Daily Devotion in Psalm 52

 

Daily Nugget:
Although many writers dwell on the prophecies in this chapter, there is also a lesson to be learned from an event in David’s life. This Psalm was David’s recollection of 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 Samuel 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 (Psalm 52:1),
• Mighty warrior (Psalm 52:1),
• Person who used his tongue to stir up trouble (Psalm 52:2),
• Person who loved evil “more than good” (Psalm 52:3) and lying more than truth,
• Person whose speech was deceptive (Psalm 52:4) 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 the man would not get away with his sin (Psalm 52:5). There is always a wage for 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 dreadful can God’s wrath be that David wanted hearers of his Psalm to think about it (“Selah”) and contemplate before committing it.
“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 would remember it is that there is a price tag on our sin, either here or in eternity. No one will escape the penalty of 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.