FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 57
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm
57: A Song from a Cave of Refuge
For
the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David.
A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
[Preliminary
Comments: Yet another historically based psalm – see
1 Sam 22 – the cave probably being the cave of Adullam. It is
easy to read the historical accounts of what happened to David
in the second half of 1 Samuel, but his writings reveal the angui9sh
he felt when he was on the run from the king. He is a man who
turns to the Lord in a crisis [v.1] knowing the Lord will be there
for him [v.2,3]. There are those who are out to get him [v.4]
but he determines the Lord will be glorified in all this [v.5]
with his enemy bringing himself down [v.6]. He, in the meantime,
will remain true to the Lord [v.7] and will sing and praise the
Lord [v.8] and testify of His goodness [implied] to the whole
world [v.9], secure in God's love [v.10] who he desires to be
exalted above all. [v.11] Again a psalm in a time of trouble which
yet reveals David's faith and strength of relationship with the
Lord.]
v.1
David seeks the Lord for refuge, for protection, from those who
are against him
v.1
Have
mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
v.2
He is sure the Lord will defend and justify him [against those
enemies]
v.2
I
cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
v.3
The Lord's love & faithfulness upholds him
v.3
He
sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
v.4
In the land there are those who would seek to destroy him
v.4
I
am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
v.5
He turns to glorify the Lord – he wants His name honoured
v.5
Be
exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
v.6
Although his enemy sought to bring him down, it rebounded on them
and they fell
v.6
They
spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
v.7
He determines to remain unwavering in his faith
v.7
My
heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
v.8
He stirs himself up to sing and praise the Lord first thing every
day
v.8
Awake,
my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
v.9
He will sing and testify to the Lord before all peoples
v.9
I
will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
v.10
He is secure in God's love for him
v.10
For
great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
v.11
Thus he wants the Lord to be rightly exalted over all else.
v.11
Be
exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
[Additional
Thoughts: Note how David describes the Lord: his refuge
[v.1], the One who will vindicate him [v.2], who saves him [v.3],
the One to be exalted [v.5,11], the One worthy of praise [v.9],
whose love and faithful is immense [v.10]. It may be about David's
troubles and anguish but it is even more about the wonder of the
Lord.]
Continue
to Psa 58