Day 122

Psalm 56: Read here – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2056&version=NASB

The title ‘The Silent Dove in Distant Lands;’ reflects The time when the Philistines captured him in Gath, as recorded in 1Sam21:10-15. It deals with the period between the visit to the tabernacle at Nob (and subsequent slaughter of 82 priests and attendants by Saul.) and David’s arrival at Adullam. David was alone, desperate, afraid – and not thinking too clearly. This is one of the 10 Psalms that we have that David wrote during the 9+ years that Saul pursued him in the wilderness. After being anointed by Samuel at the age of 15 (the same year he killed Goliath) it must have been difficult to not only have to wait so long for the fulfilment of the promise but to also be unjustly pursued for such a long time. This song exhibits faith in the midst of fear. 

David was in great and constant danger from many enemies – both the Philistines and Saul’s servants. He cried out to God, knowing that divine help could rescue him from any man-made threat. He appealed to the mercy of God, not relying on what he may or may not deserve. I love vs3-4; this should be our example. 

The young man who killed the lion and the bear, who killed Goliath, and was a successful young captain in Israel’s army, did not deny the presence of fear. There were times when he was ‘afraid.’ Yet he knew what to do with that fear, to boldly proclaim His ‘trust in’ God despite the fear. 

David appealed to God’s justice in v6-7 because he knew it wasn’t right for these wicked enemies to triumph over him. Whether they were the Philistines of Gath or Saul’s servants, David asked God to ’cast them down.’ 

How beautiful are the words of v8, being so alone made him value the sympathy and care of God and he took great comfort in the fact that God noted his plight. V:8’This I know that God is for me.’ Were the words of Samuel what he was referring to in v10 – the promise! Paul was to echo the triumphant end of this verse and cap it with ‘who is against us?’ (Rom.8:31).