Be Brave When Facing Evil – Psalm 52: When Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

1 Samuel 22:6-19 shows us the face of evil by introducing us to Doeg, the Edomite. In King Saul’s day, the LORD’s priests served at His Tabernacle in Nob. Doeg had been lurking in the Tabernacle when David fled there and the high priest gave David the sacred bread and Goliath’s sword. Later, when King Saul was ranting about David’s escape, Doeg shaded the truth to gain the king’s favor. The Edomite not only reported that the high priest had given David the sacred bread and prized sword but also that Ahimelech had “inquired of the LORD” for David (which wasn’t true). Saul sent for all the priests of Nob, falsely accused them of aiding in David’s escape, and then ordered his captains to kill the priests. When his men refused, evil Doeg not only killed the eighty-five priests but also traveled to Nob and killed every man, woman, child, and animal in the city. That is pure evil.

In my sheltered life, I don’t think I’ve stared into the eyes of true evil. As a teen, I knew a man who had been imprisoned for manslaughter, having killed another man in a bar fight. He could be mean—even violent—with others, but I often saw his softer side, like when he shed tears while tending a wounded animal.

• Of the people you’ve labeled “evil” in your lifetime (or perhaps only mean or unkind), can you think of one thing about them that is redeemable? Just one thing that proves there is something of God’s image in them?

Pure evil is rare. But in Psalm 52:1-4, David describes the six signs of a truly evil heart:

1. Boasts of evil
2. Plots destruction
3. Works deceit
4. Loves evil more than good
5. Lies more than speaking truth
6. Loves words that devour

Once again David gives us a “but” in 52:5 to stop the downward spiral of despair that threatens whenever we focus on the evil in this world: “But God will break [evil] down forever.” Evil may seem strong, but God will eternally triumph over it.

And for those who remain faithful to the LORD, who put our hope and trust in Him, we get another “but” in 52:8. “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” David then vows to be faithful in three areas of his spiritual discipline, and we would be wise to join him:

1. Trust in God’s steadfast love.
2. Thank God for all He’s already done.
3. Wait patiently for His character to be displayed in whatever circumstance is troubling us—for God is GOOD…all the time.

• Which of David’s three spiritual vows do you feel would be most helpful for you to embrace today?