David was experiencing trouble from persistent enemies who were creating a situation in which he could have been overthrown and God's people disheartened. Therefore he prayed to his covenant God for guidance that he would know what to do. He knew that he could expect the God of his salvation to help him. Nevertheless, he looked for help persistently (vv. 1-5).
The psalmist asked the Lord to remember something and not to remember something. He wanted the Lord to remember his mercy and his love for his people and he prayed that the Lord would not hold his sins against him. David realised that divine help is always an expression of his grace (vv. 6-7).
What kind of person does the righteous God teach? Those who are teachable, humble, who keep his law because they are in covenant with him, who desire pardon for their sins, and who reverence his name (vv. 8-12). They reveal that he has changed their heart and are now new creatures whom he is sanctifying.
What happens in those whom the Lord teaches? They have inner health, they anticipate longterm blessings, they enjoy the Lord's friendship, and they discover what he has in store for them (vv. 13-14).
Yet, at the time of writing the psalm, the author was trapped, isolated, distressed, and longing for assurance of forgiveness. But he knew that the Lord would rescue him and look on him with favour. In the meantime, he asked the Lord to consider his spiritual troubles and the opposition of his foes, to deliver him from his current distresses, and to maintain his upright way of life. He also asked God to rescue all his people (vv. 15-22).
Had David learned what God had taught him? Yes, because what he discovered led him to continue in prayer. After all, what benefit will come if a person does not learn this lesson?
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