Not being a warrior, I have a hard time relating to David’s rantings about the evil nations, and God’s judgment upon those nations. I think, though, that it’s important to remember that God will judge the nations, and everyone, based upon the lives they live and the decisions they make. I definitely don’t have the zeal that Davd had to see my enemies crumble. I think it’s a different viewpoint; one view is of a king living in a war-torn time, a king trying to protect his people from their violent enemies. My viewpoint stems more from a New Testament perspective, which is to “love your enemies.” I don’t believe that God ever intended for us to hate our enemies (even in David’s time), and I’m not sure that He condoned David’s zeal for revenge. But I do think He intended for us to rely upon Him for our protection and eternal security, and this is one of the reasons that David was a man after His own heart. Whoever doesn’t rely on Him will surely end up (ultimately) in big trouble.
17 The wicked shall return to Sheol,
all the nations that forget God. (ESV)
9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. (ESV)
This Psalm also reminds me that we, as God’s people, are to praise Him. We forget (at least I forget) to do that. He created us; He gave us life; He deserves our praise! And apparently recounting God’s mercies in song was one of David’s favorite ways to offer up praise. I believe God loves music; there’s such an emphasis on praise through music in the Psalms.
1 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (ESV)