Monday, June 3 – Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 21 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 64, “David a Fugitive”

1. In running away from Saul (because his home was no longer safe), in what two places did David seek food, weapons and shelter? (1 Samuel 21: 1, 10)

2. In Psalm 59, what guilt does David claim as reason for why the ‘workers of iniquity’ and ‘bloodthirsty men’ were lying in wait? (Psalm 59:3)

3. What are some action verbs you find in Psalm 59 that David is requesting of God? (Psalm 59:1, 2, 5, 10, 13)

4. Reflect on the verbs above, have you ever asked God to rouse Himself and defend you using any of these verbs?

Commentary and Reflection

Many of us, being aware of David’s tumultuous life, his mistakes and sins, may question that he was referred to as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). Today’s reading gives us a hint of the heart of David and the qualities that God cherished in him. Instead of seeking refuge and protection from other sources or raising his voice in complain, David pens an entreaty to God – Psalms 59.

First, let’s look at the context of this Psalm. 1 Samuel 19-21 is one same story: Saul, in rebellion with God’s command is told that the kingdom is no longer to belong to his family and descendants, and now has realized that David is the object of God’s attention as the next anointed king. Enraged, Saul commissions assassins to stake out the kingdom in search of David, his own son-in-law, even in his own home. After a near-death experience one night, an escape through the window, a fake image for a decoy, and a brief visit with Samuel. . . David finds himself in Nob, at the sanctuary. There he tells Ahimelech, the priest, that in his “king’s errands” he’s in need of sustenance and weapon, and he goes away with day-old holy bread and none other than Goliath’s sword. (Spoiler alert: Ahimelech and his family will pay for his kindness when Saul the mad king finds out.) Having found no safety in Israel, David must flee to Philistine country (with Goliath’s sword?) and risk being captured by the Philistine king’s men. Only with God’s protection and a bit of theatrical talent, he pulls off acting the madman to be released. The end.

I tell you, that these adventures of David are worthy of the highest drama award.  But let’s not lose sight of the man’s heart – that which God appreciated.  In the midst of running, of loneliness, of despair . . . David turns to God: Deliver me, defend me, awake and behold. When was the last time that I, before reacting to the storms of my life, ran to God, climbed on His lap, and said, “wake up and look at what’s happening to me? I have no other defense I trust but you”?

Furthermore, David’s song conjures up images of God that are only apparent when you know their true meaning in Hebrew:

Vs. 1 – Elohim – Great and mighty God (same as used in the Creation of the World)

Vs. 3 – Yahweh – I am. The holiest of Hebrew names for God. The one given to Moses at the burning bush.

Vs.5 – Yahweh Elohim Sabaoth – God, Lord of hosts/armies

Vs. 10 – God of mercy (Heb. checed/hessed) – Loving kindness

Vs. 16 – God my defense and refuge (Heb. misgab and manos) – Strong tower and escape (see Psalm 91)

What about you and I? Do we face difficulties as David did? Do we immediately, before we stress, cry or share with others, run to God and ask Him to intervene?

It is also worthy of note that David doesn’t say he’s a saint or perfect, but he does acknowledge that this persecution is not due to cause and effect – not the harvest of something he has done (vs. 3).  Nevertheless, we sometimes have to face with courage the consequences of unwise actions that we have ignorantly or consciously taken.  Yet the same recipe of David in Psalm 59 applies to me and you in both instances when we must face an enemy we don’t deserve or even that of our own creation: Run to God. Boldly approach His throne (Heb. 4:16), tell Him we trust that He is a mighty God, Lord of Hosts, a God of mercy and the only strong tower we trust.

As we ask God for wisdom, guidance and protection through this upcoming day, join me in reading verses 16 and 17 as a prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, today, regardless of that which I face, I will sing of Your power;

Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;

For You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble, and every day of my life.

To you, O my Strength, I will sing praises;

For you God are my defender, My God of mercy.” (vs. 16-17 in italics)

Amen.