There were two periods in David’s life when he was forced to live in the desert. One was before he became king when Saul was pursuing him and the other was after he became king when his son Absalom rebelled against him. Since he refers to himself as the king (v. 11), he must have written this psalm during the time his son was challenging him for the throne.
David’s heart was matching his surroundings as he wrote this psalm. He was physically in a wilderness, but he was also longing for God similar to how a creature would long for water in a desert. The experience of God that he was longing for was what was revealed about the Lord in the tabernacle (sanctuary). But the experience was not confined to there.
What would he have seen at the sanctuary? There, he would see evidences of God’s power and glory revealed in his steadfast love. The tabernacle itself reminded the worshippers of how God had been with their forefathers as they travelled from Egypt to Canaan. It also reminded them of their great privilege in being the only nation on earth among whom God had a special location where his people could draw near to him in public. Further, it was the only place on earth where legitimate sacrifices were offered for sin, reminding them of the amazing fact that their holy God had provided the means of atonement for them (vv. 2-3).
Thinking about God in such ways led David to dedicate himself to the worship of God. His dedication would mark his life, for however long he would live. He understood the bigness of his God, that he is constantly worthy of the most heartfelt worship that his people can give (v. 4).
Such thoughts of God as his helper also brought great satisfaction to David as his spiritual thirst was met. The experience is like a good meal, it is better than sleep, and gives him great joy. It provides him with security (under his wings) and confidence. David pursues after the God who is already holding on to him. (vv. 5-8). His experience is the opposite of what will happen to his opponents. God will use his power to destroy them utterly (vv. 9-10).
The outcome will be that David will rejoice in the Lord, all who are devoted to God will praise him, and the wicked will be compelled to be silent. In other words, God’s kingdom will continue to develop even although the current circumstances linked to the rebellion were personally sad for David. But he knew where to go for help - to his God.
The word translated ‘earnestly’ in verse 1 can also mean ‘early’. Some translations use early and this has led some churches to regard the psalm as a morning psalm. Both ‘earnestly’ and ‘early’ indicate priority and strength of desire in meeting with God.
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