David wrote this psalm during a time when he was surrounded by enemies. Deeply distressed and grieved by their cruelty, he cried out to God. Describing one of his enemies in verse 12, David writes: “He is like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.”
As in many of his trials, David turned to God in his moment of crisis. He pleaded in V 6 : “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.” This psalm is David’s passionate cry for deliverance from the wicked. His prayer includes four heartfelt requests to God:

1. Verse 7: “Wondrously show your steadfast love”
   In the midst of hatred and violence, David longed for the comfort of God’s unwavering love. Though David was favored by God, his life was not without hardship. Yet even in this storm, God’s steadfast love—His favor and kindness—remained a refuge to him.
2. Verse 8a: “Keep me as the apple of your eye”
   David earnestly asks God to keep him close and cherished. “Let me be someone you treasure deeply,” he seems to say. In the face of danger, he prays for divine affection and favor.
3. Verse 8b: “Hide me in the shadow of your wings”
   This beautiful metaphor, echoed again in Psalm 91:4, evokes the image of a mother bird sheltering her young. It reflects David’s desire for intimacy, protection, and comfort—nestled safely under God’s care.
4. Verse 13b: “Deliver my soul from the wicked…”
   This urgent plea captures David’s deepest need: to be rescued from those who sought his life. Jesus also taught us to pray, “Deliver us from the evil one.” In His high priestly prayer, Jesus said: John 17:15 – “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” Paul prayed in 2 Thessalonians 3:2 – “That we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.”