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This psalm is an individual lament written by David. He is in a cave with his men while running from Saul, who is longing to take David’s life. The psalm starts out describing the dangerous anxiety producing situation. Then it moves to trusting (faith, belief) in God and ends with thanksgiving. In our prayers we also should face the difficulties, contemplate our God’s character and acts, and deeply trust him with the situation committed to Him in prayer. This act of transference brings relief and joy that is expressed in our praises offered to God in prayer and song.
RULE #9: When considering sections that were originally Hebrew poetry, look for two lines that are parallel, contrasting, repeating, adding, or expanding the thoughts of each other. Hebrew poetry has meter, (determined by counting the syllables in each line) figurative language, parallelism, and special grammatical features as well as a unique vocabulary. There are certain words and tenses that are very rarely used in poetry (the, which, etc.).
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I. David’s complaint (lament) stated (vs. 1–5)
A. A prayer for protection [refuge] (vs. 1)
1. He needs God’s gracious compassion
2. The metaphor “wings” (Ps 17:8, 36:7, 61:4, 91:4; Ruth 2:12; Matt 22:37)
3. The “disaster” or “destruction,” is like a hurricane [search party]
B. A prayer for vindication in faith (vs. 2–3)
1. David trusts the all-powerful God will intervene and save him
2. God will vindicate His obedient followers
3. God will rebuke those persecuting His people
4. God will send His covenantal love
5. God will send His covenantal faithfulness
C. A prayer of description of the situation [the enemy] (vs. 4)
1. The enemy is like a hungry lion that can eat a whole man himself
2. The enemy’s mouth are full of deadly weapons
D. A refrain of praise for God’s greatness and glory (vs. 5)
1. Praising God in the dark valley
2. His chief concern is for the glory of God
II. David’s gratefulness expressed (vs. 6–11)
A. The enemy’s plan backfired (vs. 6)
1. They set traps for David like he was an animal (nets and pits)
2. David was depressed and carrying a huge burden of concern
3. The enemy fell into their own pit
B. The joy produced by answered prayer (vs. 7–8)
1. Trusting God produces a restful and peaceful inner man
2. Believing the promises of God transforms worry into worship
C. Thankfulness for God’s love and faithfulness (vs. 9–10)
1. Prophetic view of an international people worshiping God
2. Praise and thanksgiving is offered in prayer and song
D. A refrain of praise for God’s greatness and glory (vs. 11)
1. Nothing is more important that the glory of God
2. God’s glory will one day cover the earth
Lessons to live by:
• When we need protection and deliverance we should pray
• We pray on the basis of God grace and mercy
• God is so powerful that He can protect us from anything
• Pray in faith, and prayer aids our faith
• God loves His people and is faithful to His promises
• God justice will eventually come upon His enemies
• We can rest in God during difficult days
• We can rejoice we God answers our prayers
