Psalms57

David, fleeing from Saul, seeks refuge and mercy in God, trusting in His divine protection amidst severe danger. He describes his enemies as fierce and treacherous, yet expresses unwavering resolve to praise God for His great mercy and truth. David calls for God's glory to be exalted above all the earth, confident in His deliverance.

A Prayer for Refuge Under God's Wings

1
For the leader. Set to "Do Not Destroy." By David, a mikhtam, when he fled from Sha'ul into the cave: Show me favor, God, show me favor; for in you I have taken refuge. Yes, I will find refuge in the shadow of your wings until the storms have passed. ​
2
I call to God, the Most High, to God, who is accomplishing his purpose for me. ​
3
He will send from heaven and save me when those who would trample me down mock me. (Selah) God will send his grace and his truth. ​
4
I am surrounded by lions, I am lying down among people breathing fire, men whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongues sharp-edged swords. ​

God's Sovereignty Over the Enemy

5
Be exalted, God, above heaven! May your glory be over all the earth! ​
6
They prepared a snare for my feet, but I am bending over [to avoid it]. They dug a pit ahead of me, but they fell into it themselves. (Selah) ​

Resolved Praise and Commitment to Worship

7
My heart is steadfast, God, steadfast. I will sing and make music. ​
8
Awake, my glory! Awake, lyre and lute! I will awaken the dawn. ​
9
I will thank you, Adonai, among the peoples; I will make music to you among the nations. ​
10
For your grace is great, all the way to heaven, and your truth, all the way to the skies. ​
11
Be exalted, God, above heaven! May your glory be over all the earth! ​

Study Notes for Psalms 57

Verse 1

The superscription links this psalm to David fleeing Saul in a cave (1 Sam 22 or 24). 'Altaschith' means 'Do not destroy,' perhaps indicating the psalm’s purpose was to accompany a plea for preservation. David finds refuge not in the physical cave, but in the 'shadow of thy wings,' a powerful metaphor for God's protective presence, often referencing the Cherubim over the Ark.

Verse 2

David expresses confidence that God Most High (*El Elyon*) is sovereign and active in his life. The phrase 'performeth all things for me' emphasizes God as the one who brings David’s destiny—and the divine plan—to completion.

Verse 3

David anticipates a divine intervention from heaven. 'Mercy and truth' (*hesed* and *emet*) are covenantal terms, signifying God’s faithful love and reliability, which are the foundations of his deliverance.

Verse 4

This verse uses stark, hyperbolic imagery to describe the intensity of the danger. The enemies are likened to predatory 'lions' and their words and intentions are described as deadly weapons: 'spears and arrows' and a 'sharp sword.'

Verse 5

This verse serves as a sudden doxological refrain, interrupting the lament. By calling for God to be exalted 'above the heavens,' David shifts focus from his immediate peril to the ultimate, universal glory of God, affirming divine control over his circumstances.

Verse 6

David expresses confidence in the principle of divine justice: the wicked often fall into the very trap they set for the righteous (a common theme in Wisdom Literature, cf. Ps 7:15). The 'Selah' calls for a pause, emphasizing the certainty of this reversal.

Verse 7

The phrase 'My heart is fixed' (*nakon*) signifies firm resolve and unwavering commitment. David transitions from crying for rescue to declaring his determined intention to praise God, regardless of the surrounding threats.

Verse 8

'My glory' often refers to the psalmist's soul or tongue, the instrument used for praise. The commitment to 'awake early' suggests a dedication to immediate and earnest worship, making praise the first act of the day.

Verse 9

David’s praise is not confined to his private cave; he commits to public worship among the people of Israel and even 'among the nations.' This anticipates the universal scope of God’s redemptive work.

Verse 10

The reason for this universal praise is the boundlessness of God’s covenantal attributes. His 'mercy' (*hesed*) reaches to the heavens, and his 'truth' (*emet*) extends to the clouds, signifying immeasurable faithfulness.

Verse 11

The psalm concludes by repeating the doxological refrain from verse 5. This structural repetition frames the psalm as a unified progression from desperate prayer to confident, resolute, universal praise.

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