This psalm was written by David, so says the inscription and so says Peter as he uses this psalm to describe Judas in Acts 1.16-20. There is no single reference point to place this psalm historically. Some believe it to be against Saul, yet David’s attitude toward God’s anointed would forbid this. Some believe it to be his son, Absalom, but his love for him was overwhelming to the point of sin. Could it be levied against Doeg or Ahithophel?
The word “accuse” provides great insight into this psalm. David stands accused by his adversaries in verses 4, 6, 20, and 29. The Hebrew word for accuse is where we derive Satan. The originally meaning was accuser but became a proper name of our adversary, the devil. David stands accused of crimes that are false. If he is found guilty, he is open for the death penalty.
- Verses 1-5-David prays to the God whom he praises. Do you praise the God to whom you pray? David describes what his accusers are saying of him. He describes them as words of lying and hatred. He describes how he treated them. He showed love and kindness, but they repaid with insult and hatred. Jesus said to love those who curse you and to love your enemies (Matthew 5.44). David did this throughout these verses.
- Verses 6-20-These words are harsh and seem to violate the principles Jesus displayed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8). However, a closer look provides five possible solutions to this dilemma.
- When God displays His anger toward sin, it is extreme and to the point. David, here, is displaying a “righteous indignation” toward sin. This prayer is spoken by Jesus Himself when He instructed us to pray: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6.9-10). Jesus is basically asking us to pray to God the Father to establish His righteousness on earth which would mean the destruction of all that is not righteous (i.e., those who false accuse in this psalm).
- David could be praying to God to take the matter into His hands and bring forth His justice, and not David’s idea of justice.
- David is speaking prophetically of the coming of Judas and is pronouncing these curses upon him. This is why the plural of verses 1-5 is changed to the singular in 6-20.
- David is so inclined to the will of God that God’s enemies are indeed his enemies and he is pronouncing judgement on them as God would.
- The most unlikely one, which is translated in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), is that David switches speakers in verse six: “They say, ‘Appoint a wicked man against him; let an accuser stand on his right.’”
Verse eight is applied to Judas (Acts 1.20).
- Verses 21-29-Verse 25 can be applied to Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27.39). David cries out to God to help him, not for David’s sake, but that God’s name may be magnified. How often do we, in our times of trouble, see His glory?
- Verses 30-31-David closes with words that praise God and should be familiar to us. If God is for us, then who can be against us (Romans 8.31-34)? The answer: Only Jesus can condemn us but He died for us and intercedes for us. So, the only one worthy stands in our favor!
Though David seems to be physically and emotionally suffering in this psalm, he is still seeking God and putting his hope in Him. He is still praising God and trusting that He will deliver him and give him victory over his enemies.
As stated in verse 31, we can find rest in knowing that God always helps and rescues us when we are in need.