Robin In Da Hood: STUDY OF PSALMS

PSALM 57 - “Do Not Destroy – Part I”

(A Miktam of David)

Superscription: “Do Not Destroy. When he fled before Saul into the cave.” There are four 'Do Not Destroy” psalms (57, 58, 59, and 75). It is generally agreed that the term refers to a known song tune of the time

The most likely historical setting was either during David’s flight from King Saul at Adullam (1 Samuel 22) or at En Gedi (1 Samuel 24).

This is a Lament Psalm composed of two sections:

Verses 1-5: CHEERFUL CONFIDENCE
Verses 6-11 VICTORIOUS VINDICATION

Vs. 1 – “In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge.” This figure of speech is also used in three other psalms (Psalms 17:8, 36:7; 63:7).

💛NUGGET: David “takes” refuge in a cave. But he “makes” his refuge under the shadow of God's wings.

Vs. 11 – This stanza is a repeat of verse 5. God wants to be glorified, even in our suffering.

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PSALM 58 - “Do Not Destroy – Part II”
A Miktam of David

This is a Community Lament against wicked leaders and judges. It is also an Imprecatory Psalm against them.

Vs. 1 – David calls the unrighteous judges “the mighty ones” in sarcasm.

Vs. 2 – Injustice begins in the heart, then transfers to the hands. Unjust hearts are incapable of righteous judgment.

Vs. 3 – This verse has been included in arguments for 'original sin'. In this chapter, the references were specifically to the wicked and / or liars rather than humanity in general.

Vs. 6-8 – Imprecatory prayer against Israel's enemies.

Vs. 9 – Thorns were often used as fuel to heat cooking pots. This metaphor was used to refer to the swiftness of God's judgment.

Vs. 11 – The reward for the righteous is that they have God for their judge as opposed to the unrighteous. Full Circle.

💛NUGGET: “All men shall be forced by the sight of the final judgment to see that there is a God, and that he is the righteous ruler of the universe. Two things will come out clearly after all – there is a God and there is a reward for the righteous.” (Charles Spurgeon)

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PSALM 59 - “Do Not Destroy – Part III”
A Miktam of David

This Lament Psalm can be divided into two sections:

Verses 1-10: HELP!
Verses 11-17: PRAISE!

The superscription explains this psalm as “When Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.” This refers to 1 Samuel 19:11-12, when David discovered King Saul's plan to kill him. For the next 10-15 years, David lived as a fugitive.

Vs. 1 - “Defend me...” This plea was repeated three more times in this chapter (verses 9; 16; 17).

Vs. 5 – David used three of God's names: “O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel” :

Yahweh: the covenant God of Israel (LORD).
Elohim Sabbath: the commander of heavenly armies (God of hosts).
Elohim Israel: the God of His chosen people (God of Israel)

Vs. 10 - “My God of mercy”; This is a title for God seen as a lifeline for the troubled believer.

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PSALM 60 – “Victory Comes From God”
(A Miktam of David)

The superscription states: “When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.” This historical battle of David is recorded in 2 Samuel 8:1-14; 10:16 and 1 Chronicles 18:1-13, although the victories are described in more detail in this song.

This is a Community Lament for Israel, similar to Psalm 44.

Vs. 3-4 – “The wine of confusion”; David was confused by God's judgment upon Israel, bringing about their military setbacks (though they ultimately prevailed). Yet he understood that God was in control and was still their Defender.

[Vs. 5-12 are repeated in Psalm 108:6-12.]

Vs. 6-7 – God names all the towns that represent the territory of Canaan (land given to the Israelites by God). Ephraim is called a 'helmet' (meaning, “the strength of my head”), likely representing their military strength (Deuteronomy 33:17). Judah received God's 'scepter' as the ruling tribe over God's kingdom (Genesis 49:10).

Vs. 8 – The “washpot” and the “shoe” (Edom & Moab) were designated as God's servants.

vs. 9 - The “strong city” of Edom is likely the mountain stronghold of Petra.

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PSALM 61 - “Lead Me to the Rock”
(Lament of David)

This psalm of David has also been categorized as a Royal Psalm.

Vs. 1 – Sometimes it feels our prayers don't get past the ceiling...

Vs. 2 – “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

💛NUGGET: You and I can claim Jesus as that ROCK.

Vs. 5 – “You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.” David was invoking his privileged position based on God's promises to Abraham. How amazing it is that we ALSO are part of that heritage (Galatians 3:29).

Vs. 7 - “He shall abide before God forever.” These promises were fulfilled in the Messiah promised from the line of David (2 Samuel 7:11-16).

VIDEO: The Oak Ridge Boys

https://youtu.be/eSeuYWkwHyk