Psalm 57 – “In the Midst of Lions”
This psalm is set in the context of David fleeing from Saul, in the cave which would set it in 1 Samuel 22 or perhaps 24. It seems that David was afraid that he might get killed by King Saul in the middle of the night. Here in verse 4, he is “lying down.” In verse 8, he mentions the dawn. How often do we go to bed with tears in our eyes, only to awaken the next morning to realize that God is still on His throne!
This psalm is divided into two stanzas, the break being between verses 5 & 6. Then the first five verses have four strophes and the last six verses have four strophes.
STANZA ONE – 1-5:
Strophe 1 – verse 1:
In this verse, David calls twice on God to be gracious with him. Why? Because, David says, his soul takes “refuge” in God (present tense). He portrays himself as a baby bird seeking the care, protection, and safety of the mother – in the “shadow of His wings,” David will take “refuge” (future tense). “God” is referred to in this psalm by name or by pronoun 22 times!
Which is bigger – our problem or our God?
Strophe 2 – verses 2-3:
In these two verses, David says what he will do and what God will do. First, David will “cry” to God – “Most High.” No one is higher than He; no one is stronger than He. He answers to no one.
Second, David says God will: A. “send” from heaven and: B. “save” me. He will: C. Reproach him who tramples upon me. If our historical context is correct, David is referring to King Saul. Then, God will: D. “Send forth” His lovingkindness and His truth. God’s “lovingkindness” and “truth” means He will do what is right.
Strophe 3 – verse 4:
In this verse, we get a picture of David’s surroundings. He feels that he is in the midst of lions. In our day and society, we are afraid of people who can slander us, who can fire us, who can do other damage to us that is hurtful. David says his enemies have tongues that are “a sharp sword.”
Strophe 4 – verse 5:
Yet, in the middle of these fearful thoughts, David’s focus is always on God and His nature. We can never allow the world to get our focus off God and His nature.
David teaches us here that EACH DAY IS A DAY OF PRAYER.
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Strophe 1 – verse 6:
This verse, like verse 4, focuses on David’s enemies. Yet, David also sees another principle from God – what goes around comes around (cf. Num. 32:23; Gal. 6:7).
Strophe 2 – verse 7-8:
So, in verses 7 & 8, we see David’s response to God once again.
1.) “My heart is steadfast.” David tried hard not to waver between doubt and faith.
2.) I will sing – David will worship God.
3.) David calls on the instruments in his hands to praise God.
Strophe 3 – verse 9-10:
But, when you come into God’s presence to worship, you must leave with His glory on your lips. In other words, worship leads to evangelism. That’s what happens to David.
In verse 10, we have the reason why David wants to be evangelistic – Because of God’s lovingkindness his “truth.” God’s love and His truth – the two matters of God that establish our faith and confidence in Him.
Strophe 4 – verse 11:
Finally, David concludes, exalting God as our Creator and our Redeemer through Jesus Christ. May His glory – in our lives, our hearts, and on our tongues – be above all the earth.
David teaches us here that EVERY DAY IS A DAY OF PRAISE.
You may find yourself hiding in a cave. If so, follow David’s example – pray, trust, praise the Lord.
“Some glad morning we shall see Jesus in the air” – and, as with David here in Psalm 57, we can hardly wait to start that celebration. Indeed, we are already singing!
–Paul Holland
