A THREATENING ALLIANCE

“Keep not thou silence, O God … be not still, 0 God”, v. 1. The silence of God and His apparent delay in answering our prayers is certainly not indifference. But how often have such prayers arisen when men are in trouble. People often ignore God’s claims upon them, and fail to thank Him for His mercies, but they turn to Him or blame Him when their lives are seriously in danger.

As the psalmist sees Israel’s enemies threatening the very life of his nation, he cries, “let them be put to shame, and perish”, v. 17. This sounds harsh, but it is no petty plea, for the writer speaks of those who are enemies and haters of God. They aimed at nothing less than the complete destruction of the nation; “that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance”, v. 4. They formed an impressive alliance of pagan foes which completely surrounded Israel’s land. Appalling cruelties threatened men, women and children.

The members of the confederation had often fought one another; but now they united in opposing God and His people. Similarly, when Christ came, the materialistic, agnostic Sadducees and their constant opponents, the religious, ritualistic Pharisees, joined together to condemn the Lord Jesus Christ to the cross. Similarly king Herod and Pilate, the Roman governor, sank their political and personal differences in handing over the Saviour to His murderous enemies. No wonder the apostle John says that the whole world lies in wickedness, 1 John 5. 19.

Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious must long to see Him vindicated in dealing with the oppressors. The psalmist is not concerned just for himself and his country, but for the glory of God; “that men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth”, v. 18. That is good; it is a cry for simple justice.

But the day of judgment has not yet dawned. Christ still shows mercy, and He taught, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them”, Matt. 5. 44. Thus Christ prayed when men crucified Him, and so did His martyr Stephen as he was being stoned.

“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”, Luke 23. 34.