Rise up, Lord, save me, O my God, for You strike the jaw of all my enemies and shatter the teeth of the wicked.
The prayer “Rise up, Lord” is a request that God act openly and protect His servant. David is not trying to take personal revenge, but entrusts judgment to God. The images of striking the jaw and shattering the teeth poetically describe the destruction of the enemy’s ability to do harm. Just as a wild beast tears with its teeth, so the wicked were trying to destroy David. He asks that the Lord deprive them of that power. These words must not serve to justify personal hatred or violence. The believer’s struggle is not revenge against people. He prays that God would stop evil, protect the innocent, and establish justice. The verse also recalls help received in the past: David grounds his present request on God’s former faithfulness. The memory of past mercies strengthens present faith.