In all of these psalms, David grapples with the wicked and their judgment; and of trusting God while waiting for that judgment to come.
As we think about the evil in our world today, let’s let these scriptures inform our attitude about it and help us form a proper response to it.
PSALM 58
I could rephrase verses 1 and 2 as “actions speak louder than words.” The first trait we consider are those who speak of righteousness and justice, but don’t actually do them. Instead, they hide behind their elevated words while secretly plotting violence and injustice.
😏 Heh. Sounds like a typical politician.
Ok. I can’t argue with you there, but we’re not going to drag this blog down into politics.
😒 Awww shucks. Ok. Continue.
David then considers how the wicked got to be this way and he concludes that it started very early – even in infancy. Most life-altering patterns are set during infancy. It’s a prime opportunity for the kingdom of darkness to create vulnerabilities like fear and insecurity. This is good reminder to pray over the children in your life. If you volunteer in the church nursery, pray over those babies. You may never know what powerful difference it will make in their lives.
The next section is a list of curses (or, negative judgements if the word curses makes you uncomfortable). I find the one about dissolving like slug-slime the most interesting. What exactly was David hoping would happen to his enemies, I wonder? 🤔
The ending isn’t for the faint of heart. The righteous man is bathing his feet in the blood of the wicked while mankind rejoices in God’s judgment. It makes me think of the Wizard of Oz and “Ding dong the witch is dead, Ding dong the Wicked Witch is deeeeaaaaaad!”
PSALM 61
In this psalm, Yahweh is the Rock of safety where David finds refuge from the enemy.
There is a focus on promises – God’s promises to David that his throne will endure forever; and David’s promises to God (his “vows”) which are not spelled out but seem to involve David’s loyal worship to Yahweh.
When facing a wicked world, the promises of God – chiefly, to redeem and renew – are like great pillars that stand fast and keep our minds anchored in a place of hope and peace. And the commitment we have made to the LORD likewise holds us steady when faced with choices and temptations.
PSALM 62
There is a definite refrain that repeats in this psalm:
“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2 ESV
In the “verses” of this song we have people going up and down in contrast to the “chorus” where David says he will not be “shaken” or “moved.” There is a subtle nod, I think, to this:
In the first “verse” (4-5) we have the wicked ganging up on a man to push him down from his high position with lies.
In the 2nd “verse” (10-11) we have people with no “weight” going up on the scale. Even common folks and important people together – and all their money! – are still lighter than a puff of air.
Who has the power to keep things from being moved and shaken? The LORD.
PSALM 64
In this final reflection on the wicked and their judgment, there is a battle of words. It’s an archery battle, with words described as arrows shooting back and forth. 🏹
David prays for a place to hide from the plots and schemes of the wicked. They are out to get him – with words.
When I was little, a common refrain on the playground when kids said mean things to each other was,
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.”
That’s only partly true. Words CAN and DO harm if we let them. And when we are children (and sometimes even when we’re not), we don’t know better. We don’t know that the unkind things said to us or about us aren’t true. If we believe an unkind thing, it can hurt us far more than a stick or stone. Physical cuts and bruises heal in a few days. Unkind words, lies, gossip, insults, bullying, manipulation – those words can leave wounds that last for decades; even a lifetime if they aren’t healed by the Loving Word of Christ.
And by “word” I don’t mean only things like being called a name or whatever. I mean whole concepts – like a “word” that says,
- If you mess up even once, you’re a failure.
- You aren’t worthy of love.
- You are not enough. Or too much.
- People will always let you down.
- No one likes you.
- You’ll never succeed.
These “words” can and must be overcome by THE Word. Let’s not agree with lies. That’s basically like being a target for the enemy’s arrows. 🎯 Ask the Lord – like David – to give you a hideout; a secure place in Him where you can recover. In His hideout we can be safe while we come out of agreement with lying words. It’s basically like the Lord comes and pulls those arrows out of your soul and heals you so you can walk in wholeness and truth.
In His time, the LORD will pull out His bow and arrow and shoot at the wicked. And when He does, it’ll be all over for them. But interestingly, it’s their own words that He will use against them.
“They are brought to ruin, with their own tongues turned against them; all who see them will wag their heads.”
Psalm 64:8 ESV
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37 ESV
Words are powerful things. Handle with care.
“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”
Proverbs 26:18-19 ESV
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can be like flaming arrows that kill.
To The Reader 