“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” (1-2,11-15,22-23,26-27
This is a fascinating passage that is extremely counter-cultural. Culture (especially in the OT) would teach us “if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” (Ex 21:23-25 [also Lev 24:19-22 & Deu 19:19-21]) in order to have justice and equality in this world. (Note this law was specifically between two Jews, not a Jew and a Gentile, but most people would consider it justification for revenge against Gentiles as well).
David, contrary to what the law of Moses allows, is talking about praying, fasting and mourning for those who persecute him: “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting… I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother”.
This is more than 1000 years before Jesus taught the concept of loving our enemies: ” ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.’ ” (Mat 5:38-39,43-45a)
When I initially ask myself “who are my enemies?”, no names come to mind. After a few more moments of pondering, I am reminded that yesterday we reviewed how Satan is the ruler of this world, the broken kingdom of the air. Since scripture is clear Satan is an enemy, all those people who are “of this world” (currently under his influence) would be an extension of our enemy. From that perspective, I have millions of “enemies”. Now I know who to love and pray for.
Father God please enlarge my heart to love all of our enemies, all those who are allied with the greatest enemy, the lord of this broken world. Father I pray for all of those who have been blinded by the enemy – please forgive them Father, for they do not realize what they are doing. Father please continue to sanctify me so I may be a light unto this world, so as David requested our enemies “may [have opportunity to] delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness” unto You, o Lord, the one who vindicates us all and frees us from the grip of the enemy. To You alone be the praise and glory of this salvation.
~ Conqueror in Training