Does this psalm sound a little familiar? It could be that we are well acquainted with
these verses, so they are easily recognized.
On the other hand, it could be that there is another psalm with almost
the exact same words: Psalm 14.
If you take a moment to compare the two
psalms you will find that they are not exactly the same – but close enough
through the first four verses to realize that these words are being applied in
different situations. The biggest
difference in that section is that in Psalm 14 the psalmist uses the name “the
LORD” (“YHWH”) and in
Psalm 53 he uses “God” to name the Divine Being.
It is in v. 5 we see the difference in
theme. “There they are, in great terror,
where there is no terror! For God
scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for
God has rejected them.” In Psalm 14 we
were reminded that God is with the righteous.
Here we are reminded that God stands against the wicked. These are basically the same message, but
from different directions; as two sides of one coin.
The psalmist gives us a picture of God’s
people; frightened, even terrified, in the face of the foolish, God-rejecting
corrupt people who seek to devour them.
He recognizes the lack of faith in the people saying, “there is none who
does good, not even one.” Yet, he points
out, although God’s people are terrified by our enemies all around, there truly
is no reason to fear.
Why?
God scatters the bones of those who stand
against us – who resist us because we are followers of Christ – and He puts
them to shame. We have nothing to fear
for God will handle it.
We often think of God being on the side of
His people. We see Jesus as the clear
sign that God is for us; He stands in solidarity with those who believe in Him. I’m not sure that we often think of God being
against anyone. The message of these
psalms, taken together, is that God not only stand with the righteous, but He
actively resists the wicked, thwarts their plans, and turns evil on its head,
even using evil events for His own purpose to bring about the good He
desires.
I often think that we have too soft of a
picture of God, and we need to recapture a healthy understanding that, “the
Lord your God is a jealous God.” He is
not passive. He is fierce, powerful, and
deeply loves His people. Similar to an
earthly father who rises to the defense of his family, God actively defends us –
especially, “when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the
devil, the world, and our sinful nature.”
“Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out
of Zion!” And it has! Jesus came and triumphed by His death and
resurrection. He has crushed the serpent’s
head, slain sin, and defeated death.
Perhaps this is a theme that should find a more
prominent place in our prayers. God has
won salvation with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, and He continues to
save, defend, and protect us by fighting His enemies – and as we are His
people, our enemies.
Father in Heaven, You break and hinder every evil plan of the devil, the
world and my sinful nature. Please don’t
ever stop! Keep me safe by defeating
Your enemies in my life for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
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