When I was in Pakistan, living at Murree Christian School, a pack of dogs would wander around the compound.  There was also a group of monkeys that would roam around the compound. Both groups of animals would become increasingly bothersome. If unchecked, they would move menacingly toward humans. They needed to be reminded that humans were stronger than they were.  The locals were ace shots with slingshots and would shoot the monkeys once in a while. I remember them scampering off into the trees licking their wounds.  The dogs would be thinned by Robbie.  He would get out his gun and a few minutes later we would hear some cracks of gunfire and there were less dogs to worry about.

God takes care of snarling dogs that threaten us.  In this economy, joblessness and the depletion of savings snarl at us.  In this political climate, the ascent of humanism and self-interest pressure us. However, although there are these pressures on our minds, bodies, and souls God will protect us.

Psalm 59

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.^[b] When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.

 ¹ Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
   be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
² Deliver me from evildoers
   and save me from those who are after my blood.

 ³ See how they lie in wait for me!
   Fierce men conspire against me
   for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
⁴ I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
   Arise to help me; look on my plight!
⁵ You, LORD God Almighty,
   you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
   show no mercy to wicked traitors.^[c]

 ⁶ They return at evening,
   snarling like dogs,
   and prowl about the city.
⁷ See what they spew from their mouths—
   the words from their lips are sharp as swords,
   and they think, “Who can hear us?”
⁸ But you laugh at them, LORD;
   you scoff at all those nations.

 ⁹ You are my strength, I watch for you;
   you, God, are my fortress,
 ¹⁰my God on whom I can rely.

   God will go before me
   and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
¹¹ But do not kill them, Lord our shield,^[d]
   or my people will forget.
In your might uproot them
   and bring them down.
¹² For the sins of their mouths,
   for the words of their lips,
   let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,
 ¹³ consume them in your wrath,
   consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
   that God rules over Jacob.

 ¹⁴ They return at evening,
   snarling like dogs,
   and prowl about the city.
¹⁵ They wander about for food
   and howl if not satisfied.
¹⁶ But I will sing of your strength,
   in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
   my refuge in times of trouble.

 ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
   you, God, are my fortress,
   my God on whom I can rely.

Questions

1. How are some of the men in this passage like dogs?
2. To what structure is God compared?
3. Why doesn’t the psalmist want the dogs killed?
4. In what ways does a constant reminder help to keepyou on the straight and narrow?
5. What do you feel a need to be protected from?

Going Deeper

In the science fiction Warhammer 40k fictional universe, the Emperor of Mankind is also a god.  People earth repeat to each other the slogan “The Emperor Protects”.  Why do you think that the imagery of a god-emperor who protects mankind is a powerful image for an extremely popular science fiction series?  How does this imagery draw power from the truth?  How can it lead to the misconception that no such protection exists in reality for mankind?  How could knowledge of Warhammer 40k lead to a conversation that bridges from the myths of the 40k universe to the reality that exists in Christ?