Overview:
(BKC)The psalm consists of two sections, each ending with a refrain (Ps. 57:5, 11), in which David expressed his desire that God be exalted. David prayed for deliverance from his destructive enemies, and then sang a song of triumph for God’s faithful love in expectation that the wicked would be caught in their own devices.
Observations:
(1) The picture of hiding
From the superscript, David was fled fro Saul into the cave. However, from the psalm, David pictured himself as hiding under the shelter of God (x2 in v.1). David was pleading for protection. Why?
(2) The picture of lying down vs rising up
a. The reason why David asking for help was because the "lions" made him "lie down v.4"
(BDB) [lie]=figurative of prostration of humiliation
Not only they were ferocious and wanting to devour him, the enemies were also deceptive and preparing to trap him. "They have dug a pit for me v.6."
b. In the midst of his humiliation David pray for the rising up of God v.5,10,11.
57:10 For your loyal love extends beyond the sky,
and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
57:11 Rise up above the sky, O God!
May your splendor cover the whole earth! From v.10 and 11, David asked God for the manifestations of 3 things: God's loyal love, His faithfulness, and His splendor (glory). I can understand the first 2. When God rescued David then other people know that He is a God that is truthful to His own people, and He loves them. However, what does glory has to do with His rescue? David repeated this request twice in v.5, 11. Then I looked the passage in between v.5 and 11. It seems that v.6-9 gives us the clue. (a) When God rescued people and had the offender falling into the pit that they dug v.6 then people will see that He works miraculously and will give Him the glory. (b) In v.7, he repeated twice "I am determined." What does it mean? "I am determined, O God! I am determined! "
(BDB)[determined]=in moral sense, be directed aright, of ways; be fixed aright, steadfast.
In other words, when people see that the ones being rescued by God are morally upright then people will give glory to God.
(BDB)[determined]=in moral sense, be directed aright, of ways; be fixed aright, steadfast.
In other words, when people see that the ones being rescued by God are morally upright then people will give glory to God.
Reflections:
v.5, 11 When people see that you are rescued by God will they think that God has rescued the right person and give glory to God? Are you morally upright? Can we give glory to God in our lives? Do you live your lives so that God will be glorified?
v.3,10 God is loyal and faithful to His people. In other words, we can count on Him. Also, the reason why He protects us is out of His promise. May we not lose hope in Him.
Audrey
v.5, 11 When people see that you are rescued by God will they think that God has rescued the right person and give glory to God? Are you morally upright? Can we give glory to God in our lives? Do you live your lives so that God will be glorified?
v.3,10 God is loyal and faithful to His people. In other words, we can count on Him. Also, the reason why He protects us is out of His promise. May we not lose hope in Him.
Audrey
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