This “psalm of David” was written in a time when David was facing great persecution. Who was pursuing him is not given. In the first five verses, David describes his enemy as being a liar, they used ‘words of hatred’ against him, they fought against him for no reason, and they gave him evil for good and hatred for love.

In verses 6-20, David prays for the punishment of his enemy. In verses 6-15 and verse 19, David asks for 11 different punishments for his enemy. He was very exact in what he considered to be proper punishment for this one who vexed him so greatly. Verse 12 says, “Let there be none to extend kindness unto him; Neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children.” David wanted no acts of kindness or mercy for this man. He didn’t even want there to be any pity on his children once he was dead. In verse 15 he prays, “Let them be before Jehovah continually…” He wanted the Lord to always look upon his enemy and be constantly reminded of their great sins against David.

Verses 21-31 contain the prayers and praises of David. Even still in the midst of great persecution by a mighty enemy, he commits himself and his cause to the Lord, and he praises the Lord heartily. In the midst of his praying, his desire for the Lord to be honored is evident in verses 26-27, “Help me, O Jehovah my God; Oh save me according to thy lovingkindness: That they may know that this is thy hand; That thou, Jehovah, hast done it.” Certainly David was going through a very difficult time. Wisely, he puts all his troubles in the hands of the Lord. However, this psalm speaks of much more than David. This is a Messianic psalm, or a psalm that is truly about the Lord Jesus.

One great clue to show us that this is truly about the Lord Jesus is in verse 8, “Let his days be few; And LET ANOTHER TAKE HIS OFFICE.” This verse was quoted in the book of Acts as a reference to Judas, the betrayer of the Lord. In Acts 1:15-26 Peter speaks to a group of about 120 men about Judas. In verse 20, he said, “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and, HIS OFFICE LET ANOTHER TAKE.” Understanding that this was instruction to them regarding Judas’ office as an Apostle, the other Apostles cast lots and Matthias was chosen to replace him. Judas was just an instrument for Satan to use. He was not a true believer and was thus easy prey for Satan. We read in Luke 22:3, “And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.” With this in mind we can see Psalm 190 in a different light.

In the first five verses of the chapter, we realize that it is Satan that is the true enemy of the Lord. Those who are led of him are also enemies. In verse 2, this enemy has “the mouth of deceit.” In John 8:44, the Lord says about Satan, “there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” In verse 3, David said his enemies “fought against me without a cause.” In John 15:25, the Lord says about His enemies, “They hated me without a cause.”

The time is drawing near when all those who are enemies of the Lord and His cross will face the terrible wrath of God…wrath that doesn’t contain even one drop of mercy. Who are the enemies of the Lord and His cross? Those who reject Him as their savior and Lord. The Lord said in Luke 19:27, “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them…” His enemies are the ones who refuse to let Him reign in their lives. They reject Him as Lord.

Psalm 109:21-31 contain prayer and praise from David. As our advocate (1 John 2:1), as our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15), the Lord is constantly interceding on our behalf. So, while this psalm is from David and about his trials, it is truly about the Lord Jesus and His dealings with His enemies. Are you a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ, or are you His enemy? YOU ARE ONE OR THE OTHER. (262.7)