Oh God, whom I praise, do not remain silent. (Psalm 109:1)This is the lament of a man betrayed. Lies, hatred, attacks, accusations, and double-crosses. And a desperate cry to God: Don't you turn away from me too!
He has been wronged; now he cries out for justice. Let an accuser [satan] stand at his right hand (v. 6). This man who is suffering wants his attacker to suffer too. He has never had the opportunity to hear the teaching of Jesus: 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 (Matthew 5:43,44). As George Knight writes: We can understand [his thirst for retribution], but we dare not approve. [1]
In contrast to his plea for a satan to stand at his enemy's right hand (the place of accusation) [2], we can know, even when God seems silent or distant, that he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him (v. 31). God stands by us, not to speak words of accusation, but of love and support.
When was the last time you thought God had forgotten you?
[1] George A. F. Knight. "Psalms - Volume 2." The Daily Study Bible Series (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983), 176.
[2] 178.
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