A Green Olive Tree

Saul became jealous of David—not only because David's of ever-increasing success on the battlefield. He also sensed the young man's anointing and destiny. Saul knew his kingdom was in jeopardy.

David eventually had to flee for his life. As he journeyed he made a brief stop at Nob where the Ark of the Covenant rested. While there, the priest Ahimelech fed him. The introductory lines of Psalm 52 describes David's response when he learned what happened in Nob after he left.

A man named Doeg saw David with the priest Ahimelech. Doeg, a man of evil heart, told Saul that Ahimelech had helped David. Because of Doeg’s betrayal, Saul killed eighty-five of God’s anointed priests and David’s life as a fugitive began in earnest. (I Sam. 21 &22)

David gained new appreciation for the depths of Saul’s intent that day. He was concerned about his own life, but he was appalled by the injustice of Saul's actions against God’s servants. And he mourned the loss. Small wonder that he cried, Why do you boast, O mighty man, of mischief done against the godly. . . ? God will break you down forever. (Ps. 51:1,5a RSV)

But David was not content to merely decry evil in others. He examined his own position as well—and he sought to reaffirm it. The psalm does not end until he could say, But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. (v. 8a) He knew he had to come before God and trust in God's love in spite of a great tragedy.

Originally published August 5, 1988.
Picture: Commercial display, West Fargp, 2009. Photo by Solveig.