THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I

As we have seen, many of David’s psalms were composed either when he was in night from the hand of Saul, or when he was in exile during the time of Absalom’s rebellion, 2 Sam. 15. This psalm appears to have been inspired at the time of the latter. The words “From the end of the earth (land) will I cry unto thee”, v. 2, indicate that David was not then in the land. According to 2 Sam. 17. 24, he was at Mahanaim beyond Jordan, considered by an ardent Jew to be a foreign part. Then again, the words “Thou wilt prolong the king’s life”, v. 6, imply that he had been established as king in Israel which was not the case in the days of Saul.

When we consider the manifold trials and sorrows which David endured, we wonder why he did not break down under the strain. What was the secret? Surely, that his prayers had been heard and attended to, and that he had been led to the rock that was higher than himself. Time and again, he was overwhelmed with adversity, yet he survived going under by retaining his trust and confidence in God his Helper. In the prayer “lead me to the rock that is higher than I”, David expressed his longing to get above the circumstances which threatened to engulf him. He also confessed a sense of helplessness in the realization that the rock was out of his reach without divine assistance; hence his plea “lead me”.

His reference to the tabernacle and, possibly, to the wings covering the mercy seat in the words “the covert of thy wings”, v. 4, shows his deep attachment to the sanctuary. If cut off from Zion, he was not, however, cut off from his God. He affirms his desire and resolve to abide in His presence. His trust is based on past experiences of protection, “thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy”, v. 3.

Our Rock is Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 4. He has been “made higher than the heavens”, Heb. 7. 26. He has entered the heavenly sanctuary “which the Lord pitched”, Heb. 8. 2. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace … and find grace to help in time of need”, 4. 16.

“Lead to the shadow of the Rock Eternal, my heart opprest; There in the secret of Thy holy presence, calm shall I rest.”