Psalm
69:12-13 "They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I
was the song of the drunkards. (13) But as for me, my prayer is
unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy
hear me, in the truth of thy salvation."
David's life was filled with struggle. It seemed every way he turned, there
would be someone who opposed him. There were those of the Philistines who
opposed him because he had slain their champion named Goliath. King Saul
opposed him because of his fits of jealousy. Many people of Israel opposed him
because Saul opposed him. There were times when his own family opposed him. And
finally, there were times when David opposed himself because of bad decisions
that he had made.
The elders of the city opposed him. In most towns where I have lived, the
local diner has a table where mostly retired men sit and drink coffee each
morning. Some of them even have their own cups that hang on the wall and
they drink from that same cup every morning. As they come together, they
discuss all the current events and try to come up with solutions. Those
referred to in verse 12 who sit in the gate were the aged men of the city.
These were men who sat at the gate of the city who met on a daily basis and
would discuss the problems of the world. No doubt on many days, they went home
thinking they had solved all the problems they were aware of. But these
men of Jerusalem held a very special place in the hearts of the people. They
held them in high esteem and respect and would often go to them for advice.
David said those men of wisdom would only speak against him. The town drunks
sang songs about David which, to say the least, were not complimentary.
As I sit here typing about these individuals, I am asking myself, "What
would I do in that situation?" How would I react, or respond, to
these acts of criticism. Acts of criticism, which by the way, were undeserved
by David. If I were king for the day, what would I do to these people? How
would I allow my anger to be shown in such a way that not only would they learn
a lesson, but everyone else in town would see and know? Would I make them
to be a public spectacle? I'm afraid there are days when that might be my
action of recourse.
How did David respond? "But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O
LORD." He was saying, "Their criticisms do not disturb me nor
does it make me want to ask them what should I do in order to appease all
thoughts of anger against me." No, he understood there was a source
of wisdom that was much higher than that which was found in man. "My
prayer (my request for wisdom, guidance, and direction) is unto thee, O
LORD." I will go directly to the source of all mercy, grace, and
love. And Lord, I will wait for your answer. Lord, in your mercy please
hear me and please share with me the truth of your salvation
(deliverance). Lord, I wait for you.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)