1 – The writer’s distress (vs. 1-2)

Absalom’s rebellion is the background to this Psalm. Read 2 Samuel 15-18. The wave which threatens to overwhelm him is growing in volume and momentum. His cause is pronounced hopeless.

2 – The writer’s trust in God remains unshaken (vs. 3-4)

He appeared to be exposed to the darts of false friends, but the Lord was his “shield” he appeared to be plunged in gloom but the Lord was his glory. Men had cast him down but the “Lord would lift him up”. (vs. 3). He derives comfort from past experience. It had been his habit to pray and the Lord had always answered him (vs. 4). Selah.

3 – David’s present experience justified his confidence (vs. 5-6)

He is speaking of the morning after a night of refreshing sleep – not in bed but out in the open and beneath the stars, hunted by foes! Numbers are not everything (vs. 6). Absalom had the crowd but David had God. One with God is a majority!

4 – David ends with prayer (vs. 7-8)

• He prays first for himself. (vs. 7).
• Then for the nation (vs. 8). Many have risen against him. (vs. 1) so he asks the Lord to arise for him. First he says, “Save me” (vs. 7) and the “Save them” (vs. 8).

THOUGHT – RESTFUL AMONG FOE.

Categories: Psalms