Jason Silver

Friday, February 22nd, 2019

From what I have discovered in a commentary, David wrote this Psalm as a response to some terrible actions carried out by a guy named Doeg, ‘the Edomite.’ Because Saul's own soldiers would not, he instead asked Doeg to murder priests and others in the tabernacle of the Lord. This amounted to a total of 85 priests, and untold women and children from the priestly village! The story is described in 1 Samuel, chapters 21 and 22.

Perhaps David was sarcastically speaking, when in the first line he refers to Doeg as “O ‘mighty’ man,” since it doesn't take much bravery nor strength to kill priests, women, children, infants, cattle, donkeys and sheep!

I'm impressed with the last line of 1 Samuel 22, where David takes the responsibility upon himself. He said he knew that Doeg would betray him to Saul: “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family. Stay with me; don”t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.”

I think I've known a few people who loved evil more than good. I've had the misfortune of working with people who wove their speech in such a way that destruction was the result. Each of us should make an effort to connect with our inner motivations, and to govern our tongue accordingly.

I also understand that each of us is responsible for the evil around us. I am culpable, even complicit, for not standing up, saying something, taking charge and responsibility, and initiating the change.

Join with me, take ownership of the state of our world, bathe it in prayer, and also take action to initiate change within your own reach.

Amen