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Day 357

Psalm 41:5a "My enemies speak evil of me..."

Day 357 – Psalm 41

“My enemies speak evil of me…” Psalm 41:5a

DEADLY ENEMIES

David had many deadly enemies. They all wished him ill. If they could, they would have slain him. What were some of the reasons why people became enemies?

1. Because of wickedness in the heart

David was king and thus possessed great power. There would always be people who, out of wickedness, would attempt to wrest power by attempts to usurp the throne.

2. Because of personal hatred

The house of Saul had many followers. There were some who never quite forgave David because he had ascended the throne in place of the sons of Saul. These were a thorn in the flesh for David.

3. Traditional enemies from without

Then there were the “traditional enemies” who wanted to subdue Israel. These enemies had gone to war against Israel since the days of Joshua!

ATTACKS OF THE ENEMIES

Some enemies attempted to face David in the battlefield. However, they were always defeated, for David was a skilled man of war! The attacks against David became more “psychological” as time passed.

“My enemies speak evil of me:
‘When will he die, and his name perish?’ ”
Psalm 41:5

1. “My enemies speak evil of me”

a) Somehow David appeared more vulnerable to such subtle attacks.
b) The enemy chose to speak against David instead of confronting him in the battle field.

2. “When will he die and his name perish?”

a) The enemies whispered malicious words.
b) They were all calculated to unnerve David.
c) They were meant to wound him.
d) This attack was effective! David felt hurt, wounded and uncertain as to whether God would indeed deliver him!