“Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day” (Psalm 52:1 ESV). David composed this psalm as a Maskil, a teaching song, when Doeg the Edomite told Saul that he had gone to Ahimelech the priest (1 Sam. 21–22). Doeg’s report led to the horrific slaughter
Chapter: 52
A GLIMMER OF HOPE
“So Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. And every day of his life he dined regularly at the king’s table” (Jeremiah 52:33 ESV). In the final verses of Jeremiah’s prophetic book of judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations, a glimmer of hope appears. Jehoiachin, the former king of Judah, who had been imprisoned by
HOW TO LEAVE AND MOVE FORWARD
“For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12 ESV). Isaiah had prophesied that Judah would one day be taken captive by Babylon, but now he speaks of a time
‘“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?”‘ (Isaiah 55:1-2 NLT).
ARE YOU SPENDING FOR THINGS THAT DO NOT SATISFY? The Lord questioned Israel as to why they labored so hard for things that did not satisfy. Why not come to the Lord and freely receive His food and drink? But Israel had fallen into idolatry. They pursued the blessings of God, rather than God Himself.
“I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love” (Psalm 52:8 NLT)
This psalm of David was written during the time when he was hiding from Saul. Even though David was being persecuted and circumstances looked bleak, he trusted in “God’s unfailing love.” He compared himself to an olive tree that had sunk its roots into God’s house. Throughout the Middle East the olive tree is known to thrive. No matter the conditions: hot, dry, cold, wet, rocky, or sandy, this gnarly, evergreen tree will live and produce fruit. Even when cut down or burned, new shoots emerge from its roots. Some trees grow from roots that are over 2,000 years old. The olive tree was a symbol of steadfastness and fruitfulness in Israel. Where other trees would die, it thrives. This is what David declared, that with his life rooted in God’s unfailing love, he would thrive in spite of his circumstances. Instead of asking God to change our circumstances, let’s sink our roots into His living water and thrive where we’re planted!