In these last days, we can expect opposition against those who are committed to following the Lord and His word to increase. Defamation of character often accompanies opposition to the Gospel and the literal interpretation of the scriptures. Slander, like the psalmist experienced, is false statements people make to undermine the truth being proclaimed and lived out in the lives of real Christians. Because there is a lot of counterfeit Christianity, the name really doesn’t have anything much to do with what it means to be a real Christian.
The last of the last days, when the antichrist openly opposes the godly, will be filled with malice against all that is of God and for the glory of God. Likely, David had experienced the things he wrote about as he was hunted by those who were deliberately trying to kill him. “Snares” are unseen things that are arranged in such a way as to deceive us into thinking all is well when it is not. “Cords” are binding habits or obligations we may have entered into without taking into consideration what the Bible says. Unequal yokes are binding and have claimed a lot of Christians’ testimony in a negative way. A “net” is an entanglement that may have caught us unaware at the time. That is why “in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” “Gins” (traps) are deliberately set by those who want us to fail and fall from a faithful and fruitful life for the Lord.
There were a number of similarities in those who were enemies of David that are like those listed in Romans
3. Such descriptions are given by the Holy Spirit to alert us ahead of time to what might characterize those
who resist the Gospel and those who live it and preach it. There was a deep bitterness of soul in the psalmist that was wanting vengeance for what he had experienced. He wanted them to experience what they had planned for him. His prayer is not one for this day of grace but for those who are persecuted in the tribulation.
Believers are to commit themselves to God in faith and trust Him to do what is righteous and just to those who oppose Him and His people. We should not allow bitterness and revenge in our souls. “The root of bitterness” defiles many. We can commit ourselves and our situations in life to the Lord in faith and put no confidence in the flesh. When we pray, we call on the Lord in trust, dependence, and supplication along with our expressions of gratitude.
Our confidence is in the Lord, knowing that He will “maintain the cause of the afflicted.” The malice of the wicked is subject to the divine restraint of the Lord on them. God will take the part of the oppressed and will execute vengeance in His way. Our confidence is in Him, and the righteous will rejoice and give thanks. They will consciously make it a priority to find their hope in God and their joy in His presence.
PSALM 140 DELIVER ME v.1-8. Appeal for help. “Deliver me, O Lord…” v.9-11. Desire for retribution. “Let the mischief of their own lips cover them…” v.12-13. Confidence in the Lord. “I know the Lord will maintain…”