David’s psalm and prayer sounds as it could have been written during our current age. As he begins his prayer, he almost sounds like he’s about to have a nervous breakdown (verses 1-5). David goes on to describe events like he’s living in 2020-2021 in Portland, OR. Chicago, IL or New York, NY (verses 9-11).
When did this happen in David’s life? We are not given an answer but there are clues. As we read about David’s life in 1 & 2 Samuel. The closest event that mirrors this appears to be when David’s son, Absalom, tried to usurp the throne from his father recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18. David, his wives and children had to flee Jerusalem to prevent being killed. They were able to escape and eventually after a major battle and the death of Absalom, David regained his throne. However, it does not seem that David ever blamed Absalom for these events.
David describes his enemy was not an enemy but a very close friend (verses 12-14). Who could this person be; who would David have had such a close relationship with that totally surprised him? Perhaps it was David’s wife’s, Bathsheba’s, grandfather, Ahithrophel. David goes on to describe his friend as a liar, as someone so filled with hate he was willing to kill or encourage someone else to (verses 20-21).
David was so frustrated he was willing to live a hermit’s life if his problems would just end, but he realized that thought was fantasy so he prayed and asked God to confuse their plans (verses 6-9). And, as we read the account of the attempted overthrow, we see how God answered his request through the priests and an advisor named Hushai. David then points to God and trusts Him for the deliverance, and God did not fail him (verses 16-19 and 22-23).