Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. (Psalm 9:19-20)
As this psalm concludes, David calls upon the LORD to arise, reminding us of what Moses said in the wilderness — “Arise O LORD and let Your enemies be scattered.” That is, in effect, David’s appeal to heaven; that the LORD would rise up and put people in their place, not allowing wicked men to prevail over the righteous. He pleaded with God to act in such a way that men who had come to think too highly of themselves might be reminded of just how frail they really are, especially in comparison to the Almighty God of Israel.
Throughout history, there have arisen those rulers and tyrants that became so enamored with their own abilities that they regarded themselves as divine beings. Pharaoh of Egypt, Hiram of Tyre, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon are just a few examples of those so haughty as to think such things. In turn, the same men tended to abuse and mistreat others, particularly God’s people, because they saw themselves as above any law whatsoever. However, David knew better; he and all who serve the God of Israel know that no man was above the laws of God and that, in time, they would have to answer for their arrogance.
Therefore as the people of God, while we are to respect the office of those God allows to rule, never should we bow down to the frailty of flesh and blood, particularly when men compel us to offend the standards of our Heavenly Father. Above all, we are to fear God and serve Him even if it means that we must offend the sensitivities of men. As the days grow darker, this will become an issue that we must all face with more frequency and intensity than before. So let us remember the words of Messiah who said: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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