Introduction: “This psalm is copied almost word for word from the fortieth psalm, and perhaps is for that reason entitled, A psalm to bring remembrance. For it may sometimes be of use to pray over again the prayers we have formerly made to God on like occasions. David here prays, that God would send help to him, shame to his enemies, and joy to his friends” (Charles Wesley).
Many believe that the occasion of this Psalm was “during the rebellion of Absalom, and probably at the crisis when he heard of the [bloodthirsty] counsel which Ahithophel had given respecting him; or, as some suppose, when beyond Jordan” (TSK).
2 Samuel 17:1-21
1. David’s desperate plea for help (vs1).
2. David’s determined prayer for those who seek his harm (vs. 2-3).
3. David’s directional prayer for those who seek God (vs.4).
4. David’s dependent prayer for deliverance (vs.5).
Application:
How might this Psalm be an example to us in our prayers this evening?
Do you remember a situation in you life where you were desperate for God’s help?
Ver. 4. “Anger against enemies must not make us forget our friends, for it is better to preserve a single citizen of Zion, than to kill a thousand enemies.
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee. All true worshippers, though as yet in the humble ranks of seekers, shall have cause for joy. Even though the seeking commence in darkness, it shall bring light with it.
And let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. Those who have tasted divine grace, and are, therefore, wedded to it, are a somewhat more advanced… and these shall not only feel joy, but shall with holy constancy and perseverance tell abroad their joy, and call upon men to glorify God. The doxology, “Let the Lord’s name be magnified,” is infinitely more manly and ennobling than the dog’s bark of ‘Aha, aha’” (Charles Spurgeon)
Magnify! 