Psalm 57:1-11
Q.1. Why did David write this Psalm? How severe was this trial? Where was his focus? What was David’s view of God? What difference did his meditation make? – (Ps.57:1-11)
It is generally believed that this Psalm was written when David fled from Saul to the cave at Adullam (c.f. 1 Sam.22:1). He had the help of the prophet Gad, who told David – Do not stay in the stronghold; depart and go into the land of Judah (1 Sam.22:5). Judah was his stamping ground and was familiar territory to David. However, the circumstances could not have been more grave, as David fled for his life from Saul. He could not be sure who his friends were (1 Sam.23:19-23). Yet for David, his protection was not so much from friends, as he declared, – my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge. I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me (Ps.57:1-2). He was confident that God – will send from heaven and save me (Ps.57:3). He described his enemies as lions who lie in wait for him and were ready to tear him to pieces (Ps.57:4). However, he believed that the pit that they had dug to trap him would become their undoing (Ps.57:6). David was able to wrestle his focus back to the Lord with a lofty refrain – Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth (Ps.57:5 & 11). As a result, he could testify – My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises (Ps.57:7). He had turned his fears into praise by faith. He would gladly shout out praise of his Lord to the nations (Ps.57:8-9). He could say with conviction – For Your loving-kindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds (Ps.57:10). Though his circumstances had not changed, his meditation on God had given him composure. David had won the battle of the mind.