Highlights:
In these psalms David contemplates some discouraging times in his life. The end of the wicked is contrasted with the peace of the godly. Then he speaks of the folly of the godless and longs for Israel to be restored. These are followed by prayers for deliverance from adversaries, the treachery of "friends," and relief from tormentors. He finishes with a plea for judgment of the wicked and then offers praise to the Lord for His protection.
God must judge all unconfessed sin. It is fitting that David, the man after His (God's) own heart (I Sam. 13:14), expressed the exceeding hatred God has for the evil which corrupts His creation. Included in Psalm 59 is David's prayer: O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me (vs 1). He also prayed that God would not be merciful to his enemies, since God cannot be merciful to any sinner who does not repent of his sins (59:5,13). True repentance prepares our hearts to receive Christ as our Savior and allows Him to become Lord of our lives in obedience to His Word (Acts 2:38; 4:12).
David recognized that sinful acts are rebellion against God as well as against others. David identified himself with God, who hates sin, and declared that he too hated those who rebel against God and counted them as his enemies as well. For David it was the expression of a king who loved the Lord and His ways and recognized that he was the anointed representative of God on earth and, therefore, was responsible to administer justice on the Lord's behalf.
There is coming a day of reckoning when God will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that . . . do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation (Distress) and anguish, (will be) upon every soul of man that doeth evil (Rom. 2:6-9). You can be among those who look forward to Christ's return if you repent and forsake your sins. Let Christ be Lord of your life and read His Word in order to do His will. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).
Though Jesus first came as the "Suffering Servant," when He returns it will be as the "Conquering King" who will make war against the forces of Satan and will judge all mankind by His righteousness. The sharp sword that will go forth out of His mouth is the Word of God. Jesus said: He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).
Thought for Today:
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name (Matt. 6:9).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who saves those who will call on Him (Ps. 55:16-17). And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21; also Rom. 10:13).
Word Studies:
53:3 filthy =b> corrupt; 55:4 sore =b> grievously; 55:9 divide their tongues =b> bring confusion to their counsel; 59:10 prevent =b> go before me.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Sam Farr (CA) and Rep. Dan Maffei (NY) • Country: Portugal (10 million) in western Europe • Major language: Portuguese • Limited religious freedom • 95% Christian; 4% non-Religious/Other; .5% Muslim; .1% Hindu; .01% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others (Num. 14:13-19).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:7