When a national disaster strikes a country, it is only right to stop and consider what might be the cause behind it. We wonder what we have done to bring this upon us: if it is nature stepping out of the usual order of things, or if God is testing us to see if we can be trusted. By comparison to what is typical or the order of things in life, or comparing a glorious past when the Lord was for us and brought victories, when defeat comes, we are brought up standing without understanding why this tragedy has happened.
Blessings of the Past: The writer of this psalm had heard of past victories passed down to them from their forefathers. The memories of the older people when the Lord fought for them, brought them out of bondage, and made a nation out of a tribe of slaves, would have instilled a sense of identity in the people that was unique. They were God’s chosen people. The Lord drove the Canaanites out of the land because of their gross sin and the idolatry that even polluted the children. Then He gave the land to the children of Israel when, by His power, He drove out those living on the land He promised Abraham four hundred years earlier.
Assurance of the Present: The recollection of God's actions inspired the writer's praise of God. He had confidence in God that He would still be for them. He testified to the Lord, “You are my King.” It wasn’t in themselves as the chosen people they put their hopes, but “In God we boast all the day long.” Where do we put our confidence today? Is it in our skill, our government, or in God alone? When we realize that “In Him, we live and move and have our being” and are sensibly aware of our weaknesses and inability, we put our trust in God and know His infinite ability is more than we will ever need.
Israel abandoned: But then came defeat. For whatever reason, they did not seem to know. Had they acted without the Lord’s guidance? Whatever it was, they were sure they had been cast off and had become a laughingstock to those around. Suffering is not always a punishment. It may be a test of faith, or it may be a test of loyalty to the Lord. When embarrassment, humiliation, and failure come, we do not know what to say except, “The will of the Lord be done.” “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Israel seemed to be exiled from God. The writer had no hesitation in expressing his inner feelings to God. They were a “reproach… scorned… derision… a byword, mocked by other nations and humiliated and put to shame.
Claim to faithfulness: These are generalities because Israel was not a perfect nation, and they knew it. But this event had happened to them, not because of known sin, but because of their association with God. They were not surrendering their faith in God and had not forgotten the Lord. Suffering can be a sign of fellowship when it is associated with the suffering of others or the rejection of our Lord. Faith is built and strengthened in times of suffering. God loves His people, and death does not separate us from His love.
Request for justice: They had suffered for the Lord’s sake and had been abused by others like animals for slaughter. The psalmist could not understand why it had happened or why God had not already done something to help them. So, as a last plea, he said, “Arise for our help.” He meant, “Please be our help now.” He also said, “Redeem us for Thy mercies (lovingkindness) sake.” “Awake… Arise, cast us not off forever” are expressions of urgent prayer for God to act on behalf of His people again.
Much of this psalm can be given a prophetic interpretation of Israel in the tribulation. A reminder of Israel's past deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the victories of the Lord over the Canaanites still gives modern Israelis a unique sense of identity. During the tribulation, the Jews are going to cry out for revenge against their enemies who want to eliminate them once and for all. On that dark day, many will be killed. But God is not asleep nor impervious to all that is happening. At the right time and for the right reason, He will send our Lord Jesus Christ to catch up the church. The last part of His coming will be to establish His kingdom on earth, and the Jews will turn to Him in reality. Then, they will be genuinely His favored people whom He chose to be His earthly representatives.