Have You Ever Prayed a Michtam?

David was on the run. King Saul had sworn to kill him and had sent men to hunt for him. Heading to the neighboring land of the Philistines, historical enemies of Israel, David sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10). That seems an odd choice, since David had killed the giant Goliath, the Philistine champion from this city, and many other Philistines. Perhaps David felt Achish might respect his daring or possible usefulness against Saul. Maybe some earlier offer had been extended. At least he was out of Saul’s reach.

The officials of Achish warned that David was regarded as a king in Israel and recalled his past victories against them, mentioning the Israelites singing in celebration, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (verses 11-12).On hearing this, David became afraid and acted insane. He “pretended madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard” (verse 13). Disturbed, the Philistine ruler wanted him out of his presence, but he didn’t have him killed, perhaps because insane people were regarded as touched by the gods, and maybe he thought David could still be of use for leverage with Saul.

Soon after, David escaped from custody in Gath, fleeing to a cave in the lowlands between Judah and the Philistines (1 Samuel 22:1). While he was held in Gath, in fear of losing his life, David wrote Psalm 56. The danger he faced was to some degree the result of his own unwise decisions, which he couldn’t undo. He knew that a miracle from God was his only hope. David passed on an important faith lesson in verse 11: “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 56 is one of six psalms labeled “A Michtam of David.” Situated apart from the others is Psalm 16, while Psalm 56 begins a sequence of five ending with Psalm 60. These latter five are set to music, the words fit to well-known songs of the time, enabling easier memorization.

What is a michtam? And how might this psalm form apply in our lives?

The word michtam (sometimes written as mikhtam or miktam) is of uncertain definition. It’s often thought to mean an engraving or inscription, though some related it to a root translated as fine gold—perhaps stamped or as an inlay. Some suggest composition as a written work not originally set to music—or that these words were later actually engraved. The meaning could be figurative, relating to golden value or words to be inscribed to remember for all time.

What’s clear is that each of the psalms labeled a michtam is an extremely intense prayer during a time of extreme danger or need. They all involve life-threatening situations that can’t be solved by human effort—where God is the only answer. David in them acknowledges God’s power and sovereignty and asks for deliverance. And the prayers end with assurance and conviction of faith in God’s deliverance and help.

Perhaps best known of the michtam prayers is the first one, Psalm 16, recognized as prophetic. Verse 10, “For You will not leave My soul in Sheol [the grave], nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption,” is quoted by the apostles Peter and Paul as referring to Jesus Christ (Acts 2:27; 13:35). This psalm was no doubt on Jesus’ mind as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before He was arrested and put on trial—and many believe He would have been praying its words.

Have you ever prayed a michtam? If you are a Christian, there will be a time in your life when you will. God allows challenges and difficulties to test our character (Deuteronomy 8:2-3; 1 Peter 1:7). We will all come to a point where we will have exhausted every effort to solve a challenge to no avail. Perhaps it will be a disease or other physical malady we’ve tried every medical option to cure, only to find that nothing we are doing is working. Our only course is to look to our Creator to heal us and trust His will. Other challenges can also bring us to the point of praying a michtam. Employment problems, family issues or financial problems can be very serious.

Every Christian needs to learn the same lessons that David did, and thankfully these are recorded for us. The apostle James pointed out that “the testing of your faith produces patience [or endurance]” (James 1:3). The times when we must pray an intense, fervent prayer—a michtam—result in stronger character. Paul wrote, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-5).

The lessons recorded for us in the michtams are simple and direct.

Trust in divine protection: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1, English Standard Version).

Faith in the midst of fear: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3).

Faith during persecution: “My soul is among lions . . . My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast” (Psalm 57: 4, 7).

Confidence in God’s defense: “I will wait for You, O You his Strength; for God is my defense” (Psalm 59:9).

The day will come when we will face a serious situation. We will realize that our God and Savior are the only answer. As David did when his life was in danger, we will pray our own michtam—an intense pleading prayer of precious value engraved on our minds for remembrance. Our God will hear those prayers.