For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet—
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves. (NIV)

It’s important to remember that many of these psalms were written in situations of real trouble, and even desperate danger. It is also instructive to note the atmosphere of confidence which they exude, even as the trial continues. The psalmists believed in a God who had brought them through, and who would do so again.

The title to Psalm 57 locates its moment in history – a tricky one for David, to say the least. Although he was sheltering in ”the cave”, David knew that God was his true and trustworthy shelter. He was hiding in Him. Faith gives you eyes to see spiritual reality: to see beyond the walls of your ”cave” to ”the shadow” of God’s ”wings.”

‘This psalm and Psalm 142 are ”cave” psalms that can give you great encouragement. Your own ”cave” may be a sick-room, a difficult place of ministry, or even a home where there is tension or trouble. If you do what David did, you will experience peace and victory even in the cave.

David’s faith transformed his cave into a Holy of Holies (v.1)! His confidence was not in the rocks but ”under His wings.” (See Ruth 2.12.) In spite of sharp teeth (v.4), nets and pits (v.6), David was sure of God’s help.’ Warren W. Wiersbe