O LORD MY GOD, IN THEE DO I PUT MY TRUST

The title of this psalm is ‘Shiggaion [an elegy or an ode of wandering, see Hab. 3. 1] of David, which he sang unto the Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite’. The content of the psalm is in keeping with the anguish of the wanderer expressed in the title. Cush is not mentioned elsewhere in scripture but it is evident he was a supporter of his fellow-tribesman, Saul, in the persecution of David, 1 Sam. 22. 8.

The historical background is found in 1 Samuel chapters 21 to 26, when David was being hunted as a fugitive by Saul. There are many similarities of exression in those chapters with Psalm 7,which reflects not only opposition but deep-seated hatred towards David by Saul and his sympathizers. David is attacked by ruthless enemies who are determined to kill him, v. 2, charging him with dreadful crimes, vv. 3-5. He claims his innocence and appeals to God to vindicate him completely, vv. 6-10; 1 Sam. 24. 9-15; 26. 18-24.

The psalm outlines very closely the circumstances of David at this period in his life. Imminent danger, the deep sense of in justice and strong faith in the righteousness of his God are its main themes. Ancient Jewish tradition prescribes its use during the feast of Purim, recalling the book of Esther and the victory of the Jews over the hateful Haman.

Our heading for today is the commencement of the psalm. David’s cry for help is based on his relationship with the Lord. He expresses his complete trust in his God; ‘in thee have I taken refuge’, v. 1 lit. This is a recurring theme in the psalms, 11. 1; 16. 1; 31. 1; 57. 1; 71. 1; 141. 8. David has put himself under the Lord’s protection and appeals to Him on the ground of this relationship. It could be rendered, ‘seek shelter’.

Ruth found refuge and shelter in the Lord, Ruth 2. 12, although she was an alien in Israel. Nahum’s encouraging word is, ‘The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that put their trust [find refuge and shelter] in him’, Nahum 1. 7. Similarly, the remnant of Israel will find refuge and shelter in the name of the Lord, Zeph. 3. 12. David himself proved, ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth [finds refuge and shelter] in [the Lord]’, Ps. 34. 8.