As we can see from the heading, David composed this psalm after pretending to be mad in the presence of a Philistine ruler. This unusual method been used by the Lord as a means of deliverance.
In verses 1-3, David indicates his determination to praise his covenant God for providing such a great deliverance. He wanted others to hear about it, those he described as the humble. Such a description reveals that they did not trust in themselves. He wanted to meet with them and praise God together.
David expands his account in verses 4-7. He had been afraid, but he had prayed earnestly and obtained total deliverance. His resources had been zero, but he had discovered that the Lord knew how to rescue him, even if the process had been unusual (David pretending to be mad). It is possible that he is referring to Jesus in verse 7 (usually the title, ‘the angel of the Lord,’ is a reference in the Old Testament to a divine person taking on a temporary form). His deliverance had resulted in David’s countenance expressing his sense of liberation.
Therefore, he urged other believers to follow his example of depending only on the Lord. It is the guaranteed way of receiving divine blessing if done in a reverential manner. The Lord will never abandon his people, even although at times it may look as if he has (vv. 8-10).
David was conscious of his roles in Israel. He was not only the king in waiting. In addition he was a teacher of God’s people (v. 11). Therefore, he reminds them that the Lord blesses those who live in a righteous and peaceful manner. Long life was usually the evidence of God’s blessing, especially when eventually good days came (vv. 12-14). If we want to see good, we must do good and speak in good way.
David also reminds his friends of the personal and constant care of the Lord. He is for them and against his opponents. He listens to their prayers and is aware of their distresses. He is compassionate and concerned about their sorrows. David wanted them to remind themselves often that the Lord was alongside them, looking at them, listening to them, sympathising with them, and working to bless them (vv. 15-18).
Eventually, the Lord will deliver them from all their troubles. It will be very different with the wicked, both in this life and in the next. The outcome is total deliverance for believers because they are God’s possession and property. In a loving covenant sense, he is obligated to care for them and to ensure that there will be no condemnation for them at the end (vv. 19-22).
The obvious lessons of the psalm are patience in trouble, prayer for deliverance, and praise when rescue is provided.
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