The prayer of a godly man, expressing the exercises of the believing remnant of the Jewish nation, when antichrist apostatizes from God, breaks the covenant, and persecutes the godly.
(vv. 1-3) The psalm opens by presenting the supplication of the godly man, and the cause of his sorrow―the voice of the enemy, and the oppression of the wicked. The voice of the wicked is raised in slander against the godly man; for he can say, “They cast iniquity upon me.” As ever, slander is followed by persecution, “In anger they persecute me” (JND).
(vv. 4-8) The verses that follow present the misery of the godly remnant in Jerusalem, during the reign of antichrist. Within, the heart of the godly man is sore distressed; without he is faced with death. He longs to flee from the defiled city to some lonely spot where he may escape the storm and tempest of judgment about to break over the doomed city (see Matt. 24:15-22).
(vv. 9-11) There follows a vivid description of the city of Jerusalem during the days of antichrist. The walls, that should have protected the city from every attack, are marked by violence and strife. Iniquity and mischief are in the midst of it, and the streets are marked by oppression and deceit. From the center to the walls all is corruption and violence.
(vv. 12-15) There follows, what would appear to be a description of the apostate character of antichrist. He had professed to be amongst the godly, as an intimate and familiar friend. He had gone to the house of God in company with the people of God. Now he had turned against the godly, heaping reproaches upon them, and venting his hatred against them, while seeking to “magnify himself” (cf. Dan. 11:37-38).
For this wicked man, and those associated with him, the psalmist predicts a sudden and overwhelming judgment (Rev. 19:20).
(vv. 16-21) In contrast with the wicked, who are marked by violence and strife, day and night (vs. 10), the godly man will call upon the Lord, “evening and morning and at noon.” He is conscious that God will hear and deliver his soul, and afflict those who refuse to repent and own God (Rev. 16:9). Moreover the wicked, not only refuses to glorify God, but he puts forth his hand against the godly and breaks the covenant with them, in spite of all the smooth words he had uttered (Dan. 11:31; 12:11; Matt. 24:15).
(vv. 22-23) The psalmist closes with a beautiful expression of confidence in Jehovah. Let the godly in their distress cast their burdens upon the unchanging One who will never break His covenant with His people, nor suffer the righteous to be moved, whatever the sorrows they may have to pass through. In contrast to the godly, the violent and deceitful man, who has exalted himself, will be brought down to destruction. Well may the godly conclude by saying, “I will trust in thee.”