This psalm is the final one in the first book of the five that are found in the Psalter. In the psalm, David is suffering from an illness which his opponents hope will result in his death (v. 8). Among those conspiring against him is one who had been a close friend (v. 9). Their conspiracy was more than dislike of David; it was rebellion against God’s revealed will that David was his chosen king.
His troubles caused David to reflect on his circumstances. He was aware that he had considered the poor, which was a particular responsibility connected to his position as king, as well as a general requirement of him as a believer. Even in New Testament times, when Israel no longer has their unique position, the church is required to take care of the poor.
David had done so because he wanted to serve God correctly. He also knew that such service would result in divine help whenever his opponents rose against him. Further, he was aware that if God wanted him to continue as king, he would restore his health (vv. 1-3).
David often complains of ill health. No doubt, illnesses were more common then than they are now, and would have caused more concern in those who suffered from them. David knew that all problems that he faced, including illnesses, were connected to the fact that he was a sinner. He was aware of the curse that was imposed on Adam when he sinned as our representative. David was also alert to the possibility that his illness could be an expression of divine chastisement for his personal sins, therefore he asked the Lord to be merciful to him (v. 4).
The activities of his opponents concerned David. Probably he was not in a position to silence them at that moment because of his physical weakness. But he knew that he could turn to the Lord for help, which he does in this psalm. He expresses in detail their words and actions (vv. 5-9).
In verses 10-12, he asks God to raise him up so that he can deal with their rebellion. His intention to punish them is not one of personal revenge, but rather the fulfilment of his responsibility to govern on God’s behalf over his people. His recovery from health and his resumption of royal duties would be evidence that he retained divine favour, that the Lord approved of his heart devotion and delighted to have David in his presence.
Jesus quoted verse 9, where David complains about the treachery of a close friend, in connection to Judas (John 13:18). The Saviour omits the phrase ‘whom I trusted’ because he knew all along what was in the heart of Judas. David did not have omniscience regarding his former friend, perhaps Ahithophel, the counsellor who sided with Absalom in his rebellion against his father.
The doxology in verse 13 closes the psalm and the first book in the Psalter. It is an affirmation that the covenant God of Israel is worthy of eternal praise
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