Introductory Thoughts
David prayed that the Lord would watch over his safety but also prayed that the Lord would hinder the efforts of the wicked. He asked God to refuse to grant the desires of the wicked and return their mischief upon their own heads. Within this context, he also prayed that the evil conceived by the wicked might “hunt the violent man to overthrow him.” He spoke of a similar theme when he sang of the wicked, “His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate” (Psalm 7:16) or crown of his head. David knew the reward eventually yielded by violence was the return of violence upon the offender.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read what the Bible has to say about the wicked (Proverbs 11:5b; Proverbs 26:27). Consider the following examples: Adoni-bezek (Judges 1:5-7); Ahab (1 Kings 21:19; 1 Kings 22:34-35, 38); Haman (Esther 5:14; Esther 7:10).
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(For everyone): Have you ever heard the statement, What goes around, comes around? How is that similar to whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7)? How is the principle confirmed in the issue of violence?
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Have you been violent with others? How could this bring violence into your own life? What should you do to stop the cycle?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to forgive you for times of violence.
- Ask the Lord to help you apologize if you have wronged others.
Song
TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
