Sweet Revenge?
At first glance, you have to wonder about these two verses. Is David seeking revenge on his pursuers? Is he out for blood? Would he find satisfaction at seeing his enemies hurt? At first it might seem that way. And I'd bet that there would be more than a few of us who would be willing to cheer David on.
"You go, boy!"
" Give it to 'em!"
But then you take a closer look at the verses, and you discover that he's really not seeking revenge at all. He doesn't wish them physical injury or pain; he asks that they be confused and shamed. Not exactly what we think of as revenge words. He seeks that they be hindered in their attack, not "ruined" themselves.
So what does shame, confusion and repulsion do? Perhaps it drives the enemy to reconsider his position. Perhaps it causes the enemy stop harassing, hindering and hurting God's people.
So I get it. David was not looking for revenge. Then what's the point of even including those verses in this worship Psalm? Perhaps because we need to see the worship element in this - that God is glorified when we leave the work of vengeance or revenge to Him. You see, God is not immune to seeking vengeance. He will be vindicated, He will be victorious, and He will crush the enemy. Remember when David knocked off Goliath, that taunter, that beast of an enemy, that mocker of all things Jewish? They sang songs of adoration about David. So as we see God defeat the enemy, as we see God put rebellious man in his place, as we see Him remove the ones who would mock, sneer, deride and persecute us, we are drawn to worship Him with cheers and celebration.
So give it up! Let God take care of all of life's bullies. Watch and see how He takes care of things, then worship Him for being your God, your protector, and your shield!
Created over 2 years ago
