MONDAY, AUGUST 6
Psalm 35:1-28
1 Samuel 24:9-15

“He that hateth me hateth
my Father also.”

GOD IS MY AVENGER

The historical setting of this Psalm is probably found in 1 Samuel 24:9-15. While hunting for David in the wilderness of Engedi, Saul unwittingly strayed into David’s cave to ease himself when he had a piece of his skirt cut off. It was here that David confronted Saul in his insatiable vindictiveness by his restraint to retaliate. He appealed to God for judgment (1 Sam 24:12). This magnanimity on David’s part toward his arch-enemy is another virtue that earned him the title “a man after his own heart” (1 Sam 13:14). Read what Paul said in Romans 12:19 in regard to our enemies.

With this episode stirring his heart, David called upon God to plead his cause “with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me” (Ps 35:1). David was pleading for “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” not from a Pharisaical spirit for that Shylockian pound of flesh, but for what in our modern age is called “human rights,” in that he was falsely accused (Ps 35:11) and unjustifiably persecuted (Ps 35:7). In contrast, David had done to Saul and other of his enemies nothing but good (Ps 35:12). Therefore when his enemies had rewarded him evil for good, he had no recourse but to appeal to his God.

David is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that Psalm 35:19 is quoted in John 15:25 to show how our Saviour’s enemies have also persecuted Him. And this word is extended to us who are on David’s and our Lord’s side, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you … He that hateth me hateth my Father also” (John 15:20-23).

In the judgment to come, David sees them “brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt” (Ps 35:26). But “let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Right is might when God is my Avenger.

THOUGHT: Love your enemies.
PRAYER: Lord, may I love the way Thou lovest.