Psalms 57:5

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 57:5 is a profound declaration and prayer from David, uttered amidst intense personal peril, that shifts focus from his desperate circumstances to the supreme majesty and universal renown of God. It is a fervent plea for God's inherent transcendence and glory, already existing "above the heavens," to be visibly manifested and universally acknowledged "above all the earth," reflecting a selfless devotion that prioritizes God's honor above personal safety or comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 57 is designated as a "Michtam of David," a type of psalm often associated with deep spiritual insight and enduring truth, composed during a time of extreme distress. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for mercy and refuge from his relentless enemies, who are vividly described as ravenous lions and those who set traps (e.g., [Psalms 57:1-4](/psalms/57-1-4 "Psalms 57:1-4 - David's Cry for Mercy and Description of Enemies")). Verse 5 marks a pivotal transition in the psalm, moving from lament and petition to a bold declaration of God's sovereignty and a fervent desire for His glory to be universally recognized. This declaration is so central to the psalmist's faith that it is repeated almost verbatim in [Psalms 57:11](/psalms/57-11 "Psalms 57:11 - God's Glory Exalted Again"), effectively framing the psalm's triumphant conclusion and highlighting David's unwavering trust despite ongoing threats. This powerful movement from distress to a declaration of praise is a common and profound motif found throughout the Psalter, demonstrating the transformative power of focusing on God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes Psalm 57 to David "when he fled from Saul in the cave." This likely refers to specific episodes in David's life as a fugitive, such as his hiding in the [cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam") or the [cave of En-gedi](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - David in the Cave of En-gedi"). During these periods, David was relentlessly hunted by King Saul, facing constant threats to his life, living in precarious conditions, and experiencing profound isolation. Caves, while offering temporary shelter, were also symbolic of vulnerability, darkness, and a desperate need for deliverance. In this context of imminent danger and profound uncertainty, David's prayer transcends his immediate predicament, demonstrating remarkable spiritual maturity and an unwavering focus on God. Culturally, the concept of a king's "glory" (Hebrew: _kavod_) was paramount, representing his visible power, honor, and authority. David's prayer elevates God's kingship above any earthly ruler, including Saul, by declaring God's glory to be supreme over all creation.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 57:5 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence**, declaring God's absolute supremacy over all creation, including the heavens themselves. This theme resonates with other passages that speak of God's unchallengeable authority, such as [Psalm 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the Heavens"). Secondly, it expresses a profound desire for **Universal Glory**, moving beyond David's personal deliverance to a longing for God's inherent splendor and renown to be acknowledged and celebrated across the entire earth. This theme resonates with broader prophetic visions of God's kingdom filling the world and His glory being revealed to all nations, as seen in [Isaiah 40:5](/isaiah/40-5 "Isaiah 40:5 - The Glory of the Lord Revealed"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Trust in Adversity**, showcasing David's ability to shift his focus from his dire circumstances to God's unchanging character and greatness, even while facing mortal danger. Finally, it highlights **Selfless Devotion**, revealing David's primary concern to be the vindication and magnification of God's name, demonstrating a spiritual maturity that places God's reputation above personal safety or comfort, a principle echoed in the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed be your name" ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - Hallowed Be Your Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _rûwm'_ H7311):** From a primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." In the context of God, this verb signifies His supreme position, inherent authority, and incomparable majesty. It is not a request for God to become more exalted, but a declarative prayer acknowledging and affirming His already existing, incomparable state of being above all things. It is a fervent call for His true nature to be recognized, honored, and lifted up in the perception of all creation.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** Properly meaning "weight," but used figuratively in a good sense to denote "splendor or copiousness." This rich Hebrew term carries the sense of "honor," "majesty," and "visible splendor." When applied to God, it refers to His inherent greatness, His manifest presence, and the tangible revelation of His attributes. It is His reputation, His renown, and the sum of all that makes Him worthy of worship. David's prayer is for this divine reality—God's intrinsic worth and manifest presence—to be universally perceived and celebrated.
* **Heavens (Hebrew, _shâmayim'_ H8064):** The dual of an unused singular, meaning "the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)." This word refers to the visible sky, the celestial sphere, and often represents the highest point of creation accessible to human perception. God's exaltation "above the heavens" signifies His absolute transcendence over all created order, emphasizing that His being and authority are not confined by any earthly or cosmic boundary, but rather He is sovereign over all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens":** This opening clause functions as both an imperative prayer and a declarative affirmation. It is a direct address to God, acknowledging and calling for the recognition of His supreme position and absolute authority. The phrase "above the heavens" signifies God's absolute transcendence over all creation, including the celestial realm, affirming that He is not merely powerful within creation but is sovereign over it. This declaration sets the stage for a proper understanding of God's majesty, asserting His rightful place as the supreme ruler of the cosmos.
* **"let thy glory be above all the earth":** This second clause expresses a fervent desire and a prophetic plea. Following the declaration of God's transcendence, David prays for the visible manifestation and universal acknowledgment of God's inherent splendor, majesty, and renown across the entire world. This is a longing for God's character and presence to be revealed and celebrated by all humanity, not just within the confines of Israel or David's immediate circumstances. It connects God's transcendent glory with its immanent display, expressing a hope that God's ultimate purpose for creation—to be filled with His glory—will be realized.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 57:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message and emotional depth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses ("Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens" and "let thy glory be above all the earth") echo and reinforce each other's meaning. The first clause focuses on God's transcendent position and inherent greatness, while the second emphasizes the universal manifestation and recognition of His inherent splendor, creating a comprehensive picture of His sovereignty and renown. Additionally, the phrases "above the heavens" and "above all the earth" function as a form of **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting or extreme parts represent the whole. Together, they encompass the entirety of creation—from the highest heavens to the lowest earth—emphasizing God's absolute supremacy and universal dominion over everything that exists. The verse also serves as a powerful **Prayer/Declaration**, combining an imperative plea ("Be thou exalted") with a confident statement of God's ultimate reality, demonstrating David's profound faith that God's glory will indeed fill the earth and be universally acknowledged.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 57:5 stands as a powerful theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and the ultimate purpose of His creation: His glory. It teaches that God is not merely a deliverer in times of trouble, but the transcendent Lord of all, whose majesty surpasses every earthly and heavenly realm. David's prayer is not an attempt to *make* God more glorious, but a yearning for God's inherent glory to be *revealed* and *recognized* by all. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God acts for His own name's sake and that the proper response of humanity, even in suffering, is to acknowledge and declare His supreme worth. It calls believers to shift their perspective from self-centered concerns to God-centered worship, understanding that His renown is the ultimate goal. This psalm reminds us that true worship is the recognition and proclamation of God's unchallengeable greatness, regardless of our circumstances.

* [Psalm 108:5](/psalms/108-5 "Psalm 108:5 - God's Glory Exalted Over All the Earth")
* [Numbers 14:21](/numbers/14-21 "Numbers 14:21 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, Holy, Holy, the Whole Earth is Full of His Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 57:5 offers a profound model for prayer and worship, particularly in the midst of personal distress. It challenges us to elevate our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances and fix our eyes on the transcendent majesty of God. Like David, who prayed this in a cave while fleeing for his life, we are called to prioritize God's glory above our own comfort, safety, or desires for deliverance. This perspective transforms our anxieties into awe, reminding us that no matter how overwhelming our problems, God remains supremely exalted. It encourages us to pray not just for our needs, but for God's name to be hallowed and His kingdom to come in power, believing that His ultimate purpose is to fill the earth with His glory, and that our worship contributes to this grand design. By exalting God in our "caves" of difficulty, we invite His peace, power, and presence into our situations, aligning our hearts with His ultimate purpose and finding strength in His unshakeable sovereignty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does focusing on God's exaltation and glory reframe your current challenges or anxieties?**
* **In what practical ways can you prioritize God's renown and honor in your daily life, even when facing personal difficulties?**
* **What does it mean for God's glory to be "above all the earth" in a world that often ignores or denies Him, and how can you participate in its manifestation?**

### FAQ
**Why does David pray for God to be "exalted" if God is already supreme?**

Answer: David's prayer is not an attempt to *make* God more exalted or to enhance His inherent supremacy, which is already absolute. Rather, it is a fervent prayer for the *recognition* and *manifestation* of God's existing glory and supreme position. It's a plea for God's character, power, and majesty to be visibly demonstrated and acknowledged by all creation, both in David's personal deliverance from his enemies and universally across the earth. It is akin to praying for God's name to be hallowed and His kingdom to come, as taught in [Matthew 6:9-10](/matthew/6-9-10 "Matthew 6:9-10 - The Lord's Prayer"), where the focus is on the realization of God's will and renown on earth. David is aligning his will with God's ultimate purpose—that His glory would be known and celebrated by all.

**What does "glory" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "glory" (Hebrew: _kavod_) refers to God's inherent weight, substance, honor, and visible splendor. It encompasses the sum of His divine attributes, His character, and the manifest presence of His power and majesty. It is His reputation and renown. When David prays "let thy glory be above all the earth," he is expressing a deep desire for this divine reality—God's inherent greatness and the visible revelation of His presence—to be universally recognized, celebrated, and experienced across the entire world, fulfilling God's ultimate purpose for creation. This desire for God's glory to fill the earth is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing that all things exist for His praise, as articulated in passages like [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Romans 11:36 - To Him Be Glory Forever").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 57:5, with its passionate cry for God's glory to be universally recognized and exalted above all creation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), through whom the Father's majesty is perfectly revealed. The exaltation of God "above the heavens" is supremely embodied in Christ's ascension to the right hand of the Father, where "God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). This divine elevation of Christ ensures that the desire for God's "glory to be above all the earth" is progressively realized through the spread of the Gospel. As the good news of Christ's saving work reaches every nation, people from every tribe and tongue are brought to worship the Father through the Son, fulfilling the vision of creation giving glory to God ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - All Creation Worships the Lamb")). Ultimately, this psalm anticipates the day when "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), perfectly demonstrating God's glory above all the earth through His Son, who is the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")).

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

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Numbers 14:21

But [as] truly [as] I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.

Psalms 57:11

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

Psalms 108:4

For thy mercy [is] great above the heavens: and thy truth [reacheth] unto the clouds.

Psalms 108:5

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;