Psalms 57

Psalms 57THEME: A cry for mercyThis is the second michtam psalm, and it has an added titleAl-taschith, meaning “destroy not.” As we get into this psalm we will see that it has real meaning. It is inscribed “To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.” David spent time in the caves along the Dead Sea by Engedi. It is below sea level and a hot spot during the summer; in the winter it is a delightful place. It is rugged country. The cave of Adullam is in that area also. It is the belief of many expositors that this psalm has reference to that cave of Adullam where David meditated on many of the psalms that he composed. In them we see that his sufferings foreshadowed the sufferings of Christ and those of the godly remnant during the time of Jacob’s trouble. Also these psalms speak to us today, which is the wonder of the Word of God.

Psalms 57:1

I don’t know about you, but my prayer is the same as David’s, “O God be merciful to me.” I want God to be merciful to me. I don’t want Him to be just with me and righteous. If He is, I am going to get a whipping. I want Him to be merciful and gracious to me. He is that kind of a Godrich in mercy. He has enough for meand I am going to require a lot of itbut there will be enough for you also. “In the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge"or as Dr. Gaebelein has it, “in the shadow of Thy wings will I find shelter.” David experienced this shelter. The nation of Israel did not, however. In Mat_23:37 the Lord Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Israel has not as yet come under His wings. Are you ready to come under His wings? In other words, be obedient to Him, to love HimJesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (Joh_14:15)and to walk in the Spirit? Now notice these wonderful statements:

Psalms 57:3

This will be literally fulfilled for the faithful remnant when Christ returns in power and great glory; and they will say, “…Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Isa_25:9).

Psalms 57:4

Satan goes up and down this world like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1Pe_5:8), and he has a lot of little lions helping him, by the way. Remember that these michtam psalms have to do with that which is permanent and enduring, that which is substantial and lasting.

Psalms 57:7

Then notice this beautiful expression:

Psalms 57:8

“I will wake the morning dawn” is Dr. Gaebelein’s translation. What a beautiful expression! The night of sin and suffering is over. Satan’s rule is finished, and the morning has come. The Sun of Righteousness has risen with healing in His wings. How wonderful! What assurance we find in this psalm.