RR Psalm 57:1,2 Part 1

Shalom,

Psalm 57:1(1) For the music director, “Do Not Destroy,” a Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. 2 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I take refuge, until destruction passes by.

Rabbi’s note: What you see above (Psalm 57, verses 1 and 2), in the Hebrew Bible is combined into just one verse (verse 1) in most Christian Bibles.  This will cause all the rest of the numbering to be off through the rest of the Psalm.

This is the first of four Psalms labeled “Al Tash’chet,” meaning literally, “do not destroy.”  They are this Psalm, 57, and three more Psalms 58, 59, and 79.  The first 3 (in a row, 57, 58, and 59) are Davidic, while the last (79) is Asaphic.  Sound scholarship believes this label, “do not destroy” is actually the first words or theme of a popular (at that time, well known) melody used to sing these four Psalms.  So it is really a musical notation, rather than the obvious warning not to destroy the Psalm.  End RN.

Our TLV translation says in verse 1, “Be gracious to me,” which is immediately repeated, “Be gracious to me!”  In Hebrew it is just one word, “Cha’ne’ni” repeated (pronounced, “Cha-nay-ni,” with the accent on the second syllable).  Another possible translation is, “Pour out bowels of mercy to me, oh God, pour out bowels of mercy to me!”  This is followed by the repetition of the second concept, “I take refuge (in God, my soul takes refuge).

These dual repetitions are provided to elicit an emotional response from the reader.  “Have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge.”  Wouldn’t you desire such a relationship with the Almighty God?  Brings to mind Psalm 91… We pray to God (for protection) and He answers us with deliverance according to His power.

Psalm 91:2 I will say of Adonai, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust…. 9 For you have made Elyon your dwelling, even Adonai, who is my refuge,… 14 “Because he has devoted his love to Me, I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high, because he knows My Name. 15 When he calls on Me, I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, rescue him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Add to that, it is the structure of Hebrew to repeat a word to reflect superlatives.  In English we add “er” or “est” to a word.  We have some similar conventions in Hebrew, but we can also just repeat a word for emphasis.  God provides us with the greatest mercy (that we don’t deserve) along with the highest level of protection (as our refuge).  In Hebrew we say, “Ayn Od” meaning “there is nothing more.”  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Tue7-July 202622nd of Tamuz, 5786
Nu 32:1-19Ez 17Neh 11Eph 4 (Lk 16)