Should you take the time to actually absorb the imagery here, it’s hard to imagine you would not be moved to tears at some of it. It’s quoted in the other parts of the Bible, verbally and in thought. David suffers nothing of self-righteous anger, but a deep sorrow of someone who knows beyond all doubt his fallen nature is part of the problem. Could his penitence answer the burden of his soul, he stands ready for that. However, this is clearly the injustice of suffering for the sins of others. Even through the lyrical hyperbole of Hebrew poetry, we see the truth of genuine sorrow.
How often does a man in Palestine experience the need to swim? Even if he could, his feet are stuck in a mucky bottom. What a horrible waste of precious water! His very eyes gush forth with tears, adding to the flood. Meanwhile, with all this water around, his throat is dry and painful from the depth of emotion. His vision fades to black while he waits for God to answer his cry.
How does it feel to have more enemies than you can count? Where are his allies? These aren’t just angry old grandmothers, but real enemies capable of taking his life and his kingdom, too. He knows for certain he did nothing to provoke them, yet they are intent on torturing him.
No innocent little lamb is David before his God. This is not a question of whether David has standing to demand justice; God knows his fallen nature better than David does. This is a question of God’s revelation through His people. Everyone must come to God seeking mercy just to call on Him, and David as king wants to be first in line for that so God will be more inclined to hear their cry. Nothing God puts on him is too much to ask; David is a shameless servant of God. Let his family, his tribe, his nation and all his friends reject him if they think he serves God too lustily. However much infamy attaches to God’s reputation among men, let David have his share. The most outrageous penitent acts are too little a price to pay for God’s favor.
This is no one special, just the king God raised up over this nation. David pleads for the opportunity to finish the job, and not fall into the hands of those who hate David and his God. Let God save him only because it is natural for God to do so. The national worship literature affirms that God’s mercy endures beyond the lifespan of the universe, so let Him demonstrate that truth in this situation. God is not blind; He knows what’s going on in David’s life. There’s no need to present a list of their transgressions — as if David could be so bold as to judge on that level. Whatever it is, David knows it’s more than he can handle.
Instead, David speaks of them in contrast to the character of God. Let them know the wrath of God for rejecting His justice! David would rather have God’s justice any day, so bring it on and let him be cleansed from sins those others refuse to confess. David simply wants to see enough daylight to lift up the name of God. All of revelation says this is more precious to God than whole burnt offerings. Think of all the people who would see His glory! Let them see how embracing His Lordship brings sweet blessings or moral truth and praise Him, as well.
Indeed, let all of Creation join in this joyous occasion. This is not really about David, but about God’s witness on this earth. Restore the cities of Your chosen people in their Promised Land. Leave an inheritance on this earth of Your great glory in how You provide for those who serve You.
