When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever. (Psalm 92:7)
There are many biblical and historical examples of wicked men who quickly rose to power, in some cases seemingly overnight, only to be cut down just as quickly. Their existence is fleeting, their prominence even more so before they are overtaken by death. Still, why did God allow men such as the Pharaoh who refused to release Israel, and Haman who sought the destruction of the Jews in Persia to attain such power? In the verse above, the psalmist expresses this thought: there are scenarios which God allows, and in some cases orchestrates, for the sole purpose of highlighting the wicked’s demise. In other words, He raises them up for the purpose of bringing them down. If that is so, it provokes the question, “Why? What purpose does this serve?” To answer that, let us consider a midrashic parable.
There was a wicked slave who cursed the king’s beloved son. Upon hearing this, the king determined to punish him. But then he realized, if he administered justice to a lowly slave, no one would notice and his subjects would discern no lesson from the situation. So instead of exacting immediate vengeance, the king promoted the slave to a high and powerful position. After the wicked man attained notoriety among the people, then the king punished him for his crimes which caused others to fear and take note of what happens to those who offend the king.
The lesson is that when God wants to make a point with all of us, He will make sure to use a situation that is seen by all. And lest we think this unfair, it is important to remember, “O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:20-21).
When we see the wicked rise to power quickly, we shouldn’t assume that wickedness prospers. As we see, it is likely just the first act in a drama that has not yet played out. The wicked are like the spring grass that grows up and then quickly withers away. It is better to pursue righteousness, even though progress is much slower and less dramatic. The fact is it takes a much longer period of time to produce fruit that remains, but that time allows for roots that are solid and more permanent. We are not to be as the wicked, but we are to be like “a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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