David ’s Prayer in The Cave

Commentary

As in the previous Psalm, David explained his situation of being trapped in a cave in Engedi where he had fled to escape from Saul. There seemed to be no way of escape from his enemies. David’s circumstances couldn’t be much worse. He was hiding out in a cave with the murderous King Saul in hot pursuit. David was desperate and alone. Not only was he in a position of grave physical danger but he felt that “no one cared” (v. 4). He had no place and no one to go to but God. Actually, that’s exactly where the Lord wants us. The best place to be is in a position of absolute dependence upon God.

His prayer sounds more like a demand than a polite request. It seems that he is almost shouting at God. However, in his prayer he expresses his confi­dence in the Lord with statements like, “You knew my path” (v. 3), “ You are my refuge “ (v. 5), “You will deal bountifully with me” (v. 7).  He saw his only hope to be in God and if God did not send help, he would certainly perish at the hands of those who hated him.

Many of us believe that we can make it in our own strength. The truth is that the Lord gives us the power to do everything we do. We must remember that it is the Lord our God who gives us the abilities to do things in this life. Some people aren’t blessed because they’re depending too much on their own talent and ability.

Application

My problems may not be as dramatic as David’s, but they can be real and often overwhelming.  Whether my enemy is a person or a set of circumstances, my only hope is in the Lord. I can recall some circumstances in my past where the only place I could turn to was the Lord. Thank the Lord for his help during these times.