Psalm 56:1–7
To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-recho-kim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
1Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; He fighting daily oppresseth me. 2Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: For they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear What flesh can do unto me. 5Every day they wrest my words: All their thoughts are against me for evil. 6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, When they wait for my soul. 7Shall they escape by iniquity? In thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Psalm 56 has a lot to say about fear. The Psalmist was certainly in a situation in which fear seemed justified.
The header of this Psalm is very informative despite being often overlooked.
To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-recho-kim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
We often neglect the headers of the Psalms to our own hurt. There are great lessons in them. Let me point out two words of value from the header of this Psalm.
“Jonath-elem-recho-kim”
It is thought that this was the title of a popular tune to which these words were to be sung. The meaning of these words is significant.
Jonath = Dove
Elem = Distance
Recho-kim = Silence
So, the meaning is “A silent dove in the distance” or if you are a Baptist preacher who thinks alliteration is a requirement then you can say, “a dumb dove in the distance”
Why is the title of this tune so important?
I think that it may be a link to the previous Psalm.
Psalm 55:4–7 4My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 5Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me. 6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest. 7Lo, then would I wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah.
David had wished to be like a dove and run away from his difficulties. David yearned to escape his problems and go to a new place and find a quiet life. Hear him hum the tune and sing, “I want to be a dumb dove in the distance”
Can you relate?
"Gath"
The second word from the header that I need for us to discover is the word “Gath”.
Sound familiar?
Gath was a Philistine town known for its local hero who I hear was really big around them parts; his name was Goliath. In case you are unfamiliar with the story, Goliath was killed by David. The story behind how David wound up in this place can be found in 1 Samuel 21. Saul was trying to kill him so in desperation David fled to Gath. Am I the only one that thinks, “now that was stupid?” Desperation can lead people to do some pretty dumb things.
David had longed to be a dumb dove in the distance, so he ran from one threat into the arms of an even greater enemy, from the frying pan into the fire.
Instead of being a dove, David acted more like a ding bat!
What is the lesson about the dumb dove in the distance?
Is possible that you are letting fear steer ya?
I warn you that when fear takes the wheel it doesn’t usually drive you to good places.
Fear can cause you to forsake life. Fear can make you want to be a dumb dove in the distance that doesn’t go anywhere or do anything. There is nothing the Devil would like better than to use fear to rob you of the precious life that God has given.
Fleeing from your fears is not always best. Sometimes you must face your fears and fix your problems. The great news is that you will never have to face your fears alone. Listen to David who learned from his mistake.
Psalm 56:3–4 3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4In God I will praise his word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear What flesh can do unto me.
Please dear believer, don’t desire to be a dumb dove in the distance. Trust the Lord and don’t let fear steer ya!
My 2021 Bible Reading Plan
May 4, 2021