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This psalm is the second of three that pray for the salvation of David and celebrate the fact that David did not kill Shaul when he had the chance. David showed his victorious garment corner cut off from Shaul to Shaul as a proof that he wanted to stop the fight. Unfortunately, Shaul did not allow peace to prevail when he argued stating that indeed David had the opportunity to kill him, however, he refrained not out of his love of peace but rather because of his fear. Shaul claimed that David feared that if he killed Shaul he would be killed by the nation (Midrash Socher Tov).

Even Worse

Shaul’s general Abner, took David’s claim personally. He was shocked that he had left the king unguarded and almost victim to his greatest enemy and assassination. Thus, Abner claimed that David was a liar and that Shaul had simply gotten his garment stuck and torn on a thorn after which David found it and made his claim (Yerushalmi Sotah 1:8). Both Shaul and Abner denied the significance of David’s heroic act and thus rekindled the death match between them. This psalm contains David’s hope and belief that despite all outside events, Hashem’s will and protection will prevail. David ended up escaping Shaul and was king for 40 years from age 30 to 70 when he passed away leaving a 12 year old Solomon to be king after him (for 40 years as well, until 52 when he died).

Purpose

Otzar Midrashim (I: p.47) brings down a fascinating story in David’s life. David sat in his garden watching a flea attack a spider. Suddenly, a madman came by and chased both insects away with a stick. David sat bewildered and asked God, “Why did you create these three creatures in the world? They serve no purpose. The flea simply bites people; the spider weaves, but we do not wear its web. The madman causes damage to others and does not know Your Greatness. What benefit is there for them in this world?” God responded, “David, a time will come that you will need all three and you will see their purpose!”

Before quoting the end of the story it is important to explain that the experiences that David had after that showed him not the exact reason that each creature was needed, but the fact that Hashem’s wisdom and calculations cannot be fathomed. David and certainly anyone else, as a limited human could never fully grasp the calculations and plans of Hashem. David was granted insight to see some of the wisdom of Hashem up close.

Three Events

Psalm 56 describes how David was saved from Achish by feigning madness. Achish captured David and wished to execute him. When he saw his captured prize was insane he concluded that this man was a king imposter and banished him from his country. This was David’s lesson about madness. Next, Psalm 57, refers to David’s hiding in a cave with all of his men. Shaul discovered the cave and was suspicious that perhaps David was hiding in there. However, Hashem sent a spider to seal off the cave’s entrance with intricate webs convincing Shaul that no one could have possibly entered leaving the webs intact. Shaul then entered and used the area as a restroom. David cut off a corner of Shaul’s royal robe and refused to kill him.

Later, when David saw the spider he kissed it and exclaimed, “Blessed is G-d who fashioned this wondrous creature.” Psalm 58 describes how God sent a slumber upon Shaul’s camp and David and Avishai snuck in to steal Shaul’s spear and jug of water. David snuck in underneath Abner’s feet which were bent upward and were the only open area leading to King Shaul. After reaching Shaul, Abner stretched out his feet in his sleep and David called out to Hashem for mercy. Hashem sent a flea to bite Abner causing him to return his feet to a bent position and thus avoiding an all out war had David woken Abner. Thus, these three psalms express David’s important lesson which he learned firsthand (Rabbi Avraham Chaim Feuer). Every item and person has a purpose in life which contributes to the honor of Hashem and the goal of tikkun haolam, the bringing of the world to perfection.

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