I. PRAYER. PLEA FOR DELIVERANCE (1-4). r. Appeal (1-2). The Cry and the Cause. 2. Assurance (3 ). Profession of Trust (4). Refrain. II. PLAINT. PERIL OF DEATH (5-n). I. Appeal (5-8). The Cause and the Cry. 2. Assurance (9 ). Profession of Trust (rn-n). Refrain. Ill. PLEDGE. PRAISE FOR DELIVERANCE (12-13). I. Acknowledgment (12). The Consecration and the Cause. 2. Anticipation (13). (a) Preservation. (b) Purpose. SUPERSCRIPT.-Michtam of David; when the Philistines seized him in Gath. SUBSCRIPT.-For the Chief Musician. Al-tashheth (=Destroy not). PRIMARY AssocIATION.-Title gives writer and occasion, see I Sam. xxi. 10-15; :xxvii. 4; xxix. 2-11. Verse 13 seems to suggest the crisis of David's second flight to Gath. Closely related to Ps. xxxiv. which see for notes on the two psalms; connected also with lvii. Refrain gives the theme. Ps. lvi. is the Prayer for Deliverance, and xxxiv. the Praise for Deliverance, here anticipated by faith. For meaning of" Michtam," see Introduction V. (f). PROPHETIC ANTICIPATION.-This group of "Michtam" psalms shows the true path of the godly during the coming period of the Great Tribulation. The pattern for God's people is found in Ps. xvi. Towards the end they come to a realisation that their sufferings are God's disciplinary measures to bring them. to a full confession of their sins, particularly their guilt in rejecting Messiah. The lowest point in their humiliation proves to be the turning point in their salvation, Ix.
PERSONAL APPLICATION.-Since Elohin1 (God) is for us what can "enosh" (frail man) do unto us? (r) Those who "fear" God need fear no one else; then face the foe without fear (2-3). "Trust in Him at all times" (lxii. 8), but especially when you feel afraid (3). Faith receives, rests on and rejoices in the Word of God (4, ro ). God's faithfulness inspires the saint's faith. Let us always praise God for His Word (4). Contrast the tenderness of God with the tyranny of the enemy (5-8). God takes note of your every tear and will one day wipe all. tears away with His own gracious hand (8); cf. Rev. xxi. 4. He sees every sorrow of His saints. God is on your side (9); c£ Rom. viii. 3r. None who work iniquity shall escape (7). The life as well as the lips should render a thank-offering (r3); c£ Heb. xiii. 15-r6. Past experience confirms present expectation (r3). He who has delivered our souls from death will surely deliver our feet from falling ( r 3). Our steps will be right if we walk in the light (13). VERSE "NOTES r. "Be gracious . .. man ( = enosh)-panteth after me,° so 2; note threefold "all day long" character of the persecution, r, 2, 5. enermes, as margm. 3. Faith overcomes fear. "I" (emph.). F9r the only time on record that David was afraid of man, see I Sam. xxi. 12. 4. "flesh," here = man as a frail and short-lived creature in contrast with God the Eternal Spirit. 5. See r Sam. xxiv. 9. Calumniators sought to poison Saul's mind against David. 6. "hide themselves," or set an ambush; c£ r Sam. xxiii. 22-23; (b) i.e. they dogged his heels intent. on his life; (c) "As they wait for ... " 8. "tears ... bottle" re£ to ancient custom of mourners for the dead who collected their tears in a bottle (lachrymatory), which was later buried with their loved one; a bold figure; "book," c£ Mal. iii. r6. 9. "Then" (emph.), i.e. in the very day that he calls the enemy is turned back. r2. "Vows upon-me," i.e. they are now due to be fulfilled, for faith tells me my prayer is already granted; in xxxiv. we see the vows fulfilled. r3. (c) i.e. in ctr. with the shades of Sheol; c£ John viii. 12; Job xxxiii. 30.
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