Psalm 52 - Responding to Evil People
MAY 10, 2023
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As we study through the Psalms, we need to remember that they are not in order as
to when they took place in history. Psalm 52 actually took place years before
Psalm 51 was written and had taken place. In Psalm 51 we read of David’s
confession of his sin of adultery and murder after he had successfully set up
his kingdom. The story and history behind Psalm 51 is found in 2 Samuel 11-12.


The long title of Psalm 52 tells us exactly what the story is behind David writing
it. You can and should read 1 Samuel 21-22 to get the fullest understanding of
David’s heart and emotions as he is writing this Psalm. This Psalm is called a “Contemplation”,
a “Maschil Psalm”, which is a Psalm of instruction. It is also the first of a
series or four Psalms (Psalms 52, 53, 54, 55) that are grouped together and called
“Maschil Psalms.


David is no doubt somewhat angry as he writes this “imprecatory Psalm”, calling down
the righteous vengeance of God upon an evil man named Doeg. But this psalm was
not the result of malice and spite as it deals with the inescapable justice of
God.


Doeg was an Edomite, which was a black mark on any man's name in Israel especially in
later years, for the Edomites, although close kin to the Israelites, were
bitter enemies of the people of God. Herod the Great, who massacred the babes
of Bethlehem, was an Edomite. Doeg was an Edomite. Yet somehow, despite his
alien background, he had attained high rank in Israel, for he was chief of
Saul's herdsmen. Any hatred King Saul harbored against David was magnified and
intensified in the heart of Doeg


Doeg was dangerous and ungodly man. This also speaks ill of Saul that he would keep
a man of Doeg's disposition about him. But he did and that highlights one of
the great differences between Saul and David. David kept some rough characters
around him, too, but David had a way with men and contact with David
transformed them. Contact with Saul just brought out the worst in those around
him.


When you read 1 Samuel 21-22, you find that at this time David was a fugitive
running from jealous King Saul. King Saul had already made sixteen attempts to
murder David, and David, taking matters into his own hands, decided to flee the
country and find refuge with the Philistines. Saul was afraid of the
Philistines. He might have had a long arm, but did not dare thrust it into
Philistine country.


Hurrying over Mount Olivet, David came to Nob. In those days the ancient Tabernacle
rested at Nob in the shade of the olive trees which clothed the slopes and
summit of Olivet. In those days, too, the high priest of Israel resided there.
He was Ahimelech, a descendant of Eli and a man with a healthy fear of king
Saul.


Ahimelech saw David coming and was not eager to meet him. David asked for bread for himself
and his men and Ahimelech gave David the consecrated loaves from the table of
shewbread in the holy place of the Tabernacle—loaves set aside by divine decree
for the use of the priests alone. (Jesus mentions this incident in the Gospels).


David also asked for the sword of Goliath and got it from Ahimelech. He noticed that
Doeg, the chief herdsman of Saul was there and knew that it was probably future
trouble.  And sure enough, later when
David is hiding in the cave at Adullam, someone tells him that Doeg has reported
to King Saul about his visit with Ahimelech. We believe that is when David responded
and wrote this Psalm.


We all have experienced the presence of evil people in our lives. and it is very
difficult to deal with them. After David addresses Doeg’s evil, proud boasting,
calling him a “big shot”, he immediately reminds himself that “the goodness
of God endures continually.” (v. 1). We need to keep that in mind as we ask
for God’s grace in responding to the evil in the world around us!


God bless!



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