Summary

It almost sounds like a provocation of God. The author has spoken of the people’s faithfulness to the Lord several times. It had begun with an appeal to God's former deeds, yet they fell prey to enemies who were out to destroy them. Now, a call sounds—an intense prayer: Awake, rouse yourself! The image portrayed is almost rude. Compare it with Psalm 7:6, Arise, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up…awake for me; and with Psalm 35:23, Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication. Think of the mockery of Elijah on Mount Carmel to the Baal priests perhaps your god is asleep and must be awakened (1 Kings 18:27). We know God to always be watchful over his people (Psalm 121:1–8).

The author asks God to not reject them for ever. The fact that God did not intervene made it look like he was rejecting them for ever. The writer asks, are you not the God of the covenant? The hatred of Israel’s opponents radiates on their God, the Lord, Yahweh—I AM. Throughout the ages, until today, there is hatred against Christ, against the church. Already in the Old Testament, it was prophesied, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent (Isaiah 53:7, see also Acts 8:32–33). See also the agreement with Romans 8:35–37, especially Romans 8:36, For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. How amazing it is to then know that nothing can separate us from God’s love! The author of this Psalm may find his stronghold in the name Yahweh—I AM who I AM.