8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Continuing in this psalm we see further developments of the same theme. Being led in God’s righteousness is a crucial thing. This is a request to know the righteous path for dealing with adversity. Paul would actually use parts of their description to describe the wickedness of mankind (Rom 3:13). But still the righteous path of God is the proper way to respond (Rom 12:14-21).
In this David rests assure that their own wickedness will lead to their destruction. Their rebellion against God (v. 10) and His hatred for their deeds (v. 4-6) confirms to David that they surely will be “cast out”. Likewise, David’s “son” also spoke of the casting out of those who would oppose Him in their wickedness (Matt 22:13; 25:30). But those who take refuge in God have a shield of protection about them that can never be destroyed (John 6:37).
The praise and worship of the Lord is to stem from our adoration for Him (v. 11-12). Joy is to be found in time of trial (v. 1-2). God’s blesses the righteous that are lead in the Lord’s righteousness (v. 8).
