The header references a tune David called “Lily of Testimony” and events narrated in 2 Samuel 8. We catch only some vague hint that David’s source of trouble is likely something to do with Edom. We might reasonably guess that Israel’s cousins southeast of the Dead Sea pulled off some sort of coup that should not have been possible, harming Israel is some way. Many scholars speculate that Edom attacked from the south when David and his army were occupied battling the Syrians up north. This would be typical of Edom’s spiteful actions until they were finally absorbed.
Whatever David’s mistakes, we see nothing to indicate that he ever disputed the justice of God’s wrath. Rather, he begins by crying out to God in proper protocol, confessing that the burden is on him to make amends on behalf of the nation. His words draw a picture of Israel in shock, bearing a sense that the world itself is irritated by their violation of God’s character.
But God made preparations for this. He made sure that His people always knew where to turn for help. David personally found Jehovah the mightiest of protections from those who rejected the divine revelation. David and his people have nowhere else to go.
David makes note that God had often indicated He was the ultimate sovereign in all things. Perhaps it is hard for us to imagine, but God announces that He could hop up and dance for joy when it pleased Him. The small and very ancient city of Shechem nestled between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim could be handed to anyone or any number of heirs God chose. It was important as one of the few east-west passes through the central hill country, and was occupied when Abraham first arrived. Somehow it became one of the only cities in Canaan hosting a remnant of Abraham’s descendants when Israel migrated to Egypt. Succoth (“tents”) probably refers to the spot in the Jordan Valley were Jacob pitched shelters for his cattle against the sweltering heat. It became the town that Gideon had to discipline with thorns for hindering his pursuit of the Midianites during the Period of Judges. Both cities represent images of God turning things on their heads when it suited Him.
Then God mentions the three largest tribal homes in Israel — Ephraim, Manasseh (western half) and Gilead (Manasseh east) — politically aligned and powerful. They were often a source of some trouble in national affairs. They would later lead the Northern Tribes away from the reign of David’s grandson. Meanwhile, God said He could turn them into a useful battle helmet (major military asset) when it suited Him. God had appointed Judah the royal tribe, in part because his elder brothers had so completely sinned as to lose their status in turns. Meanwhile, whatever Moab might have been, God could use it as his foot bath, while Edom would be the rug where He tossed His sandals. Grammar suggests He includes Philistia in this offhand dismissal. Having troubled Israel at least as much as any other, despite having been there for such a short time, God would allow Israel to celebrate their descent into insignificance.
Knowing all this, David has to ask: “Who will lead us to defeat Edom now?” David notes God didn’t support them the last time they had trouble there. Without that, no amount of human support is enough. Whatever it takes to regain His favor, David is eager to get on with it so they can put a lid on this boiling kettle of trouble. He wants the make Israel the source of God’s glory, not divine embarrassment. Otherwise, there is no hope for the nation’s survival.
