By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
THE PROTECTOR
Psalm 141:1–10
The Plea (1–2)
The reader hears the urgency in David’s words as the song begins. He longs for God to listen to him and to respond quickly. At the same time, David’s desire is for his intercession to be a sweet smelling aroma to God like the altar of incense in the Holy Place or like the smell of the evening burnt offering. (If this does not sound enticing, consider the smell of your neighbor’s barbecue the day after you start a new diet.)
David acknowledged that he was completely dependent upon God to hear his prayer. Further he was convinced that God would not only listen to him, but He also would answer his requests. Our Lord Jesus, the son of David, expressed His commitment to do nothing of His own initiative (John 8:28), and that the Holy Spirit would say nothing of His own (John 16:13).
In one of His last discourses, Jesus explained to the disciples that apart from Him, they could do nothing. No words, no actions of eternal significance can be accomplished apart from Christ. With such a functional dependence upon our Lord, we would do well to join David in pleading for God to hear and answer our petitions.
The Requests (3–7)
In these verses David asks three personal requests. First “shut my mouth,” for lack of a better way to phrase it. The king was committed to speaking words that honored the Lord. Second he asks God to protect his heart from evil. He recognized the enticements of the world, and he did not want evildoers and their activities to capture his affections. Third he requests for the godly to discipline him. Even in his position, he was not above receiving rebukes.
David closes this portion of the song by expressing his enmity for those who refuse to submit to God’s authority. Both his prayers and his plans are for the unrighteous to be brought low, and for their rulers to experience humiliation. The idea of bones scattered at the mouth of a grave, rather than being placed within would have shown utter contempt for the dead.
While this may seem very “Old Testament” to our Marcionite readers, Jesus (Luke 14:11; 18:14) and the apostles (James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6) make clear that those who exalt themselves will be humiliated, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. We are blessed when we recognize our spiritual bankruptcy (Matt. 5:3), as well as our absolute dependence upon Christ for our justification, sanctification and glorification.
The Promise (8–10)
The author of Hebrews may have had verse 8 in mind when he wrote: “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1b–2a). After all, Jesus is the Lord God (HCSB) or Sovereign Lord (NIV). The Greek rendering is “Lord, Lord,” (kurie kurie) used of Jesus in the gospels (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46). All authority belongs to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). He is Lord, and in Him we take refuge.
If these final verses seem familiar, it may be because Solomon wrote something similar as he warned his son about the dangers of wayward men. Think of it: David sings his song and Solomon is influenced by its message (Prov. 1:10–19).
May we fix our eyes on Jesus, who is our life, with our hearts and minds set on things above (Col. 3:1–2).
Share with others: