How does Psalm 62:3 describe the attacks believers face from adversaries? The Text: Psalm 62:3 “How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?” Word Picture of Assault - “Threaten” (or “assault”) points to relentless verbal and physical pressure. - “All of you” reveals a coordinated, collective hostility, not a lone attacker. - “Throw him down” depicts an intent to destroy, not merely to inconvenience. Imagery of a Leaning Wall and Tottering Fence - Both images describe something already weakened or unstable, suggesting that adversaries target moments of vulnerability. - The picture is of enemies pushing just enough to bring total collapse—an illustration of Satan’s strategy to exploit any spiritual sway (1 Peter 5:8). - These structures are external; the believer’s true strength is internal—God as the “rock” (Psalm 62:2, 6). Intensity and Persistence of the Attack - “How long” implies repeated, drawn-out opposition, echoing Psalm 57:4 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. - The continuous pressure mirrors the “flaming arrows of the evil one” in Ephesians 6:16, necessitating the shield of faith. Corporate Nature of the Assault - “All of you” warns that hostility often comes from multiple fronts—social, political, familial, even religious (John 15:18-20). - Together, adversaries amplify discouragement, forming a “threefold cord” of opposition (Ecclesiastes 4:12, negative sense). Targeted at a Perceived Weak Point - A leaning wall already bears cracks; a tottering fence lacks firm footing. - Attacks frequently focus on areas where believers feel weakest—health, finances, relationships (Job 1–2). - Yet God assures, “My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Application for Believers Today - Expect sustained, coordinated pressure when you stand for truth; Scripture foretells it (2 Timothy 3:12). - Identify “leaning walls” in your life—places needing reinforcement through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). - Refuse to internalize the adversary’s narrative; anchor identity in the unmovable Rock (Psalm 62:6-7; Isaiah 26:4). - Remember: though the wall leans, God promises it will not collapse under His sovereign care (Psalm 125:1; Isaiah 54:17). |
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