Failure to Believe

36 Then the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there to any place whatever. 37 For on the day you go out and cross the brook Kidron, know for certain that you shall die. Your blood shall be on your own head.” 38 And Shimei said to the king, “What you say is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.

39 But it happened at the end of three years that two of Shimei’s servants ran away to Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And when it was told Shimei, “Behold, your servants are in Gath,” 40 Shimei arose and saddled a donkey and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants. Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 41 And when Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and returned, 42 the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the LORD and solemnly warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and go to any place whatever, you shall die’? And you said to me, ‘What you say is good; I will obey.’ 43 Why then have you not kept your oath to the LORD and the commandment with which I commanded you?” 44 The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your own heart all the harm that you did to David my father. So the LORD will bring back your harm on your own head. 45 But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the LORD forever.” 46 Then the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him down, and he died.

So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. – 1 Kings 2:36-46 ESV

There was one last piece of unfinished business that Solomon had to attend to. Just before his death, David had charged Solomon with the task of repaying Shimei for the disrespectful way he had treated him as he was evacuating Jerusalem after Absalom’s takeover of the kingdom (2 Samuel 16:5-14). This relative of David’s predecessor, King Saul, had held a grudge against David ever since he had supplanted Saul as the king of Israel. He was overjoyed to see David having to suffer the indignity of sneaking out of the capital city because his own son had stolen his kingdom. Shimei even threw stones at David, hurling insults and curses as he did so.

“Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The LORD is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the LORD has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!” – 2 Samuel 16:7-8 NLT

Shimei wrongly assumed that David's fall was the work of Yahweh. Some of David’s faithful soldiers, who had accompanied him out of the city, offered to strike Shimei down, but David would not allow it. Instead, he told them, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today” (2 Samuel 16:11-12 NLT).

David could empathize with Shimei’s anger and resentment. He understood why Shimei was so upset and had also concluded that God was behind it all. When Shimei called David a murderer, he had struck a very sensitive nerve. David would have immediately recalled his complicity in the death of Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:14-17). Shimei was right; he was a murderer, and perhaps God was still repaying him for his sinful actions against an innocent man. So, David refused to punish Shimei for his actions.

But some time later, when the attempted coup had been thwarted, and Absalom had been killed, David returned to the city of Jerusalem. And one of the first people to greet him upon his arrival was Shimei.

As the king was about to cross the river, Shimei fell down before him. “My lord the king, please forgive me,” he pleaded. “Forget the terrible thing your servant did when you left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. I know how much I sinned. That is why I have come here today, the very first person in all Israel to greet my lord the king.” – 2 Samuel 19:18-20 NLT

With the news of Absalom’s death and David’s return to Jerusalem, Shimei feared for his life. He knew he was a dead man unless he could convince David of his remorse and regret for his previous actions. Feigning sorrow for his emotionally driven display of anger, Shimei begged the king for forgiveness.

Though Shimei deserved punishment, David was unwilling to spoil the joy of the occasion by meting out judgment. He could have had Shimei executed on the spot, but instead, “the king said to Shimei, ‘You shall not die.’ And the king gave him his oath” (2 Samuel 19:23 ESV).

David kept that oath, but on his deathbed, it became clear that he had never really forgiven Shimei for what he had done. He allowed Shimei to live, but he intended to repay his accuser in the end. So, years later, as he neared death, David gave Solomon a not-so-subtle hint about what should be done with Shimei.

“And remember Shimei son of Gera, the man from Bahurim in Benjamin. He cursed me with a terrible curse as I was fleeing to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan River, I swore by the LORD that I would not kill him. But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.” – 1 Kings 2:8-9 NLT

David didn’t tell Solomon what to do. He simply reminded Solomon of what Shimei had done. He fully expected Solomon to defend his honor by having Shimei put to death. But Solomon had other plans. Rather than subjecting Shimei to capital punishment, he had him confined to the city of Jerusalem. Shimei, as a Benjamite, lived within the territory of his tribe. But Solomon ordered that he relocate within the city walls, where his actions could be carefully monitored. Shimei was given strict instructions never to venture outside the walls of the city for any reason, under penalty of death.

“Build a house here in Jerusalem and live there. But don’t step outside the city to go anywhere else. On the day you so much as cross the Kidron Valley, you will surely die; and your blood will be on your own head.” – 1 Kings 2:36-37 NLT

Solomon graciously spared Shimei’s life but placed him under house arrest. This arrangement seemed to work well for Shimei. For three years, he enjoyed a peaceful and prosperous life. But then, the unexpected happened. Two of his servants ran away and, without thinking about it, Shimei saddled a donkey and pursued his missing property. When he had recaptured his runaway servants and returned to Jerusalem, he was surprised to learn that he had been summoned to the king’s palace.

By this time, Shimei must have understood the gravity of his situation. He had violated the oath he had made, and Solomon reminded him of their agreement.

“Didn’t I make you swear by the LORD and warn you not to go anywhere else or you would surely die? And you replied, ‘The sentence is fair; I will do as you say.’ Then why haven’t you kept your oath to the LORD and obeyed my command?” – 1 Kings 2:42-43 NLT

Notice that Solomon describes Shimei’s oath as having been made to the LORD. When he agreed to the stipulations handed down by the king, he had been swearing an oath before Yahweh. Solomon had been acting as God’s appointed leader, and when Shimei agreed to the terms of the contract, he made a binding covenant with God Almighty. Now he had broken that vow and failed to keep his word, and he would have to suffer the consequences. Solomon ensured that Shimei understood the seriousness of his situation.

“You certainly remember all the wicked things you did to my father, David. May the LORD now bring that evil on your own head. But may I, King Solomon, receive the LORD’s blessings, and may one of David’s descendants always sit on this throne in the presence of the LORD.” – 1 Kings 2:44-45 NLT

David had kept his word and allowed Shimei to live. Now, Solomon was going to keep his word and have Shimei executed for the violation of his oath. Shimei’s death would not be because he had left the confines of the city of Jerusalem. The death sentence that hung over his head was due to his unlawful treatment of and rebellion against the LORD’s anointed, King David. He deserved to die because he was a rebel, but Solomon had shown him grace and mercy. The city of Jerusalem had become a city of refuge, a place where he could find release from the condemnation of death he so richly deserved. As long as he remained within the walls of the city, he would be spared. His confinement was not imprisonment, but a form of protection. As long as Shimei remained faithful to reside within the confines of the city, he would be spared the penalty of death. But as soon as he walked outside the gates, he violated his oath and forfeited his right to live.

In so many ways, this narrative foreshadows what Jesus Christ would do for guilty sinners. He would become the place of refuge, the living Jerusalem, where those condemned to death could find mercy, grace, and life. As long as Shimei remained within Jerusalem's protective walls, he would be spared the penalty he deserved. But when he allowed himself to be distracted by the cares of this world and went in pursuit of his runaway servants, Shimei revealed his true heart. He placed a greater value on material things than he did on the gift of life he had been offered by the king.

Jesus would later remind His disciples about the necessity of abiding in Him. He would challenge them to remain faithful, recognizing that their hope of eternal life was found in Him alone.

“Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” – John 15:5-7 NLT

Shimei had failed to remain in Jerusalem, and it cost him his life. He had seen the walls of the city as a prison rather than a source of protection. He had seen his agreement with the king as restrictive rather than redemptive. How often do those who are offered the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ come to see that offer as a burden rather than a blessing? They prefer the “freedom” of sin over the emancipation from death that is offered within the protective walls of God’s gracious love. Like Shimei, they ultimately forfeit their lives. 

In the passage above, Jesus is not teaching the possibility of losing one's salvation. He is calling for faith that stands the test of time. It endures the trials and temptations of this life because it is based on the hope of eternal life. The apostle John described those who give the appearance of abiding faith, but walk away at the first sign of trouble.

These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. – 1 John 2:19 NLT

Jesus used agrarian imagery to describe those who will claim to have faith in Him but eventually turn away. 

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. – Matthew 13:20-21 NLT

The author of Hebrews provides a powerful warning against professing a false faith that fails to stand the test of time and the inevitability of trials. He encourages his audience to seek a faith that endures to the end. 

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. – Hebrews 3:12-14 NLT

It seems that Shimei never really believed that Solomon would put him to death. When his slaves ran away, Shimei never stopped to consider the danger he faced if he left the confines of Jerusalem. His possessions meant more to him than the threat of death. Jesus spoke of those who place a higher priority on this life than the one to come. 

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” – Matthew 16:24-26 NLT

In capturing his runaway slaves, Shimei got what he was looking for, but he also got what he deserved: Death. He failed to take his oath to Yahweh seriously because he never really believed his life was on the line. He regained his slaves but lost his soul; a high price to pay. 

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Off to a Great Start

26 And to Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go to Anathoth, to your estate, for you deserve death. But I will not at this time put you to death, because you carried the ark of the LORD God before David my father, and because you shared in all my father’s affliction.” 27 So Solomon expelled Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, thus fulfilling the word of the LORD that he had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

28 When the news came to Joab—for Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the LORD and caught hold of the horns of the altar. 29 And when it was told King Solomon, “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD, and behold, he is beside the altar,” Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.” 30 So Benaiah came to the tent of the LORD and said to him, “The king commands, ‘Come out.’” But he said, “No, I will die here.” Then Benaiah brought the king word again, saying, “Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me.” 31 The king replied to him, “Do as he has said, strike him down and bury him, and thus take away from me and from my father’s house the guilt for the blood that Joab shed without cause. 32 The LORD will bring back his bloody deeds on his own head, because, without the knowledge of my father David, he attacked and killed with the sword two men more righteous and better than himself, Abner the son of Ner, commander of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, commander of the army of Judah. 33 So shall their blood come back on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever. But for David and for his descendants and for his house and for his throne there shall be peace from the LORD forevermore.” 34 Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and struck him down and put him to death. And he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 35 The king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in place of Joab, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar. – 1 Kings 2:26-35 ESV

After having dealt decisively with his half-brother’s continued deceit by having him put to death, Solomon turned his attention to the accomplices in Adonijah’s failed coup attempt. First, he took care of Abiathar, the priest. But rather than ordering Abiathar’s execution, Solomon decreed that this traitor be removed from his priestly role. The new king was willing to spare Abiathar’s life because he was well aware of his long and faithful service to David. However, he would not allow the guilty to go unpunished, so he humiliated Abiathar by having him stripped of his priestly office. Solomon’s decision had far greater ramifications than he could have known. The author of 1 Kings reveals that Abiathar’s removal from the priesthood fulfilled a prophecy made by God concerning the descendants of Eli, the priest who had served at Shiloh. Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who served alongside their father as priests, but they were “worthless men” who “did not know the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:12 ESV).

These two brothers used their priestly role to fulfill their own selfish desires, and “the sin of these young men was very serious in the LORD’s sight, for they treated the LORD’s offerings with contempt” (1 Samuel 2:17 NLT). They were even guilty of committing sexual sins with “the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle” (1 Samuel 2:22 NLT). Their father, fully aware of their indiscretions, tried to reprimand them, but his words fell on deaf ears. They refused to listen to his warnings or change their wicked ways, so Yahweh stepped in and delivered a sobering statement of judgment against the house of Eli.

“I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. The time is coming when I will put an end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will reach old age.” – 1 Samuel 2:30-31 NLT

In the short term, God took the lives of Hophni and Phinehas. But with Solomon’s removal of Abiathar, another descendant of Eli suffered the humiliating loss of his priestly role. He was allowed to live but would have to bear the constant shame that accompanied his fall from grace.

Having dealt with the prodigal priest, Solomon turned his attention to Joab, the former general over the armies of Israel. This man had been a close friend and ally of David, having served alongside him for many years. But Joab had fallen out of favor with the king because of insubordination. Against the wishes of King David, Joab had taken the lives of two men, Amasa and Abner, both of whom he perceived as threats to his power and prestige. Years later, Joab had chosen to align himself with the king’s son, Adonijah, lending his reputation and military expertise to an attempted takeover of David’s throne. When Joab heard that Adonijah was dead and Abiathar had been stripped of his priesthood, he knew it was just a matter of time before Solomon came looking for him. So, he sought refuge in the tabernacle, just as Adonijah had done.

But Solomon was not about to show mercy to this murderer and traitor. Instead, he commanded that Joab be executed on the spot. In ordering Joab’s death, Solomon was clearing his father’s dynasty of any responsibility for the unwarranted deaths of Amasa and Abner. As long as Joab remained alive and unpunished for his crimes, his guilt would be shared by the house of David. By removing Joab, Solomon hoped to avoid God's condemnation and restore the hope of future blessings on Israel.

“May their blood be on Joab and his descendants forever, and may the Lord grant peace forever to David, his descendants, his dynasty, and his throne.” – 1 Kings 2:23 NLT

Unlike his father, Solomon wasted no time addressing the issues that surrounded him. He had just ascended to the throne, but took decisive action to clean up the mess his father had left behind. Solomon was quick to deal with the guilty, delivering the appropriate punishment and, in doing so, ensuring the spiritual health of his kingdom. He was also faithfully fulfilling his father’s dying wishes, meting out justice, and repaying the guilty for their crimes.

But Solomon didn’t just purge the sin from their midst. He quickly filled the vacancies created by the removals of Joab and Abiathar by promoting “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army” and anointing “Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar” (1 Kings 2:35 ESV). He surrounded himself with faithful men he could trust and began the critical task of establishing the identity that would mark his reign as king.

Years later, Solomon would include the following statement in his collection of proverbs. 

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and discipline. – Proverbs 1:7 NLT

Early in his reign and at a relatively young age, Solomon exhibits an uncharacteristically wise outlook on life. He seems to know the proper steps to take and displays a willingness to do what needs to be done without hesitation. Much later in his life, Solomon would declare his unwavering belief in the benefits of living an obedient and faith-filled life. 

Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT

But at that point in his life, Solomon had failed to fear God and live obediently. Instead of fearing God, he had chosen to worship the false gods of his many wives. He used his great wealth to build shrines and high places to these pagan deities, causing his loyal subjects to turn their backs on Yahweh.

Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father, David, had done.

On the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, he even built a pagan shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods. – 1 Kings 11:6-8 NLT

As a result of Solomon’s disobedience and unfaithfulness, Yahweh vowed to split his kingdom in half.

“Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son. And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom; I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.” – 1 Kings 11:11-13 NLT

What a contrast. Solomon began well but finished poorly. He started his reign with a strong sense of reverence for God and a commitment to doing the right thing. He purged his kingdom of evil and paid back all those who deserved judgment. He wisely dispensed justice and restored integrity and righteousness to the crown and the kingdom. 

However, over time, Solomon's reverence for God would become diluted by his passion for pleasure and possessions. He took his eye off the prize and replaced the fear of God with a fixation on worldly things. He recounts his obsession with material things in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.

I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!

So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. – Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 NLT

At the beginning of his reign, Solomon was off to a great start. He had his priorities in order and displayed a fear of the LORD that would serve him well. But like all God-followers, Solomon ran the risk of allowing his love for the world to replace his love for God. He would do the very thing that the apostle John later warned believers to avoid.  

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. – 1 John 2:15-17 NLT

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Perils of Procrastination

10 Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.

13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” He said, “Peacefully.” 14 Then he said, “I have something to say to you.” She said, “Speak.” 15 He said, “You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel fully expected me to reign. However, the kingdom has turned about and become my brother's, for it was his from the LORD. 16 And now I have one request to make of you; do not refuse me.” She said to him, “Speak.” 17 And he said, “Please ask King Solomon—he will not refuse you—to give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.” 18 Bathsheba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”

19 So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him on behalf of Adonijah. And the king rose to meet her and bowed down to her. Then he sat on his throne and had a seat brought for the king's mother, and she sat on his right. 20 Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother, for I will not refuse you.” 21 She said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother as his wife.” 22 King Solomon answered his mother, “And why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also, for he is my older brother, and on his side are Abiathar the priest and Joab the son of Zeruiah.” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the LORD, saying, “God do so to me and more also if this word does not cost Adonijah his life! 24 Now therefore as the LORD lives, who has established me and placed me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me a house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today.” 25 So King Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down, and he died. – 1 Kings 2:10-25 ESV

Why bother doing something today if you can simply put it off until tomorrow? And why do it at all, if you can leave it for someone else to do? Procrastination can be a powerful temptation, and King David appears to have succumbed to it regularly. Before crowning his son Solomon as successor, David gave him a series of unpleasant tasks to perform after his death. He ordered Solomon to avenge him by putting to death Joab and Shimei, two men who were both guilty of having offended him. But David’s passing of the buck wasn’t because he suffered from the lack of energy that can accompany old age. Procrastination and avoidance had been lifelong struggles for him. He seemed to have a knack for avoiding the unpleasant and delaying the inevitable. When looking back over his life, the examples of his penchant for procrastination are numerous, such as the time when his son, Amnon, raped his half-sister Tamar. David had actually been complicit in the immoral affair because he had sent Tamar to care for Amnon, whom he believed to be sick. To fulfill his lustful obsession with Tamar, Amnon had convinced David that he was ill and needed his sister's care. When David heard what Amnon had done, he was incensed. 

When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry… – 2 Samuel 13:21 ESV

Yes, David was enraged by the news of Tamar's rape, but he did nothing to deal with his son’s actions. For two years, David acted as if nothing had happened, leaving Tamar to live with the shame of her violation while her attacker went unpunished. But eventually, Tamar’s brother Absalom took matters into his own hands and murdered Amnon. When the news of Amnon's death reached David, he “mourned for his son day after day” (2 Samuel 13:37 ESV), but he took no steps to have Absalom arrested for his crime.

Absalom fled Jerusalem and lived as a fugitive for three years, and, the entire time, David did nothing to avenge the death of his son. When Absalom eventually returned, David continued to put off his legal responsibilities as king, refusing to punish Absalom for murder. This lack of moral fortitude was interpreted by Absalom as weakness, causing him to lose all respect for his father. Eventually, he decided that he would make a better king and led a successful takeover of his father’s throne.

Now, as Solomon prepared to begin his own reign as the king of Israel, he found himself with the unpleasant task of cleaning up some of his father’s unfinished business. On top of that, he had his brother Adonijah to deal with. Just as he had done with Amnon and Absalom, David had left Adonijah unpunished for his crime. This ambitious and conniving young man had almost succeeded in stealing the kingship from Solomon, and yet David had taken no steps to mete out justice. By the time David died, Solomon found himself sitting on the throne, but with his former enemy living in the palace as if nothing had ever happened. Adonijah's nearly successful coup attempt had gone completely unpunished. Both David and Solomon had allowed him to live, but Solomon had been wise enough to add one clear condition.

“If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.” – 1 Kings 1:52 NLT

But eventually, Adonijah showed his true colors. He made his way to the palace and approached the queen-mother, Bathsheba, to whom he made what appears to be a simple request. First, he reminded her that, as David's oldest living son, he had been the rightful heir to the throne.

“As you know, the kingdom was rightfully mine; all Israel wanted me to be the next king.” – 1 Kings 2:15 NLT

Adonijah’s desire for the throne had not diminished. But he knew he needed to tread carefully if he wanted to stay alive long enough to make another attempt at stealing the crown from his younger brother. So, he wisely and cleverly admitted to Bathsheba that the failure of his attempted coup had been Yahweh's will.

“But the tables were turned, and the kingdom went to my brother instead; for that is the way the LORD wanted it. So now I have just one favor to ask of you. Please don’t turn me down.” – 1 Kings 2:15-16 NLT

He appealed to Bathsheba for one concession. Having been forced to give up his rightful place on the throne, he asked for one thing in return: That Solomon would give him permission to marry Abishag, the maiden who had cared for David during his final days of life (1 Kings 1:1-4).

“Speak to King Solomon on my behalf, for I know he will do anything you request. Ask him to let me marry Abishag, the girl from Shunem.” – 1 Kings 2:17 NLT

Bathsheba agreed to take this seemingly benign request to her son but the reaction she got from Solomon must have surprised her.

“May God strike me and even kill me if Adonijah has not sealed his fate with this request. The Lord has confirmed me and placed me on the throne of my father, David; he has established my dynasty as he promised. So as surely as the Lord lives, Adonijah will die this very day!” – 1 Kings 2:23-24 NLT

To Bathsheba, this must have come across as a bit of an overreaction on Solomon’s part. After all, Abishag was just a Shunnamite servant girl. What difference did it make if Adonijah married her? But Solomon, evidencing the wisdom for which he would become world-renowned, saw through Adonijah’s seemingly innocuous request.

“Although Abishag had been only David’s nurse, in the eyes of the people she passed as his concubine; and among the Israelites, just as with the ancient Persians (Herod. iii. 68), taking possession of the harem of a deceased king was equivalent to an establishment of the claim to the throne . . .” – C. F. Keil, The Books of the Kings

This same scene was played out when Absalom had entered Jerusalem after having stolen the kingdom from David. One of the first pieces of advice Absalom received was to violate the concubines that had belonged to the former king.

“Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to care for the palace. All Israel will hear that you have made yourself repulsive to your father. Then your followers will be motivated to support you.” – 2 Samuel 1621 NLT

Solomon was not fooled by Adonijah’s ploy. He knew precisely what his conniving brother was attempting to do and dealt with him accordingly. He ordered the immediate execution of Adonijah, eliminating any further possibilities for his brother to usurp his throne.

Unlike his father, Solomon acted decisively. He did not put off until tomorrow what needed to be done today. While he knew his actions might be questioned by others, he did what needed to be done. He refused to allow this cancer to remain in his kingdom, choosing instead to remove the threat before it could do severe damage. In doing so, Solomon displayed a level of decisiveness that his father had lacked. Even at an early age, Solomon revealed a degree of wisdom and discernment that would serve him well for many years to come.

Procrastination and avoidance are constant threats in the lives of every God-follower.  Putting off those things we deem unpleasant and challenging is a persistent temptation for those who claim to be believers in Christ. Obeying God’s Word promptly and faithfully is not always easy; yet, Jesus said to His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, ESV). David knew what to do, but chose not to do it. Instead, he passed the buck to his son, expecting him to clean up the mess he left behind. But Solomon proved to be decisive and deliberate, wisely seeing through his brother's ruse and eliminating the threat before it had time to become a problem. 

Laziness lies at the heart of procrastination, and the Bible has much to say about those who exhibit this dangerous characteristic. 

Work hard and become a leader;
    be lazy and become a slave. – Proverbs 12:24 NLT

Lazy people want much but get little,
    but those who work hard will prosper. – Proverbs 13:4 NLT

A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers,
    but the path of the upright is an open highway. – Proverbs 15:19 NLT

A lazy person is as bad as
    someone who destroys things. – Proverbs 18:9 NLT

The apostle Paul reminds us that all we do in life is to be done as if we were doing it for the Lord, as an act of service and sacrifice to Him.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – Colossians 3:23 NLT

Solomon could have taken his mother's advice and allowed his brother to marry Abishag, but he realized doing so would only delay the inevitable. In his heart, he knew that Adonijah still posed a threat to his throne. While allowing his older brother to live would have been the easier path to take, Solomon did what needed to be done. He refused to put off what needed to be done today until tomorrow. In doing so, he likely disappointed his mother, but he fulfilled God's will and protected his kingdom.  

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Passing the Buck

1 When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’

5 “Moreover, you also know what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, avenging in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist and on the sandals on his feet. 6 Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But deal loyally with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from Absalom your brother. 8 And there is also with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.” – 1 Kings 2:1-9 ESV

The text provides no indication as to how long David lived after Solomon was crowned king. But the book of 1st Chronicles seems to indicate that as long as David remained alive, the two of them served as co-regents.

And again they crowned David’s son Solomon as their new king. They anointed him before the Lord as their leader, and they anointed Zadok as priest. So Solomon took the throne of the Lord in place of his father, David, and he succeeded in everything, and all Israel obeyed him. All the officials, the warriors, and the sons of King David pledged their loyalty to King Solomon. And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.

So David son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. He reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a ripe old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. Then his son Solomon ruled in his place. – 1 Chronicles 29:22-28 NLT

As long as David lived, Solomon acted in more of a ceremonial capacity, sitting on the throne and serving as the titular head of state. Officially, his father remained the true king of Israel, providing Solomon with counsel and maintaining a final say in the kingdom's affairs.

“The exact relationship between David and Solomon during the period of coregency is not made clear. Normally in such coregencies, the father remained in supreme command as long as he lived, with the son more or less carrying out his directives. This probably was true with David and Solomon also, though the fact that David was bedridden during this time suggests such an arrangement may have been more theoretical than actual.” – Leon J. Wood, Israel’s United Monarchy

With David's eventual death, Solomon would assume all the power and authority associated with his title as king. So, when David recognized that his death was near, he called for his son so that he might give him some final words of instructions. This would be his last chance to advise Solomon and to pass on a few last-minute requests regarding some unfinished business within the kingdom.

First, David encouraged his son to “keep the charge of the LORD your God” (1 Kings 2:3 ESV). He wanted Solomon to remember that his role as the king had been assigned to him by God. It was a divine appointment and was to be treated with the requisite awe, reverence, and obedience that such a responsibility deserved. Solomon was not to take his new power and authority lightly or use it in a self-serving manner. The key to his success would be his faithful adherence to the law of Moses. So, David challenged his young son to “Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go” (1 Kings 2:3 NLT).

From his own experience, David knew that faithful adherence to God’s law was a non-negotiable requirement for the man who would rule over God’s people. Solomon would need to be a man who knew and obeyed the laws of Yahweh, setting an example for all those under his care. As the king went, so would the people go. He would need to provide a powerful example of moral, ethical, and spiritual integrity, operating according to all of God’s statutes, commandments, rules, and testimonies.

David knew that Solomon had the hand of God on his life because he had been given an assurance from God that his son would have a long and prosperous reign.

“Furthermore, the LORD declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” – 2 Samuel 7:11-16 NLT

But David was also intimately familiar with all the temptations that came with the throne's power and prestige. Solomon was just a young man, and, if he was not careful, he could find himself intoxicated by all the fame, notoriety, wealth, and power that came with the crown. Kings were worshiped and revered. Kings were feared and fawned over. But David wanted his son to understand that he ruled at the behest of God Almighty. His reign had been made possible by the sovereign God of the universe.

And like any good father, David longed for his son to experience the blessings of God on his life. So, he shared with Solomon a promise that God had given him.

“If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.” – 1 Kings 2:4 NLT

At this point, David’s death-bed discussion with Solomon takes a slightly abrupt and unexpected turn. He suddenly transitions from talking about faithful adherence to God’s law and begins giving Solomon a strange “to-do list” containing a few unfinished items of official business. In a sense, David passed the buck and assigned to his son some rather distasteful duties he had chosen to shirk during his own reign.

First, he ordered Solomon to punish Joab for two murders he had committed. Joab had a track record of disobedience. On two separate occasions, while serving as the military commander over David’s forces, he had acted independently from David’s orders, putting two men to death without the king's orders. The first was Abner (2 Samuel 3), and the second was Amasa (2 Samuel 20). In both instances, Joab deserved to die for his actions. But David had chosen to do nothing. Now, after years had passed and David was preparing to die, he passed off this distasteful responsibility to his son.

And David was not done. He also assigned Solomon the task of paying back a man named Shimei. His story is recorded in 2 Samuel 16. This man made the mistake of cursing David as he fled from Jerusalem after Absalom had taken over his throne.

As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. “The LORD is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the LORD has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!” – 2 Samuel 16:5-8 NLT

When David had been restored to his throne, he chose to do nothing to repay Shimei for his actions. Now, he was expecting Solomon to clean up the mess and mete out justice on his behalf.

But David had different instructions concerning Barzillai, an individual who had chosen to show David mercy by providing him and his companions with food as they fled the city of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 17:27-29).

“Be kind to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead. Make them permanent guests at your table, for they took care of me when I fled from your brother Absalom.” – 1 Kings 2:7 NLT

David was expecting his son to take care of his unfinished business. For whatever reason, he had chosen to allow two of these men to go unpunished for their actions. But, seemingly motivated by revenge, David gave his son strict instructions to pay them back for their crimes. It seems that David wanted to die in peace, knowing that his enemies would be dealt with properly, but he wanted no blood on his hands. He would leave the unpleasant task of executing the guilty to his young son, Solomon. David, the great king of Israel, had shirked his responsibilities and was now expecting someone else to clean up the mess he was leaving behind. He probably knew these men could pose a threat to his son’s kingdom, so he recommended their elimination. But had he done his job, none of these would have been necessary.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Undeserved Grace. Unmerited Favor.

41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished feasting. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “What does this uproar in the city mean?” 42 While he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said, “Come in, for you are a worthy man and bring good news.” 43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, “No, for our lord King David has made Solomon king, 44 and the king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites. And they had him ride on the king’s mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon, and they have gone up from there rejoicing, so that the city is in an uproar. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 Solomon sits on the royal throne. 47 Moreover, the king’s servants came to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than yours, and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 And the king also said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who has granted someone to sit on my throne this day, my own eyes seeing it.’”

49 Then all the guests of Adonijah trembled and rose, and each went his own way. 50 And Adonijah feared Solomon. So he arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then it was told Solomon, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon, for behold, he has laid hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me first that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.” – 1 Kings 1:41-53 ESV

As Solomon was being anointed the next king of Israel, his brother, Adonijah was just a few hundred yards away at En-rogel, a spring on the outskirts of Jerusalem. He was throwing what he believed to be his own pre-coronation party. But just as they were finishing their festivities, the sound of trumpets could be heard emanating from the city of David. This was a signal used to gather the people or to announce news of great significance. It was only a matter of time before the news of the events taking place in Jerusalem made its way to Adonijah and his rebel companions.

Suddenly, the son of Abiathar the priest burst into the room with a stunning and unexpected revelation that was going to take everyone by complete surprise, including Adonijah. But the self-assured and over-confident host of the party welcomed Abiathar with open arms, eager to hear what he had to say.

“Come in,” Adonijah said to him, “you are a good man. You must have good news.” – 1 Kings 1:42 NLT

But what Jonathan had to tell them was anything but good news. In fact, it’s likely that this young man risked interrupting Adonijah’s invitation-only party because his father was one of the guests. Jonathan was fully aware of Adonijah’s plans to usurp David’s throne, and he knew his own father was complicit in the plot. So, he burst into the room, hoping to warn his father about the dramatic turn of events in Jerusalem.

“Our lord King David has just declared Solomon king! The king sent him down to Gihon Spring with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, protected by the king’s bodyguard. They had him ride on the king’s own mule, and Zadok and Nathan have anointed him at Gihon Spring as the new king. They have just returned, and the whole city is celebrating and rejoicing. That’s what all the noise is about.” – 1 Kings 1:43-45 NLT

It doesn’t take much creativity to imagine how these words effected the mood in the room. Jaws dropped in shock. Hearts, once merry and expectant, sank in fear. Wine glasses probably crashed to the floor as the shocked guests took in this devastating news. No one in the room had seen this coming, especially Adonijah. He had not factored this contingency into his planning. So, as Jonathan continued to report the late-breaking news from Jerusalem, a dark and foreboding cloud settled over the room.

“What’s more, Solomon is now sitting on the royal throne as king. And all the royal officials have gone to King David and congratulated him, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s fame even greater than your own, and may Solomon’s reign be even greater than yours!’” – 1 Kings 1:46-47 NLT

Everyone present was shaken to their core. They had each chosen to align themselves with Adonijah, in the vain hope that his coup would succeed and he would reward them handsomely for their commitment to his cause. But now, having heard the news from Jerusalem, they were having second thoughts and experiencing overwhelming regret. They had bet on the wrong team, and risked everything in the hopes of a big return on their investment. But King David had thrown a wrench into their plans by crowning his son Solomon as the next king of Israel. Jonathan revealed the final bit of news that must have hit Adonijah and his guests like a sucker punch to the gut: The king himself had pronounced a blessing on the whole proceedings. Unlike Adonijah, Solomon had not attempted a coup. He had been anointed the king of Israel by royal decree and with the full support of David

“Then the king bowed his head in worship as he lay in his bed, and he said, ‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who today has chosen a successor to sit on my throne while I am still alive to see it.’” – 1 Kings 1:47-48 NLT

This last bit of news brought an abrupt and immediate end to the party. Any joy that remained in the room disappeared along with the guests. They bailed on Adonijah, leaving him completely alone and with no other option than to seek refuge in the Tabernacle. He knew he was a dead man because Solomon, with his newly acquired authority as king, would be quick to execute all those who had played a part in this failed insurrection. So, in an attempt to save his life, Adonijah entered the holy place within the sanctuary in the hopes that he might receive asylum from God Himself. He sought shelter at the altar, grasping its decorative horns and, in essence, offering himself as a sacrifice to God.

The horns of the altar were considered a place where God's presence and authority were manifest. It was on the altar that the sacrifices for atonement were made. As part of Israel's sacrificial system, the blood of the sacrificed animal was smeared on the horns of the altar, representing the atoning power of the sacrifices and the possibility of finding grace. Clinging to the horns of the altar was a way of appealing to God's mercy and forgiveness. Adonijah was attempting to demonstrate his contrition, and hoping his brother would extend mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

News soon reached Solomon that his half-brother had sought refuge in the Tabernacle, where he demanded a pardon.

“Let King Solomon swear today that he will not kill me!” – 1 Kings 1:51 NLT

Amazingly, Solomon agreed to Adonijah’s demand, but with very clear conditions.

“If he proves himself to be loyal, not a hair on his head will be touched. But if he makes trouble, he will die.” – 1 Kings 1:52 NLT

Solomon would have been justified and well within his rights as king to order Adonijah’s death, but he decided to extend mercy instead. He absolved his brother of all guilt and allowed him to return to his home. Despite all that Adonijah had done to deny him his God-ordained right to the throne, Solomon sought restitution rather than revenge. He would inaugurate his reign with an act of unmerited favor, extending mercy and grace to the guilty and justifiably condemned.

Adonijah’s actions provide a sobering reminder of what happens every time a sinner receives forgiveness from God by grasping the grace and mercy offered by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. In a sense, the condemned sinner grasps the blood stained horns of the altar and places himself at the mercy of God. The author of the Book of Hebrews describes the once-for-all-time sacrifice that Jesus made on behalf of sinful men.

He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. – Hebrews 9:11-12 NLT

Adonijah received mercy and grace from his brother, but the repentant sinner receives mercy and grace from God the Father when he appeals through the shed blood of Jesus.

Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. – Hebrews 9:13-14 NLT

Adonijah got what he desired, not what he deserved. Solomon spared his life and gave him his freedom. But Adonijah may have been a free man, but he was not a changed man. It would only be a matter of time before he came up with another scheme to promote himself at the expense of his brother. He would eventually take his pardon lightly and treat his brother's grace and mercy with contempt.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Long Live King Solomon!

28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba to me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king swore, saying, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, 30 as I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the ground and paid homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”

32 King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king. 33 And the king said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 You shall then come up after him, and he shall come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, say so. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”

38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule and brought him to Gihon. 39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise. – 1 Kings 1:28-40 ESV

The news of Adonijah’s treachery had an immediate impact on David. The threat of the nation engaging in a deadly civil war stirred the elderly king into action. David knew from past experience that Adonijah would do everything in his power to rally support for his cause and divide the nation further. His ambitious son had already swayed a large portion of the royal court to join him in his attempted coup. He had also convinced the rest of David’s sons to ally themselves to his cause. Joab, a powerful and influential general in David’s army, put his support behind Adonijah as well. This was a strategic move on Joab’s part because he had lost favor with the king.

Earlier in David's reign, when his son Absalom attempted to usurp his throne, Joab had violated David’s orders by taking Absalom’s life (2 Samuel 18:14). While his action had helped save David’s kingdom, it resulted in his removal as the general of Israel’s army (2 Samuel 19:13). Rather than thank Joab, David demoted him and gave his job to Amasa. By aligning himself with Adonijah, Joab saw his chance to seek revenge against David and to reclaim his former role as the supreme commander of Israel’s forces.

Adonijah had covered all his bases, ensuring that he had the backing of the royal administration, the military, and the religious leadership. He had convinced Abiathar the priest to join his cause, because he understood the powerful influence the priesthood held over the people. With Abiathar on his side, Adonijah could lead the people to believe he had God’s seal of approval.

Understanding the immediacy of the threat, David acted quickly, providing Bathsheba with his assurance that their son, Solomon, would be the next king of Israel. He called in representatives of the priesthood, the prophets, and the military, informing these three men of his intention to make Solomon his co-regent. He gave them instructions to begin the proceedings and set in motion the official commissioning of Solomon as the next king of Israel.

“Take with you the servants of your lord and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet there anoint him king over Israel. Then blow the trumpet and say, ‘Long live King Solomon!’” – 1 Kings 1:33-34 ESV

This would have to be an expedited coronation because Adonijah was already declaring himself to be the true king of Israel. David knew he had no time to waste. Under normal conditions, Solomon would not have taken the throne until after David’s death, but these were drastic times that called for drastic measures. So, David instructed Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to expedite the coronation. After anointing Solomon with holy oil from the Tabernacle, they were to personally escort Solomon to the capital and crown him as king. 

“…he will sit on my throne. He will succeed me as king, for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and Judah.” – 1 Kings 1:35 NLT

Understanding the seriousness of the circumstances, these men did not question David’s commands, but expressed their full support.

“May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, decree that it happen. And may the Lord be with Solomon as he has been with you, my lord the king, and may he make Solomon’s reign even greater than yours!” – 1 Kings 1:36-37 NLT

They followed David’s instructions to the letter, and, in what must have been record time, they crowned their new king. Just imagine the thoughts going through the mind of Solomon, the young son of David, who suddenly found himself seated on his father’s throne, wearing his father’s crown, and trying to take in all that was taking place around him.

There is no indication that Solomon saw any of this coming. He likely knew he was next in line for his father’s throne, but all of this had happened so suddenly. He must have wondered if his father had died, but he was given no time to grieve or question what has happening. Caught up in a whirlwind of unanticipated events, Solomon suddenly found himself thrust into a role for which he was neither prepared nor properly forewarned. As the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” the seriousness and soberness of the situation must have begun to sink in. His young life would never be the same. He had some big sandals to fill. His father David was going to be a hard act to follow. With the hasty coronation of Solomon, the nation of Israel was poised to enter a new phase in its relationship with God.

This hastily enacted coronation established an unexpected scenario where Israel had two kings at the same time. Since David was still alive, he was still considered the king of Israel, but his son Solomon now held the same title.

“The exact relationship between David and Solomon during the period of coregency is not made clear. Normally in such coregencies, the father remained in supreme command as long as he lived, with the son more or less carrying out his directives. This probably was true with David and Solomon also, though the fact that David was bedridden during this time suggests such an arrangement may have been more theoretical than actual.” – Leon J. Wood, Israel’s United Monarchy

Scholars have long debated Solomon's age at the time he was crowned because the biblical text is silent on the matter. Some have speculated that he was as young as 12 to 14 years old, while others place his age at anywhere from 20 to 30 years old. But regardless of his age, Solomon was a young man who found himself suddenly thrust into a difficult situation. He stood opposed by his own brothers and faced an uphill battle trying to win the favor of the people. However, in God's sovereign will, He had arranged for Solomon to have the assistance of his father as he began his reign. David’s willingness to pass the crown to his young son provided ample evidence that he rejected Adonijah’s bid to be the next king of Israel. As Yahweh's hand-picked regent, David had a strong say in who would carry on his dynasty, and he had chosen Solomon. But the days ahead would be difficult as the new king tried to assert his authority and end his brother's attempt to steal the crown.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Plot Thickens

11 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? 12 Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ 14 Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.”

15 So Bathsheba went to the king in his chamber (now the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was attending to the king). 16 Bathsheba bowed and paid homage to the king, and the king said, “What do you desire?” 17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore to your servant by the Lord your God, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 And now, behold, Adonijah is king, although you, my lord the king, do not know it. 19 He has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the commander of the army, but Solomon your servant he has not invited. 20 And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will come to pass, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be counted offenders.”

22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 And they told the king, “Here is Nathan the prophet.” And when he came in before the king, he bowed before the king, with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord the king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne’? 25 For he has gone down this day and has sacrificed oxen, fattened cattle, and sheep in abundance, and has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me, your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he has not invited. 27 Has this thing been brought about by my lord the king and you have not told your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” – 1 Kings 1:11-27 ESV

The spirit of disunity and division that will mark the nation of Israel’s future is already on display. King David, confined to bed because of old age, represents the weakened and dying vestiges of a bygone era. He was the king appointed and anointed by God.

He chose David his servant
    and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
    to shepherd Jacob his people,
    Israel his inheritance.
With upright heart he shepherded them
    and guided them with his skillful hand. – Psalm 78:70-72 ESV

He had ruled well and had followed God faithfully, and God had made a covenant commitment to David that ensured the longevity of his dynasty.

“When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.” – 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 ESV

God had clearly ordained Solomon to be David’s successor. Not long after the death of the son born through David's elicit affair with Bathsheba, God had made a promise to him.

“But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.” – 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 NLT

But there was a problem. Another one of David’s sons coveted the kingship for himself. Adonijah had already implemented his plan for dispossessing Solomon as the rightful heir to the throne. At this point, David was king in name only. His diminished physical state made it nearly impossible for him to reign and rule well. And, for whatever reason, David had not yet officially appointed Solomon as his successor. This unstable environment provided Adonijah with the perfect opportunity to stage his coup and establish himself as the next king of Israel.

But fortunately, David’s old friend and mentor, Nathan, was watching out for him. As soon as this faithful prophet of God became aware of Adonijah’s plot, he took steps to protect the interests of David and to preserve the crown for Solomon. He devised a plan that would require the assistance of Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba. After informing her of Adonijah’s plot, he advised her to take the matter to David, even providing her with the exact words to say. She was to remind David of the commitment he had made to her that Solomon would be the next king of Israel. It is likely that David, in his old age, was suffering from some form of dementia and was oblivious to all that was transpiring in his kingdom. Bathsheba’s job was to help David recall the divine decree concerning Solomon. As she was jogging the king’s memory, Nathan would enter the room and provide David with yet another reminder of God’s covenant concerning Solomon.

Bathsheba did just as Nathan instructed, entering the king’s chamber and informing him of all that was going on in his kingdom.

“My lord, you made a vow before the Lord your God when you said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will surely be the next king and will sit on my throne.’ But instead, Adonijah has made himself king, and my lord the king does not even know about it.” – 1 Kings 1:17-18 NLT

Evidently, David was clueless as to what was taking place right under his nose. Confined to bed and suffering from diminished physical and mental capacities, David was unaware of the threat to his kingdom. But Bathsheba painted a clear and compelling picture of the situation and demanded that David officially declare Solomon to be his successor. His failure to do so would forfeit the kingdom to Adonijah and seal the fate of Bathsheba and their son. When Nathan entered the king’s chamber, he echoed Bathsheba’s words by questioning whether David had changed his mind and decided to anoint Adonijah as his rightful heir to the throne.

Even in his weakened state, David’s mind must have flashed back to the day when another one of his sons had stolen the kingdom from him. Absalom had also devised a plot to usurp the throne and had succeeded, forcing David and his associates to surrender the city of Jerusalem and the throne.

A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!”

“Then we must flee at once, or it will be too late!” David urged his men. “Hurry! If we get out of the city before Absalom arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be spared from disaster.” – 2 Samuel 15:13-14 NLT

Now, years later, David was having to relive that nightmare as he heard the news of yet another son’s attempt to steal the crown. But none of this should have come as a surprise to David. As a result of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, David had been warned by God that his household would become a hotbed of division and conflict.

 “From this time on, your family will live by the sword because you have despised me by taking Uriah’s wife to be your own.

“This is what the Lord says: Because of what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you.” – 2 Samuel 12:10-11 NLT

His sin with Bathsheba had proven to have long-term implications. Even as David faced death, he was reminded that his decision to violate God’s law and satisfy his lustful desires was still impacting his home and his family – years later. Disobedience has consequences. Sin is costly. But in spite of David’s former failure and its impact on the present, God’s will would be done. What God had ordained would take place. Solomon would become the next king of Israel, but the stage was set for the rest of the book of 1st Kings.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

All’s Well That Ends Well – Oh Well

5 Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, “Why have you done thus and so?” He was also a very handsome man, and he was born next after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.

9 Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened cattle by the Serpent’s Stone, which is beside En-rogel, and he invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the mighty men or Solomon his brother. – 1 Kings 1:5-10 ESV

The author of 1st Kings has established that David is old and nearing the end of his life. And, because he is king, his imminent death sets the stage for the selection of his successor to the throne of Israel. Under normal circumstances, the line of succession would fall to the eldest son. But in David's case, things were a bit more complex because of the number of sons who had been born by his many wives. David's home life was less than simple and further muddied by his far-from-ideal parenting style.

His oldest son had been Amnon, but he had been murdered by his half-brother, Absalom, for raping Absalom’s sister, Tamar. When David failed to punish Amnon for his crime, Absalom took matters into his own hands. Daniel was the second son of David, but he likely died early because, other than the record of his birth in 2 Samuel 3:3, he is never mentioned again. That leaves Absalom and Adonijah as the next two in line for the throne. But Absalom was also dead. After launching what appeared to be a successful coup for his father’s throne, Absalom was killed in battle against David's forces (2 Samuel 18). This left Adonijah as next in line for ascension to the throne.

But God had other plans, and had been David clear instructions regarding his heir, and it was not going to be Adonijah. Even before Solomon had been born, God visited David and gave him a message concerning the identity of the son who would continue the Davidic dynasty.

“Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.” – 1 Chronicles 22:9-10 ESV

In a sense, Solomon had been a gift from God after David suffered the loss of the son born through his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). That child had been the byproduct of David’s immoral affair with a married woman. To complicate matters further, when David had discovered that Bathsheba was pregnant, he tried to cover up his indiscretion. When that failed, he ordered Bathsheba’s husband's death and then took his widow to be one of his wives.

Then David comforted Bathsheba, his wife, and slept with her. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and David named him Solomon. The LORD loved the child and sent word through Nathan the prophet that they should name him Jedidiah (which means “beloved of the LORD”), as the LORD had commanded. – 2 Samuel 12:24-25 NLT

And this complicated and confusing background sets the stage for what happens in the opening chapter of 1st Kings. As the next-oldest living son, Adonijah assumed that he was the rightful heir to the throne, and he began to prepare for the transition of power.

Now Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. – 1 Kings 1:5 ESV

It seems that Adonijah had taken notes right out of his older brother Absalom's playbook . This arrogant display of pomp and circumstance was exactly what Absalom had done as part of his successful strategy to usurp David’s throne.

After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him.  – 2 Samuel 15:1

Adonijah believed he was entitled to be the next king of Israel, and it seems that he was used to getting his way. The author reveals that Adonijah had been spoiled by his father.

Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” – 1 Kings 1:6 NLT

It is unclear whether Adonijah knew of God’s plan for Solomon to be David’s successor. But it is readily apparent that Adonijah was determined to do whatever was necessary to be the next king. He began by building a network of important relationships with individuals of power and influence.

Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. – 1 Kings 1:7 NLT

This ambitious young man was building strategic alliances that he hoped would prove helpful in his quest for Israel's throne. But he faced significant opposition. There were those who remained loyal to David and who would see to it that the wishes of the king were fulfilled. It is likely that they were already aware of God’s plan for Solomon to be the next king.

All of this is painfully reminiscent of Absalom's actions when he began his carefully orchestrated coup to supplant his father as king. Adonijah was not willing to wait for David’s death. He was going to take the throne by force if necessary. But to ensure that he had all the support he would need, Adonijah planned a banquet in the nearby city of En-rogel. He had a carefully crafted invitation list that included all of his brothers and half-brothers, except for Solomon. He also extended invitations to all the royal officials of the land of Judah. At this feast, Adonijah made a covenant commitment with his guests, sealing their agreement to assist him in his coup d'état with blood sacrifices. 

This opening chapter of the book lays the foundation for all that is to come. David is dying. He is weak and incapable of caring for himself. God has established a plan for his succession. But the nation is already showing signs of discord and dissension. Sadly, another one of David’s sons is leading an open rebellion against his own father and creating a potentially deadly situation that could end in bloodshed and division. You can almost feel the sense of foreboding coming off the pages as the author sets the stage for all that is to follow.

The Israelite nation is about to enter a new era, one that will be marked by a slow and steady spiral toward unfaithfulness and spiritual infidelity. With the death of the man after God’s own heart, the people of Israel will find themselves suffering under a succession of shepherds whose spiritual integrity will slowly decline, leaving the nation in a progressively weakened state.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Danger of Spiritual Lukewarmness

1 Now King David was old and advanced in years. And although they covered him with clothes, he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young woman be sought for my lord the king, and let her wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended to him, but the king knew her not. – 1 Kings 1:1-4 ESV

It would be easy to assume that the books of 1st and 2nd Kings are nothing more than historical accounts that provide a chronological record of the kings of Israel and Judah. They read like a two-volume ancient history textbook, providing detailed accounts of the reigns of 40 different monarchs who eventually ruled over the people of God. But these two books are far more than just a retelling of past historical events. They were written to tell a story and to provide an explanation for Israel’s sorry state of affairs after their return from exile.

While we don’t know the identity of the author of these two books, we do know to whom they were written. In their original form, they comprised one book that was addressed to the people of Israel who survived captivity in Babylon and were part of the remnant who returned to the land of Judah.

After 70 years of subjugation to the Babylonians, they made their way back to the land that had been their promised inheritance and discovered the city of Jerusalem in an abysmal state of disrepair and the beautiful temple built by King Solomon to be nothing but a pile of rubble. The gates of the city had been destroyed and the once-formidable walls lie in ruins. The former capital of Israel was a virtual ghost town, and while the people would eventually restore the city and rebuild the temple, the nation would never enjoy a return to its glory days.

But how did this happen? What caused the fall of one of the greatest nations on earth? Why did Yahweh seemingly abandon His people and allow them to undergo such devastating destruction at the hands of their enemies?

Those are the kinds of questions that the books of 1st and 2nd Kings attempt to answer. They retell the sad story of Israel’s demise. First Kings begins with the coronation of King Solomon and his dedication of the Temple. Second Kings ends with the capture of King Zedekiah and the destruction of the Temple. And in between, we are given a detailed accounting of Israel’s serial unfaithfulness to God. The author provides his audience with a no-holds-barred retelling of Israel’s fall from the heights of glory to the depths of despair and devastation, and it is not a pretty picture. But it is a memorable one, providing those who read it with a never-to-be-forgotten reminder of what happens to those who forsake the Lord.

But these two books are not all doom and gloom. Yes, they paint a not-so-attractive picture of the people of God, portraying them as unfaithful and fully deserving of God’s judgment. But they also provide undeniable evidence of God’s unwavering faithfulness. After all, those who ended up reading these two books were living on the other side of the exile. They were fortunate to be among those who had been restored to the land of promise because Yahweh had kept His word. He had told them they would go into captivity for 70 years.

“Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Because you have not obeyed my words, behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the Lord, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation. Moreover, I will banish from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the grinding of the millstones and the light of the lamp. This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” – Jeremiah 25:8-11 ESV

But He had also promised that a remnant would be allowed to return.

“For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:10-11 ESV

And He had been faithful to do exactly what He said He would do.

It was George Santayana who wrote in 1905, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Yahweh wanted His people to know and understand every sordid and sorry detail concerning their past relationship with Him. Their current state of affairs had historical precedence. They needed to be reminded that, as the people of God, their sin would always have consequences. Yahweh cannot allow unfaithfulness to go unpunished. Disobedience will always bring about divine discipline. And these two books were not intended to be a simple retelling of ancient history, but they were designed to prevent its repetition. Even today, there is much we modern westerners can learn from the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. They contain timeless lessons that bear repeating and offer the unflattering portraits of men whose examples we should avoid.

The very first portrait we are given is of the aging king, David. We are told he was “old and advanced in years” (1 Kings 1:1 ESV). The once-powerful king of Israel is shown to be a shadow of his former self. The warrior-king who helped establish Israel as one of the greatest nations on earth has been relegated from the battlefield to the bedroom. Rather than fighting the enemies of Israel, he is waging a hopeless battle with the effects of old-age and senility. The one of whom they used to sing: “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7 ESV), is now portrayed as a feeble old man, covered in blankets and fighting to stay warm.

His body is suffering the ravages of time, and David is unable to produce enough body heat to keep himself warm. In his old age, the slayer of Goliath finds himself so weak that he has to rely on the body heat of a young slave girl to keep him alive. In his prime, David suffered from an inordinate attraction to beautiful women that often got him into trouble. Because David is still the king, his advisors seek out the most beautiful woman they can find. But at this point in his life, the only pleasure David can derive from Abishag the Shunammite is the warmth her body can produce.

The author makes it clear that David received no sexual pleasure from this arrangement. It was totally utilitarian in nature.

The girl was very beautiful, and she looked after the king and took care of him. But the king had no sexual relations with her. – 1 Kings 1:4 NLT

As the book opens up, we are given a less-than-flattering glimpse of King David, confined to bed and constricted to mere survival. The great king of Israel is portrayed with diminished capacities and at the end of his life. His amazing rise to power and the record of his many accomplishments are found in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel. But David’s glory days are behind him. His reign is coming to an end, and his fast-approaching death will usher in an important transitional period for the nation of Israel. The stability the nation enjoyed under his leadership was going to be put to the test. The peoples’ dedication and commitment to God will be exposed for what it really is: Lacking.

In some ways, the description of David’s physical condition provides a subtle portrayal of the spiritual condition of the nation. Over time, they have grown spiritually cold and incapable of rekindling the fire they once had for God. It won’t be long until they find themselves sharing their beds with the “young women” of the pagan nations in an attempt to “heat up” their languishing spiritual lives.

David had been a good king. According to Yahweh’s own estimation, he was a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). But even his godly leadership failed to produce faithfulness among the people of Israel. As will become evident, his influence over his own children proved to be lacking. Even before he breathes his final breath, David will find his kingdom under siege by his own family. From the king’s palace to the peasant’s hut, the unfaithfulness of Israel will soon be on full display.

These opening verses of 1st Kings paint David in a less-than-favorable light. He is old and in some ways, helpless. But his physical incapacity and inability to keep himself warm, mirrors the spiritual lukewarmness of the people of Israel. In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John quotes Jesus speaking a word of condemnation against the church of Laodicea.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” – Revelation 3:15-17 NLT

Israel was guilty of the same thing and Yahweh would deal with them according to the tepidness of their spiritual fervor and unfaithfulness.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Praise God for Who He is, Not Just For What He's Done

1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 150:1-6 ESV

After 150 entries, the psalter comes to a close and a crescendo with this relatively short but emphatic psalm that contains 13 calls to praise Yahweh for His transcendence, mighty deeds, and excellent greatness. This psalm contains a simple message delivered in a rapid-fire form that leaves no question as to the author’s feelings about his God. 

He views Yahweh through awe-inspired eyes and doesn’t even bother to provide specific reasons for his relentless calls for unbridled praise. For him, Yahweh's praiseworthiness required no explanation or basis of proof. He felt no compulsion to defend Yahweh's honor or elaborate on His praiseworthy attributes or actions. What other being occupied the holy sanctuary located in the heavenly realm? While the psalmist had never seen Yahweh's throneroom, he had read descriptions of its glory and majestic splendor from the pages of Scripture.

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the LORD. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other,

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
    The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. – Isaiah 6:1-4 NLT

The prophet Isaiah was so shaken by this vision of Yahweh in His heavenly throneroom that he responded, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (Isaiah 6:5 NLT). 

The prophet Ezekiel was also given a similar, virtually indescribable glimpse of Yahweh in all His glory.

On July 31 of my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar River in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.… – Ezekiel 1:1 NLT

He saw a great storm that glowed with fire and emanated flashes of lightning. This spectacular display of divine power was accompanied by the appearance of “four living beings that looked human, except that each had four faces and four wings” (Ezekiel 1:5-6 NLT). These strange-looking creatures “looked like bright coals of fire or brilliant torches, and lightning seemed to flash back and forth among them. And the living beings darted to and fro like flashes of lightning” (Ezekiel 1:13-14 NLT). 

As they flew, their wings sounded to me like waves crashing against the shore or like the voice of the Almighty or like the shouting of a mighty army. When they stopped, they let down their wings.  As they stood with wings lowered, a voice spoke from beyond the crystal surface above them. – Ezekiel 1:24-25 NLT

This incredible scene must have left Ezekiel in a state of awestruck wonder. He had difficulty putting into words what he saw, and his description takes on a surreal and distinctively ethereal tone. It seems far-fetched and out of this world. But Ezekiel wasn’t fabricating this scene; it was a divinely inspired vision of Yahweh in His heavenly sanctuary. In his limited human vocabulary, Ezekiel described seeing a surface that glittered like crystal. 

Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor. All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me. – Ezekiel 1:26-28 NLT

Daniel also provided his own first-person description of Yahweh in all His heavenly glory.

I watched as thrones were put in place
    and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
    his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
    with wheels of blazing fire,
and a river of fire was pouring out,
    flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him;
    many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session,
    and the books were opened. – Daniel 7:9-10 NLT

These incredible depictions of Yahweh are the desperate attempts of mortal men trying to use human language to describe the inconceivable and inexpressible. The apostle John had a similar experience when he was given his own vision into the heavenly realm. In his case, he was privileged to see his resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. – Revelation 1:12-17 NLT

John had no difficulty recognizing his former Rabbi, teacher, and friend, but he saw him in a whole new light and from a dramatically different perspective. His vision of Jesus left him awestruck and speechless.

In chapter four of the Book of Revelation, John records another vision he received, this one of the throneroom of God.

I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow.…From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. – Revelation 4:2-3, 5 NLT

In front of the throne, John saw the same “living creatures” that Ezekiel described. But John adds an important detail.

Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” – Revelation 4:8 NLT

Accompanying these praise-singing creatures were 24 elders who fell down before the throne and worshiped, saying, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased” (Revelation 4:11 NLT).

The psalmist begins his song by properly locating Yahweh in His heavenly realm. Yahweh is “in his sanctuary…in his mighty heavens” (Psalm 150:1 ESV). The psalmist's depiction was not meant to make Yahweh unapproachable or distant, but to remind his audience of Yahweh's transcendence, holiness, and distinctiveness. The “otherness” of God should never be taken lightly.  He is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. That is why the 24 elders took off their crowns and laid them before the throne of God. That is why the four living creatures declare God’s glory “day after day and night after night” (Revelation 4:8 NLT). 

They say familiarity breeds contempt. But over-familiarity with God can produce a far worse outcome. In humanity's desperate attempt to make God approachable and knowable, He becomes less God than a slightly improved version of man. We tend to reduce the Almighty’s glory so we can feel more comfortable in His presence. But John fell at Christ's feet as if dead. When Ezekiel saw the glory of God, he fell to his face in fear. Isaiah put words to his encounter with the Almighty.

“It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” – Isaiah 6:5 NLT

The psalmist's call for praise was predicated on an awareness of Yahweh's splendor, majesty, glory, transcendence, and holiness. Proper praise begins with a proper perspective. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote, “praise his unequaled greatness” (Psalm 150:2 NLT). When the psalmist speaks of Yahweh's mighty deeds, he provides no specifics. He doesn't bother to give examples because all that Yahweh does is mighty and beyond compare. 

What the psalmist calls for is unapologetic, full-throated, heartfelt, and boisterous praise that knows no bounds because Yahweh has no equal and deserves the praises of His people. It was David who said of Yahweh, “You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 21:3 NLT). The Hebrew word translated as “enthroned” is yāšaḇ, which means “to dwell, inhabit, sit or abide.” In a sense, God inhabits the praises of His people. In other words, when people offer sincere and heartfelt praise to God, He manifests His presence among them. The transcendent God becomes immanent. He draws near. 

That is the message of this psalm. The unidentified author calls his audience to sing Yahweh's praises so that they might better experience His abiding presence. They were to use every means at their disposal to enhance their praise, including lyres, harps, tambourines, strings, flutes, cymbals, and even dancing. They were to hold nothing back in their impassioned praise of Yahweh's glory and greatness. This psalm portrays equal measures of intentionality and intensity. Thirteen times, the psalmist calls for praise, but he goes out of his way to ensure that the praise comes from the heart and is based on an awareness of God's unquestionable worthiness.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD! – Psalm 150:6 NLT

Father, what better way to end the psalter than with a call to praise You. Too often, I reserve my praise of You for those times when I think You have done something praiseworthy. In other words, I wait until I have something to praise You for. But You are praiseworthy all the time because of who You are, not just for what You do. The psalmist provides no examples of praiseworthy acts on Your part. He doesn't mention Your creation of the heavens and earth. He doesn't point out Your past acts of deliverance. He simply states, “Praise the LORD!” That is how I want to live my life. I desire to praise You, not for what You've done but for who You are. When I praise You for Your character, I am focusing on what really matters. When I praise You for the good things You have done for me, I tend to focus on the gift rather than the Giver. Show me how to praise You properly and, like the four living creatures, regularly. Because You are worthy. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A Song of Victory

1 Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
    his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory;
    let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats
    and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains
    and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written!
    This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 149:1-9 ESV

The unidentified author of this psalm begins with the same opening phrase found in the three previous psalms: “Praise the LORD!” This fourth in a series of five Hallel (praise) psalms continues the theme of well-deserved adoration for Yahweh. Written for a Hebrew audience that should understand the glory and greatness of Yahweh, this psalm accentuates their unique status as His covenant people. They are “the assembly of the godly” (Psalm 149:1 ESV), not because they perform godly acts but because Yahweh has set them apart as His own. The Hebrew word the psalmist used is ḥāsîḏ, which is derived from ḥāsaḏ, a word that describes Yahweh's loving kindness for His chosen people. They had done nothing to earn His love and affection. He had not chosen them because they were greater in number or more righteous in their actions. Moses made this fact painfully clear to the Israelites not long after their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt by the gracious hand of Yahweh.

“The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the LORD rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him. Therefore, you must obey all these commands, decrees, and regulations I am giving you today.” – Deuteronomy 7:7-11 NLT

Yahweh “lavishes his unfailing love [ḥeseḏ] on those who love him and obey his commands.” That word ḥeseḏ is the root word from which the term “godly ones” is derived. It is Yahweh’s unfailing love that sets His people apart. They were godly because they belonged to Him; He willingly set them apart as His own possession and showered them with His unmerited favor and love. 

That is why the psalmist charges his audience to respond to Yahweh with grateful praise.

O Israel, rejoice in your Maker.
    O people of Jerusalem, exult in your King. – Psalm 149:2 NLT

The Israelite’s existence as a nation was the work of their Maker and King. Like the entire universe, which Yahweh fashioned out of nothing, the Israelites were the byproduct of His creative powers. He began the process with one man and his barren wife. He chose an obscure and undeserving individual named Abram, who was a Chaldean living in the land of Ur in Mesopotamia. 

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:1-3 NLT 

Yahweh led Abram and his wife, Sarah, to the land of Canaan, where they waited 65 years before Sarah was able to bear a son. But from that long-awaited son, Yahweh raised up another son named Jacob, whom He would later rename Israel. It would be from Israel’s small family of 70 individuals that Yahweh would produce a “great nation” that numbered in the millions. That transformation would take place during the 400 years they lived in the land of Egypt as slaves. This was all in keeping with the promise that Yahweh had made to Abram. 

Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth. (As for you, you will die in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.) After four generations your descendants will return here to this land…” – Genesis 15:13-16 NLT 

Yahweh kept that promise and delivered His chosen people from their captivity and returned them to the land of Canaan. Now, centuries later, the psalmist calls on those very same people to express their gratitude to Yahweh for His unfailing love, mercy, and grace.

Praise his name with dancing,
    accompanied by tambourine and harp.
For the LORD delights in his people;
    he crowns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them.
    Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. – Psalm 149:3-5 NLT

But then the psalm takes a decidedly different turn. The second half of this Hallel (praise) song suddenly becomes dark and warlike in its tone.

Let the praises of God be in their mouths,
    and a sharp sword in their hands—
to execute vengeance on the nations
    and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with shackles
    and their leaders with iron chains,
to execute the judgment written against them.
    This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. – Psalm 149:6-9 NLT

These last five psalms of the psalter are hymns of praise to God, encouraging His people to praise Him for His power, provision, mercy, and grace. But right in the middle of Psalm 149, the psalmist mixes in a bit of weaponry and war-like language with his call to worship. He tells the people of God to praise Him with their lips, but to have a sword ready in their hands at the same time.

I think we sometimes forget that our God has called us to be a part of His glorious army. We are at war and engaged in an epic battle between the dark forces of this world that have aligned themselves against the rule and reign of God Almighty. Jesus told us that the enemy (Satan) seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Paul reminds us that we have weapons we are to use in this battle – the weapons of our warfare.

We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. – 2 Corinthians 7:4 NLT

Paul also tells us to equip ourselves with the armor of God.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. – Ephesians 6:13 NLT

We don't live in Disneyland. This is a battlefield, and there are casualties of war all around us. Every day, we see marriages destroyed, relationships blown apart, children rebel, individuals succumb to addictions of all kinds, and fellow believers fall prey to the attacks of the enemy because they were ill-prepared for battle.

This psalm is a vivid reminder that we have been called to praise God, but to also be ready to serve as faithful soldiers in His army. As Paul reminds us, our enemies are spiritual, not physical. Our weapons are not made of steel and chrome; instead, they are the Word of God and the power derived from our faith in God. Paul tells us, "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT).

We have the promises of God's Word, the power of believing prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the protection of our faith in God's love for us, and the peace-providing reality of our ultimate salvation and victory over the enemy. So praise God and be ready to defend the cause of God.

One day, His Son will return. He will not come as an innocent, helpless baby in a manger, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He will come in might and power, bringing the army of heaven with Him. At His second coming, He will put an end to the war between the forces of darkness and light. He will destroy the kingdom of Satan and restore the earth to its former glory. We fight for the side that will come out victorious in the end! And that's something worth shouting about.

The apostle John was given a glimpse of this incredible scene, which he recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. And the one sitting on the horse was named Faithful and True. For he judges fairly and then goes to war. His eyes were bright like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him, and only he knew what it meant. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword, and with it he struck down the nations. He ruled them with an iron rod, and he trod the winepress of the fierce wrath of almighty God. On his robe and thigh was written this title: King of kings and Lord of lords. – Revelation 19:11-16 NLT

As we wait for this future fulfillment of Yahweh's promise, we are to praise Him with our voices and stand ready to fight the fight of faith with the weapons He has provided. The apostle Paul gave a charge to his young protegé Timothy, reminding him of his duty as a soldier in the army of God. He wanted Timothy to know that he was no longer a civilian, free to do as he pleased. 

Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. – 2 Timothy 2:3-5 NLT

Like Timothy, we have been conscripted into service by Yahweh Sabaoth, the LORD of Heaven's Armies. He has chosen us to fight in His battle “against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT). But He has not left us unprepared, out-gunned, or ill-trained. 

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT

And as we fight, we are to praise the LORD because the battle is His and the victory is assured. 

Father, we praise You, but we also want to be ready to fight alongside You in this earthly struggle between the kingdom of righteousness and the kingdom of wickedness. Never let us forget that we are at war. While we sing songs and worship You on Sunday, there are countless people dying at the hands of the enemy all around us. As we read our Bibles and study Your truths, there are people who are being destroyed by the enemy as they listen to his lies. We have the means to rescue them. Show us how to be warriors, not just worshipers. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Join the Chorus

1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his hosts!

3 Praise him, sun and moon,
    praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
    and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the LORD!
    For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
    he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and mist,
    stormy wind fulfilling his word!

9 Mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Beasts and all livestock,
    creeping things and flying birds!

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples,
    princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and maidens together,
    old men and children!

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his majesty is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people,
    praise for all his saints,
    for the people of Israel who are near to him.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 148:1-14 ESV 

This is the third in a series of five psalms that close the psalter and share the theme of praise for the goodness and greatness of Yahweh. In this psalm, the author focuses his attention on Yahweh’s role as the Creator God. He begins his song by calling on the residents of the heavenly realm to join in praising the LORD. 

Praise the LORD from the heavens!
    Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
    Praise him, all the armies of heaven! – Psalm 148:1-2 NLT

If this psalm was written after the exiles returned to Jerusalem after their 70-year-long captivity in Babylon, the author was likely familiar with the writings of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah before Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. This was a time of great spiritual apostasy in the land of Judah, and Yahweh used prophets like Isaiah and Micah to call His chosen people to repentance or face certain destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. As part of his prophetic ministry, Isaiah was given the privilege of seeing a vision of Yahweh in His heavenly throneroom surrounded by the angelic host.

I saw the LORD. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other,

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies!
    The whole earth is filled with his glory!” – Isaiah 6:1-3 NLT

This fascinating scene must have struck a chord with the psalmist as he considered the glory of Yahweh and tried to imagine the angels in heaven responding to the grandeur of His presence. There is no idolatry in heaven. No one is worshiping false gods or tempted to share their adoration and allegiance to anyone other than Yahweh, the LORD of Heaven's Armies. The angels enjoy the all-pervasive presence of Yahweh and are privileged to bask in the light of His undiminished glory. 

The apostle John was given a similar vision of the heavenly throne, and he did his best to describe what he saw in the Book of Revelation.

Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God.In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” – Revelation 4:1-8 NLT

The psalmist imagined the sun, moon, and stars joining in the chorus of voices lifting their song of praise to the One who created them. 

Praise him, sun and moon!
    Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
    Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
    for he issued his command, and they came into being. – Psalm 148:3-5 NLT

Yahweh deserved the praise of His creation because He alone was responsible for their existence. “He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked” (Psalm 148:6 NLT). Yahweh was their creator and sustainer; He spoke and they appeared, and He guarantees their continued existence. 

The psalmist personifies the planets, stars, and clouds participating in the never-ending praise of Yahweh. In one of his psalms, David wrote of the heavens declaring God’s glory without the need for words, and yet their message was loud and clear.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth… – Psalm 19:1-4 NLT

During His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus painted a similar image when He addressed the Jewish religious leaders who demanded that He order the adoring crowds to stop praising Him.    

When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!”

He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” – Luke 19:36-60 NLT

The inanimate stones would burst into cheers because God deserves glory. His creation can’t help but echo His glory and greatness because they are a byproduct of His power. The same is true of God's people. As Paul told the believers in Ephesus, “We are his workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). The apostle Peter reminds us that we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 BSB). 

The psalmist shared Peter's view and called his contemporaries to join in the chorus of praise to Yahweh. Their voices would join the rest of creation in declaring Yahweh's greatness and goodness to the ends of the earth. 

Praise the LORD from the earth,
    you creatures of the ocean depths,
fire and hail, snow and clouds,
    wind and weather that obey him,
mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all livestock,
    small scurrying animals and birds,
kings of the earth and all people,
    rulers and judges of the earth,
young men and young women,
    old men and children. – Psalm 148:7-12 NLT

From the psalmist’s perspective, the praise of Yahweh was not an option or a choice; it was the natural response of the creative order. According to His own assessment, all that Yahweh made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). His creation was a reflection of His power, holiness, creativity, goodness, and grace. Everything He made was an extension of His character and intended to echo His glory. This is what leads the psalmist to demand that his audience lead the chorus of praises to Yahweh. 

Let them all praise the name of the LORD.
    For his name is very great;
    his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong,
    honoring his faithful ones—
    the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the LORD! – Psalm 148:13-14 NLT

As the chosen people of God, they owed Him their praise, adoration, sold-out commitment, willing obedience, and unbridled worship. 

This psalm reminds us of just how great a God we serve. He is not a mere concept or force, but a being of immense power and intelligence. He is a loving creator who made all that we see by simply speaking it into existence, and He sustains it all with ease. When we consider the immensity of God, it seems ludicrous to trust in men. God alone has the power to rescue, redeem, and restore. He brings healing to the brokenhearted, sight to the blind, support to the fatherless and widows, food for the hungry, freedom to the captives, support to the afflicted, and favor to those who fear Him. As followers of Christ, those phrases should sound familiar. On a visit to His hometown of Nazareth, Jesus stood in the synagogue and read the following words from Isaiah chapter 61: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord's favor has come" (Luke 4:18-19 NLT). Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God's grace and mercy. He is the honest answer to oppression, illness, disease, inequity, spiritual blindness, hunger, affliction, fear, and even death.

God does not offer just temporary relief from life's cares and concerns; He offers eternal salvation from the rule of sin and the penalty of death. He has provided a way for men to be restored to a right relationship with Him, despite their sin and rebellion against Him. He has made possible a way to remedy the results of the fall and restore mankind and the earth to their former glory. He not only created the world and all it contains, but He will one day recreate and restore it to the way it was intended to be all along. Only God can do that. Any attempts by man to improve the earth and our lives on it are fleeting and temporary.

In many cases, our attempts at improvement have resulted in greater devastation. From nuclear power that resulted in nuclear weapons to the combustion engine that has polluted our atmosphere, every "improvement" by man has ended up having a negative impact. God alone is our salvation. He alone has the power to provide us with hope and healing. So the Psalmist reminds us to praise Him. From the oldest to the youngest, the rich to the poor, the wealthy to the needy – everyone and everything should praise the Lord. "Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!" (Psalm 148:13 NLT).

Father, only You are worthy of our praise. Only You have the capacity to do anything about our neediness and hopelessness. I can praise You even before You answer because I know You will – You always do. You have sent Your Son as the answer to every single one of our problems and as the solution to all that's wrong with our planet and the people who occupy it. Even as I read the news this morning I am amazed at all that is wrong in our world. Earthquakes, riots, rebellions, murders, genocide, war, hatred, greed, and immorality of all kinds. But I can praise You because one day You are going to make all this right. You are going to restore Your creation to the way it was meant to be. And even in the midst of all this, You have given me hope through Jesus Christ, Your Son. He is the ultimate expression of Your favor to man. So I praise You! Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Praiseworthy

1 Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
    for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
    he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our LORD, and abundant in power;
    his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the humble;
    he casts the wicked to the ground.

7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
    make melody to our God on the lyre!
8 He covers the heavens with clouds;
    he prepares rain for the earth;
    he makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the beasts their food,
    and to the young ravens that cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
    in those who hope in his steadfast love.

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
    Praise your God, O Zion!
13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
    he blesses your children within you.
14 He makes peace in your borders;
    he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15 He sends out his command to the earth;
    his word runs swiftly.
16 He gives snow like wool;
    he scatters frost like ashes.
17 He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
    who can stand before his cold?
18 He sends out his word, and melts them;
    he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.
19 He declares his word to Jacob,
    his statutes and rules to Israel.
20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation;
    they do not know his rules.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 147:1-20 ESV

In this psalm, the author provides a litany of reasons to praise Yahweh that emphasize His power and provision for His chosen people. In verse 20, the psalmist stresses that Yahweh's care and concern for the Israelites was unique to them.

He has not done this for any other nation;
they do not know his regulations. – Psalm 147:20 NLT

All people on earth enjoy Yahweh's common grace, His unmerited blessings that come in the form of life, sustenance, and a patient restraint from delivering the judgment they deserve for their rebellion against Him.

The LORD is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation. – Psalm 145:9 NLT

He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.– Psalm 103:10 NLT

Jesus declared that His Father “gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike” (Matthew 5:45 NLT). This common grace is available to all, but only the Israelites experienced Yahweh's special grace in the form of His sovereign selection of them as His treasured possession.

“Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” – Exodus 19:5-6 NLT

Moses reminded the people of Israel that they had been chosen by God, not because there was anything special about them, but simply because God had ordained them to be the recipients of His divine favor. 

For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

“The LORD did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors.– Deuteronomy 7:6-8 NLT

This psalm was addressed to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and was intended to remind them of their unmeritorious status as Yahweh's chosen people. Some scholars believe this psalm was sung at the dedication of the newly constructed walls of Jerusalem, an event recorded in the Book of Nehemiah. After the Israelites spent 70 years in exile after the Babylonian invasion of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem, Yahweh allowed a remnant of them to return so they could rebuild and repopulate the city. When the walls of Jerusalem were completed, Nehemiah organized a special dedication ceremony to commemorate the day.

For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres. The singers were brought together from the region around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites. They also came from Beth-gilgal and the rural areas near Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built their own settlements around Jerusalem. The priests and Levites first purified themselves; then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. – Nehemiah 12:27-30 NLT

Nehemiah formed two large choirs accompanied by musicians and sent them to the top of the recently completed walls. One choir headed south and the other north, singing praises to Yahweh as they made their way along the wall. 

The two choirs that were giving thanks then proceeded to the Temple of God, where they took their places. So did I, together with the group of leaders who were with me.…They played and sang loudly under the direction of Jezrahiah the choir director. – Nehemiah 12:40, 42 NLT

They likely sang the words recorded in Psalm 147.

The LORD is rebuilding Jerusalem
    and bringing the exiles back to Israel. – Psalm 147:2 NLT

Yahweh had been gracious to His rebellious people, allowing them to return to the land of Judah to rebuild their destroyed city and restore the broken relationship with Him. They had done nothing to deserve this second chance opportunity to begin again with Yahweh. It was all a result of His unmerited favor and grace. The same God who “counts the stars and calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4 NLT), also “heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NLT). 

The God who created the universe was willing to stoop down and shower His unrepentant people with compassion. None of it made sense to the psalmist. This marvelous outpouring of Yahweh's mercy and grace was too much for him to understand.

How great is our LORD! His power is absolute!
    His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:5 NLT 

The psalmist could not comprehend the magnitude of Yahweh’s love for His chosen people. Despite all they had done to offend Him, Yahweh had responded with lovingkindness and unfailing love. Long before the people returned from their exile in Babylon, the prophet Micah had declared its future fulfillment.

Where is another God like you,
    who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
    overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
    because you delight in showing unfailing love.
Once again you will have compassion on us.
    You will trample our sins under your feet
    and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love
    as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. – Micah 7:18-20 NLT

The psalmist was standing on the other end of this prophecy's fulfillment and was able to witness the goodness and grace of God as he surveyed the recently completed walls of Jerusalem. That is why he could write, “Sing out your thanks to the LORD; sing praises to our God with a harp” (Psalm 147:7 NLT). His praise was not speculative or based on a probable outcome; it was founded on reality. Yahweh had done what He promised to do. He had warned them of their pending judgment, but He had also assured them of their inevitable return. 

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:10-14 NLT

Yahweh had kept His word, and He had done so, not based on human merit but based on His grace and mercy. Their return to Judah had not been the result of conquest or military might. The Israelites had not fought their way out of Babylon; they had been redeemed by God's grace. 

He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse
    or in human might.
No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him,
    those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:10-11 NLT

Now that they were back in the land of promise, the psalmist encouraged them to live up to their status as God's chosen people. 

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem!
    Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates
    and blessed your children within your walls. – Psalm 147:12-13 NLT

They had nothing to brag about because they had done nothing to bring about the reversal of their fortunes; it had all been Yahweh’s doing. The least they could do was praise Him. 

The psalmist emphasizes Yahweh’s power as expressed in His verbal command over the universe. He speaks, and things happen. At the word of His mouth, the universe came into being. All Yahweh has to do is open His mouth, and the weather changes. 

He sends his orders to the world—
    how swiftly his word flies! – Psalm 147:15 NLT

Yahweh spoke to King Cyrus of Persia and orchestrated the release of His captive people. 

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing. – Ezra 1:1 ESV

Cyrus, moved by the Spirit of God, decreed that the Israelites were free to return to the land of Judah. Years later, when King Artaxerxes ruled, he gave Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem so he could teach the people of Israel God's law.

…the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the LORD his God was on him. – Ezra 7:6 NLT 

The psalmist saw God's sovereign hand at work in all of this and called on his people to respond in praise and thanksgiving. This was not the result of blind fate, luck, karma, kismet, or good fortune; it was the providential work of Yahweh. The Israelites had been the undeserving beneficiaries of Yahweh's grace and mercy. They had experienced something no other people group on the planet could claim. 

He has revealed his words to Jacob,
    his decrees and regulations to Israel.
He has not done this for any other nation;
    they do not know his regulations.

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 147:19-20 NLT

God had been good to them. He had been gracious, merciful, kind, patient, and loving. He had redeemed and restored them. He had protected and provided for them. And He had never turned His back on them. All ample reasons for why they should praise Him.

Father, I don't have to manufacture reasons to praise You. I don't have to conjure up excuses to thank You for Your goodness and grace because they are all around me; from the air I breathe to the food I eat. You have blessed me with life but, more importantly, You have given me the promise of eternal life. I deserve nothing, yet You have showered me with everything I have. Yet, I tend not to praise You. I take Your grace and mercy for granted. At times, I even take credit for my own success and mistakenly think I somehow deserve the many blessings You pour out on me. But nothing could be further from the truth. I want to live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving because You are worthy. Give me eyes to see and appreciate all that You have done and are doing my life, so that praise will become as natural to me as breathing. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Praise the LORD!

1 Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Put not your trust in princes,
    in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
    on that very day his plans perish.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
7     who executes justice for the oppressed,
    who gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8     the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners;
    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

10 The LORD will reign forever,
    your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD! – Psalm 146:1-10 ESV

The last five psalms are anonymous and form the final Hallel (praise) section of the Psalter. Due to the similarity of their content, they were likely written by the same author. Each begins with the same call to action: “Praise the LORD.” This imperative statement is not intended as a suggestion, but as a command to give Yahweh all the dignity, honor, worship, and praise He rightly deserves. The psalmist calls for wholehearted worship on the part of the people of God, and he sets the tone by declaring his sold-out allegiance to the Almighty.

I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
    I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. – Psalm 146:2 ESV  

His statement of devotion to Yahweh is reminiscent of the address Joshua gave to the Israelites near the end of his life. Ever since the death of Moses, Joshua had served as the God-appointed leader of the Israelites, helping them cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of the land of Canaan. Over the years, Joshua led the Israelites in their effort to conquer the inhabitants of the land so they could take possession of the inheritance promised to them by Yahweh. They had fought and won many battles, and successfully occupied a large portion of Canaan, but Yahweh reminded them that He had been behind it all. 

“It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory. I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them.” – Joshua 24:12-13 NLT

Despite his leadership role, Joshua knew that he had been little more than an instrument in Yahweh’s hands. He had led the people into battle, but the victories had been the LORD’s doing. So, Joshua commanded the Israelites to show their gratitude to Yahweh by treating Him with honor and unadulterated reverence. 

“So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:14-15 NLT

Like the psalmist, Joshua tried to spur the people’s obedience by using himself as an example. He declared his intention to live out his final days in total submission to and reliance upon Yahweh, and he committed his family to follow his lead. 

Joshua warned the Israelites about the dangers of idolatry because he knew their history of spiritual infidelity. He had been there when Aaron made the golden calf in the wilderness, and he had witnessed the people’s response to this false god they had crafted from the plunder taken from the Egyptians.

The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. – Exodus 34:6 NLT

Yahweh had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and given them victory over their enemies, but they gave their allegiance to a nonexistent god they had made with their own hands. 

The psalmist stressed a different problem facing his peers. He was less concerned about idolatry and the worship of false gods than their tendency to worship men. 

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
    there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
    and all their plans die with them. – Psalm 146:3-4 NLT

While idolatry continued to be a problem for the Israelites throughout their existence as a nation, their real struggle was the worship of men. Ever since the day they rejected Samuel's leadership and demanded, “Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have” (1 Samuel 8:5 NLT), the people of Israel had exhibited a preference for human kings over the King of kings. Yahweh would repeatedly warn them about their tendency to replace His authority with that of mere men.

This is what the Lord says:
“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans,
    who rely on human strength
    and turn their hearts away from the Lord.
They are like stunted shrubs in the desert,
    with no hope for the future.
They will live in the barren wilderness,
    in an uninhabited salty land.” – Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT

The psalmist knew his people well and wanted them to think twice about putting their trust in powerful men who could never measure up to Yahweh’s standards. As far as the psalmist was concerned, there was no comparison between mortal men and the infinite, all-powerful God of the universe.

He made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them.
    He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
    and food to the hungry.
The LORD frees the prisoners.
   The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.
    The LORD loves the godly.
The LORD protects the foreigners among us.
    He cares for the orphans and widows,
    but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. – Psalm 146:6-9 NLT

No man could ever hope to compete with Yahweh. No king who ever lived could claim to hold a candle to Yahweh's glory and greatness. The anonymous author of Psalm 2 exposed the futility of earthly kings trying to oppose the one true King. 

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the LORD
    and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The LORD scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury. – Psalm 2:1-5 NLT

The prophet Isaiah declared Yahweh’s superiority and supremacy over all mankind.

God sits above the circle of the earth.
    The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!
He spreads out the heavens like a curtain
    and makes his tent from them.
He judges the great people of the world
    and brings them all to nothing. – Isaiah 40:22-23 NLT

In Isaiah’s estimation, the worship of men was unwarranted and a waste of time. They would always be poor substitutes for Yahweh because they couldn't measure up to His glorious standards. Even Yahweh declared Himself to be incomparable and irreplaceable.

“To whom will you compare me?
    Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. – Isaiah 40:25 NLT

The psalmist understood that Yahweh’s immensity and eternality set Him apart from all false gods and every man with god-like aspirations. He deserved man’s praise because He was praiseworthy. Yahweh wasn’t a figment of man's fertile imagination and had not been formed by human hands. He was the maker of “heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them” (Psalm 146:6 NLT). Yahweh is the uncreated Creator of the universe who has no beginning and end. He is eternal and all-powerful. He is holy and wholly righteous. He is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV). With those thoughts in mind, the psalmist closes his song in the same way he opened it, with a call to praise the eternal, always-present, forever faithful God.

The LORD will reign forever.
    He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord! – Psalm 146:10 NLT

Father, I must confess that I do not always recognize and honor Your greatness. I say I believe in it but, far too often, my actions and attitudes reflect something altogether different. I don't praise You enough. I fail to trust You fully. I tend to put my hope in men, even in myself, rather than trusting in Your proven track record of greatness and goodness. While I could easily deny any worship of false gods, I know it would be a lie. My idols are far more subtle than those of the Israelites, but they are idols all the same. Anything I turn to instead of You is a false god that will always provide false hope. No man or human institution can replace you. No idealogy, political party, or human leader can replace You or hope to compete with You. Yet, it is so easy to put my trust in those things that will always prove untrustworthy. Help me to heed the psalmist’s call and learn to praise You for who You are and all that You have done. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Singing Yahweh's Praises

A Song of Praise. Of David.

1 I will extol you, my God and King,
    and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
    and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
    and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and merciful,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The LORD is good to all,
    and his mercy is over all that he has made.

10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
    and all your saints shall bless you!
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
    and tell of your power,
12 to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

[The LORD is faithful in all his words
    and kind in all his works.]
14 The LORD upholds all who are falling
    and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand;
    you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
    and kind in all his works.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
    he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
    but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
    and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever. – Psalm 145:1-21 ESV

David loved the LORD, and talked about Him and to Him constantly. Maybe it was because he knew how much he needed Yahweh — for everything. David had much to be grateful for, and he continually praised God for who He was and for all He had done. He didn’t treat God flippantly or casually and refused to take Him for granted. In David’s estimation, God was great and greatly to be praised. As a matter of fact, God’s greatness was unsearchable; you could never plumb its depths. Just when you think you know how great God is, He surprises you. God’s greatness is unlimited and inexhaustible. He doesn’t run out of wonders or miracles to perform – a fact that David had experienced personally, time and time again.

Here was David, the king of Israel, acknowledging Yahweh as his God and as his King. David was a king himself, and he knew well the implications of that title. God is sovereign and rules over everyone and everything, including David. God is not just a deity to be worshiped, but a King to be honored and obeyed. God’s word is final, and His majesty is incomparable. There is no other king who could compare to Him, including David. 

But for David, Yahweh's greatness was not just something to be admired; it was to be declared. In verses 4-7, he emphasizes the importance of passing on the news of God's glory and goodness to the next generation. According to David, the only time we should be silent about God is to meditate on the splendor of His majesty and on His wondrous works. But those times of meditation should provide us with food for thought and then words of testimony and praise. Our thoughts about God and His greatness should be transformed into words that inform and influence others. 

Yahweh deserves praise, and we are intended to use our voices to verbally acknowledge who He is and all that He has done. We are to commend, declare, speak, pour forth, and sing aloud. Of all people, believers should have the most to say about God. We tend to praise that which we appreciate. We talk about what interests us. When we see a beautiful sunrise, we feel the urge to share it with someone. When we take a memorable vacation, we can’t help talking about it. When we are proud of our children, no one can stop us from bragging about them. We unashamedly testify to others about what we find meaningful in our lives. It could be a delicious meal at a local restaurant, a good book, a movie, a newly discovered musical group, a recent Facebook post, or a personal achievement. But how often do we declare the greatness of God? How many times do we commend Him to others? How frequently do praises concerning God come from our lips and to the ears of those we meet? Are we prone to sing God’s praises out loud and outside the context of a Sunday morning worship service?

David states that the heavens declare the glory of God. We can see it in a sunrise or sunset, a cloud formation, a night sky filled with stars, or the gentle breeze on a warm summer night. God’s creation constantly praises Him. The angels in heaven never cease to offer Him verbal praise and adoration. But as human beings, the pinnacle of His creative energies, we remain silent far too often. Rather than commend God to others, we complain. Instead of declaring the mighty acts He has already done, we demand that He do more. We speak, but do the words that come out of our mouths concern God? Do words of praise, thanksgiving, and honor for God pour forth from our lips? Do we sing aloud of His righteousness?

David found no shortage of reasons to praise Yahweh. 

The LORD is merciful and compassionate,
    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The LORD is good to everyone.
    He showers compassion on all his creation. – Psalm 145:9 NLT

He knew from firsthand experience that Yahweh was gracious, caring, merciful, and forgiving, and he was not shy in declaring his amazement and gratitude. He was blown away by the fact that the God of the universe not only showed an interest in him, but showered him with love and compassion. David was a firm believer that God's creation was a living testament to His glory. In an earlier psalm, he wrote, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known” (Psalm 19:1-2 NLT). People can look at nature and see the power and creativity of God, but creation does not necessarily display His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. But when they look at a child of God, they can see a sinner transformed into a saint by the priceless gift of God’s grace. When they hear us talk about all that God has done and continues to do for us, they hear a different side of His glory and greatness. But for them to hear, we must speak; we must make God known. We have a responsibility to act as God’s personal press agents, telling everyone we meet of His glory, grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. 

David puts it plainly. Those who have been blessed by God will brag about God.

…your faithful followers will praise you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
    they will give examples of your power. – Psalm 145:10-11 NLT

As a king, David understood the importance of establishing an enduring kingdom. No king wants to be a one-trick pony whose kingdom dies with him. He dreams of establishing a long-lasting dynasty that will carry on his legacy through the generations. When David thought about Yahweh, he couldn’t help but think about the everlasting nature and incomparable power of His Kingdom. 

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
    You rule throughout all generations. – Psalm 145:13 NLT

David was amazed at the sheer size and scope of Yahweh's dominion. He ruled and reigned over all. David couldn’t help but compare his own reign with that of God, and when he did, he realized that God’s Kingdom was far greater and His responsibilities were more extensive. Yet, God was faithful in all His words and kind in all His works. Everyone looked to Him to provide their food and fulfill their desires, whether they acknowledged Him as King or not. David recognized that it was God who opened His hand and satisfied the desires of every living thing. God is gracious and merciful to all. 

From David’s perspective, Yahweh was the perfect model of a king. He always keeps His promises and is gracious at all times. He assists the fallen and bears the burdens of the oppressed. He provides food for the hungry and water for the thirsty. He is righteous in all that He does and filled with kindness. When called upon, He answers. When needed, He shows up. Yahweh was the consummate King who ruled over His extensive Kingdom with righteousness, compassion, mercy, grace, and love. 

Unlike human kings, God always does what is right. He always keeps His word. He doesn’t lie, deceive, renege on a promise, or act unjustly. We may not always understand His actions, but we can never question His integrity. Based on what we see happening around us, we can easily conclude that God is either indifferent or incapable of doing what needs to be done. It can appear as if the wicked are winning. The psalmist felt that way and cried out, “Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult?” (Psalm 94:2-3 ESV). Ethan the Ezrahite wrote, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man!” (Psalm 89:46-47 ESV).

There are times when it feels like God is either out of control or out of earshot. It seems as if He is not listening to our pleas for help or seeing the gravity of our situation. However, God is a righteous King who is always in complete control of the circumstances. Yes, it may appear as if the wicked are prospering and the unrighteous are getting all the breaks, but God knows exactly what He is doing. He is not fooled or duped by the ways of men. He knows that “there is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10 ESV). No one deserves the benefits of rain or crops. No one has earned God’s favor through their acts of righteousness. The fact that any of us exists at all is a testimony to the enduring patience of God.

But David reminds us that “The Lord is close to all who call on him” (Psalm 145:18 NLT). He would have us know that God is always near. He always hears. He always preserves those who love Him. But how God does so may not coincide with our own expectations. We rarely go to God without some well-thought-out idea of what we want Him to do for us. In fact, most of our prayers consist of clear-cut instructions for God, telling Him exactly what it is we want Him to do and when we want it done. If we have a bone to pick with God, it is because He doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we desire. But His job is to do His will, not ours. He knows what is best for us.

Paul gives us some timeless counsel: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). It is perfectly okay to tell God what we need. It is even OK to share with Him what we want. But at that point, we have to let go of our wishes and come to grips with the fact that His will may not be the same as our wish. He may choose to do something different altogether. And if His answer comes back in a different form or on a different schedule, it DOES NOT mean He is not near or that He does not hear.

Like David, we must learn to trust Him because He is trustworthy. When we look back on our lives, we will be able to see that He is a righteous, loving, and compassionate God who knows what is best and always does what is right. Then we will say with David, “I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:21 NLT).

Father, You are worthy of praise because You are the righteous King of the Universe. You are mighty, majestic, incomparable, holy, just, and without equal. But that is not the extent of Your praiseworthiness. You have given me ample reasons to praise You because You have shown up in my life in tangible ways that have proven Your love for me. You have saved me, redeemed me, guided, disciplined, and loved me through thick and thin. You have patiently put up with me and graciously forgiven me, time and time again. You have listened to my prayers and endured my complaints. You have watched me stray and graciously led me back. But despite all You have done for me, I remain far too silent when it comes to singing Your praises and expressing my gratitude. I want that to change. Give me a heart like David had and a passion to praise You to the next generation and beyond. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Beyond Compare

Of David.

1 Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
    who trains my hands for war,
    and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
    my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
    who subdues peoples under me.

3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
    or the son of man that you think of him?
4 Man is like a breath;
    his days are like a passing shadow.

5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
    Touch the mountains so that they smoke!
6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
    send out your arrows and rout them!
7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
    rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
    from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies
    and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to you, O God;
    upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,
10 who gives victory to kings,
    who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.
11 Rescue me and deliver me
    from the hand of foreigners,
whose mouths speak lies
    and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

12 May our sons in their youth
    be like plants full grown,
our daughters like corner pillars
    cut for the structure of a palace;
13 may our granaries be full,
    providing all kinds of produce;
may our sheep bring forth thousands
    and ten thousands in our fields;
14 may our cattle be heavy with young,
    suffering no mishap or failure in bearing;
may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
    Blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! – Psalm 144:1-15 ESV

Perspective can be an elusive thing. It is easy to have a one-dimensional view of life and its surrounding circumstances. We can end up seeing things from our point of view and lose sight of reality, easily viewing ourselves as somehow special, our talents as genuinely unique, and our inherent value as greater than it really is.

For David, God provided a different and more accurate perspective on life. He found Yahweh to be the central focus of all life and meaning. He was the creator and sustainer of life. The world exists for Him and not the other way around. He was the one who conceived the idea of humanity and then brought it to life. David was blown away that this all-powerful God would even bother to waste a single second dealing with the likes of men. The Message paraphrases verse three quite clearly and frankly: “I wonder why you care, GOD – why do you bother with us at all?”

This psalm is an amalgam of thoughts borrowed from other psalms written by David, including Psalm 18. He begins with a series of one-word descriptions that reflect his experience with Yahweh. He refers to Yahweh as his rock, ally, fortress, tower, rescuer, shield, and refuge. Each of these terms carries a military connotation, revealing David’s background as a warrior and king. In his experience, he has found Yahweh to be a powerful ally and reliable source of safety, security, and strength. 

As David surveyed his life, he could recount the many ways Yahweh had not only prepared him for the conflicts of life, but had also protected and preserved him in the midst of them. Yahweh served as David's instructor, training him for battle and equipping him with the skills he would need to gain the upper hand over his enemies. However, when things didn't go quite the way David expected, he found Yahweh to be a source of comfort and refuge —a place to regroup and recover for the fight ahead. Yahweh was like a strong tower or fortress that David could return to when the battle took a turn for the worse. 

David found the thought of Yahweh's intimate interactions with him to be unfathomable. He was grateful but legitimately perplexed that the God of the universe would waste any time thinking about him. 

Man is like a breath;
    his days are like a passing shadow. – Psalm 144:4 ESV 

“O LORD, make me know my end
    and what is the measure of my days;
    let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
    and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! – Psalm 39:4-5 ESV

As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more. – Psalm 103:15-16 ESV

David had a healthy perspective of life because he had an accurate view of God. He understood the greatness of God and the pitifully powerless condition of man. This king, who ruled over a rapidly expanding nation, did not allow his victories and vast empire to go to his head. When compared with Yahweh, he was nothing, and his kingdom was impotent and unimpressive when likened to the heavenly domain of the Almighty. David could muster human forces to fight his battles, but Yahweh was equipped with supernatural resources that no physical army could stand against.

Open the heavens, Lord, and come down.
    Touch the mountains so they billow smoke.
Hurl your lightning bolts and scatter your enemies!
    Shoot your arrows and confuse them!
Reach down from heaven and rescue me… – Psalm 144:5-7 NLT

David could look back over his life and see the evidence of Yahweh's handiwork. There were so many instances David could recall where Yahweh had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Losing battles had been transformed into triumphant celebrations because Yahweh had shown up at just the right time and done what only He could do. These unexpected outcomes led David to praise Yahweh.

I will sing a new song to you, O God!
    I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp.
For you grant victory to kings!
    You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword. – Psalm 144:9-10 NLT

And these past victories led David to pray for more of the same in the future.  

Save me!
    Rescue me from the power of my enemies. – Psalm 144:11 NLT

David lived dependent on God — gladly and willingly. He viewed God as his rock, his source of stability and strength. He saw God as his personal trainer and reliable ally. When David ran into trouble, Yahweh was who David ran to for help, hope, and healing. He didn’t become too full of himself or let his position, possessions, or power distort his perspective on life. He knew he needed Yahweh at all times and in every way. His strength came from Yahweh. His victories were due to Yahweh. His rescue from trouble was totally up to Yahweh. His success or failure was in Yahweh’s hands. His present prosperity and future posterity were up to Yahweh. Which is why he could say, “Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15 NLT).

Living with a clear perspective of life and Yahweh's role in it is essential to experiencing joy. When we understand who God is, we will gladly place our hope on Him, and refuse to see ourselves as more than what we are — mere mortals. A God-focused perspective can bring peace even amid difficulty, hope in the face of heartache, and confidence even when surrounded by confusion and chaos. A healthy perspective of God gives us a healthy view of life.

David closed his psalm with a hopeful and heartfelt prayer that reflects his understanding of Yahweh's supremacy and man’s dependency. David understood that life on this planet was a gracious gift from God and that any hope of future blessings, fruitfulness, victory, or peace came from Him alone. 

May our sons flourish in their youth
    like well-nurtured plants.
May our daughters be like graceful pillars,
    carved to beautify a palace.
May our barns be filled
    with crops of every kind.
May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thousands,
    even tens of thousands,
    and may our oxen be loaded down with produce.
May there be no enemy breaking through our walls,
    no going into captivity,
    no cries of alarm in our town squares. – Psalm 144:12-14 NLT

Father, it is amazing that You, the God of the universe, would take time to even think about me, a mere man. But You do. You created me, care for me, sent Your Son to die for me, and You have a plan that includes me. You are great, powerful, holy, sinless, righteous, and yet You choose to care for me. Thank You! Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Longing For God's Presence, Not Just Deliverance

A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
    give ear to my pleas for mercy!
    In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
    for no one living is righteous before you.

3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
    he has crushed my life to the ground;
    he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
    my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O LORD!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
    I have fled to you for refuge.
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!

11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
    In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant. – Psalm 143:1-12 ESV

In this penitential psalm, David juxtaposes Yahweh’s righteousness with his own, and concludes there is no comparison. He states, “No one living is righteous before you” (Psalm 142:1 ESV), a conclusion he reached in a previous psalm.

The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man,
    to see if there are any who understand,
    who seek after God.

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
    there is none who does good,
    not even one. – Psalm 14:2-3 ESV

This sentiment regarding man's unrighteous status before God was picked up by David's son, Solomon, who included it in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. – Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

The prophets would also echo this theme, doing so with the full authority and backing of Yahweh. 

We are all infected and impure with sin.
    When we display our righteous deeds,
    they are nothing but filthy rags.
Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,
    and our sins sweep us away like the wind. – Issaiah 64:6 NLT

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
    and desperately wicked.
    Who really knows how bad it is?” – Jeremiah 17:9 NLT

This rather bleak assessment of humanity’s moral state did not depress David; it provided him with a much-needed reminder of his inadequacy and insufficiency in comparison to Yahweh's spiritual superiority and sovereignty. David needed Yahweh, not the other way around. He knew he brought nothing of value to the relationship, but was utterly dependent upon Yahweh's mercy, grace, and favor. 

It is unclear when this psalm was written, but it contains not-so-subtle hints. David's reference to being chased and forced “to live in darkness like those in the grave” (Psalm 143:3 NLT) points to the years he spent running from Saul and hiding in caves in the Judean wilderness. In those moments of distress, as he lay in the darkened recesses of his remote hideaway, David reflected on the stories of Yahweh's deliverance of His covenant people. 

I remember the days of old.
    I ponder all your great works
    and think about what you have done. – Psalm 143:5 NLT

His recounting of those stories from Israel's past reminded him that Yahweh was faithful and righteous. Despite Israel’s disobedience and unfaithfulness, Yahweh remained committed to His covenant promises. He would not abandon or give up on them, a point that David took to heart and used to motivate his prayer life.

I lift my hands to you in prayer.
    I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.  – Psalm 143:6 NLT

David goes on to express his belief that Yahweh will not only hear his prayer but respond.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust. – Psalm 143:8 ESV

Years later, the prophet Jeremiah, while suffering his own crisis of faith, would remind himself of Yahweh's faithful, never-failing love.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV

David and Jeremiah both put their trust in Yahweh. They believed He would come through in the end, and while they prayed for deliverance from their difficulties, they recognized that their suffering was a means of getting to know Yahweh better. David put it this way:

Rescue me from my enemies, LORD;
    I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God. – Psalm 143:9-10 NLT 

Jeremiah shared David's belief that suffering was a tool Yahweh used to teach His people to trust Him. 

For no one is abandoned
    by the LORD forever.
Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion
    because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
For he does not enjoy hurting people
    or causing them sorrow. – Lamentations 3:31-33 NLT

As the Proverb states, “The LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:12 NLT). Yahweh's greatest desire for His children is their holiness, which may require that they forego happiness for a while so they may find their help and hope in Him. The apostle Paul also shared David's outlook on trusting God even amid the trials and tribulations of life.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT

David didn’t shy away from asking for deliverance from his difficulties, but he knew that there were lessons to be learned in the midst of them. 

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
    on a firm footing.
For the glory of your name, O LORD, preserve my life.
    Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. – Psalm 143:10-11 NLT

David wasn't necessarily asking for a trouble-free life; he was asking for proof of Yahweh's faithfulness. He knew trials were a part of living in a fallen world, but as a child of God, he fully expected His Father to rescue and preserve his life. Whether his suffering was a result of his own sin or that of another, David believed it would be for his good and Yahweh's glory. 

This psalm raises an interesting aspect about prayer. When we pray, we often express to God what we want done. We share what we believe to be the solutions to our problems and demand that He oblige our request. In many cases, we treat God as a kind of cosmic Genie in the sky, except this Genie doesn’t limit our wishes to just three. We can go to Him constantly with requests of all kinds, or so it would seem. But the reality is that prayer requires an understanding of who God is and what His character is like. To ask God to do something that is not in His nature or that goes against His will would be absurd, but we do it all the same. God wants us to express our needs to Him, but it seems unlikely that he requires our help when it comes to a solution.

Our prayers should be an expression of our trust and dependence on God. We go to Him because we know that He is the only one who can help. And He will help, but on His own terms and according to His perfect timing.

In this psalm, David prays openly and honestly to God. He shares that he is surrounded by enemies. He tells God about his struggle with depression and being paralyzed by fear, and asks God to rescue him. He wants Yahweh to preserve his life and deliver him from his distress. He even urges Yahweh to silence his enemies and destroy all his foes. But David seems to keep His requests consistent with his understanding of Yahweh's character. He appealed to Yahweh’s mercy, and pleads for Him to answer because he knows Yahweh to be faithful and righteous. David understood that nothing he asked of God was too great for Him, because he had heard about all the great things God had done in the past. He knew Yahweh was loving and would listen to him when he called to Him.

David asks Yahweh, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting in you” (Psalm 143:8 NLT). What an interesting choice of words. He seems to be asking God to preserve him through the night and cause him to wake up to a renewed recognition of God’s unfailing love and mercy. He will “hear” of God’s love each morning. This seems to indicate that David believed Yahweh's deliverance would be the talk of the town. Others would be talking about it because Yahweh’s intervention in David’s life would be visible for all to see. Their conclusion would be that David's miraculous deliverance was a “God-thing.”

David doesn't just ask Yahweh for deliverance; he asks for directions.

Show me where to walk,
    for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8 NLT

He isn’t asking for travel directions; he is requesting insight into how to live his life in a way that will be pleasing to Yahweh. He wants to know how to be a good king, a righteous father, and a godly husband. He goes on to ask God, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing” (Psalm 143:10 NLT). He wants Yahweh to train him to obey. David wasn’t just asking God to deliver him from difficulty; he was expressing his desire to live a life that was pleasing to God. He wanted to live in obedience to and dependence on God.

Is that our desire? Is that what we pray and long for? David wanted rescue so that he could serve God. He sought relief from trials and troubles, so he could spend more time worshiping and less time worrying. But he also knew that Yahweh would use those very same trials and hardships to reveal Himself as He displayed His power, presence, love, mercy, and faithfulness. David trusted God. Do we?

Father, it is so easy for me to just come to You with my requests, but fail to want to get to know You. I want to hear of your unfailing love every morning. I want to wake up to a renewed realization of Your mercy and grace each day. I want You to teach me to do Your will, not mine. I want You to show me how to live my life in increasing obedience and dependence on You. You could give me all I ask for, but if I miss out on knowing You, I lose. Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Caves, Conflict, and Confidence

A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
    with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
    I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me,
    you know my way!
In the path where I walk
    they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
    there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
    no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O LORD;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
    for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
    for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
    that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
    for you will deal bountifully with me. – Psalm 142:1-7 ESV

This song of lament was written by David while hiding in the Judean wilderness in an attempt to escape the wrath of King Saul. At one time, David had been the hero of Israel, having slain Goliath, the Philistine champion, who had taunted the Israelite army and mocked their God. David's unexpected defeat of the giant from Gath not only elevated him in the eyes of the people but also got the attention of Saul. Before long, David was on Saul’s staff and serving as a commander in his army. However, over time, Saul grew disenchanted with David because he feared the young man's growing popularity would ultimately threaten his hold on the throne. The prophet Samuel had already warned Saul that his days as king were numbered. 

“…because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.

“The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else—one who is better than you. And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!” – 1Samuel 15:23, 28-29 NLT

Despite Samuel’s dire warning, Saul was not immediately dethroned and replaced, but his suspicions of David increased rapidly. In time, his paranoia became so pronounced that he attempted to kill David with his own hands. 

Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. – 1 Samuel 19:10 ESV 

Confused by the king's schizophrenic behavior, David ran for his life and sought refuge among the enemies of Israel. For some unexplained reason, he showed up in the city of Gath, the hometown of Goliath the Philistine, but the reception he received was less than welcoming.

So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. – 1 Samuel 22:1-2 NLT

From the royal courtroom to the dank confines of a cave, David's fall from grace had been great. Months earlier, David could hear people singing songs about his exploits against Goliath and his victories over the Philistines. Now, he was persona non grata, a social pariah living like a fugitive from justice and surrounded by a ragtag group of disgruntled debtors, rebels, and malcontents. 

It was while living in this less-than-ideal circumstance that David wrote this psalm. 

I cry out to the LORD;
    I plead for the LORD’s mercy.
I pour out my complaints before him
    and tell him all my troubles. – Psalm 142:1-2 NLT

As David sat in the dark recesses of his literal “hole-in-the-wall” home, he poured out his heart to Yahweh, bearing his soul to the only one who could make a difference. He no longer had access to his mentor Samuel. He had been forced to leave his wife and his best friend behind. Jonathan, the son of Saul, had tried to restore the broken relationship between David and his father, but had failed. Now, with no one to turn to except the LORD, David held nothing back. In another psalm, written during the same difficult time, David expressed his need for Yahweh's help.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
    I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
    until the danger passes by. – Psalm 57:1 NLT   

Despite the presence of his family and a committed cohort of 400 men, David felt abandoned and alone. He was confused and unable to comprehend how his world had fallen apart so quickly. As he looked back on his anointing by the prophet Samuel, he must have questioned its meaning. Nothing made sense. His fall from grace had been quick, unexpected, and, from David's perspective, undeserved. On one occasion, David questions his friend and confidant, Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” (1 Samuel 20:1 NLT). 

However, despite his many questions, David remained steadfast in his belief in Yahweh's sovereignty and providence. 

When my spirit faints within me,
    you know my way! – Psalm 142:3 NLT

David was confident that his all-seeing, all-knowing God was well aware of his predicament and had a plan in place. No matter how dire the circumstances were, David knew Yahweh was in control and would protect and deliver him.

My heart is confident in you, O God;
    my heart is confident. – Psalm 57:7 NLT

However, David’s confidence in God did not prevent him from voicing his concerns. Fear is not always a sign of a lack of faith; it may simply be momentary doubt in the face of mounting pressure. David knew he could be honest with God and expressed his feelings in blunt language meant to convey his confusion and uncertainty.  

Wherever I go,
    my enemies have set traps for me.
I look for someone to come and help me,
    but no one gives me a passing thought!
No one will help me;
    no one cares a bit what happens to me. – Psalm 142:3-4 NLT

My enemies have set a trap for me.
    I am weary from distress.
They have dug a deep pit in my path… – Psalm 57:6 NLT

David didn't attempt to sugarcoat his doubts with overly optimistic, glass-half-full rhetoric that sounded pious but lacked sincerity. He wasn’t trying to impress Yahweh with his faith; he was calling on Yahweh’s faithfulness. 

Then I pray to you, O LORD.
    I say, “You are my place of refuge.
    You are all I really want in life.” – Psalm 142:5 NLT

I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. – Psalm 57:2 NLT

When facing difficulty and uncertainty, David had learned to turn to Yahweh. The presence of problems caused David to seek the presence and power of God. Long before David took the life of Goliath, he knew he wasn't a giant slayer. He was just a shepherd boy who had learned to face life’s problems by leaning on the power of God. 

“I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” – 1 Samuel 17:34-37 NLT

Even in the darkness of the cave, David could see the light of God’s presence and hope in His deliverance. He was brutally honest about his conditions. 

I am surrounded by fierce lions
    who greedily devour human prey—
whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,
    and whose tongues cut like swords. – Psalm 57:4 NLT

But his God was greater than his biggest problem. 

For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
    Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. – Psalm 57:10 NLT

No matter how bad things got, David maintained his confidence in God's goodness, glory, and greatness. For David, problems were an opportunity to witness Yahweh's power on display. That doesn't mean he sought out trouble or welcomed it with open arms, but when it inevitably showed up, he expected Yahweh not to be far behind. He had learned to view difficulty as an opportunity to witness God's deliverance. The Goliaths of life were not a problem for God. Lion, bears, and giants were no match for the God of the universe. 

In another of his psalms, David expressed his confidence in God's constant presence, even in the darkest moments of life.

…even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
    Darkness and light are the same to you. – Psalm 139:12 NLT   

David could hide from Saul in one of the many caves dotting the Judean landscape, but he knew there was nothing hidden from the all-seeing eyes of Yahweh. 

I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
    if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
    and your strength will support me. – Psalm 139:7-10 NLT

In the cave, Yahweh was there. In the face of doubt and fear, Yahweh was there. Entrapped, surrounded, hunted, and hounded, Yahweh was there. And David knew Yahweh cared. That is why he could confidently say, “Bring me out of prison so I can thank you” (Psalm 142:7 NLT).

Father, I want to trust You more. But I realize that trust is built in those moments where fear raises its ugly head and I doubt Your presence and power. It’s when I can’t see You that I am forced to trust You. It is when the difficulties of this world become overwhelming and insurmountable that I am forced to trust in Your strength and not my own. Help me to see the “caves” of my life as sanctuariies of Your presence; places where I can worship the light of Your goodness and greatness in the darkest moments of my life. I want to say with David, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life” (Psalm 142:5 NLT). Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Self-Inflicted Sin of Self-Reliance

A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
    Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
    and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!
4 Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
    to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity,
    and let me not eat of their delicacies!

5 Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
    let my head not refuse it.
Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6 When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
    then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
    so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

8 But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
    in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9 Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
    and from the snares of evildoers!
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
    while I pass by safely. – Psalm 141:1-10 ESV

David was a man well acquainted with conflict, difficulty, and suffering. His life had been a roller-coaster existence with more than its fair share of ups and downs and twists and turns. He had risen from obscurity as a lowly shepherd in his father's house to rock star status as the slayer of the Philistinian champion, Goliath. He became so popular among the people of Israel that they sang songs about him. But his notoriety came at a high price because the higher his reputation soared, the greater King Saul's jealousy rose. Saul viewed David as a threat to his reign and repeatedly attempted to have him executed, ultimately forcing David into a life of exile.     

During his days as a fugitive with a bounty on his head, David had experienced many victories over Israel's enemies. Yet, he had also been betrayed and sold out by those who wanted to win favor with the king. He had been lied to, hunted like a criminal, robbed of his reputation, denied access to his wife, and forced to seek shelter in caves. 

Even when he became the king of Israel, David’s difficulties continued. His highly dysfunctional family was fraught with internecine conflict, including deceit, rape, murder, and betrayal. Two of his sons attempted to overthrow him and seize his throne. And he faced no shortage of external threats, forcing him to spend much of his reign fighting ongoing wars with the enemies of Israel.

Over the years, due to the seemingly endless wave of hardships, David had learned to seek the LORD’s help. Despite his reputation as a warrior, he knew he needed divine assistance if he was going to weather the storms of life. So, when David wrote this psalm, he opened it with a petition for Yahweh to treat his prayer as an offering. For David, turning to God was an act of willful submission and worship. 

O LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry!
    Listen when I cry to you for help!
Accept my prayer as incense offered to you,
    and my upraised hands as an evening offering. – Psalm 141:1-2 NLT

But David wasn't just asking Yahweh to deliver him from the cares of life; he wanted divine help in avoiding the pitfalls that often accompany trials. David knew himself well and recognized his propensity to allow the sins committed against him to produce sin within him. That is why he asks Yahweh to guard his tongue and govern his conduct.

Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil
    or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies
    of those who do wrong. – Psalm 141:3-4 NLT

When being attacked physically or verbally, it is only natural to respond in kind. Man’s predisposition is toward self-defense and retaliation. But David knew that responding to evil with evil was unacceptable. It was the apostle Peter who wrote: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9 BSB). Though he wrote this statement in the 1st century, it was based on an Old Testament teaching found in the Book of Proverbs.

Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”
    Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. – Proverbs 20:22 NLT

In an earlier psalm, David expressed his understanding of this concept and his desire to trust God rather than allowing anger and rash actions to lead to further sin.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
    and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
    or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry!
    Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
    it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
    but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. – Psalm 37:7-9 NLT

But David seemed to know that anger management without God's help was impossible. He was an impulsive man with a tendency to speak first and respond quickly, but he had learned that waiting on the LORD produced far better outcomes in the long run. He had even learned the difficult lesson of accepting the rebuke of a loving friend. During his lifetime, David had numerous encounters with those who attempted to speak into his life, offering wise words in moments of crisis. 

Nathan the prophet had confronted David after his sin with Bathsheba. Joab provided him with blunt but much-needed counsel regarding his excessive and prolonged mourning after the death of his son, Absalom. In the aftermath of Absalom's failed coup, David refused to rejoice over the restoration of his kingdom, forcing Joab to deliver a harsh assessment of his actions.

“We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed of ourselves. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that your commanders and troops mean nothing to you. It seems that if Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate your troops, for I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than ever before.” - 2 Samuel 19:5-7 NLT

David learned that God often speaks through others, which led him to declare, “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it” (Psalm 141:5 ESV). This same sentiment is expressed in the Book of Proverbs.

Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
    profuse are the kisses of an enemy. – Proverbs 27:5-6 NLT

Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than he who flatters with his tongue. – Proverbs 28:23 NLT

…correct the wise,
    and they will love you.
Instruct the wise,
    and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
    and they will learn even more. – Proverbs 9:8-9 NLT

David wanted to say and do the right thing. He deeply desired to respond to wickedness with godliness. He was a man who understood his weaknesses and was quick to rely on Yahweh's help, so that unwanted suffering would not lead to unnecessary sin.

But this reliance upon Yahweh did not prevent David from expressing his desire for judgment on his enemies. He reminds the LORD, “I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds” (Psalm 141:5 NLT). This is an honest acknowledgment that expresses his understanding of Yahweh's sovereignty. David would have been very familiar with the promise Yahweh gave to the people of Israel. 

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense,
    for the time when their foot shall slip;
for the day of their calamity is at hand,
    and their doom comes swiftly.” – Deuteronomy 32:35 ESV

David was simply echoing Yahweh's words back to Him, and expressing his desire that the guilty party not just slip but get a helpful push over the edge.

When their leaders are thrown down from a cliff,
    the wicked will listen to my words and find them true. – Psalm 141:6 NLT

David was looking for vengeance and vindication. He wanted to be proven right by having his adversaries exposed as wrong. Their judgment would be his justification. Their demise would be his ultimate defense. But as David waited for Yahweh to act, he prayed not only for God to protect him, but to prevent him from doing anything rash or unrighteous — in word or deed. 

I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD.
    You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.
Keep me from the traps they have set for me,
    from the snares of those who do wrong.
Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
    but let me escape. – Psalm 141:8-10 NLT

David knew that trials and difficulties were an unavoidable part of living life in a fallen world. He would always have enemies and faced the constant temptation to let their sins against him produce sin within him. So, he turned to the LORD. David knew God could protect him from the sinful acts of others, but he also knew God could prevent him from the self-inflicted sin of self-reliance. 

In another of his many psalms, David expressed his belief in Yahweh's faithfulness to preserve His own. The introduction to this psalm states that it was written “when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.” After years of running, countless threats against his life, and numerous temptations to return evil for evil, David was able to express his confidence in Yahweh's sovereign ability to not only protect him but also to prevent him from doing wrong. 

To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
    to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
    but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
You rescue the humble,
    but you humiliate the proud.
You light a lamp for me.
    The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
In your strength I can crush an army;
    with my God I can scale any wall. – Psalm 18:25-29 NLT

Father, you helped David, and you continue to do the same for me. But far too often, while I long for your deliverance from difficulty, I don't ask for Your help in preventing suffering from producing sin in my life. I get angry. I seek vengeance. I think evil thoughts. I respond in un-Christlike ways. Like David, I ask you to take control of what I say and guard my lips. I want to trust You more and rest in the assurance that you can not only protect me from harm but prevent me from responding in sin. I want to be a man of integrity, purity, and humility, no matter the circumstances I face. But I know that is impossible without Your help. With David, I say, “I look to you for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge” (Psalm 141:8 NLT). Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Implications of Imprecation

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1  Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;
    preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart
    and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's,
    and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
    preserve me from violent men,
    who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
    and with cords they have spread a net;
    beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

6 I say to the LORD, You are my God;
    give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
    you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
    do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

9 As for the head of those who surround me,
    let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them!
    Let them be cast into fire,
    into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land;
    let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
    and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
    the upright shall dwell in your presence. – Psalm 140:1-13 ESV

This psalm reflects David’s reliance upon Yahweh as he pleads for deliverance from his enemies. There is no indication when this psalm was written, so it is impossible to know which adversaries or circumstances David had in mind when he penned these words. But David was a warrior and well accustomed to facing all manner of foes, including lions, bears, and even giants. David was an accomplished soldier with a track record of success, yet he called on Yahweh to deliver and guard him from those he describes as evil, violent, and wicked men. 

The first word he uses is raʿ, which in Hebrew means “evil” or “malignant.” Whoever these individuals were, David viewed them as thoroughly evil. They were predisposed to causing pain and suffering, using everything at their disposal to “stir up trouble all day long” (Psalm 140:2 NLT), including their words. 

Their tongues sting like a snake;
    the venom of a viper drips from their lips.  – Psalm 140:3 NLT

According to David, their evil hearts were the source of their venom. They were inherently evil at their core, causing them to conspire and plot the downfall of others for their own perverse pleasure or self-promotion. But their words were more than hurtful; they were inherently violent. David describes them as ḥāmās, another Hebrew word that conveys the idea of cruelty and injustice. They weren't simply out to ruin David's reputation; they were plotting his destruction and would use everything at their disposal to accomplish that goal. 

In verses 4-5, David repeats his less-than-flattering assessment of his enemies by calling them wicked (rāšāʿ) and arrogant (gē'ê). The Hebrew word rāšāʿ describes someone who is morally wrong or guilty of a crime. In essence, they are sinners who have violated God’s law and are worthy of His condemnation. To David, these men were anything but God-fearers. They weren’t just an annoyance for David; they were inherently ungodly and deserved to be punished for their crimes. 

Like a prosecuting attorney in a trial, David gives further evidence of their guilt by describing them as arrogant. The Hebrew word gē'ê paints the picture of someone being “high and lifted up.” To put it plainly, these men were full of themselves, holding undeserved thoughts of their own grandeur and greatness. The Proverbs provide an apt description of these kinds of individuals. 

My child, if sinners entice you,
    turn your back on them!
They may say, “Come and join us.
    Let’s hide and kill someone!
    Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave;
    let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
Think of the great things we’ll get!
    We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take.
Come, throw in your lot with us;
    we’ll all share the loot.” – Proverbs 1:10-14 NLT 

These are the kinds of men David was dealing with, and he longed for Yahweh to mete out well-deserved justice and judgment on them. But first, he asked to be delivered from them. 

O LORD, rescue me from evil people.
    Protect me from those who are violent… – Psalm 140:1 NLT

O LORD, keep me out of the hands of the wicked.
    Protect me from those who are violent… – Psalm 140:4 NLT

If this psalm was written while David was king, he would have had the full weight of the crown at his disposal. He could have mustered his troops and ordered the arrest of his adversaries. He could have declared war and eliminated the threat through violent means. But instead, David called on Yahweh and asked for His divine rescue and protection. 

David was predisposed to trust Yahweh and reluctant to take matters into his own hands. During his days of fleeing from King Saul, he was presented with several opportunities to take Saul's life, but he refused. Encouraged by his own men to kill his nemesis, David said, “The LORD forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the LORD’s anointed one, for the LORD himself has chosen him” (1 Samuel 24:6 NLT). 

Years later, when David became king and was forced to flee the city of Jerusalem because his son Absalom had staged a successful coup, David was confronted by a relative of Saul, who cursed him for usurping the Benjamites' rightful claim to the throne of Israel. When one of David's men heard this man's violent threats, he offered to take his life, but David responded with patience and understanding.

“No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If the LORD has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?”

Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.” – 2 Samuel 16:12-13 NLT

David believed that Yahweh was sovereign over all things, including his life and the fate of his throne. That is what led him to turn to Yahweh for help.

“You are my God!”
    Listen, O LORD, to my cries for mercy!
O Sovereign LORD, the strong one who rescued me,
    you protected me on the day of battle.
LORD, do not let evil people have their way.
    Do not let their evil schemes succeed,
    or they will become proud. – Psalm 140:6-8 NLT

David knew he needed God's mercy, protection, and rescue. His hope was not based on his own strength or self-reliance, but upon Yahweh. David had experienced Yahweh's rescue in the past, and he knew it was the best solution to his present problem. 

But this psalm is more than a prayer for intervention; it is also a request for imprecation (cursing). David wanted his enemies to be dealt with severely, and he felt free to provide Yahweh with his opinions about the fate of his adversaries.

Let my enemies be destroyed
    by the very evil they have planned for me.
Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
    Let them be thrown into the fire
    or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.
Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.
    Cause great disasters to fall on the violent. – Psalm 140:9-11 NLT 

David's words are difficult to read because they seem to lack any sense of mercy, forgiveness, and grace. They certainly don't reflect the teachings of the Proverbs. 

Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;
    don’t be happy when they stumble.
For the LORD will be displeased with you
    and will turn his anger away from them. – Proverbs 24:17-19 NLT

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
    If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
    and the LORD will reward you. – Proverbs 25:21-22 NLT

David's request seems to contradict the message that Jesus would later deliver in His Sermon on the Mount.

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” – Matthew 5:44-45 NLT

David’s prayer of imprecation or cursing is understandable but not necessarily acceptable. Just because it appears in Scripture and comes from the pen of the man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), it does not mean that David's request was either acceptable to or answered by God. In his mind, David was reciting the moral code of lex talionis, which was found in the Mosaic Law.

But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. – Exodus 21:23-25 NLT

David was under the impression that the wicked deserved exactly what they had planned for him. It seemed only just and fair that the tables be turned and Yahweh pour out on them the troubles they had planned for David. This all made sense to David, and he felt free to share his honest assessment with Yahweh. But in his summation of the psalm, David provides a hint as to what he was really interested in: Justice.

But I know the LORD will help those they persecute;
    he will give justice to the poor.
Surely righteous people are praising your name;
    the godly will live in your presence. – Psalm 140:12-13 NLT

David knew that whatever the outcome might be, Yahweh would be the one to dispense justice as He saw fit. As human beings, it is only normal and natural for us to consider retaliation and vengeance as non-negotiable outcomes of Yahweh's justice. We want to see the wicked suffer. We demand that evil people get what they deserve. But, in the end, we must trust the LORD to do what He deems best. In another psalm, Ethan the Ezrahite points out that Yahweh alone has the right to determine what justice looks like and how it should be delivered.

Powerful is your arm!
    Strong is your hand!
    Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.
    Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. – Psalm 89:13-14 NLT

David was free to share his thoughts with God. He could wish for the worst on his enemies, but when all was said and done, he would have to leave justice in the hands of his sovereign LORD. 

Father, I don't always understand Your ways, and there are times when I grow weary of the wicked, violent, and evil people that populate this world. I find myself wishing nothing but ill-will on them. I want to see Your justice delivered — on my terms. But Your Son called me to pray for them. He told me not to worry about they can do to me, but focus my thoughts on Your righteousness and Your expectations that I live up to the holy standard to which You have called me. I want to trust You with my life and leave the fates of my enemies up to You. Hep me to live by the trust found in Psalm 118:6-7. “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.” Amen

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.