No One There

I looked on my right hand, and behold,
there was no man that would know me:
refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. Ps. 142.4

David wrote this Psalm when he was hiding in a cave. King Saul was searching for David to kill him. This must have been a dark time for David. Not only was he in hiding, but he had a small group of followers with him, and David was responsible for these men. The best shelter was a cave, and he had no supplies of food. Anyone in the area might tell the King where David was hiding, and staying in the same place was also a danger.

The right hand is the hand of blessing. On David’s right there was no one to help him. It must have seemed as if the entire world was searching for him. None of his old friends would give him food or shelter when he needed it most. And yet, David does not blame God. He does tell God how he feels; that he is overwhelmed; that traps are laid for him; that no one will help him. And then he goes on to remind us what he has learned: that God is still there; that God will be a protection from his persecutors. Even though the enemies are stronger than David, God will bring about a blessing.

…for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.