Psalm 57 · a question people ask
The title says David was "in the cave" (57:1). Which cave?
The title doesn't say. It says only "when he fled from Saul, in the cave" (57:1). 1 Samuel tells of David in two caves while Saul was after him. Once, after David "arose and fled that day for fear of Saul" (1 Samuel 21:10), "David therefore departed from there and escaped to Adullam’s cave" (1 Samuel 22:1). Later, in the wilderness of En Gedi (1 Samuel 24:1), Saul came to "the sheep pens by the way, where there was a cave", and "David and his men were staying in the innermost parts of the cave" (1 Samuel 24:3). Another psalm's title places David in a cave too: "A contemplation by David, when he was in the cave" (Psalm 142:1). Neither title names the cave, and 1 Samuel doesn't mention either psalm. The chapters on 1 Samuel 22 and 24 say the same, and these notes don't choose.
The verses
“For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.”
“David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.”
“David therefore departed from there and escaped to Adullam’s cave. When his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.”
“When Saul had returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En Gedi.” Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men on the rocks of the wild goats. He came to the sheep pens by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were staying in the innermost parts of the cave.”