This bittersweet Psalm is more proof that songs included more than just worship – they included lamenting and an outpouring of grief.
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends – those who see me on the street flee from me. But I trust in you, Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. (v1,4-5,9-11,14,16,23b)
One interesting aspect of this Psalm is it’s referenced times in multiple passages of scripture. Some of the references include:
– Psalm 71:1-3 quotes (slightly par.) v1-3
– Jonah 2:8 seems to reference v6
– Jeremiah references v13 six times (Jer 6:25, 20:3, 20:10, 46:5, 49:29, and Lam 2:22)
– Paul quotes v24 in 1 Cor 16:13
The two most crucial references to this Psalm are what I wish to talk about – they come from Jesus and Stephen.
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Lk 23:46) Jesus’ final words on the cross are those from v5a: “Into your hands I commit my spirit”. Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr, has a similar fate: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ ” (Ac 7:59) Stephen too mentions v5a.
Another parallel between Jesus and Stephen is while dying, they both pray for forgiveness for their enemies. “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ ” (Lk 23:34a) “Then [Stephen] fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ ” (Ac 7:60a)
This is a huge contrast though compared to what David requests – he prays for condemnation of his enemies: “but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.” (v17b,18)
It’s interesting to see how through Jesus and the New Covenant we went from prayers of condemnation, to intercessory prayers of forgiveness. That’s a stark (yet welcomed) contrast.
Father God, I long to forgive as openly and freely as Jesus and Stephen did. Though David was your dear friend and a man after Your own heart, please help me to follow the road of forgiveness rather than condemnation. I too pray for deliverance from the evil one and freedom from oppression for my friends and family, for this is a war of principalities and powers. Though I also pray that condemnation be reserved only for those beyond redemption, as a last resort. Father I beg of you to please shine your face upon those who have unknowingly joined the ranks of the wicked, so they may see you and accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
In closing be blessed, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (v24)
~ Conqueror in Training