Introduction
If anyone knew opposition, danger, betrayal, affliction and times of deep depression as well as times of exuberant joy in the LORD it was David. This psalm expresses the desire of David’s heart for the nation in both war and peace. This psalm is believed to have been written after David was recognised as the king over all of the tribes of Israel and this it appears would be indicated in verse two “who subdues peoples under me.” Also it seems even though he sat on his throne there were still more enemies to be conquered as we read in verse five; “Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy;” At this time the Philistines were still around and also undoubtedly David had his enemies even within the courts of his palace. In the Old Testament whenever we see one of God’s servants or His people collectively fighting a war against their enemies on earth it teaches us about the war going on in the unseen spiritual realm (Daniel 10:12-14).
Also when we see references to physical assaults on God’s people it teaches us about the reality that as His redeemed people we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the unseen spiritual realm in the atmosphere just above the earth’s surface. Satan is “the prince of the power of the air (atmosphere)” (Ephesians 2:2) (Ephesians 6:12). This psalm applies to David’s situation, it also has a Messianic and prophetic application, and an application to our personal spiritual warfare in our faith walk with God.
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