The Lesser of Two Evils

Click here to read Psalms 56.

Psalm 56 Author David. Fears in the midst of trials. Written to the chief musician with instructions that it was to be sung to the tune of "The Dove of the Distant Terebinths" (The Silent Dove Afar Off), and suggested that it be used for private meditation. It was written as the result of I Samuel 21 when he put himself into the hands of the Philistines to escape Saul and he wished he had wings like a dive that he might fly away.

David fled to the city of Gath in the land of the Philistines to escape the wrath of Saul. The King's officers were unhappy about him being there and reminded the King that this man was actually the top leader of Israel, one of their greatest enemies. David heard of this and became afraid for his life and pretended to be insane. The King was not interested in a mad man so David escaped and went to the cave of Adullam.

Here David feels surrounded by his enemies and pleads for God's deliverance. He begs mercy for himself and judgment upon his enemies. He thanks God for his deliverance from Gath and for what he believes God will do for him in the future and for this he promised to phrase Him the rest of his life. In reading this Psalm we should remind ourselves of God's past blessings and not be assuming upon His future Grace.

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