[:en]This Psalm was written by David when Doeg, the Edomite went to Saul and reported to him that David was in the house of Ahimelech. Doeg was an evil man who spied on David to get favor from King Saul. When David knew what Doeg had done, he turned to God for help.
Description of Doeg:
- Boastful (v. 1) – He was a proud man, who wanted to inflate his ego
- Destructive (v. 2) – His tongue plotted destruction like a sharp razor.
- Harmful (v. 3) – He loves evil rather than good and falsehood than truth
- Deceitful (v. 4) – He loved every harmful word
David described the outcome of a person who only trusts in the abundance of his wealth. He thinks of himself as self-sufficient, who does not consider God his strength. His confidence is on his wealth. But God will bring him down to everlasting ruin. God will snatch him up, tear his tent, uproot him from the land of the living (v. 5). The righteous will see and get the last laugh (v. 6)
David compared himself to an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. He had a firm and privileged position because he was rooted into the things of the Lord. Olive contains oil, which is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. No wonder David wants to be an olive tree that bears fruits for the glory of God. He ended up praising the Lord and His deeds, trusting in His unfailing love, and hoping in His Holy Name.
Reflection:
- Examine your tongue. Is it lying, boasting or tearing down others? Or is it speaking righteousness and healing others?
- What is the foundation of your life? Is God your strength or is wealth your confidence?
- Is your root system absorbing nourishment from God’s Word?
- Are you bearing fruits that can bless others?
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