I pursued my enemies and overtook them. I did not turn back until they were destroyed.
This verse uses the language of David’s historical royal wars. He describes the victory that God had given him over his enemies. It is important not to turn these words into permission for violence against a Christian’s personal opponents. David acted within the royal and military conditions of the Old Covenant. Christ teaches His disciples to love their enemies and not to answer evil with revenge. The spiritual application should concern steadfast struggle against sin and evil, not the destruction of people. Nevertheless, the historical meaning should not be erased: David gives thanks to God for a real military victory. The believer can learn from this the faithfulness to bring to completion the works that God has entrusted to him. Halfhearted obedience in the fight against evil often brings new problems. Yet the weapons of our struggle are not violence, but truth, prayer, righteousness, and the Gospel.