David wrote this psalm seeking God to bring down his enemies who were plotting against him. They used deceit and lies against him. He expressed fear yet exercised faith in asking for justice and retribution against his enemies.

In verses 1-10, David pleaded with God to hear his grievances and to protect him from his enemies. He asked God not to let their wicked plot cause his downfall. They used their evil lies and deadly tongues to destroy and defame him. They have attempted to ambush him in the dark without fear of the consequences they might face from God. They coaxed and encouraged one another to attack him. They thought they had a perfect plan, and no one would know what they were doing, but they did not know that God knows and sees their actions and thoughts.

Men are schemers. In their unregenerated hearts and minds, they do not know God or fear Him. There are those like Saul who know God but do not fear Him. They continue to scheme and act unrighteously to harm and hurt others.

We can be like David and appeal to God to shoot our enemies down with His arrows. And God will hear our prayers as He heard David’s prayers. He will strike them down, as He will come swiftly to our rescue. His swiftness can be so sudden that they may not be ready or aware of it. God will use what they said against them and bring them to their ruin.

Thus, when people see what God has done to them, they will shake their heads and say they deserve it. They would fear God and testify about what He has done to David’s enemies just as they do him. But the righteous will rejoice in the Lord and seek refuge in Him. They will glorify the God of David.

It is better to be on the right side than the wrong side. The right side is God’s side. We are to trust in God and obey Him instead of conspiring with the wicked to do evil against others. If we are being “attacked” by the unjust and wicked ones, call on God and appeal to Him to protect us. But we must not join them to bully or harm others. This is what the psalmist encouraged us to do. Let us trust in God and seek Him in prayers for help.

Prayer:

Dear God, I can find safety amidst my troubles and against evil. I do not have to take things into my own hands or resort to doing what the wicked do to me. Thus, instead of seeking to use my resources to protect and save myself, I seek you to protect and deliver me from my enemies. Hear my prayers, Lord, as you have heard and answered the psalmist's prayer. I thank You for hearing my prayers.