The heading of the Psalm states that David forwarded it to Jeduthun to be used in the formal worship at the sanctuary. Jeduthun was a prophetic singer/musician (like David) who was a Levite, a son of Asaph who led one of the musical divisions in the public worship (1Chronicles 25: 1-3) set apart by David & the army commanders. So it suggests that this Psalm was produced by David late on in life (Ch. 23:1-3).
The Psalm is divided into 3 sections vs. 1-4, 5-8, 9-12;
vs. 1,2 & 5,6 are virtually identical. David begins by declaring his peace of heart is found in God only because he is his Saviour & source of protection & security. He emphasises this repeatedly that there is no other ground for his peace & security but God – ‘alone’ is repeated four times in these opening vs.
vs. 3,4 This is despite his negative circumstances. David’s real problems in life (lofty place) started when he was raised up in life & position, he does not view himself as a mighty warrior but altogether more weak & fragile like a bowed wall ready to fall down.
vs. 5,6 So having stated the premise of his Psalm he reminds himself that whatever life throws at him he must continue in the same vein. Whatever his weaknesses or the nature of his opposition, both outward aggression (Saul) or betrayal (the Ziphites who though they were men of Judah collaborated with Saul repeatedly – 1 Samuel 23:19 & 26:1), his position because of his God is unshakeable.
vs. 7,8 Because of his personal testimony to God’s saving grace & vindication of his behaviour in not seeking vengeance against his enemy Saul, for God saved his life & made him king; he encourages the people of God to demonstrate the same trust that he has & earnestly call on God in prayer.
vs. 9,10 David contrasts his trust in God with a distrust of man. Regardless of social standing man cannot save, outside of God man has no moral standing & is undependable. He counsels the people of God to also avoid trust in wealth & the attitude of pursuing it at all costs as a solution to any problems.
vs. 11,12 One thing … two things … . Essentially a literary device to emphasise a point. When the Spirit of God revealed this to him David listened. God is strong Almighty, there is no greater power & his is limitless & he is loving. This is an amazing combination because when God sets his love on you nothing can harm your soul as long as you are faithful & obedient! Probably as a mature believer by this time in his life David had tested the truth of thus fully (1 Samuel 26:23-24).
As the new covenant people of God that his character is unchanged but is most clearly revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In sin Satan & the world (human society organised in opposition to God) we have greater foes than Saul, the Ziphites & the surrounding hostile nations that confronted David when he became king. We know according to the testimony of Peter in Acts 4:12 that there is no other ground of salvation but the Lord Jesus. That this same Christ who died to save us assures us that He will never let go of us (John 10:11, 28) & he cannot be made to let go! When faced with difficult circumstances human or spiritual our first & last resort is not to come up with our own plan or to put our primary trust in other people – though God may provide human support especially other believers but to pour out our souls to Christ who as our great High Priest ever lives to intercede for us. Because our God is strong & loving we know that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Ultimately our vindication will be when we are raise to the throne of God.
Finally if we have experienced the peace of God in our lives despite our circumstances but because we have called out to him with heartfelt prayers in or time of need, then like David we should share this with our brothers & sisters in Christ. One of the thing I enjoy most, both to encourage & to move me is to hear the testimony to God’s goodness when hard pressed, from one of my family in Christ.
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