This psalm is addressed to aid pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. Evidently the writer of this psalm lived in the desert area near Syria; the people of Meshech were probably descendants of Meshech, the son of Jepthah and the grandson of Noah while the people of Kedar were probably descendants of a son of Ishmael, Isaac’s brother. According to existing records found on the internet, they were a nomadic people who lived in tents, raised animals, and were warlike.
The writer records them as liars and deceitful people. He wrote, “I am tired of living among people who hate peace. I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war”. If we have never run into these type of people, we will during our lifetime. There are people who will want to fight about anything. If you have ever bought a used car, you may have run into liars and deceitful people. Gossips are everywhere whether they are telling the truth or a lie.
As Christians we want to believe all people are peaceful and honest, and we can easily become victims if we are not careful. This can even happen in churches because we don’t lose our sinful nature until we die.
A good way to understand the problem is to recognize that all people are sinners. We don’t all commit the same types of sin, but none of us live up to God’s standard of holiness.
So what can we do in this situation? The writer found the answer, “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer. Rescue me, O Lord, from liars and from all deceitful people.” (Verses 1-2).
But Jesus gave us a higher standard when He said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’’. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matt. 5:43-45).