Of David. A lament or imprecatory psalm. A plea for deliverance from his enemies.
There are 3 cycles of prayer followed by praise (vv.1-10, 11-18, 19-28).
v.1 Opening cry to God
v.1-3 Petition for deliverance from his opponents.
v.4-8 More petitions for help.
“May those who seek my life be embarrassed and humiliated!” (v.4a, NET)
“For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life” (v.7) — We must be on guard against the traps set by the devil.
v.9-10 Psalmist rejoices in the salvation of the Lord.
v.10 First climax. The Lord delivers me.
v.11-12 His opponents rise up against him.
v.13-14 David says he grieved for his adversaries when they were sick.
David’s intercessory prayer for illness:
- put on sackcloth
- fasting
- prayed with head bowed
- grieved as for a brother
- bowed down in mourning
v.15-16 But they rejoice when he stumbles.
v.17 Psalmist petitions the Lord to rescue him.
“How long, O Lord, will you look on?”
v.18 Second climax. Praise to God.
v.19-21 My foes open their mouths against me, do not let them rejoice over me.
v.22-25 The psalmist petitions for vindication.
v.26 Put my enemies to shame.
v.27 Let those on my side shout for joy.
v.28 Third climax. Concluding praise to God.
The psalmist ends his prayer with praise (as all prayers should end).
As Christians, we should turn our grievances over to the Lord.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom 12:19, see Deut 32:35)