February 28, 2024

The Way of the Wicked

Psalm 52

I. Path of Doeg (1 Sam 21)

A. David’s situation (1 Sam 20)

1. Jonathon has discovered Saul’s true intent to kill David

2. Jonathon informs David (arrows field)

B. David’s flight to Nob

1. Doeg’s presence (1 Sam 21:7)

2. David asks for a sword, Ahimelech (priest), Goliath’s Sword (1 Sam 21:9)

C. Saul pursues (1 Sam 22:6-8)

1. Saul’s manipulative speech (1 Sam 22:8)

2. Doeg takes opportunity (1 Sam 22:9-10)

D. Saul orders execution of priests -1Sam 22:17-19

1. No Israelite dared lift a finger against a priest of the LORD!

2. Doeg (heathen Edomite)

• Displayed his disregard for God

• Saw an opportunity to become mighty in Saul’s eyes

• Killed 85 priests!

• Killed men, women, children, babies, and livestock

II. Perspective of the Wicked (1-5)

A. Boasting themselves (1)

1. Boast about their mischief

2. Boast about their might “O mighty man?”

3. God’s Goodness continues in spite of the wicked!

B. Manipulative (2)

1. Devise mischiefs (2a)

2. Deceitful working (2c)

C. Morally corrupt (3) love

1. Loving evil? (3a) Love the “pleasures of sin for a season”

2. Love deceit (3c) – Not interested in truth!

D. Destruction of others (4)

1. Destruction of others - thrive on destruction

2. Deceitful tongue – truth doesn’t matter!

III. Perspective of the Righteous (5-9)

A. Facing Judgement of God (5)

B. Folly is laughable (6)

1. Fear – because of their own judgement!

2. Laugh at their complete foolishness!

C. Faith noted (7)

1. Not in God (7a)

2. Trusted in riches (7b)

3. Trusted in wicked process (7c)

D. Fruitful way (8) “green olive”

1. Connected to the tree – God provides that green

2. Connected by God’s Mercy! (8b)

E. Faithful way (9)

1. Praise

2. Patience “I will wait on thy name”

3. Praise worthiness “it is good before thy saints”