Psalm 31/Overview/Background

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  • After Saul became angry with him (1 Sam 20:30-34), Saul decided to kill David. When David fled from Saul, he lied to Ahimelech to secure food and weapons (1 Sam 21:1-9). Next David was forced to act like a madman to prevent Achish of Gath from killing him. So, Achish ridiculed him (1 Sam 21:10-15). After David saved the city of Keilah, Saul tried to capture him there by putting the city under siege (1 Sam 23:7-8). David heard the rumor that Saul was trying to surround him (1 Sam 23:9). As a result, David asked God whether the people of Keilah would surrender him into Saul's hand (1 Sam 23:12). God tells David that the people will betray him (1 Sam 23:12). David and his men escape into the countryside and hide in the strongholds (1 Sam 23:14). Even though Saul continued to pursue him, YHWH did not allow him to capture David (1 Sam 23:14).
  • Putting trust in one deity instead of many is a risky proposition, because it will lead to shame if that deity does not protect you (TDOT 1977, 2:52-53). Ancient Israel was a monotheistic society. Other cultures appealed to numerous gods in the hope that one of them would respond positively. If YHWH did not respond positively to him, David would look foolish for ignoring other deities who may have been willing to help.
  • YHWH's ability to provide protection may be compared to rock-like features and human-made fortresses (cf. Deut 32:37; 2 Sam 22:3; Ps. 18:3; 144:2; cf. Zion Isa 14:32). A rock is a fixed structure that provides shade and, depending on the size can provide physical safety. A fortress is a man-made structure designed to protect someone from an enemy. YHWH, by his very nature, is able to provide protection from enemies.
  • A person that is physically deformed is a social outcast (1 Sam 11:2; cf., Jezebel's corpse 2 Kgs 9:37).