Master's Prayer Network

A — Some Background for This Psalm

While fleeing from Saul, David stopped at Nob to seek food and a weapon, and when Ahimelech the priest saw that he was alone, he was frightened by the situation. David fabricated the story that he had others with him, and that he had left on such urgent secret business for the king that he had carried no weapon. Doeg saw David with the priest, and when David left Nob he went briefly to Gath. (from 1 Samuel 21:1–15)

David left Gath and went to the cave of Adullam where his brothers and other men came to him, and their number grew to 400. Saul was in Gibeah when he heard that David and his men had been discovered, and he began to rant that no one would help him against David. Then Saul’s chief shepherd Doeg the Edomite spoke up that he had seen David at Nob. When Ahimelech replied that David was the most faithful of all the king’s servants, Saul ordered the priests killed. When Saul’s guards were unwilling to kill the company of the priests, Doeg readily performed the deed and even wiped out all others living at Nob. The only one to escape was Abiathar and he fled to David. David said he had known that day that Doeg would surely tell Saul, and he therefore was responsible for the death of all the priests. David told Abiathar to stay with him where he would be safe. (from 1 Samuel 22:1–23)

B — Inscription and Opening Verse

Comments: David knew that Doeg the Edomite had seen him with Ahimelech the priest at Nob. He did not know all of the heinous details about Doeg until Abiathar came to him. Doeg, the chief servant of King Saul, had been very quick to impugn the priest who had helped David in innocence, for he desired his own benefit in the eyes of his master above the welfare of the priests. Despite this opening about boastful ways in those who considered themselves to be mighty, David added to these thoughts that God’s loving kindness endures in an unbroken manner. There had been a terrible injustice resulting in the murder of many, but David knew that the LORD had a loving kindness that the godless cannot understand because they consider only the present life.

C — The Deceitful Tongue Plots Destruction

Comments: Doeg had the opportunity to support what Ahimelech said in defence before King Saul, but his only desire was to get the most benefit for himself even if others would die because of his report. With this record of one who loved evil more than good, we should take pause to consider all that is in this as we come to the first “selah” in this Psalm. Then it is good to remember that those who are dedicated to only evil will be destroyed forever by God. He will take them away and they will not have a part in the land of the living. Thus we come to the second “selah” as we need to reflect on the ultimate end for those who do not know the LORD.

D — The Righteous Will Witness the Judgment

Comments: David reminds us that as believers in the true and living God we need to see that the end of those who trust only in their own strength, power, and wealth will have no reward at the end of their life. It may be hard when we see them in the time of their strength while we are having difficulties. But, as did David, we need to remember that we are firmly planted and flourishing in the house of God. Because the Lord’s lovingkindness is trustworthy forever, we can give thanks to the LORD for what he has done for us. It is also good to share the hope in the name of the Lord while we are with other saints. 1 Timothy 3:15 “that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”