The term oracle has 2 distinct meanings. The first refers to a priest or spiritual leader who provides advice to those seeking direction or guidance from God. Meanwhile, oracle also eludes to an ambiguous or obscure message given by a person speaking on behalf of God. In Psalm 36, King David provides insight on those in his kingdom who had fallen from God’s grace.
Based upon the words David received, the Holy Spirit blames a lack of fear of God as the root cause. This created a spiritual blind spot as self conceit eliminated God from the radar screen. Like a disease slowing attacking the central nervous system, poison filled their mouths, disguised by deceit. Subsequently, wisdom vanished from the lips of the fallen. Idleness led to new hobbies of plotting evil as scheming became a favorite pastime. In the end, the fallen followed a similar course, embracing wrong behavior each and every day.
Beginning in Psalm 36:5, David provides a spiritual prescription for anyone considering a change of heart. This portion of the chapter serves as a precursor to God’s promise in Psalm 103:11-12, a picture of forgiveness, love and mercy. Although Ponce de Leon claimed to discover a fountain of youth in Florida, David introduces the lost to the fountain of spiritual life, Psalm 36:9. Dangling this carrot in front of the fallen, the choice is yours. May these words of David, inspired by God, provide hope to those of you feel lost, fallen or ready for a change.
by Jay Mankus