This psalm appears to have originally been published as the first half and Psalm 10 as the second half. Together the two form a Hebrew acrostic, each verse beginning with one of the 22 Hebrew letters in alphabetic order. At some point, someone decided that it was two different songs. This part addresses external enemies, while Psalm 10 concerns domestic ones. Still, most Bibles in English have them separated.
As usual, David skillfully keeps things on topic and follows a strong logical thread of development. He begins by announcing that he cannot avoid worshiping his Lord. Were he not already required to do so by custom and specific command, David could hardly remain silent for his own enthusiasm. How could you keep something like this to yourself?
Noting that God is the ultimate supreme authority in the universe, David remarks how God never fails to defend him. Never mind what David might do; God takes it personally when folks oppose His anointed king. It was more than mere personal favor, but God revealing His divine justice. We already know David was humble before Jehovah, so it’s not a question of arrogance toward the morally defiled Gentile kingdoms around him. David wanted nothing more than what God promised, so any force opposing those promises was already on the wrong side of things. David didn’t set out the harm anyone, but stoutly defended what God had granted Israel.
So if they refused to bow before God, David had no choice but to fight. He would fight until they surrendered or there was no one left to fight. His victories would not be possible without God’s backing. Whatever God does is justice by definition. It stands to reason that those who turn to Him in trust would outlast all opposition in this world. Let them be careful to give God proper credit in full view of those nations. Let them further declare God’s generous offer that they, too, can get in on this covenant.
David rejoices with those who have turned to God in full faith and commitment. His promises never fail. David quotes their cry for mercy, and notes that it rightly includes the commitment to keep on giving God glory for their safety. That witness starts in the Gates of Jerusalem, but would naturally spread throughout the human race.
Sadly,there will always be those who reject that message. They’ll dream up various ways to resist, but will perish from their own devices. What they threaten will fall back on them. In their arrogance, they’ll be forgotten, buried in the dust of history. While they may persist long enough to make life miserable for the righteous, God graciously notices their sorrow and wisely arranges for oppression to end when the time is right.
David ends by cheering God on, thoroughly enjoying the chance to watch God’s wrath and glory manifest in human affairs.
