RR Psalm 56:1 Part 1

Shalom,

Psalm 56:1 For the music director: “A Silent Dove Far Away,” a Michtam of David, when the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

David continues the poetry of his autobiography.  He now relates the details of his thoughts and prayers when he was captured by the Philistines, as related in 1 Samuel 21.  He acted like he was crazy to convince Achish, the king of Gath, to leave him alone.

As you can see, this Psalm is labeled, “a Michtam of David.”  It is the first of five Psalm in succession to be so identified.  (The sixth we had previously in Psalm 16.)  The word “Michtam” comes from “Chatam” meaning “stain.”  How does a stain become a poem?  If you know how writing was done in ancient times, it was chiseled or written using ink stains to form the letters.  Then, over time, our understanding morphed (as those letters formed a story) until we now have what is called a poem.  

This Psalm is perfectly arranged to follow Psalm 55.  The link is with the “Yonah,” dove, from Psalm 55:7 to the opening of Psalm 56.  Those “silent (tongue tied) doves (Israelites)” are at a distance.  This is similar to Psalm 65:6 You respond to us in righteousness with awe-inspiring works—O God of our salvation—hope of all ends of the earth and farthest seas.  

Our “hope” here is “Miv’tach,” from the same Shoresh as “Betach” in yesterday’s RR, meaning “count on it.”  This “hope” is more than just a thought or a wish.  This is a solid faith, based on a real relationship with the living God.  We depend upon God.  

Psalm 62:6 My soul, wait in stillness, only for God—for from Him comes my expectation. 7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my strong tower—I will not be moved.

May our faith not be “about” Yeshua, but may we have the faith “of” Yeshua.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed24-Jun-20269th of Tamuz, 5786
Nu 21:21-22:12Jer 51Ezr 92 Co 11 (Lk 8:1-25)