Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.
David pours out his prayer in extremity, fleeing into the cave with danger pressing upon him. The psalm divides into two movements: first his urgent plea for mercy, then his confident rise to praise. We cannot settle what Al-tascheth means, whether it names a familiar tune or catches his own desperate cry, but either way, the inscription marks the circumstance of true anguish in which these words were born.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 57:1-11
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me. Urgent need suggests the repetition of the cry, for thus intense urgency of desire is expressed. If 'he gives twice who gives quickly, 'so he who would receive quickly must ask twice. For mercy the psalmist pleads at first, and he feels he cannot improve upon his plea, and therefore returns to it.
The tune's name, 'Destroy not,' points to David's mercy when Saul lay defenseless in the cave, his servants begged to kill him, but David refused. God Himself set the same limit: Saul could pursue, but never destroy, for a blessing dwelt in David, even Christ Himself. What a heart he shows us, turning to God in prayer while surrounded by enemies, repeating his plea with true devotion: 'Be merciful to me, O Lord.'
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 57:1-6