This psalm is like the other lamenting psalms we have looked at (see our study of Psalm 13 for an example). David makes his plea to God, describes what is happening, and praises God for the answer. The circumstances do not determine our joy, it is He to whom we look that determines our joy. This psalm could have been written during David’s fleeing from Saul or from Absalom. As with Psalm 13, I look at it as an attempt to escape his son Absalom, thus the placement in our studies. Verse two implies that David has been in Jerusalem and has established the Tent of Meeting as the sanctuary. If he were fleeing from Saul, neither of these would have occurred.
The first five verses sound like Absalom’s words in 2 Samuel 15 (see our study). Absalom was undermining the authority of David with words that caused others to deem David as weak.
What does the silence of God mean to you (1)? When you pray, does He seem distant? When you read His Word, does it seem hollow? Why? Sometimes it is because we have sinned. Other times it is because He wants us to rely and trust in a greater way on Him. Can you think of other reasons?
It is very difficult when our prayers are answered with silence. Sometimes our prayers are not answered right away because God knows His timing is best. Though God may not give us an answer when we want it, we need to keep praying to Him, trusting that He will hear our pleas and provide for us. God becomes our strength and shield when we rest in Him and trust Him with our burdens.