Daily Devotion of Psalm 52

Daily Nugget:
Although many writers dwell on the prophecies of this chapter, there is also a lesson that can be learned from an event in David’s life. This Psalm was David’s recollection when he was fleeing the jealous and angry King Saul.

An Edomite “set over the servants of Saul” (I Sam. 22:9), Doeg, informed Saul that David had fled and was being helped by priests at Nob. Saul then ordered Doeg to kill over 85 priests (I Sam. 22:18) and the wicked man obeyed the command of Saul.

This Psalm reveals what David knew about the informer. He knew Doeg to be a:

• Braggart (vs. 1),
• Mighty warrior (vs. 1),
• Person that used his tongue to stir up trouble (vs. 2),
• Person that loved evil “more than good” (vs. 3) and lying more than truth,
• Person whose speech was deceptive (vs. 4) and had a plan to hurt and destroy others. (Sounds like many of our politicians and others today.)

As evil as Doeg was, David knew he would not get away with his sin (Psalm 52:5). There is always a wage on sin that all will pay unless God’s mercy spares them.

David was expecting God to take the sinner’s life. The revenge of a mighty God is a fearful thing. So fearful was God’s wrath that David wanted hearers of his Psalm to think about it (“Selah”) and contemplate on it for their protection if they too were guilty of sin.
“God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.” Psalm 52:5

If there is one message I wish those that hear or read what I teach about God’s Word, it is that there is a price tag on our sin, either here or in eternity. No one will escape the penalty on iniquity. We cannot undo what we have done, but we can speedily seek God’s forgiveness and mercy before He deals with it in our lives. SELAH!

Today’s Thought: 
“No sin is small. It is against an infinite God and may have consequences immeasurable.” — Jeremy Taylor

Words to Understand:
Ahimelech: a priest at Nob that helped David
Maschil: To understand, to receive instruction, an instructive poem

Today’s Reading:
Psalm 52
1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.
5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.
6 ¶ The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:
7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.