Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

While David’s enemies waited for him to die of disease and his friends betrayed him, David trusted the Lord to mercifully sustain and restore him.

What does it mean?

To understand this psalm, it’s imperative to put it into context. The “one” and “close friend” David speaks of in this passage are his son Absalom and Ahithophel (who sided against David after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah). Ahithophel was Bathsheba’s grandfather, but Absalom’s hatred for his father was more complicated. David had not punished his son Amnon for brutally attacking Absalom’s sister. When Absalom killed Amnon, David was estranged from him for years, leaving Absalom bitter and vengeful. David felt the harsh reality of Nathan’s prophecy that the sword would never leave his house. He must have thought he had no moral ground upon which to rule justly because of his own similar offenses. Although David had right standing with God after his repentance, the consequences of his sin followed him and tore his family apart.

How should I respond?

The Lord’s forgiveness is assured when we genuinely repent, but the severity of the consequences can be far-reaching. If you’re enduring the realities of your own actions, seek God’s forgiveness and reach out to those you’ve hurt. Consider the underlying warning in this chapter – the temptation that entices you today may cost you dearly in the future. Will you choose to repent before a sinful thought becomes a sinful action?