0472. Arise, O Lord in Thine Anger

Arise, O Lord in Thine Anger

"Arise, O Lord, in Thine anger, lift up Thyself because of the rage of mine enemies" (Psa_7:6).

The prayer that David made, certainly reaches far beyond any personal vengeance which he might have sought because of the raging of his own enemies. The context shows a far wider range and a far different setting than that in which David was involved. These words Israel will cry in the day of Jacob’s trouble. Let us notice them step by step.

1. "Lift up Thyself because of the rage of mine enemies." The 2d Psalm clearly sets forth the time when the nations of the earth will set themselves together and rage against the Lord and against His people, Israel. For twenty-three hundred years Israel has been trodden down under the feet of the nations. The wrath of the nations against her will reach a climax in the coming Tribulation. In that day God’s people will cry: "Awake for me to the judgment, that Thou hast commanded."

2. "For their sakes therefore return Thou on high." These words remind one of Isaiah 64, where downtrodden Israel, lifts up her voice and cries:

"Oh that Thou wouldest rend the heavens,

That Thou wouldest come down,

That the mountains might flow down at Thy presence.

As when the melting fire burneth,

The fire that causeth the waters to boil;

To make Thy name known to Thine adversaries;

That the nations may tremble in Thy presence."

There are two Prophets coming who will turn the hearts of God’s people toward Him, and begin to prepare them for the Lord’s return.

The Book of Revelation closes with the words, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." We realize that the true Church is even now praying for the Lord to come. How much more will Israel, persecuted beyond endurance, gasping for her very life, lift up her voice and cry, "Return Thou on high, come for Thine inheritance sake"–"Come, Lord Jesus."

3. "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end." The prayer has to do particularly with the antichrist or lawless one. Of course, all of the wicked follow in his train. Such a prayer could not have been answered in David’s day. Such a prayer cannot be answered today. The wickedness of the lawless one will not come to an end, until the Lord Jesus Christ comes. Then and then only, will righteousness and peace kiss one another; then and then only will the "earth be covered with righteousness as the waters cover the sea."

O Lord, arise in anger fierce:

O let Thine arrows sharply pierce

Thine enemies. For Thy name’s sake

Return, O Lord, and quickly make

All wickedness to have an end:

O come, dear Lord, Thine own defend.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR