Once again, David calls on the Warrior Heavenly King to contend against his opponents, “Fight against those who fight against me.” David was a capable warrior from a young age. The battles he fought were against Israel’s enemies and invaders. Yet, these pursuing enemies were different. They were Israelites, acquaintances with whom he had shown only the most tender friendship. David did not fight them.
The Lord God told Israel, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” (Deuteronomy 32:35) Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39) Furthermore, he also taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
David did not fight against those who hated him. David did not strike an ally turned enemy. David prayed for God to take up shield and buckler; arise and come to his aid. There is a time for everything under the sun. Sometimes the Lord God calls me to fight for his good purposes. Other times I wait for the Lord Jesus to avenge me. In all situations, I am to not hate, but to love and trust the Lord. Now again I find a target on my back. I ask as David, “Lord say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.'”
