This chapter is a song of praise from David to God. It (primarily) celebrates God for delivering David from his enemies.
“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation, the God who gave me vengeance and brought down peoples under me, who brought me out from my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from men of violence. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name. Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” (v47-51)
From which enemy was David delivered? Pick one, for there were many (Philistines, Absalom, most neighboring nations, his own sin, and the house of Saul to name a few). I don’t think it matters much who the enemy was – what matters is who God is.
I strongly suggest reading this whole chapter because the psalm describes God in an interesting light – this extremely powerful being who forms all of creation with a spoken word, yet has a tender and compassionate heart toward the lowly and oppressed.
This is the perfect kind of chapter to read on the eve of a Canadian Thanksgiving weekend – it reminds us that we have much to be thankful for, and we serve the one and only God of the universe. This Lord has immense power, yet exercises immense restraint when He chooses for forgive and deliver His people from their sin and circumstance. We deserve death, yet He has abundant mercy.
I encourage us to reflect on this (or another) song of praise over the weekend. If you’re in a creative mood, perhaps you will even write your own song/prayer of praise to God. In closing I’d like to rephrase some of David’s song in my own words.
Father God, You are our rock, our safe place, and our deliverer. We take refuge and find our salvation in You. You protect us from violence and wickedness. We call upon You who are worthy to be praised, and You rescue us from evil. The waves of death overwhelmed us, the tsunami of destruction assaulted us, and the grave reached out the grab us. Yet, we cried out to You for help and You heard our voices ring out in heaven. You came down from on high and drew us up out of the disastrous waters, rescuing us from our enemies and ourselves. You set us in Your safe place because You love us. We praise You for Your righteousness, mercy, purity, and grace. All honor, praise, thanksgiving and glory be unto You our Lord and God, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training