Today's Reading:

Psalm 3
Psalm 4
Psalm 13
Psalm 28
Psalm 55

In Psalm 4, David felt like a scapegoat (see Leviticus 16, Day of Atonement), an innocent animal to carry away the sins and guilt of the people. They were blaming him for the nation’s problems. David was the convenient person to blame, the king who “caused” all the division, but that was really his own sins earlier with Bathsheba and the family issues (2 Samuel 12:10-12). The people wanted a classic scapegoat saying, “God won’t deliver him.” Yet David did not want that blame; he refused to return evil for evil (Psalm 4:4) and offered the right sacrifices (Psalm 4:5). Because his heart was set on following God, David chose to trust God completely. He found peace and joy even while being treated as the “scapegoat.”

Grace came as David was being blamed and fled Jerusalem, yet he did not become bitter. These psalms showed David had honest cries during times of evil. He knew that God had set him apart and would ultimately keep him safe. This Scripture points to Jesus as the ultimate Scapegoat, who was blamed, shamed, and cast out. But Jesus, the Lord of all, prayed for His accusers and found peace by following God’s will. Have you ever felt like a scapegoat, unfairly blamed for a problem that was not entirely your fault?

 

Psalm 3
Both Psalm 3 and 4 are linked together as David was being threatened again. When David fled Jerusalem because of his son Absalom (2 Psalm 15-18), he cried out to the Lord. People did not believe that God would save him. David understood that God kept him safe at night, so he could sleep peacefully and live another day. David had faith in the Lord because He answered and lifted up his head (put him in an authority position). David had confidence that the Lord would deliver.

Psalm 4
David trusted God for peace and safety. He pleaded with God to answer him and hear his prayer. His enemies slandered him and lied to shame him. David knew he was set apart as a servant to God. He felt unfairly blamed and attacked. He refused to let them make him their scapegoat. David ended the psalm with calmness: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” God gives inner joy even when circumstances are hard.

Psalm 13
David felt forgotten by God. He was overwhelmed by his enemies. He repeatedly cried, “How long, O Lord?” Why was God hiding His face, when it is the face that brings life and blessings? David prayed for God to enlighten his eyes so he would not “sleep in death.” David chose to trust in God’s love and rejoice because the Lord had been good to him.

Psalm 28
David wanted the Lord to be his Rock. He pleaded not to be judged like the wicked and taken down to Sheol (realm of the dead) with those who speak about peace but have evil in their hearts. David felt God had heard his cry and lifted his hands in praise. He called God his strength and shield. Then David prayed for the whole nation: “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” God is the protector and judge. David trusted Him instead of becoming like the wicked.

Psalm 55
David’s son Absalom had set up a coup. David’s heart was in deep anguish over oppression and the betrayal of a very close friend (Ahithophel), whom he had worshiped with. He called on God to hear him because his enemy had conspired in Jerusalem. There was danger everywhere. He wished he could fly away to escape his enemies. The traitor’s smooth words hid their intent. David begged for his enemies to die early and for God to send them to the realm of the dead. David knew God heard and would save him. He trusted in Him to bring the wicked down and rescue the righteous.

Today's Discussion question: 

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