Growing Closer to
God Through Adversity
The superscriptions which precede most of the psalms are an interesting topic. Though a handful of scholars will debate the relevance this information has to the inspired words within the psalm, these headings often help in identifying the author, the occasion, and the musical instruction for the psalm. From that perspective, it would seem that these superscriptions are provided for our benefit and should not be dismissed. In fact, when sung aloud, the superscriptions were included as part of the song. In Psalm 57 we find a lengthy superscription—two primary parts to it include:
-
To the choirmaster: according
to Do Not Destroy (ESV) / To the chief Musician Al-taschith
(KJV) / To the choir director; set to Al-tashheth (NASB)
- Do Not Destroy (Al-tashheth –
Destroy Not) is thought to have been
either; (A) a song or melody associated with earlier references to
‘Destroy Not’ (Duet 9:26 or Isaiah 65:8), or (B) specific to Psalm
57—most commonly believed to be set in 1 Samuel 22, where David resists
the opportunity to kill Saul in the cave of Adullam. Supporting this
interpretation is 1 Sam 26:9, when David once again has the opportunity
to kill Saul, he says, “Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his
hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?”
Destroy Not is found as a superscription in four psalms (56-58 & 75), each written with the anticipation that God will bring justice to an enemy, or the wicked.
-
A Miktam of
David (ESV) / Michtam of David (KJV) / A Miktam of David (NASB)
- Found in six of the psalms (16, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
generally translated as ‘engraved’ or ‘golden.’ Most commentators
believe that this would seem to indicate a very special psalm, perhaps a
memorial psalm; one that would be inscribed, or engraved, to commemorate
an event. It’s also noted that these six “memorial psalms” are all
written by David. *QUALIFIER: Much like many of the words used to describe
these psalms and to instruct the choirmasters, we have a general idea of
the interpretation, but it’s difficult to know for certain what
precisely was meant.
Psalm 57 is paragraphed, or sectioned, into
two parts; (1-5) and (6-11) with the identical verses of 5 & 11 acting
as the refrains – “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your
glory be over all the earth!” When viewed in this manner,
the first paragraph focuses on David’s lamenting and prayerful confidence
in God’s mercy, despite his adverse situation. The second paragraph
focuses on David’s confident expectation of victory and God’s vindication.
A few verses that might for good discussion:
(1) “in the shadow of
your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by” – Like a bird that gathers
the baby birds under her wing to protect them from the elements, David says
that his soul will take refuge in this way. Our small group members (including
ourselves), have faced, are currently facing, or will face difficult storms.
Resting our soul beneath God’s wings will enable us to better make it through
these storms.
(4 & 6) “My
soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts—the children of
man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.” and
“They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way
…” This was an intense time. Saul’s men were ruthless in
their pursuit of David and were looking to capture him in any way possible. To
me this highlights the extreme confidence that David had in God’s protection.
Even in, or more correctly, especially in, our worst struggles, let us cry out
to God for mercy and rescue.
(7b & 9) “I
will sing and make melody!” and “I will give thanks to you, O
Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.”
In thanksgiving, praise and worship, David will sing to the Lord. Makes me
think about our time of worship through song on Sunday morning, and our time
alone throughout the week. I think it should encourage us to sing, sing, sing.
David says in verse 8, “awake the harp and lyre!” * What a great discussion point with your group – the role of
singing praise and thanksgiving?
Psalm 57 (ESV)
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!
4 My soul is in the midst of lions;
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6 They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my way,
but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah
7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make melody!
8 Awake, my glory!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10 For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
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