Psalm 57

Another in a string of psalms where David is in deep trouble after being betrayed at every turn. The description tells us that this psalm was written while David was hiding in a cave -- the same cave where his band of loyal supporters was formed. But at this point, David is likely still alone except for the fact that he is hiding in the Lord spiritually and emotionally while physically living in a cave.

Boice dissects this psalm a pattern with three topics and a refrain. David begins with a call out to God in verse 1. This call is for mercy. Verses 2-3 speak of God's faithfulness and steadfastness toward him. God fulfills His purpose for David. At verse 4 is a specific complaint about David's enemies. He is surrounded once again. Then the refrain found in verses 5 and 11.

After the first refrain, verse 6 again focuses on David's enemies but this time his enemies have found themselves trapped by their own methods. Verses 7-8 speak of faithfulness and steadfastness again, but this time it is David who is steadfast toward God. David's faithfulness causes him to break out into a song of praise. By verses 9-10, David again addresses God, but again the focus of his address has changed. He is not calling out for mercy, but crying out in praise. Then the final chorus repeats the call for God to be exalted. Exalting God should excite any of His children, just as men are excited by the exaltation of celebrities and the like.

Overall, the psalm is laid out A/B/C/Refrain/C/B/A/Refrain. Jewish parallelism at its best.

The striking picture of taking refuge in the shadow of God's wings is something which can ring true in the live of the believer. Certainly God doesn't have wings, but the theme of God's wings are found throughout Scripture. Boice calls attention to the wings of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, but the shadow of God's wings refers to more than God's presence -- it speaks of God's protection. We are to "hide in God" rather than simply hiding with God.