“God’s righteousness reaches to the skies,” so David knows and states, a fugitive seeking refuge from his enemies, his punishment for a past sin. God’s righteousness, for David and all Israel, was not one of God’s attributes, as the church sees itself because of God’s grace (Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 12:23). An unknown Israel poet wrote, “Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.” (Psalm 119:137; also see Ezra 9:15)
God’s righteousness for Israel was his actions in terms of the covenant that the Lord God established with the chosen people, Israel, at Mount Sinai (2 Chronicles 12:6; Psalm 7:9; Jeremiah 9:24; Daniel 9:14). David, in his old age, could say that he had experienced God’s many great righteous things. God rewards those who keep the covenant, and punishes those who break the covenant. Surely, God’s righteousness reached the skies.
Even though David had seen troubles, many and bitter, he knew God would restore his life. Even from the depths of the grave, David believed God would bring him up (20). Though David experienced shame at the hands of his enemies, he believed, even as he asked, that God would increase his honor and comfort him once again.
Hebrews 11:1-2 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Yes, we have made many bad decisions and made evil choices in the past. Those decisions harmed others and we are ashamed of ourselves now, just as David did. The consequences we experience are our fault. Yet, God in his great love forgives and in his mercy removed the just punishment and softens the blow. He restores, he rebuilds, he will again bring us up. In Christ Jesus there is always hope and deliverance.
