Caves such as this are common throughout Israel.

This psalm’s superscription is one of several that refer to a psalm as a maskil of David. The word maskil comes from a term meaning “enlighten” or “enlightened one.” They are poems written as songs for the purpose of instruction – in the case of the psalms, that means instruction about the Lord and of serving Him.  It also says that it was written at or about the time that David was “in the cave.” Presumably, this would refer to an instance when he was being pursued by Saul.

This lament psalm is certainly instructive for us today for prayer, especially in times of great distress, grief and/or anxiety and fear. When the world has become too much for us, these seven verses are a powerful source for putting into words the supplications and feelings of distress that we so desperately need to bring to the Almighty in prayer. It is a personal favorite for me; and part of the Psalm is included below.

With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!

I cry to you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!

Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.