Historical Background and Context Psalm 64 is a prayer of David for protection from hidden enemies who use slander and conspiracy as their weapons. The psalm does not link itself to a specific historical event, but its themes resonate with many moments in David’s life. He was constantly a target of malicious plots and treacherous … Read more
Historical Background and Context The title of Psalm 63 provides a vivid and essential setting: “A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.” This desolate, barren wilderness east of Jerusalem was a place of scarcity, danger, and isolation. This context perfectly fits the period of David’s life when he fled from … Read more
Historical Background and Context Psalm 62 is a profound expression of quiet, resolute trust in God in the face of treachery. The title attributes it to David, and while it does not name a specific event, its themes of conspiracy, deceitful words, and the threat of being toppled from a position of authority fit perfectly … Read more
Historical Background and Context Psalm 61 is a deeply personal prayer from a king in exile. While the title simply says, “For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David,” the content strongly points to the period of Absalom’s rebellion, as recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 15-18. During this traumatic time, David was forced … Read more
Historical Background and Context The detailed title of Psalm 60 roots it in a major military campaign during King David’s reign: “For the director of music. To the tune of ‘The Lily of the Covenant.’ A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck … Read more
Historical Background and Context The title of Psalm 59 places us in a specific, life-threatening moment in David’s early career: “For the director of music. To the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy.’ A miktam of David. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.” This dramatic event is fully … Read more
Background and Context: A Cry Against Injustice Psalm 58 is one of the most intense and difficult psalms in the Bible. It is a powerful imprecatory psalm, which is a type of psalm that calls for God to bring judgment or curses upon the wicked. It is attributed to David, and while it lacks a … Read more
Historical Background and Context The title of Psalm 57 places us in a moment of extreme tension and danger in David’s life: “For the director of music. To the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy.’ A miktam of David. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.” This most likely refers to the dramatic events … Read more
Historical Background and Context The superscription of Psalm 56 gives us a dramatic and specific setting: “For the director of music. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oaks.’ A miktam of David. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.” This points us to the desperate story found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David … Read more
Historical Background and Context While Psalm 55 does not have a specific title linking it to a historical event, its content points powerfully to one of the darkest periods in David’s life: the rebellion of his own son, Absalom, as detailed in 2 Samuel chapters 15-18. The psalm is filled with themes of chaos in … Read more