Lord, how many my enemies have increased. many have risen up against me.
The title of the psalm connects it with David’s flight when his son Absalom had rebelled against him. That historical setting gives the words a particular sorrow. David’s enemies had increased, and among them were also former friends and members of his own people. He does not hide his grief from God, but immediately brings it before Him. The exclamation “How many have increased” expresses the weight of the oppression and at the same time becomes the beginning of prayer. Faith does not force one to ignore the seriousness of danger, but teaches one, in the midst of it, to rely on God. In the believer’s life as well, oppositions, trials, and hardships can increase at the same time. This verse shows that in such a moment the right step is to turn to the Lord. Pouring out pain before the Lord is not unbelief, but an expression of trust.