of the kingship of God. Therefore he calls on the Great King to be true to his people
Reflection: Not only David gave his clear crying to the Lord for his needs, but also he knows very clear the justice of the Lord. He was emotionally involve in injustice, but he was also very firm in his trust in God's justice character. Am I able to be that sure?
He turned in the middle of the psalm to thanksgiving and praise as if the storm has already passed v.6-8. Am I able to do that after my prayer?
From the protection of the Lord David learned that his kingship belonged to the Lord, not him. Therefore, he called on the Lord to protect his country. He trusted God in a larger extent. Am I able to do that in the midst of my trouble?
From the experience of God controlling the weather for all 3cw's VBC, outdoor worship, am I able to extend my trust to the future of the church, the children's ministry and even our personal health and death's issue?
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