READ: Ps. 52:1-9: … You love evil more than good … God shall likewise destroy you forever … uproot … I shall be like a green olive tree in the house of God … I will praise You forever …
This Psalm refers to the history of the betrayal by Doeg concerning the high priest Ahimelech and the priests of Nob, who had received David. Upon this disclosure to Saul, the priests were slaughtered (1 Sam. 22).
Yet this Psalm is more than simply retelling a horrific historical event; it is instruction for believers who experience persecutions and oppressions because of their faith. The Psalm shows what lives in opponents of faith and church, but also how the LORD shall punish them (vs.3-7). Then it describes how believers judge this and how different their life is.
Saul, because of carrying out this treacherous slaughter, is characterized as a violent man who continually is bent on evil. But God’s lovingkindness goes out toward believers, who may know themselves carried, helped, and strengthened; for them there is no reason to become fearful, let alone panic-stricken, at the actions of a violent man. Everything may be taken from a believer, even their life, but their soul shall continue to live (Matt. 10:28).
The tongue of the opponents is a weapon that satan uses to curse believers, silence them, or make them suspect (Jas. 3:6). Then injustice is spoken and the believer is unjustly condemned. Compare this with what Jezebel did with Naboth (1 Kgs. 21:13) and the condemnation of Jesus by the Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:61).
Thus Saul listened to the false words of Doeg who wrongly spoke of a conspiracy against him (1 Sam. 22:13). In the destructive actions of the enemy the believer may rely upon God. He shall judge the evildoer. But the believer may continue to expect the blessing of the LORD.
While the wicked is torn away in death with the prospect of eternal death, the believer may know himself safe with the LORD: he may dwell forever and always in the house of the LORD and praise Him eternally.
How do you deal as a christian with unfair suspicion?
Singing: Ps. 52:1,2,5