Read
(For the music leader. To the tune “Don't Destroy.” A special psalm by David when Saul had David's house watched so that he could kill him.)
A Prayer for Protection
1 Save me, God! Protect me
from enemy attacks!
2Keep me safe from brutal people
who want to kill me.
3Merciless enemies, Lord,
are hiding and plotting,
hoping to kill me.
I have not hurt them
in any way at all.
4But they are ready to attack.
Do something! Help me!
Look at what's happening.
5Lord God All-Powerful,
you are the God of Israel.
Punish the other nations
and don't pity those terrible
and rebellious people.
6My enemies return at evening,
growling like dogs
roaming the city.
7They curse, and their words
cut like swords,
as they say to themselves,
“No one can hear us!”
8You, Lord, laugh at them
and sneer at the nations.
9You are my mighty fortress,
and I depend on you.
10You love me and will let me
see my enemies defeated.
11Don't kill them,
or everyone may forget!
Just use your mighty power
to make them tremble
and fall.
You are a shield
for your people.
12My enemies are liars!
So let them be trapped
by their boastful lies.
13Get angry and destroy them.
Leave them in ruin.
Then all the nations will know
that you rule in Israel.
14Those liars return at evening,
growling like dogs
roaming the city.
15They search for scraps of food,
and they snarl
until they are stuffed.
16But I will sing about
your strength, my God,
and I will celebrate
because of your love.
You are my fortress,
my place of protection
in times of trouble.
17I will sing your praises!
You are my mighty fortress,
and you love me.
Reflect
When I lived in Africa my dogs were big, fierce, and attack trained. Day and night, they would have free reign of the yard. Woe betide anyone who might try to break in.
King Saul had a pack of “dogs” – hit men who were constantly on the prowl. Turned loose on David, they were merciless and determined, intent on snuffing him out. This is the reality of this psalm.
David’s story is simultaneously one of danger and deliverance. While we don’t know the precise date or occasion of this psalm, it’s obvious that Saul, in a fit of jealousy or rage, had set his “dogs” on David, to attack and kill him by morning (v.1-7). David is understandably distressed (v.3) and desperate for help (v.4). But he’s not defeated. He is confident in God’s ability to deliver him from death (v.9-10, 16-17) and certain that his enemies will be defamed (v.11b-13).
David’s situation is a microcosm of the far bigger issue of widespread woe wrought by wicked men. In a world where children get gunned down in their classrooms, young women are abducted and abused as sex slaves, and demagogues manipulate people for their own ends, let’s remember that a time of deliverance is coming (cf. Joel 2:28-32, Zephaniah 1:14-18, 2 Thessalonians). There will be the Day when God says, “Enough!” It may be soon or it may be some point in the distant future. But a new day will dawn – one where judgment, justice and righteous government prevail.
But for now we wonder, “Who let the dogs out?” In these perilous times we cry out for deliverance … Yet not without hope. We know the rest of the story! The days of the wicked are numbered (cf. Psalm 37:13). God will not prevail with humanity forever. So like David, we praise Him for His strength and saving power (v.16-17).
Respond
Lord, I can sing of your love every morning. Even when danger stalks me, your deliverance strengthens me. For greater is your Spirit who is in me, than he who is in the world. Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners