July 15, 2024

Are Riches Your Refuge?

Psalm 52

Will Sperring
Monday's Devo

July 15, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 15, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 15, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 15, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 52:7

"See the man who would not make God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches
and sought refuge in his own destruction!"

Psalm 52

The Steadfast Love of God Endures

To the choirmaster. A Maskil 1 52:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of David, when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

1  Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?
    The steadfast love of God endures all the day.
2  Your tongue plots destruction,
    like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.
3  You love evil more than good,
    and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah
4  You love all words that devour,
    O deceitful tongue.

5  But God will break you down forever;
    he will snatch and tear you from your tent;
    he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
6  The righteous shall see and fear,
    and shall laugh at him, saying,
7  “See the man who would not make
    God his refuge,
but trusted in the abundance of his riches
    and sought refuge in his own destruction!” 2 52:7 Or in his work of destruction

8  But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.
9  I will thank you forever,
    because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
    in the presence of the godly.

Footnotes

[1] 52:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 52:7 Or in his work of destruction
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 52:1–4 The enemy’s speech (boast, tongue, lying, words) is lies used to plot the destruction of the faithful. The enduring steadfast love of God is the answer to such evil (compare v. 8).

Study Notes

Ps. 52:5–7 The righteous person who will trust in God (unlike the enemy, v. 7) is confident that he is always safe.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 52. The faithful develop confidence in God’s care and protection, particularly when surrounded by ruthless enemies. The title sets the psalm during David’s flight from Saul (1 Sam. 21:1–7), which led to Doeg’s slaughtering the priests who had helped David (1 Sam. 22:9–19). Doeg is thus an example of the enemies the faithful might face.

Ps. 52:8–9 In contrast to the wicked who are “uprooted” (v. 5), the godly will be a green olive tree (an image of vitality and fruitfulness, see Jer. 11:16). While the enemy trusts in the abundance of his riches (Ps. 52:7), the faithful trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. The faithful wait for God to vindicate his name by protecting those who trust in him.

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 52

Psalm 52 shows us that man's boasting and evil words will lead to his own destruction, but trusting in the Lord's steadfast love will bring life. Psalm 52:3 speaks of how man naturally desires evil and loves it more than the good that God is offering.

Man tends to seek the temporary gratification of exalting himself over giving God the honor He truly deserves. We choose to put the spotlight on ourselves far more than we give it to the One who gave it all up for us. Those who turn away from the Lord and oppose Him will be cursed (Psalm 52:3-5). 

On the other hand, those who choose to trust in the Lord's steadfast love will be rooted deeply in the house of God like an olive tree — rooted so deeply they may not be shaken but will find refuge in His amazing grace. God says, "If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all." (Isaiah 7:9) If we lean on anything we can achieve or in the amount of money in our bank account for our worth, we will be left unfulfilled and broken. 

Fullness of joy and life is found only through abiding in God's steadfast, never-ending, never-wavering love for us. If we can let go of all that the world has to offer, we will be content with whatever the world throws at us. "[F]or I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11) 

Psalm 52 closes with thankfulness to the Lord for the new life in His grace He has to offer. As we trust in Him, we can find true rest and peace. In this rest, we will become fruitful and secure like the olive tree rooted deeply in the house of God. 

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. Do you more commonly boast of your own works or what Christ has done for you? 

2. What is something worldly that you trust to give you comfort? How can you rely less on this and more on the steadfast love of God? 

3. Where do you find your worth and identity? Does this leave you satisfied? 

4. Do you regularly thank the Lord for the grace He has given you? 

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Michael Scaman

Psalm 49 was a "Hello World"! Psalm 50 was a "Wake up call for Israel" Psalm 51 will be a model prayer of repentance in response "Create in me a clean heart" Psalm 52 will be a judgement of the wicked of the world. The poster child being a King Saul administration influencer, and opportunist Doeg the Edomite, who got all the priests and everyone else at Nob killed for giving David bread and didn't appear to fear God. The name Doeg is from to worry or fear. The Old Testament seems to play with the names of bad guys, giving them a name no one would call a kid. As poster child of the wicked his name ( worry or fear) will contrast with trust.). Psalms 49 and 52 are like matching bookends to or from the world. Psalm 49 spoke of the wicked rich boasting. Psalm 52 has Doeg the Edomite who was an influencer with Saul, had resources, wicked rich and boastful. He trusted in his riches. Another set! Matching bookends written by different authors. Doeg meaning fear, may also have been bitter. Some take “detained “. in the priestly city Nob to mean he was held on quarantine and not happy. In that view he had a short fuse and ready to blow and blow he did. He ending up killing everyone at the house of Ahimelech, killing men women and child in an act of tragic brutality. Jesus had no issue with Ahimelech giving David the bread. In contrast to the bad example of trusting in successes or riches, we should trust in the steadfast love of God. Psalm 52:8 "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever." True of believers. True of Jesus. Some put Psalms 49 through 52 like a 4 step ABBA. chiasm: Psalm 49. To Gentiles, all of them. ——-Psalm 50. To Israel, all of them. ——-Psalm 51. From Israel, a right response by David Psalm 52. From gentiles. Gentile’s wrong response and the wicked Doeg the Edomite and the redeemed trust in the love of God Then psalm 53 will answer the question does this apply to me? And yes , echoing almost all of psalm 14 almost word for word. There is no one righteous no not one
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Will. “Recently, the Lord has been teaching me how faithful He is through all our sin and that He does not expect perfection but just wants us to run to Him.” Love that. See the same thing in an unexpected way with David running from the tabernacle to cross the enemy’s lines through this psalm. Psalm 52 seems to be one of those psalms where you have to read your Bible carefully to understand what has inspired the content of the psalm. From there it would seem the truth of the words isn’t what’s read and understood on the surface. The real truth is just below the surface meaning. To the choirmaster. A maskil of David when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, David has come to the house of Ahimelech. 1 Samuel 21:1-9 is when David visits the house of Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech asked David why he was alone. David makes up a story and tells Ahimelech he is on a secret mission for king Saul. Ahimelech has no reason to doubt David and fulfills David’s request for food and weapons. Verse 7, Doeg, the Edomite, “detained before the Lord” is there that day and witnesses the interaction. “Detained before the LORD” most commentators believe it is either the sabbath or he is fulfilling some other vow. So with David there’s a picture of some sketchy behavior. With Doeg the Edomite, a foreigner, a picture of righteous behavior. Or that least that seems to be how the original reader would have pictured what he was reading. 1 Samuel 22:6-9 Doeg, the Edomite, obeying the wishes of his master, tells Saul what he has seen. 1 Samuel 22:11-19 Saul summons Ahimelech and all his house. Ahimelech is blindsided by the kings charges and receives a death sentence. Saul’s servants were unwilling to carry out the executions and Doeg, the righteous Edomite shepherd, dutifully carries out the sentence. That event inspires these words: The righteous shall see and fear,     and shall laugh at him, saying,   “See the man who would not make     God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches     and sought refuge in his own destruction!” Psalm 52:6-7 The study note for verses 5-7 says this: The righteous person who will trust in God (unlike the enemy, v. 7) is confident that he is always safe. So the irony of Psalm 52 is this. Doeg, the Edomite, the former enemy, the picture of righteousness in 1 Samuel 21, in some ways is the guy the study note depicts. In chapter 21 the righteous Ahimelech felt safe around him. He wouldn’t have given David the only weapon he had to defend himself against Doeg if he hadn’t. Another irony that comes out when you read and consider the psalm along side the narrative. One thing the psalms seem to intuitively know is that faith that is challenged but not broken becomes a stronger faith over time. 1 Samuel 21 David fled the tabernacle and ran and hid behind enemy lines from Saul pretending to be crazy in front of the king of Moab. The Psalm 53 study note makes a similar statement. “Ps. 52 The faithful develop confidence in God’s care and protection, particularly when surrounded by ruthless enemies. The title sets the psalm during David’s flight from Saul (1 Sam. 21:1–7), which led to Doeg’s slaughtering the priests who had helped David (1 Sam. 22:9–19). Doeg is thus an example of the enemies the faithful might face.”
LG

Linda Green

Love how the Holy Spirit shines his divine flashlight on different verses and brings different facets to light for each of us. Thanks for your thoughts today. Am pondering the last part of verse 7: “… and sought refuge in his own destruction!". Am thinking of how ridiculous that is, but how often I’ve blindly clung to what is wrecking me.
MA

Maryann Adams

Thank you, Will! Really enjoyed your devo, the emphasis on trusting in Him. It always comes down to trust! As you said in your bio, "...He...just wants us to run to Him..." Verse 8 (NIV) reads: "But I am like an olive tree flourishing...I trust in God's unfailing love...". That word flourishing inspires me! Entering into my day today with a lingering question: What characterizes a flourishing thought life?
AL

Amy Lowther

1. When appropriate with others, I boast of what Christ has done for me. 2. I trust that God will give me comfort. His steadfast love is helpful. 3. I find my worth and identity in being true to how God made me and how God prefers I live. In believing this and by praying to God a lot, I find satisfaction consistently. 4. Yes, because it is priceless. Will - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point, “Psalm 52 shows us that man's boasting and evil words will lead to his own destruction, but trusting in the Lord's steadfast love will bring life”. Excellent!