This psalm is known as an imprecatory psalm. David wrote it as he cries out to God for justice. We need to remember that it isn’t just petty personal grudges that are moving David, but God’s hatred over injustice and sin. It also announces the results of rebellion against God—curses similar to those found in Deuteronomy 27 and 28.
1 – 5
David is attacked personally for no reason (vs 3)
David is the subject of hatred and lies though he has shown love (vs 4-5)
Notice verse 4: David has been loving, while his enemies accuse. So what is his response: it isn’t hatred or retribution, but prayer.
Jesus said: Matt. 5:44 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” How much more would God’s purposes be fulfilled if we prayed instead of attacked (even if the attack is just in our minds).
6 – 15
What we are seeing here is a trial with witnesses, a judgment, and a sentence.
Verse 8 was used in Acts 2:20 for the disciples to replace Judas Iscariot.
16 – 20
Verses 16 through 20 show the character of these people
Notice that David is actually very honest in his evaluation of those who are accusing him. He isn’t sugarcoating anything. But also notice that these are not minor offenses. David is not suffering personal hurt from wounded pride. This is often the reason we react. David reacted to people attacking him for his relationship with Yahweh and he is reacting to injustices done to the weak. It’s important for us to evaluate: who is the one being attacked—us or God?
Something else to notice here, the law of lex talionis required a punishment equal to the crime (Exodus 21:24).
21 – 25
In David’s extreme weakness he calls out to God, not out of a sense of self-righteousness, but because of God’s great name, which stands for justice and fairness and righteousness and retribution for evil. God is known as a rescuer of the afflicted.
26 – 31
Notice that David wants rescue so that others will see God’s character and that they will give credit to God. David is not going to give up in despair but will “fervently” gives thanks and praise to God.
God is one who stands by the needy. And us, who are needy through our own rebellion against the character of God can be saved from the accuser of the brethren by the ultimate rescue, brought about by Jesus, who allowed the accusers to put Him to death so He could bear the curse and pronounce blessing on us instead!
One final thought. Inside Jesus all manner of sin is forgiven and wiped away. Outside of Jesus no sin finds forgiveness and is never wiped away. So—throw yourself on the Lord Jesus!
Psalm 110
Psalm 110, written by David, is a royal psalm and it is filled with references to the Messiah. It is, in fact, the most often quoted psalm in the New Testament. I think you’ll recognize a lot of these verses. This psalm could be the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 109. God will not always allow evil to triumph, and that should bring hope to those who are downtrodden and victimized by true evil.
1 – 4
The right hand was a place of strength, honor, and privilege. Making your enemies your footstool speaks of victory and that everyone will submit. Jesus used this verse when conversing with the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah. (Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36, Luke 20:42-43).
Matt. 22:41 While the Pharisees were together, Jesus questioned them, 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?” “David’s,” they told Him. He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him ‘Lord’:
The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at My right hand
until I put Your enemies under Your feet’?
“If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?” 46 No one was able to answer Him at all, and from that day no one dared to question Him anymore.”
You’ll notice in your Bible that both words “Lord” are capitalized. God the Father is speaking to God the Son.
Extending the scepter means establishing someone’s authority over the land. Genesis 49:10 describes Judah as the Lord’s scepter. Jesus, of course, came from the tribe of Judah.
Scholars describe verse 2 as the most obscure in the entire book of Psalms. It may simply be poetic language to describe how the offspring of this King will be eager to volunteer in service.
Verse 4: Hebrews 7:17,21 quotes this verse. Melchizedek comes from Genesis 14:17-24. After Abraham rescued Lot he gave a tenth to this man who was known as King of Peace. The Messiah was both a king and a priest, which is the perfect melding of the dual role of Jesus: of Savior and King of Kings.
5 – 7
Another dual role of the Messiah is forgiver of sins and judge. Those that are loyal to the King become His servants. Those that reject Him and raise up banners against Him will be crushed.
Drinking from the brook could mean drinking from the Gihon Springs, which was part of the enthronement ceremony (1 Kings 1:38) or pausing for refreshment before continuing to chase a vanquished foe.
So here’s a question for you: is it the day of the Lord’s anger? Have verses 5 and 6 happened or are happening? No. And if not, why not? Could it be that this is the age where God is patient and extends His grace to make sure that everyone who possibly wants to can become a loyal subject of the King of Kings?
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
If that’s the case, what should that do to our attitudes about God’s enemies? As I mentioned in Psalm 109—we should spend more time praying for those of this age who “raise banners” against God than attacking them. Just a thought.
Psalm 111
This psalm could then be an answer to those who have decided to put their trust in the Messiah. What is the result? It is wonderful in all respects.
Psalm 111 is what is called an “acrostic” in that the first letter of each half verse follows the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 112 is also an acrostic and many think these two are twins, written by the same author. Psalm 111 extols us to praise God for his works. Psalm 112 extols the fear of the Lord as we’ll see at the end of this psalm.
1
The psalmist begins with a call to praise. Hallelujah is the same in every language. It means to praise Yahweh! Personally as well as publically the psalmist will praise with his whole self. Psalms 111 through 118 are known as the “Halleluiah” psalms.
2 – 3
“Studied” in verse 2 means “to follow” or “tread frequently.” It’s a really good thing to frequently look at all God has done for us. We “delight” in them if we incline to them.
“Splendid” means “imposing form or appearance.” “Majestic” comes from a root word that means: “to swell up”.
There are 5 uses of the word “forever” in this psalm:
God’s righteousness
God’s covenant remembered (vs 5)
God’s Word (vs 8)
God’s covenant ordained – commanded (vs 9)
God’s praise (vs 10)
4 – 5
We remember God’s wonderful works because of His compassion and grace and provision. And I am so glad God remembers His covenant with us forever!
He also provides for us. The word “food” is the Hebrew word for “prey” and probably means that when we are in a wilderness God provides what we need to survive.
6 – 8
Not only does God remember the covenant but He shows the results of that covenant to us in sending His Son to die for us. He is our inheritance (Ephesians 1:11).
I love how everything God does is the right thing and the fair thing—every time!
All that God says can be trusted. His Words go on forever!
Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
9
God’s redemption is the culmination of everything God is and says. His holy name is indeed awe-inspiring and “at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.” (Philippians 2:10)
10
If you want to be wise you have to start with the acknowledgement that God is God. Wisdom doesn’t end there, but it definitely starts there!
This same thought is expressed in Proverbs 1:7-9. How do you become wise? Is it through life experience or academic intelligence? While there is nothing wrong with either of these, wisdom must begin with the acknowledgement that God exists and that He is king.
What is the “fear of the Lord”? Is to be afraid? Partly, yes. The Hebrew word means to be afraid, but also to be reverent.
(Great article on the Fear of God)
The Bible uses the word “fear” 300 times in reference to God. Jesus Himself said: "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).
Ask yourself this? What is the single most potent threat to the world? Is it the nuclear stockpile? Is it weapons of mass destruction? Is it war faring nations aimed at world domination? No. The single most dangerous thing to planet Earth is the presence of God. God is so holy that anything not like God cannot exist in His presence. God is to be feared because He destroys that which is not good and pure. But that should also give us great comfort.
William D. Eisenhower said in his article in Christianity Today on fearing God: “As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion.”
So let the fear of God bring you to the love of God!
