Prayer and Praise for Deliverance.
Introduction:
Here is the cry of the oppressed recorded for us to learn from. It is the story of so many of God’s people as they are persecuted within this world. In David’s case we see it is against Cush, a Benjamite who was from the same tribe as Saul and probably one of his lieutenants. He was a malicious foe of David’s who would have accused him of a number of crimes against Saul, the principle being throw enough mud and some of it will stick! But once again David turns to the Lord and Judge in all matters.
Proposition:
The Hebrew title identifies this as a Shiggaion of David, that is to say a loud cry, implying an enthusiastic ode in which the writer sings out to the Lord for help laying his thoughts before his God and King. It is a fore shadowing of the life of our Lord Jesus, falsely accused but showing trust in His Father and ours. The only other Shiggaion (a meditation on matters) found in scripture is recorded in Habakkuk 3:1-19.
This Psalm then may also be called ‘the Song of the Slandered Saint’ and many of us will be able to relate to it for many are the afflictions of the righteous!
We can divide the 17 verses of this Psalm into 3 main parts of teaching as follows which once again shows us the spiritual life application principles –
Body of Teaching:
1) JUSTIFICATION –
A) We see David Trusting – verses 1 and 2.
B) We see David Triumphing – verses 3 to 5.
1. Because of his positive assurance.
2. Because of his positive assertion.
2) JUDGEMENT –
A) David’s Desire is:-
1. To see God judge the sinner – verses 6 and 7.
2. To see God judge the saint – verse 8.
B) David’s Defence is:-
1. How God’s judgement works in principle – v 9 to 10.
2. How God’s judgement works in practice – v 11 to 13.
C) David’s Discernment is:-
1. Sin in its process – verse 14 (like a birth, born from within and coming forth!)
2. Sin in its plan – verse 15 (like a bait, it ensnares!)
3. Sin in its punishment – verse 16 (like a boomerang because it always comes back at you!)
3) JUBILATION –
A) Here we see David giving thanks and praise towards the
Lord Most High for His righteousness in all matters – verse 17.
Our harp may be unstrung for a season but in the end we will
return to lift up our voices in song into the third heaven and His
Glorious throne room.
Conclusion:
This Psalm perfectly illustrates the promise found in Isaiah 54:17 – ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which raises against you in judgement You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord.’ Amen.
Date : 30/11/-0001
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