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Day 349

Psalm 40:15a "Let them be confounded because of their shame..."

Day 349 – Psalm 40

“Let them be confounded because of their shame…” Psalm 40:15a

PRAYING AGAINST EVIL II

Ceaseless prayer must ascend to God in battling evil. As long as evil lifts up its ugly head to attack, prayer must be raised up to the Lord for Divine help.

“Let them be confounded because of their shame,
Who say to me, ‘Aha, Aha!’ ”
Psalm 40:15

RECALLING A MOMENT IN HISTORY

It is sometimes easier to comprehend a text when we are able to cite a moment in history. In 2 Samuel 16-17 we have such a moment.

1. Context

There was rebellion from Absalom, one of the sons of David. He usurped his father’s throne.

2. Ahitophel, an evil counselor

Ahitophel had once been one of the members of David’s Advisory Council. He had turned rogue and had given wicked advice to Absalom. But he enjoyed the following reputation.

“Now the advice of Ahitophel, which he gave in those days,
was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God.”
2 Samuel 16:23a

3. David’s prayer would apply

a) He prayed that evil men and their plans would be confounded.
b) He prayed that they might be brought down because of their shameful deeds.
c) He prayed that their wicked plans would come to nought.

4. Ahitophel’s downfall

a) He had wickedly urged Absalom to raise an army to hunt down David his father.
b) But God had placed another powerful and equally wise man to counter Ahitophel (Hushai was also one of the members of the real Advisory Council).
c) He countered Ahitophel’s advice effectively.
d) Seeing that his advice was not heeded, Ahitophel committed suicide.