May 20, 2015.

Daily Reading: Psalm 57-59.

Background: Psalm 54-56.

Concepts and Connections.

Chapter 57

Exaltation in the time of trouble: This psalm was written by David when he was fleeing from King Saul and hiding in a cave at Adullam (see I Samuel 22, 24). As we have seen in previous psalms, when David is in trouble, he consistently turns to the Lord and trusts completely in His deliverance. Notice David’s attitude throughout the psalm. Though he is in the midst of trouble and is crying out to the Lord, he still exalts and praises the Lord, calling for His glory to fill all the earth. David trusted in the Lord, even when his situation seemed dim, for he knew who the Lord is and of what He is capable. This is a good reminder for us when we get into difficult situations, a reminder to consistently praise and glorify the Lord not matter our situation. He is to be exalted above all else. With excitement David praises the Lord here, singing of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Let us always do the same.

Chapter 58

God versus gods: In this psalm, David compares the gods who are not the Lord to the one true and Almighty God, the God who judges the earth. The gods that he addresses first with rhetorical questions cannot do anything, for they are not beings at all. They cannot stop the wicked, they cannot save. But the Lord God of Israel can, and He does. David calls on the Lord to break the ways of the wicked who devise evil plans on the earth and take vengeance on those who mistreat the righteous and do not follow the Lord. He asks that God do this in order that the world might see that there is a God, the God, who judges the earth, and vengeance is His (see Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30). The righteous will see deliverance.

Chapter 59

O God, our fortress: Here is another psalm written by David at the time that Saul is seeking to kill him, specifically in response to when Saul sent men to David’s house to kill him before he fled (see I Samuel 19:11-17). We can see David’s concern and plea to the Lord in the beginning of this psalm, as he pleads for deliverance from those who are evil and who seek his life without reason. David had not done anything to deserve death or the wrath of the king, rather it was out of jealously that King Saul wanted to kill David. He seems to feel a constant sense of his enemies around him, coming back night after night to seek his life. It is certainly true that David spent much of this time of his life on the run from Saul, likely wearing on him both physically and mentally. However, David always turns to the Lord in these times of trouble to seek His comfort and protection. God was his shield, his fortress, the stronghold that he would rely on. David continually sings praises to Him who had shown him such steadfast love.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Proverbs 1.

Let us trust in the Lord.

-Walter