As we can see from the heading, this psalm by David is connected to the time when he was hiding in the cave of Adullum when Saul was trying to find him in order to kill him. It is obvious that David regarded his experiences as suitable themes for the worshippers in Israel to sing.
What does he mention in this song? In verse 1, he states that God is a refuge in times of trouble, and that during the time in which he is a refuge he will show mercy and compassion to his people. That did happen with David.
In verse 2, he mentions his confidence in the sovereignty of God. The Lord has a plan which includes this period of rejection. It also includes David’s future deliverance. David does not doubt that this will happen. He knows it will take place because he knows the character of God as faithful and committed to his covenant.
In verses 4 and 6, he describes the nature of his opponents. He is realistic about them and is aware that they are cruel and determined to get him. Yet he can praise God in verse 5 because he has overruled the intrigues of the enemies and caused them to bring about the demise of his opponents. Here David acknowledges the wisdom of God.
In verses 7-10, David describes his determination to serve God even although he is going through a difficult time. He does not let his current exile diminish his anticipation of the fulfilment of God’s promises to him. Since thinking about God’s dealings has given him confidence, he resolves to sing. He tells us when he will sing, where he will sing, and why he will sing.
Regarding when he will sing, he intends to start at dawn, which would be about 6am. Perhaps he is indicating that he will sing all day or maybe he is saying that praising God will be his priority every day, the first thing he will do each day. Concerning where he will sing, he says he will do it among the nations, which may be how he describes his current location among other tribal groups. His praise will be a form of witness to those peoples about his God. And the reason why he will sing is because his God is faithful to his promises.
His personal contribution of praise includes the desire for his God to be praised everywhere (v. 11). David would not know what was above the heavens, but whatever is there should be full of praise of God. Neither did David know the size of the earth, but whatever its size, he wanted the Lord to be praised everywhere.
The lessons for us are obvious. Remember the fact that God is a refuge, that he is faithful, that he works according to his plan, that we should not judge the future by the present, and that we should long for the time when God is praised everywhere.
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