A GREEN OLIVE TREE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

The words “Doeg the Edomite” in the title reveal the nature of the psalm. The Edomites, deriving from Esau, were intimately connected with Israel, and were called “thy brother”, Deut. 23. 7. However, they refused to provide a passage for Israel at the end of the forty years; food was also refused, even though money was offered, Deut. 2. 2-8. In other words, mere religious men have nothing for the people of God.

As chief of Saul’s herdmen, Doeg was the worst of the lot! Once Doeg was detained before the Lord in Nob where the tabernacle was situated, 1 Sam. 21. 7. David, unknown as the anointed king, in fleeing from Saul, came to the tabernacle and to Ahimelech the high priest. Doeg was a spy, and told Saul that the priest had given David food, 22. 9, 10; David knew that this would happen, so escaped to a cave where those in distress came to him, vv. 1, 2, 22. Hence Doeg killed 85 priests including Ahimelech. David then wrote Psalm 52.

The status of Doeg was that of a “mighty man”, v. 1. The lying of his tongue was his mischevous report to Saul, vv. 2, 3. God would destroy him, and being rooted out would bear no fruit, v. 5. He had no thought for God, trusting in his riches and wickedness, v. 7. But David knew he was a complete contrast, being a “green olive tree in the house of God”, v. 8.

This has a direct application in the N.T. When the disciples plucked ears of corn on the sabbath, the Lord referred to David at Nob, Matt. 12. 1-4. The Lord had just said, “no man knoweth the Son”, 11. 27, as none had known David as king. The disciples were hungry, as was David. The Pharisees were rich in their law, 12. 2, as was Doeg. However, the Lord was “greater than the temple”, v. 6, a tree with divine life contrasting with the deadness of the temple ritual—indeed “a green tree”, Luke 23. 31. And as Doeg and Saul plotted against David so the Pharisees took counsel how they might destroy Jesus, Matt. 12. 14. As David departed, his followers seeking him, so the Lord withdrew Himself, with great multitudes following Him.

The parallel is complete! We too must be fruitful trees in the local church: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish”, Psa. 92. 13, 14.

“Filled with the fruits of righteousness”, Phil. 1. 11.