Psalms 119:85 - Meaning and Application

David’s condition here was a picture of both Christ and Christians, since he was fiercely persecuted. Many of David’s psalms, and many verses in this psalm, speak about this suffering. From this passage, we can notice three things.

First, David describes the people who attacked him and the evil in their hearts. They were proud, and their pride pushed them to persecute him. They were glad they could crush someone who was well respected, and they hoped to build themselves up by his downfall. They were also unjust, because they persecuted him without cause. He had done what he could to be kind to them, yet they turned against him in return for his love.

They were spiteful too. He says they dug pits for him, which means they planned their attack carefully and meant harm from the start. It also shows that they were clever and crafty, like hunters laying traps. They spared no effort to hurt him, and they acted in secret and with deceit. This is the same hatred that the serpent’s offspring has always shown toward the woman’s offspring.

Their actions were also an offense against God himself. The pits they dug were not in line with God’s law, since the law forbids plotting evil against a neighbor. God had also said, “Do not touch my anointed one.” In the law, if a man dug a pit that caused harm, he had to answer for it (Exodus 21:33, Exodus 21:34). How much more guilty are those who dig a pit with the clear purpose of doing harm.

David says their plans came very close to destroying him on earth. They nearly ruined him and everything connected with him. It is possible for those who will soon be made complete in heaven to be almost consumed on earth for a time. But it is the Lord’s mercy, and when enemies are so cruel it is a wonder of mercy, that they are not destroyed completely. The bush where God is present may burn, but it will not be burned up.

Second, David turns to God in the middle of his suffering. He still confesses the truth and goodness of God’s word. He says, in effect, “No matter what happens, all your commandments are faithful. So if I lose anything because I obey them, I will not truly lose by it.” True religion, if it is worth anything, is worth everything, and so it is worth suffering for. People are false, from the lowly to the powerful, and he has found that he cannot fully trust them. But God’s commandments are faithful, and on them he can depend.

He also asks God to stand with him and help him. “They persecute me,” he says, “help me.” He wants help to bear his troubles patiently and properly, so that he may keep his integrity. He also wants help in God’s time to come out of his troubles. “Help me” is a rich and full prayer, and it is a shame when people use it lightly as a mere expression.

Third, David kept doing his duty even though his enemies hated him for it. The goal of his persecutors was to scare him away from God’s ways, but they failed. He would rather give up everything dear to him in this world than give up God’s word. He would rather lose his life than lose the peace and comfort that come from obeying God.