The judgement on the person with a malicious tongue

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Psalmist David by Gustave Doré
Psalmist David by Gustave Doré (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Psalm 52:1-9. The background to this psalm is found in 1 Samuel 21:1–9; 22:2–23. Doeg’s betrayal of Abimelech leads to the slaughter of the priests. The psalm expresses David’s righteous anger at this, and it is also the denunciation of a practised liar. There are contrasts drawn in the psalm. There is the contrast between the man who boasts in the mischief he has done, and the man who boasts of the mercy and goodness of God—‘Why boasteth thyself?’, v. 1—‘I trust in the mercy of God’, v. 8. The ‘mighty man’ is like a tree rooted up, v. 5, but the psalmist is like an evergreen tree, ever flourishing, v. 8. The former will be snatched from his tent by God; the latter, as an olive tree, abides in the house of God.

Verses 1 to 5 describe the Condemnation of the Malicious Tongue. Doeg’s story had been told with malicious intent and fatal results. ‘O thou deceitful tongue’, says the psalmist, boldly identifying the offender with the offending member. What anguish has been caused by the malicious tongue, Jas. 3:1–12. How often in the Bible the sins of the tongue are denounced—falsehood, slander, false witness, Pss. 5:9; 10:7; 12:2f; Mic. 6:12; Jer. 9:3.

As Doeg’s speech had wrought the destruction of innocent lives, so likewise God would utterly destroy him, v. 5. One cannot but rejoice that God’s justice is such that even here wickedness can meet its reward as well as hereafter. This is the righteous judgement of God.

The second half of the psalm, vv. 6–9, demonstrates the Vindication of the Righteous. The righteous shall contemplate God’s judgement with solemn awe, but also with joy at the downfall of a tyrant; awe producing a deeper reverence for God, and joy at the proof of God’s just government of the world. The psalmist, expects not only the destruction of the wicked, but his own salvation. The wicked has not made God his strength, v. 7, but the psalmist loves and prospers in God’s house. He is God’s guest, enjoying His protection and favour, v. 8. He fears no uprooting, but lives in the enjoyment of God’s fellowship. O to be one of God’s green olive trees, drawing upon supplies from roots struck deep into Him, and trusting always in His mercy! Let us praise Him, with sincerity, and with heartfelt gratitude!



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