Hello, my friend.
We are in the middle of a whole series of Psalms which reflect David’s peril and anxiety, surrounded by circumstances all of which seem hopeless. And our Psalm 58 for today is one of the most difficult to discover any real blessing. But, as we read through these imprecatory Psalms, we are reminded of 2 Timothy 3:16, which reminds us that all Scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for teaching. So let’s jump in and dig. There’s treasure here!
David immediately touches on a sensitive question. Do I speak justly? Do I judge uprightly among people? Do I devise dishonesty in my dealing with others, with the government, with my employers? David speaks with indignation against rulers who are dishonest, who lie while in high office, who are deceitful, as they twist the truth to their own benefit. I was amazed to read just today that Clinton, in one deposition for the Paula Jones case, expressed memory-failure 267 times, saying I don’t remember 71 times, I don’t know 62 times, I’m not sure, I have no idea, I don’t recall, I’m not positive, etc. It is this kind of furtive dishonesty that caused David to recoil with horror. And one is startled by the level of judgment that David wanted God to strike these lying leaders with. He doesn’t check his emotions here. He pronounces his verdict on these unjust leaders, using bold, vivid imagery.
Have you ever felt this level of indignation, of anger, of condemnation? Fortunately the New Testament gives us an entirely different perspective. We are to leave the judgment with God. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” Hebrews 10:30. And even in his wild imagery, David concludes by saying, “Surely the righteous are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” This is the final tribunal. Galatians 6:7 is a strong answer: “Don’t be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit from the spirit will reap abundant life. Let’s not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up”. What a challenge; what an encouragement. It’s always too soon to quit, whatever the difficulties.
“Thank you, Lord, for this strong reminder that we can trust all our anguish, our disappointments, even all our bitterness into your hands, knowing that you are a God of justice, wisdom and mercy, and you will work things out. Thank you for each one in whatever special need. You are Lord!”
Thank you, partner. I’m thankful for your fellowship. Cheerio!
These meditations on the Psalms were written by Village Schools of the Bible Founder, Monty Sholund and first published in book form as Monty’s Musings on the Psalms in 2000.
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