Psa 52:7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

This Psalm is titled: “To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.” 

The terrible events that prompted this chapter are recorded in 1 Samuel 21 and 22. David, learning of Saul's intention to kill him, fled from Jerusalem toward Achish. He stopped at Nob on the way where he went to Abimelech the High Priest. Abimelech was nervous about meeting David, having heard rumours that he was not in the king’s favour. But David gave Abimelech the impression that he was still in Saul's service and was in the king’s urgent business and required assistance from the priest. Based on David’s report, Abimelech gave David the showbread for food, and also the sword of Goliath (1 Samuel 21:1-9). 

Well, all that happened was seen by Doeg the Edomite. Doeg saw his opportunity to gain favour himself with Saul, and reported the incident to the king. He reported it in such a manner as to make it appear that Abimelech was in league with David against the king. 

Based on Doeg's false report, Saul summoned Abimelech and all the priests to appear before him and questioned them why they had helped the king’s enemy. Abimelech pled ignorance and that he was unaware of the rift between Saul and David but only knew David was the king’s son-in-law. But the paranoid Saul would not believe Abimelech’s explanation and commanded Doeg to slay them all. Eighty-five priests were massacred (1 Samuel 22:6-23). 

In this psalm, David accuses Doeg of lying and boasting of it (52:1-6). He boasts mischief; his tongue resembles the razor, which inflicts sharp and deep wounds. David says: “God shall likewise destroy thee forever” (52:5). God will avenge the blood of His eighty-five priests which Doeg had shed. 

David said of Doeg in verse 7: “Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.” 

The righteous make God their strength, and put their trust in Him. But not Doeg! He had the audacity to slay the priests of God because he had not the fear of God in his heart. What did he trust? David said Doeg “trusted in the abundance of his riches.” 

Doeg did it for the sake of riches. For the sake of money he murdered eighty-five people. He did this to gain the favour of Saul and the favour of a king means promotion and riches. 

Money can buy anything, even anyone. Every man has a price. Judas betrayed his Lord for a mere thirty pieces of silver. Paul warns about in the last days people will be “lovers of money” (2 Timothy 3:2, ASV). It is hard to find someone who doesn’t love money. Would you get angry if you have less increment or fewer bonuses than your colleagues? Therefore, the scripture warns: “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). 

Many evils grow out of the love of money. It destroys friendship, character, even faith (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul says those who spend their lives chasing after the mammon of unrighteousness “have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10b). Money brings more worries than happiness to those who love money. 

How can we prevent ourselves falling into the devil’s trap? Learn it from Paul: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). The answer is contentment. Learn contentment and we will be happy and not fall into temptations. Be content, my brethren.

Jimmy Lau