Psalms 57:11

Psalms 57:11 (KJV) is a powerful declaration of God's supreme majesty and a fervent prayer for His glory to be universally recognized. It serves as a refrain, identical to Psalm 57:5, underscoring its profound significance within the psalm.

Context

Psalm 57 is a Michtam of David, meaning a "golden psalm" or "engraving," written when he fled from Saul in the cave. David, though in dire circumstances, hiding from King Saul in a cave (likely referenced in 1 Samuel 22:1), begins the psalm expressing deep distress and seeking God's mercy. However, the psalm quickly shifts from lament to a confident trust in God's deliverance and a passionate desire for God's glory to be exalted above his personal troubles. This verse, repeated in the middle and at the end of the psalm, acts as the climax of David's worship and a firm statement of his ultimate priority: God's exaltation.

Key Themes

• Divine Exaltation: The primary theme is the call for God to be "exalted" (Hebrew: רוּם, rum – to be high, lifted up, supreme). This signifies His absolute sovereignty and transcendence over all creation, including human rulers and earthly powers.
• Universal Glory: David prays that God's "glory" (Hebrew: כָּבוֹד, kabod – weight, honor, splendor, manifest presence) be "above all the earth." This is not a request for God to become glorious, but for His inherent, infinite glory to be acknowledged and displayed universally. It's a profound declaration that God's majesty should be made known universally, echoing the prophet's vision of the whole earth being full of His glory.
• Worship and Adoration: Despite his perilous situation, David's focus remains on God's greatness. This verse is a powerful act of worship, demonstrating that true adoration elevates God above all personal concerns and circumstances.
• Confidence in God's Sovereignty: The repetition of this refrain suggests David's unwavering faith that God will ultimately be glorified, regardless of his current trials. His personal deliverance is secondary to God's ultimate renown.

Linguistic Insights

The two key Hebrew terms highlight the verse's meaning:

• "Exalted" comes from the root רוּם (rum), which means to be high, lofty, or lifted up. It implies God's supreme position and authority.
• "Glory" is כָּבוֹד (kabod), denoting weight, honor, splendor, or reputation. In reference to God, it speaks of His inherent dignity, majesty, and the radiant manifestation of His character and presence.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 57:11 offers a profound model for prayer and perspective:

• Prioritizing God's Glory: This verse challenges us to make God's exaltation our ultimate desire, even when facing our own "caves" of distress or difficulty. Our prayers should begin and end with a focus on His name and renown, not just our needs.
• Worship in All Circumstances: Like David, we are called to worship God not just when things are good, but especially in times of trouble. True worship transcends circumstances, centering on God's unchanging character. It is a powerful reminder that our ultimate desire, even amidst personal struggles, should be for God to be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
• Confidence in God's Reign: Despite the chaos or injustice we may witness in the world, this verse reminds us that God is ultimately above all. His glory will prevail, and His sovereignty will be fully displayed.

In essence, Psalms 57:11 is a timeless call to acknowledge and declare God's unparalleled supremacy and to live lives that reflect His universal glory.