Psalms 57:11

KJV

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be thou exalted {H7311}{H8798)}, O God {H430}, above the heavens {H8064}: let thy glory {H3519} be above all the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be exalted, God, above heaven! May your glory be over all the earth!

Berean Standard Bible

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.

American Standard Version

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 57:11 is a profound and fervent declaration, serving as a powerful refrain within the psalm, identical to Psalm 57:5. It encapsulates the psalmist's unwavering commitment to prioritizing God's supreme majesty and universal glory above all personal trials and earthly concerns, culminating in an ultimate expression of worship and confident faith. This verse is not merely a statement but a passionate prayer for the universal recognition and manifestation of God's inherent, transcendent renown across all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 57 is designated a "Michtam of David," a term often interpreted as a "golden psalm" or an "engraving," signifying its enduring importance and profound spiritual depth. The superscription explicitly places its composition "when he fled from Saul in the cave," setting a backdrop of extreme peril and vulnerability for the psalmist. The psalm opens with David's desperate cry for divine mercy and refuge from his relentless persecutors. However, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, shifting from a lament of distress to a confident expression of trust in God's deliverance and an ardent desire for God's glory. The strategic repetition of the declaration "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth" in [Psalm 57:5](/psalms/57-5 "Psalm 57:5 - The Repeated Declaration") and again in [Psalm 57:11](/psalms/57-11 "Psalm 57:11 - God's Glory Above All the Earth") functions as a critical structural and theological anchor. This refrain not only emphasizes the psalmist's ultimate priority but also serves as a powerful pivot, transforming a psalm rooted in personal affliction into one of triumphant worship and eschatological hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 57 is David's period as a fugitive, relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who sought his life. This refers to episodes such as David's seeking refuge in the cave of Adullam ([1 Samuel 22:1](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David Flees to the Cave of Adullam")) or the caves of Engedi ([1 Samuel 24:1-3](/1_samuel/24-1-3 "1 Samuel 24:1-3 - David in the Cave of Engedi")). During this time, David, though divinely anointed as the future king of Israel, lived in constant danger, experiencing profound physical vulnerability and political instability. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the glory and exaltation of a king were paramount, often associated with military victories, wealth, and widespread dominion. David, however, inverts this worldly perspective by subordinating his own potential earthly glory and immediate deliverance to the transcendent glory of Yahweh. This profound act of worship, amidst such dire circumstances, underscores a deep theological understanding of God's absolute sovereignty, not only over human powers and circumstances but over all creation, a cornerstone of Israelite faith.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 57:11 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Psalm 57 and the broader collection of the Psalter. The most prominent is **Divine Exaltation**, a fervent petition for God to be "exalted," signifying His inherent transcendence, absolute sovereignty, and supreme position above all creation, including human rulers and earthly powers. This is not a request for God to *become* glorious, but for His inherent supremacy to be universally recognized and acknowledged. Closely intertwined is the theme of **Universal Glory**, expressed in the desire for God's "glory" to be "above all the earth." This reflects a longing for God's inherent, infinite splendor and manifest presence to be universally displayed, celebrated, and honored by all humanity and creation, echoing the prophetic vision found in passages like [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Whole Earth Full of His Glory"). Furthermore, the psalm vividly demonstrates **Worship and Adoration in Adversity**, as David, despite his perilous situation, maintains an unwavering focus on God's greatness, illustrating that true adoration elevates God above all personal concerns and trials. Finally, the strategic repetition of this refrain underscores **Unwavering Confidence in God's Sovereignty**, reflecting David's profound faith that God will ultimately be glorified, regardless of his current tribulations, and that his personal deliverance is ultimately secondary to God's ultimate renown.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _rûwm'_ H7311):** This primitive root means "to be high," "to rise or raise," or "to be supreme." When applied to God, as here, it signifies His inherent transcendence, His absolute sovereignty, and His preeminent position above all creation. It is a declaration of His unchallengeable authority and majesty, not a request for Him to become something He is not, but for His supreme status to be recognized, honored, and lifted high in the perception and worship of all beings.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ H430):** This plural noun, derived from a root meaning "to be lofty," refers to "gods in the ordinary sense" but is specifically used (especially with the article, as implied here) of the supreme God, Yahweh. Its plural form can denote majesty or intensity, emphasizing the vastness and fullness of God's divine nature. In this context, it refers to the one true God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe, to whom all worship and exaltation are due.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** Derived from a root meaning "to be heavy," this noun figuratively denotes "weight," "honor," "splendor," or "manifest presence." In the context of God, it refers to His inherent dignity, majesty, and the radiant, perceptible manifestation of His character, power, and presence. It is the visible or perceptible expression of His divine essence. The prayer for His glory to be "above all the earth" is a petition for this inherent splendor to be universally displayed and acknowledged by all humanity and creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens:"** This opening clause functions simultaneously as a fervent prayer and a confident declaration of worship. The imperative "Be thou exalted" expresses the psalmist's deepest desire for God's inherent supremacy and transcendent majesty to be universally recognized, celebrated, and honored. The phrase "above the heavens" signifies the ultimate degree of God's transcendence and sovereignty, placing Him beyond all created things, whether earthly or celestial. It acknowledges God's supreme position as the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos, emphasizing His unapproachable majesty and unchallengeable authority.
* **"[let] thy glory [be] above all the earth."** This second clause serves as a powerful parallel petition, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. It is a prayer that God's inherent "glory"—His manifest presence, splendor, and renown—would be displayed and acknowledged universally "above all the earth." This is not a request for God to acquire glory, as He is already infinitely glorious, but for His existing, infinite glory to be made known, seen, and honored by all inhabitants of the world. It expresses a profound longing for a future time when every corner of the earth will bear witness to and acknowledge the magnificent reality of God, culminating in universal worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 57:11 employs several potent **literary devices** that amplify its theological impact. Most notably, it functions as a **refrain**, appearing identically in [Psalm 57:5](/psalms/57-5 "Psalm 57:5 - The Repeated Declaration") and again here at the psalm's conclusion. This repetition serves to emphasize the central theme of God's exaltation, providing a structural framework that underscores its paramount importance and acting as a powerful pivot point in David's emotional journey from distress to triumphant worship. The verse also exhibits strong **parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the two clauses express similar ideas using different but reinforcing imagery. "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens" is mirrored by "[let] thy glory [be] above all the earth," with "exalted" and "glory" conveying similar concepts of divine majesty, and "above the heavens" and "above all the earth" denoting universal supremacy. Finally, the use of the **imperative mood** ("Be thou exalted") is not a command given to God, but a fervent prayer, an earnest longing, and a declarative act of worship, expressing the deepest desire and confident expectation of the psalmist for God's ultimate triumph and renown to be fully manifested.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 57:11 profoundly articulates the theological truth that God's glory is not contingent upon human circumstances, recognition, or even the most dire personal afflictions, but is an inherent and immutable attribute of His divine being. The psalmist's fervent prayer is not for God to become glorious, but for His already existing, infinite glory to be universally acknowledged, displayed, and celebrated across all creation. This aspiration elevates God's honor and renown above all personal needs, earthly kingdoms, and immediate concerns, reflecting a mature and God-centered faith that prioritizes the Creator's ultimate renown over the creature's comfort or deliverance. It anticipates an eschatological hope where God's glory will indeed fill the earth, transforming all creation into a vibrant testament to His majesty and sovereignty. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the ultimate purpose of creation, redemption, and human existence is the display and worship of God's unparalleled glory.

* [Psalm 8:1](/psalms/8-1 "Psalm 8:1 - O LORD, Our Lord, How Majestic Is Your Name in All the Earth!")
* [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Will Be Filled with the Knowledge of the Glory of the LORD")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God, to Receive Glory and Honor and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 57:11 offers a profound and transformative model for prayer and perspective, especially in times of personal distress, societal chaos, or spiritual struggle. Like David, who found himself in the metaphorical "cave" of desperate circumstances, we are called to elevate God's glory and supreme worth above our immediate troubles, anxieties, and even our most pressing needs. This verse challenges us to reorient our prayers and desires, shifting our primary focus from our own comfort or deliverance to God's inherent worthiness of praise and universal renown. True worship, as powerfully exemplified by David, transcends circumstances, centering on God's unchanging character, His supreme sovereignty, and His ultimate triumph. It reminds us that our deepest longing, even amidst personal struggles and injustices, should be for God's name to be hallowed, His kingdom to come, and His glory to be made manifest in and through our lives, in our communities, and across the entire earth. This God-centered perspective cultivates a deep and abiding confidence that, regardless of the turmoil or defiance we witness in the world, God is ultimately above all, and His glory will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does prioritizing God's glory, as fervently expressed in Psalms 57:11, reframe my personal struggles, anxieties, and daily concerns?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can I actively declare God's exaltation and pray for His glory to be "above all the earth" in my daily life, even amidst significant challenges or opposition?**
* **What does it truly mean for God's glory to be "above all the earth" in a world that often seems to ignore, defy, or diminish Him, and how does this understanding shape my hope for the future and my engagement with the world?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse repeated in Psalm 57?**

Answer: The repetition of Psalms 57:11 (which is identical to [Psalm 57:5](/psalms/57-5 "Psalm 57:5 - The Repeated Declaration")) serves several crucial purposes within the psalm's structure and message. Firstly, it acts as a **structural marker**, providing a powerful refrain that frames the psalm and emphasizes its central theological message of God's ultimate exaltation. Secondly, it highlights the **transformation** in David's perspective and emotional journey, marking a pivot from lament and distress in the first half to confident trust, unwavering praise, and triumphant worship in the second. Thirdly, and most significantly, the repetition underscores the **unwavering priority** of David's heart: despite his personal peril and the immediate threats to his life, his ultimate desire is for God's glory to be universally exalted and acknowledged. It is a climactic declaration of faith and worship, reinforcing the psalmist's conviction that God's renown is paramount, regardless of his immediate circumstances or the outcome of his personal trials.

**Does "Be thou exalted, O God" mean God needs to be made higher or more glorious?**

Answer: No, the phrase "Be thou exalted, O God" is not a command for God to become something He is not, nor does it imply that God is somehow lacking in glory or needs to be elevated by human effort. Instead, it is a **fervent prayer and a declarative act of worship** that expresses the psalmist's deepest longing for God's inherent, infinite supremacy and glory to be **recognized, acknowledged, and displayed** universally. God is already "above the heavens" in His intrinsic being, possessing absolute majesty and transcendence. The prayer is for this truth to be made manifest "above all the earth," meaning for His glory to be universally seen, understood, and honored by all creation. It is an expression of longing for His rightful place of honor to be fully realized in the hearts of humanity and across the cosmos, not a request for Him to acquire a glory He does not already possess.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's fervent prayer for God to be "exalted... above the heavens" and for His "glory [to be] above all the earth" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While God is inherently glorious, it is in Christ that His glory is most perfectly and fully revealed to humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus is the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Furthermore, the prayer for God's exaltation is definitively answered in Christ's resurrection from the dead and His glorious ascension, where God "highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). The universal display of God's glory, so passionately longed for by David, will be fully realized when Christ returns in triumph and His eternal kingdom is established, for then "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" ([Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Full of God's Glory")). In the new heavens and new earth, the city of God will have no need of sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God and the Lamb as Light")). Thus, David's ancient prayer is a prophetic yearning for the day when the glory of God, fully embodied and revealed in Christ, will indeed be "above all the earth," universally acknowledged and worshipped.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 57:5

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.

Psalms 8:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Psalms 8:9

O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth!