Psalm 109:1-31
Q.1. What justification is there for asking God to expose and punish the wicked? How should we treat our enemies? – (Ps.109:1-20)
All our prayers and petitions to the Lord need to be brought with the understanding that – ‘God does whatever He pleases in heaven and earth’ (c.f. Ps.135:6; 115:4). In other words, man’s prayers are never automatically ratified by God (c.f. Jms.4:2-4). We can all identify with the experience of making a request for God to act when He failed to answer our request. (Ps.109:1). This petition for God to reward his adversaries as they had treated him, was certainly heard. No one understands our feelings as Jesus does (Ps.109:2-20 c.f. Ps.103:13-14). However, God does not always answer our requests as we frame them. He will always answer according to what is best for all parties concerned. In the New Testament we are urged to leave the outcome to God and to not take matters into our own hands (c.f. Rom.12:14-21). All trials as designed to teach us to trust in a good God Who does not reward us as our sins deserve (Ps.103:10)
Q.2. How did the treachery of Judas against Jesus explain this Psalm? – (Ps.109:8)
The apostle Peter, under inspiration of God, quoted from Psalm 109:8; 69:25-28, as the basis for removing Judas Iscariot from the list of the Twelve (c.f. Acts 1:20). The heart cry from a suffering saint in Psalm109 also foretold the heart cry of our sinless Saviour in Psalm 109:1-5; 22-27. All the curses outlined applied to the household of Judas, and to all who arrogantly turn against God’s anointed ones. It is not hard to identify the rejection and mistreatment of Jesus in this Psalm. It is noteworthy that Jesus did not use His powers against His perpetrators. Instead, He prayed for them, and never retaliated – but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Pet.2:23 c.f. Mt.26:53; Lk.23:34; Jn.18:36).
Q.3. What evidence is there that this Psalm was foretelling the sufferings of Jesus? – (Ps.109:21-31 esp. verse 25)
It is impossible to overlook references to the suffering Saviour in this song – 22 For I am afflicted and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. 23 I am passing like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust. 24 My knees are weak from fasting, and my flesh has grown lean, without fatness. 25 I also have become a reproach to them; When they see me, they wag their head. 26 Help me, O Lord my God; Save me according to Your lovingkindness. 27 Let them know that this is Your hand; You, Lord, have done it (Ps.109:22-27). The Gospel writers quoted some of these verses. We can understand why, as they describe the horrible sufferings of Jesus as the sinner’s substitute (let them know that this is Your hand; You, Lord, have done it – Ps.109:27). However, despite all the unjust treatment endured by Christ, He maintained His absolute confidence in His Father – 21 But You, O God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name’s sake; Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me … 30 With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the Lord; And in the midst of many I will praise Him. 31 For He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who judge his soul (Ps.109:21, 30-31). He understood that the Cross was unavoidable if He was to purchase our salvation. He also declared that His death was not the end, but rather a glorious beginning for the penitent sinner.