THE TRAGEDY OF TREACHERY

The burden of this psalm, attributed to David, is that of one who in the agony of his experience is driven to extremity. If we consider the tone of verses 1-8, we must be impressed with the sense of desperation that is there. Here is one who mourns loudly in his complaint. The voice of the enemy, the oppression of the wicked, torment him. He has no defence; he desires to escape and flee from his circumstances, v. 6. He feels hemmed in completely by his enemies, v. 10. Some commentators relate these words to the time when David experienced the uprising of Absalom against him, 2 Sam. 15; Ahithophel, his counsellor, went over to the other side, a bitter blow to the king;. This could well be the background of this psalm.

How important that we learn from this psalm the need of loyalty in friendship, and the terrible perils that lie in the misuse of the tongue. Note the pathos in verses 12-14. A friend counted as equal, a guide and acquaintance, one who was a companion indeed, “it was thou”, v. 13. Verses 20-21 extend the idea. Covenant was broken, soft spoken words were mere cover-ups for war in the heart. “Drawn swords” describe them.

It will do us good quietly to think through the meaning of the hurt that such treachery brings. We think of the treachery of Judas as he betrayed the Lord Jesus. He walked with Jesus, was one of His companions, sat at table with Him, John 13. 26-28. How bitter must have been the knowledge that Jesus had, that the betrayer was with Him, that he would betray Him with a kiss. Note the terrible words that He spoke of him, Matt. 26. 20-25. Of all the evils perpetuated in the events of the cross, this must stand out as the blackest of all.

What lesson can we learn? If maligned by treachery, we can do what David did, “As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me”, vv. 16-17. If we feel that we have no defence, we can do what the Lord Jesus Himself did: commit our cause to Him who judges in righteousness, 1 Pet. 2. 23. Let us also beware of speaking evil of one another. There is a loyalty that we owe to our fellow-believers that is incumbent upon us who enjoy the faithfulness of God. And let us always remember that the source of an inflamed tongue is hell itself, James 3. 1-12.