July 22, 2024

Sing Praise!

Psalm 57

Collin Fletcher
Monday's Devo

July 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

July 22, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 57:9

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.

Psalm 57

Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam 1 57:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

1  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
    for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
    till the storms of destruction pass by.
2  I cry out to God Most High,
    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3  He will send from heaven and save me;
    he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!

4  My soul is in the midst of lions;
    I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!

6  They set a net for my steps;
    my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
    but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7  My heart is steadfast, O God,
    my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8      Awake, my glory! 2 57:8 Or my whole being
Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!
9  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10  For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the clouds.

11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!

Footnotes

[1] 57:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 57:8 Or my whole being
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #18: Shadow of your wings

Fact: Shadow of your wings

The phrase shadow of your wings (36:7) is also found in two other psalms (17:8; 57:1). It symbolizes the protection and safety of the Lord.

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57
Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes
Psalms Fact #18: Shadow of your wings

Fact: Shadow of your wings

The phrase shadow of your wings (36:7) is also found in two other psalms (17:8; 57:1). It symbolizes the protection and safety of the Lord.

Study Notes

Ps. 57:3 save. See note on 3:2. His steadfast love and his faithfulness (compare 57:10) recalls Ex. 34:6.

Study Notes

Ps. 57:1–5 In the midst of dire circumstances the faithful person can cry out to God in the confidence that God hears and that he fulfills his purpose for his children.

Study Notes

Ps. 57:8 My glory refers to a person’s best qualities.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 57. This is another individual lament, based on an event in David’s life (probably 1 Sam. 22:1, but possibly 1 Sam. 24:3). Psalm 57 arose from Saul’s persecution of David. The psalm has two sections, each ended by the refrain (vv. 5, 11), and each mentioning God’s “steadfast love and faithfulness” (vv. 3, 10, drawing on Ex. 34:6). The faithful who sing this hymn can identify with David’s confidence amid serious dangers. They can look beyond those dangers and seek God’s honor.

Ps. 57:6–11 The singer urges himself to praise God and to look forward to bringing testimony of God’s goodness to the whole world (peoples and nations, v. 9; see Gen. 12:1–3; Ex. 19:5–6).

See chart See chart
Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalms Based on Incidents in David’s Life

Psalm Incident in David’s Life References
3 David flees from and battles Absalom 2 Samuel 15–17
7 The words of Cush, a Benjaminite (persecution by Saul?) Unknown
18 David delivered from enemies and from Saul 2 Samuel 22
30 Dedication of the temple Nothing in David’s lifetime; see 1 Kings 8:63
34 David delivered from danger by feigning madness in the presence of King Achish of Gath 1 Sam. 21:12–22:1
51 Nathan confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11–12
52 Doeg the Edomite tells Saul that David went to the house of Ahimelech 1 Sam. 22:9–19
54 The Ziphites tell Saul that David is hiding among them 1 Sam. 23:19
56 The Philistines seize David in Gath 1 Sam. 21:10–11
57 David flees from Saul into a cave 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3
59 Saul sends men to watch David’s house in order to kill him 1 Sam. 19:11
60 David’s victory over Transjordan 2 Sam. 8:1–14
63 David in the desert of Judah 2 Samuel 15–17?; 1 Sam. 23:14–15?
142 David flees from Saul into a cave Same as Psalm 57

S3:142 Psalm 57

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 57

As a high school English teacher, I find that one of the hardest things to teach is theme—a story's deeper message. One teaching hack I have discovered is providing students with the stem, "The author wants us to know that in life _____." Whatever goes in the blank can be the theme. So if you read Psalm 57 and tell your Heavenly Teacher the theme is, "You want us to praise You," you would be correct. But He may encourage you to dig deeper, since this truth can apply to many psalms. In Psalm 57, we see that we should praise God no matter the circumstance.

Before the psalm begins, we gain context that David wrote this "when he fled from Saul, in the cave." Saul was David's king and probably a father figure to him, but Saul had become mad with jealousy and wanted to kill David. Knowing this changes the impact of the text drastically—we should praise God when the world turns on us, even those we dearly love. God is here for you when those you love are not. This lesson hits close to home for me, as I learned through re:generation— Watermark's 12-step, Christ-centered discipleship and recovery ministry—that pleasing people and not God is a root sin of mine (see 2 Corinthians 5:9).

In light of this context, what we learn about God's character in our hard times becomes profound. God is a harbor in the storm: "for in you my soul takes refuge" (Psalm 57:1). God is a God of Providence "who fulfills his purpose for [you]" (Psalm 57:2). God is our protector when others plot traps against us (Psalm 57:6). God is our audience when we speak self-edifying truth as David does, twice declaring, "My heart is steadfast" (Psalm 57:7), despite what must have been a highly anxious time.

Finally, all of David's words come together in verse 9 to display a great theme of the Bible—that our God is worthy to be thanked among the peoples and have praises sung to Him among the nations because He is with us in every cave of life.

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. What has God taught you about Himself or life when you have been in a cave (challenging situation) or chased by a "Saul" (opposed by someone who opposes God)?

2. What have been your caves and Sauls? Were your responses God-honoring or unhealthy? How have these responses changed since you accepted Christ and grew to trust God?

3. What are some of your favorite ways to draw near to God during hard times or in general? What stirs your affections for Him? Conversely, what are unhealthy ways you might be tempted to cope? How can being aware of these patterns help you going forward?

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MS

Michael Scaman

“King Dawn-Waker”. There he goes again! David sings and wakes the morning in Psalm 57:8 and Psalm 108:2. The Greek philosopher Plato compared mankind to being in a cave with limited vision of reality in an allegory used in “The Republic”. David is more clear eyed than Plato gives him credit for and is singing “let Your glory be over all the earth” from a cave. “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me." (verse 2). David did have a glimpse of God’s purpose being anointed king. Not given the schedule but up at dawn ready for work. God made promises did not mean passively waiting prayerlessly for God to fulfill his promises. Sung to the tune “do not destroy” (interesting name, wonder what it sounded like). Did David sing with his “band” of about 400 men? Probably real loud. Sometimes merry men. Sometimes un-merry men. Written in a man-cave but really the cave was not David’s ultimate refuge. God was. Clearly lots of pressure. David’s pressure treatment and shaping like a lump of coal turning to a diamond by God included being in a cave with not a few men. Psalm 57 and Psalm 142 both memorialized life as a cave man. I wonder if Daniel meditated on this Psalm when his soul was in the lion’s den? David’s soul as if with lions. David refers to the lion like as the children of man- not a statement of the fundamental goodness in fallen people’s hearts. In Psalm 57, the repeated words emphasize the psalmist's plea for God's mercy, his praise of God's steadfast love, and his confidence in God's protection. Key repetitions include: - "Mercy" / "Refuge" / "Wings": (verse 1) - "Send" / "Heaven" / "Save": (verse 3) - "Steadfast love" / "Faithfulness" / "Heavens":(verse 10) - "Exalted" / "Heavens" / "Glory": (verse 5) (verse 11). There is a sun rise coming. God will fulfill His purpose. I have a fear of an English teacher marking up anything I write. Perhaps I have one or more of the English class phobias? Glossiphobia. Fear of public speaking Graphophobia. Fear of writing Bibliophobia. Fear of books Scriptophobia. Fear of writing in public Logophobia. Fear of words Metrophobia. Fear of poetry.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Collin love your opening paragraph. The setting alluded to could be 1 Samuel 22 the cave of Adullam. Or it could be 1 Samuel 24 when David and his men are hiding in a cave, Saul comes in to take a leak and David doesn’t take his life. That’s the type of Bible question Bible scholars like to ask. Some of those scholars would probably say there’s a purpose for the ambiguity because the psalm wants to draw pictures within both settings. Bible scholars engage the Bible differently than theologians. The differences begin with the questions they ask. If 1 Samuel 22 is the setting then the psalm connects with the narrative something like this. David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 My soul is in the midst of lions;     I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,     whose tongues are sharp swords. Psalm 57:4 If that’s the case, it can’t be known for sure, but there is definitely a pattern when it comes to the psalms ascribed to David, then that is quite a contrast. Bible scholars will ask a question like if we see a negative contrast over and over again what’s behind the contrasting storylines the Bible is presenting to us. From a theological perspective the questions are a little bit different. What are these psalms telling us to do…great deeper dive I thought you set that up very well. Using your hack, I, considering the genre being song lyric or poetry, hear the psalm saying what you said. And, I hear the psalm saying something like David and the people of Israel were in need of re-gen before we ever came up with any modern clinical language to describe our need for ministries like re-gen. “In light of this context, what we learn about God's character in our hard times becomes profound. God is a harbor in the storm: "for in you my soul takes refuge" (Psalm 57:1).” Love that. But before we get there how often have we been here with someone or something? And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. Again, great deeper dive. Love how you question the text to engage with it.
JC

Jason Cromwell

It's too easy to fall into gossip when we make stories personal, but we have all had people who at one time or other have been jealous of us. If it be a Boss, a "Friend", or even a parent. It's never fun. I just have to trust God that he has a reason for everything. David is a great example of what to do. No matter what fear he felt running from Saul, David never brought himself to curse Saul (at least not directly. David did pray for his enemies downfall many times. So, take that as you will).
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God helps me know GREAT results can happen when you put opinions aside and focus on Him and His ways to get work done or to complete activities successfully. God also helps me know He loves us unconditionally in everything we do. 2. For me, work/job can be a cave and include Sauls, but if I keep goals and God in mind, things end up ok. My responses to escaping caves and Sauls of work have been God-honoring and continue to be God-honoring. 3. I draw near to God by reading in the Bible, serving for the church, and listening to sermons. Sincerity of anyone while expressing God’s ways and values stirs my affections for Him. If shifting occurs, it’s because I am too busy. Unhealthy practices could include spending too much money on things I don’t need while shopping ‘til I drop, not talking with friends about relevant things, and doing excessive workouts at the gym. Knowing God is good and helpful strengthens me to use His ways to cope with hard times in life. Collin - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “all of David's words come together in verse 9 to display a great theme of the Bible—that our God is worthy to be thanked among the peoples and have praises sung to Him among the nations because He is with us in every cave of life”. Nice.!
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Collin thank you for leading us to the theme of Paalm 57 today - Praising the Lord and remembering his goodness and loving character in all situations.