READ: Ps. 57:1-12: … Be merciful to me, O God, … I will trust in the shadow of Your wings until these calamities have passed by … God who performs all things for me … I will sing psalms … Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.
This Psalm also refers to a situation of distress. David is in a cave where he hides from Saul. It is the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1) or that of En Gedi (1 Sam. 24:1) or possibly another cave.
The tone of the Psalm fits less with a struggle against temptation (as in Psalm 56). There certainly is distress, but David here shows rest and trust; he even repeatedly calls for a song of praise.
The whole Psalm is a prayer in which the omnipotence of God is glorified.
David emphasizes that God controls everything, also his life: He shall perform all things for me (vs.3); He shall send help from heaven and save me (vs.4). David certainly does not estimate the circumstances positively: “My soul is among lions” (vs.5); they have prepared a net … they have dug a pit before me (vs.7).
But the realization that God is near him and shall deliver him gives him rest in the cave among people who lie in wait to kill him. He observes the great danger, but at the same time knows himself upheld by God.
In verse 8 David says emphatically: “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.” He is certain of it; he finds his rest in God. With Him there is lovingkindness, yes great lovingkindness. Lovingkindness is the manner in which God looks after His covenant children.
That covenant word points to His love, faithfulness, and goodness. Precisely because David knows God in this way, he is calm and prepared for what is coming. And from that rest he wants to sing to God’s honor (vs.8ff), about God’s omnipotence, exaltation, and lovingkindness.
In doing so he also calls others, yes the whole world, to honor this glorious God. David also goes before us to praise and glorify our LORD God in all circumstances because He looks after His children in whatever circumstances and troubles they may find themselves. He shall give deliverance. To Him be the praise and honor over all the earth.
Is there agreement with Daniel’s attitude?
Singing: Ps. 57:1,2,6