WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS LAUGH
Read it
Psalm 52:6-8
“6 The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, 7 ‘Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!’ 8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.”
Discover It
Even though you may not have ever heard of him, Doeg the Edomite is one of the most evil characters in the Bible. A high-ranking official in King Saul's court, Doeg was a ruthless, opportunistic, violent, and evil man. He shows up in scripture during a time when the insane King Saul was in hot pursuit of David. David makes his way to the tabernacle in Nob, a town near Jerusalem. A good priest named Ahimelech gave aid to David, giving him food and a sword to protect himself with. But… Doeg was there that day and saw everything that transpired. He told King Saul of David’s whereabouts and betrayed the priest Ahimelech, telling Saul of how he gave aid to David. Even though Ahimelech told the king he did not know David was on the run, Saul ordered Ahimilech, his family, and all the priests to be killed. Doeg killed them all, and not them only, but every man, woman, child, and infant in Nob. Doeg's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact of betrayal. We never hear of Doeg’s come-uppance until Psalm 52, where David tells of the downfall of Doeg and all others who trust themselves instead of the Lord.
Ask It
1. In verse 6, why do you think that those who trust in God’s righteousness laugh at Doeg the Edomite? (Hint: Read verse 7 for the answer)
2. In verse 7, why is it ridiculous and even laughable to not trust in God, and instead to rely upon your own wealth and power?
3. In verse 8, David describes himself as an “olive tree flourishing in the house of God.” Why is a tree and specifically an olive tree a good description of someone who loves and trusts in the Lord?
Live It
1. Fear God! Have such an awesome view of God that you would not dream of leaving his care or charting out on your own power.
2. Trust God! Do not trust in your wealth or your own strength because it only leads to evil. Instead, “make God your stronghold.” (verse 8).
3. Flourish in the Lord! You do this by fearing him, by loving him, by embracing him as your stronghold, and by going to the house of God to learn and grow. Pray for consistency!
Pray It
Lord, I pray that I will constantly abide in you in Jesus’ name. Help me to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Help me to know that my labor for you is never in vain. Help me to flourish in you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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