The Prophesy of Divine Judgment

Commentary

David predicted that God would intervene and strike them (v. 7). Their tongues, like arrows, will be turned against them by God and everyone who sees them will tremble with fear (v. 8). They will be afraid and say, “Look what God has done” (v. 9). The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and take refuge in Him (v. 10).

When we go back to the Absalom rebellion we find that was exactly what happened. Take Ahithophel, for instance.  He hung himself with his own foul and filthy tongue. He wanted revenge for David’s seduction of Bathsheba and the death of Uriah. His passion for vengeance became like a burning acid in his heart. He tried to convince Absalom that he needed to do something publicly to convince the people that he had made a complete break with his father and there was no hope of reconciliation.

Ahithophel suggested that Absalom commit incest with some of David’s wives on the roof of the palace and shame them in the sight of the whole city. Then he suggested that he kill David. Word also destroyed Absalom. It was the words of Hushai, David’s friend, that caused Absalom to make false moves and thus to bring his doom. God used these circumstances to bring judgement in such a way that it would have a lasting effect on people seeing the wicked destroyed and would cause people to fear the Lord. Also, the righteous would have reason to rejoice and renew their trust in the Lord.

Application

David expressed himself honestly, knowing the Lord would hear his voice. God will always listen to me and He will fully understand what I say. It is God’s business to take care of what others do. I will only have to give an account for what I do.