The psalmists are not afraid to mix their metaphors freely, and as a result, our multifaceted God appears in his solid form. He is first a soldier, then a farmer in his threshing floor (because God’s ‘angel’ is God himself), then a poacher using the net others have left behind. Lastly, and less vividly, a defense attorney is ready to cross-examine and reveal false witnesses. He cites many situations the falsely accused average person faces. The witness against us is Satan (‘the adversary’), just as he was against Job (Job 1:6-11). The defense is the Spirit (Rom 8:26-27). Can we fear the verdict? The prosecuting counsel’s arguments are strong, but they overlook the judge’s mercy.
The psalmist echoes the feelings of the innocent. He has described many of the situations that falsely accused people face. However, his faith in the Lord remains strong, and he knows that our good God will ultimately save him from his enemies. Jesus also suffered such a fate, but through his resurrection, He achieved victory for all of us, promising us eternal life.
Here is a psalm for those who seek God in pain or face injustice. Maybe those who pray with this psalm during these times will realize that God is not distant.