A Prayer for Justice

Temple Baptist Church - 1-15-2023

Psalm 109

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Though this is not the last or the Imprecatory Psalms, it is probably the most intense.  Imprecatory Prayers are to invoke both the justice and vengeance of God down upon the perpetrator, the one who caused the child of God great harm.

 

B.  God’s normal will is for us to love, do good to, and to pray for those who despitefully harm us, but there are times who the perpetrator will neither let up nor cease what they are doing.

 

C.  The history of this Psalm is not fully known as King David had many enemies.  Kings in David’s timeframe were often assassinated or persecuted as their rivals would not only kill them but also all their descendants.

 

Song of Solomon 3:7-8  Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.  (8)  They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

 

D.  The Psalm is also prophetic in nature and could be applied to both Judas Iscariot and the impending Antichrist of the end time.

 

E.  God loves the Prince and the Pauper, the Sovereign King, and the servant the same.  I believe that King David suffered much in his lifetime as to set an example of suffering for those he ruled.  Dr. Harold Sightler once said something to this tune, “God had never greatly used a man until the man has greatly suffered.”

 

F.  Another reason for the suffering of King David is found in this verse: smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.  Cut off the head and the snake will die.  Destroy the king was Satan’s plan for Israel.

 

Zechariah 13:7  Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

 

G.  The Apostle Paul spoke of his suffering within the churches.  Smite the Apostles and the believers will scatter.  Satan’s plan for the churches.

 

2 Timothy 2:16-18  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  (17)  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  (18)  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

 

2 Timothy 4:9-15  Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:  (10)  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.  (11)  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.  (12)  And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.  (13)  The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.  (14)  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:  (15)  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

 

3 John 9-11  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.  (10)  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.  (11)  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

 

H.  Once again, one of the best ways to understand a Psalm is to outline it by breaking it down into its parts.  Psalm 109 is Imprecatory in nature.  David appealed to God based upon God’s justice.  King David said this in his last words.  This is what God said to me!

 

2 Samuel 23:3  The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

 

J.  David knew that as he was to be just as King ruling over Israel, God had to be just as Ruler over His dominion.  He appeals to God’s justice.

 

1.  Verses 1-5.    The Persecution of King David.  They hated Israel’s king and were determined to destroy him.  They would not stop!

 

a.  Verse 2.  They lied about him. 

 

b.  Verse 3.  They fought against him.

 

c.  Verse 5.  They hated him.

 

2.  Verses 6-20.  The Imprecatory Prayer of King David.  Do anything and everything it takes to stop the enemies of the King.

 

a.  The word “let” is used 21 times in these verses.

 

b.  King David prayed the wrath of God down upon his enemies.

 

3.  Verses 21-25.  The Predicament King David.  He had about all that he could take in the flesh.

 

a.  Verses 21-23.  He was spiritually weakened.  His heart was wounded.  He was tossed up and down.

 

b.  Verses 24-25.  He was physically weakened. His body was weak through fasting

 

4.  Verses 26-31.  The Praise of King David.  His petition would be granted because it was based upon God’s Person and Power.

 

a.  Verses 26-29.  David’s Plea.

 

b.  Verses 30-31.  David’s Praise.