Psalms 86:14
O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the enemies' violence and pursuit of David's life stems from a fundamental lack of reverence, as they "do not set you before them." This means they aren't considering God's presence, His judgment, or His power at all in their actions. It’s a stark reminder that disregarding God is the root of much human cruelty and ambition.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, facing violent enemies who are described as proud and ruthless. This verse immediately follows a declaration of praise and thanksgiving for past deliverances, showing that even in gratitude, the present danger is overwhelming. The enemies' actions are characterized by their complete disregard for God, focusing solely on their own wicked intentions against the Psalmist's life.
The Psalmist cries out against those who rise against him, not just with physical force, but with a certain kind of destructive spirit. What makes these adversaries so dangerous?
David describes his enemies with two powerful terms: 'insolent' (or 'proud') and 'ruthless' (or 'violent'). These aren't just random attackers; they represent a dangerous combination.
The Arrogance of the Proud
The 'proud' here are those who are self-confident and ambitious, believing they can achieve their goals without regard for others or divine will. They trample on rights and disregard consequences. This pride blinds them to any higher authority.
The Fierceness of the Violent
The 'ruthless' or 'violent' men are those who pursue their aims with unchecked aggression and lawlessness. They use force and intimidation, inspiring terror. Their actions are not guided by justice but by a savage, fierce impulse.
Together, this 'insolent' and 'ruthless' spirit creates a formidable opposition that seeks not just to defeat, but to destroy.
David points to a fundamental flaw in his enemies' actions: a profound disregard for God. What does it mean to 'not set God before them'?
The most striking aspect of David's enemies is their failure to acknowledge God. 'They do not set you before them' means they act as if God is not present, does not see, and will not judge.
No Fear of God
This implies a complete absence of reverence and regard for God's authority, His word, and His all-seeing eye. They don't consider how God might react to their wickedness or that He witnesses their every move.
No Respect for Divine Justice
They disregard God's justice, which would hold them accountable for their destructive plans and actions. They live as though they are immune to divine retribution.
Living in Unchecked Self-Will
This psalm likely reflects a period of intense persecution, possibly during David's time as a fugitive from Saul or his flight from Absalom's rebellion. The enemies described are not just political rivals but individuals who openly disregard God's presence and authority.
c. 1050-1010 BC— this verse
David's Early Struggles
As a young man, David was relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who saw him as a rival and threat to the throne. This period was marked by David living as a fugitive, hiding in caves and wilderness areas, constantly evading Saul's attempts to capture or kill him.
c. 1010-1002 BC
David as Fugitive during Absalom's Rebellion
Later in his reign, David faced a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom. This crisis forced David to flee Jerusalem, experiencing betrayal and the threat to his life and kingship from within his own family and court.
c. 1002 BC
David's Restoration to the Throne
After Absalom's rebellion was brutally crushed, David was restored to his throne in Jerusalem. This victory, however, likely left lingering feelings of insecurity and awareness of the ever-present danger posed by ambitious and ruthless individuals.
This passage is almost identical, directly stating that 'insolent men' and 'violent men' seek the psalmist's life and do not have God before them, highlighting the pervasive nature of this threat and the consistent lack of divine regard by enemies.
Jeremiah 17:1-2This prophecy speaks of sin being inscribed 'with a pen of iron' and 'with the point of a diamond,' symbolizing the deep, unrepentant sin of those who disregard God, echoing the idea in Psalm 86:14 of enemies who 'do not set you before them'.
Matthew 27:41-43The chief priests, scribes, and elders mock Jesus during His crucifixion, demonstrating a profound disregard for God's anointed. Their taunts, 'He saved others; he cannot save himself,' reveal a similar mindset to the insolent men in the psalm who do not 'set you before them'.
Romans 3:10-18This powerful passage from Romans describes the universal sinfulness of humanity, citing various Old Testament verses to illustrate that no one seeks God and that all have turned away. This provides a theological backdrop to why 'insolent men' and 'violent men' so often act without God in view.
pulpitPsalms 86:14: "O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them."
Verse 14. - O God, the proud are risen against me (comp. Psalm 119:51, 69, 85, 122; and also Psalm 54:3). And the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; rather, a crew of violent ones have sought after my soul, or "plotted against my life" (comp. Psalm 7:1, 2; Psalm 17:13; Psalm 35:3, 4, etc.). And have not set thee before them; i.e…
ellicottPsalms 86:14: "O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them."
(14) See Note, Psalm 54:3 , whence the verse is taken.
The verse highlights that the enemies' violence and pursuit of David's life stems from a fundamental lack of reverence, as they "do not set you before them." This means they aren't considering God's presence, His judgment, or His power at all in their actions. It’s a stark reminder that disregarding God is the root of much human cruelty and ambition.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, facing violent enemies who are described as proud and ruthless. This verse immediately follows a declaration of praise and thanksgiving for past deliverances, showing that even in gratitude, the present danger is overwhelming. The enemies' actions are characterized by their complete disregard for God, focusing solely on their own wicked intentions against the Psalmist's life.
The Psalmist is in deep distress, facing violent enemies who are described as proud and ruthless. This verse immediately follows a declaration of praise and thanksgiving for past deliverances, showing that even in gratitude, the present danger is overwhelming. The enemies' actions are characterized by their complete disregard for God, focusing solely on their own wicked intentions against the Psalmist's life.
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Ultimately, failing to set God before them means living with unchecked self-will. Their ambition and violence proceed without restraint because they do not factor God into their calculations or conscience. They are like the unjust judge who 'neither fears God nor regards man.'
"O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them." — The verse highlights that the enemies' violence and pursuit of David's life stems from a fundamental lack of reverence, as they "do not set you before them." This means they aren't considering God's…
