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David visited Gath in psalm 34 (see essay there). His life was in danger and he miraculously escaped the Philistine King Achish who wanted to execute him. David had a plan to escape from Shaul who wanted him dead. But Hashem had other plans…

Solution

David realized that King Shaul wanted him dead and would not be pacified. David had exhausted all possibilities of escape. He did all that was humanly possible and required of him. Suddenly, he realized that perhaps there was another way. David devised a plan whereby he would seek refuge by fleeing to a hostile foreign king who would offer him protection out of his own hatred for Shaul. David arrived in Gath and was profoundly disappointed to find that the king’s own bodyguard was none other than Goliath’s brother. David had saved the Jews by defeating Goliath in battle, and now the giant’s brother wanted revenge. David was miraculously saved by Hashem and learned the lesson once again that only God can protect him. This psalm is an expression of this lesson in a most deep manner.

Silenced

David opened the psalm with, “The silenced wandering dove (verse 1).”  The dove is the pure Jewish nation. David was wandering far away from Jewish civilization and was silenced by the dangers around him. He recognized that Hashem was the only One Who could save him. David used his life’s experiences to deepen his faith and trust in Hashem.

Stored

David expressed a most famous principle, “place my tears in a flask and keep a record (verse 9).” David understood that sometimes things did not go the way that he wanted them to. Sometimes David would pray and God would not grant him the request. David did not claim that he prayed and was not answered, on the contrary David said, “I prayed and was answered. The answer was no, this is not the best thing for you.” But even with that answer, David’s tears and prayers were not for naught. Rather, they were stored and put away for another time and place when prayer would be applicable and would cause movement.

Hashem created the ability for our prayers to change the outcome of events (Tosfos Rosh Hashana 16a) but at the same time we do not have the power to change the past (Berachos 54a). David realized that any prayer which he uttered had lasting value and made its impact in heaven and down on earth as well. The question would only be left to God’s discretion as to when the prayer would take effect. David taught us to value God’s opinion and know that He has our best interest in mind at all times.

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