Psalm 6:1-10 & Psalm 7:1-17
Psalm 6:1-10 … Q.1. What suggests that David was near to death? How did he view God’s part in the chastening? What was his prayer to God? – (Ps.6:1-5)
David was downcast because of all his trials. He could see no way of escape from his enemies, except by God’s direct intervention. He was in fear for his life, and observed – For there is no mention of You in death; In Sheol who will give You thanks? (Ps.6:5). Of all the kings of Israel, David was the one who introduced extensive praise and worship of God. He knew that a major reason why God created man, was so that man would worship Him. David wanted to live, so that he could continue to thank and worship the Lord. (c.f. Gen.1:26-27). Whatever he was experiencing, David felt divine displeasure – O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chasten me in Your wrath (Ps.6:1). We can all relate to sensing God’s displeasure for something we have said or done. David pined away for the restoration of his relationship with God, and asked – Return, O Lord, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness (Ps.6:4). He knew he deserved God’s chastening but cried out for His mercy and lovingkindness.
Q.2. How long did David’s trial last? How did his enemies intensify his suffering? Did David give up crying out to God? What was his confidence in the end? – (Ps.6:6-10)
This trial was long. David lost much sleep, and his health suffered (Ps.6:6-7). It increased his pain, to know that his enemies were mocking his reliance on God. However, David refused to give up trusting God, and remained steadfast – 8 For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my supplication the Lord receives my prayer (Ps.6:8-9). He was confident that the Lord would answer his prayers, and that his enemies would know shame for gloating over his pain.
Psalm 7:1-17 … Q.3. Was David sure of victory over his pursuers? Did he have a clear conscience? What appeal did he make before God? – (Ps.7:1-5)
David was from the tribe of Judah. He had replaced King Saul, who was from the tribe of Benjamin. The title speaks of his conflict with a Benjamite named Cush. David knew that God had raised him up as Israel’s king. He was confident of his integrity in the way he had treated others. He accepted that if he had been unjust, had mistreated his friends, or had taken advantage of his enemies, God had the right to punish him, and allow his enemies to defeat him. (Ps.7:3-5). He cried out to God to protect and deliver him – O Lord my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me and deliver me (Ps.7:1). Without God’s protection, David would have been destroyed by his enemies.
Q.4. What quality of God’s character gave David confidence? How can a person avoid God’s judgment? What would happen to the wicked? What was David’s attitude to God? – (Ps.7:6-17)
David expressed his trust in God’s righteous judgment, and in His power to rule over all people, including His enemies. He pictured God as standing in readiness to punish the wicked. The wicked may plan to deceitfully trap and destroy the righteous. However – his mischief will return upon his own head (Ps.7:16). David declared – 8 The Lord judges the peoples; Vindicate me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me. 9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end but establish the righteous; For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. 10 My shield is with God, Who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge and a God who has indignation every day (Ps.7:8-11). This is a great comfort when people question our integrity or take advantage of our circumstances. The rest of the Psalm rehearsed the demise of the wicked (Ps.7:12-16). God provides a way of escape. David warned – If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready (Ps.7:12). In the midst of all his distress from his enemies, David declared – I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Ps.7:17).