TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 57:7–11. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
How strangely is the tune altered here! David's prayers and complaints, by the lively actings of faith, are here, all of a sudden, turned into praises and thanksgivings; his sackcloth is loosed, he is girded with gladness, and his hallelujahs are as fervent as his hosannas. This should make us in love with prayer, that, sooner or later, it will be swallowed up in praise. Observe,
I.How he prepares himself for the duty of praise (Psa 57:7):
My heart is fixed, O God! my heart is fixed. My heart is erect, or lifted up (so some), which was bowed down, Psa 57:6. My heart is fixed,
1.With reference to God's providences; it is prepared for every event, being stayed upon God, Psa 112:7; Isa 26:3. My heart is fixed, and then none of these things move me, Act 20:24. If by the grace of God we be brought into this even composed frame of spirit, we have great reason to be thankful.
2.With reference to the worship of God: My heart is fixed to sing and give praise. It is implied that the heart is the main thing required in all acts of devotion; nothing is done to purpose, in religion, further than it is done with the heart. The heart must be fixed, fixed for the duty, fitted and put in frame for it, fixed in the duty by a close application, attending on the Lord without distraction.
II.How he excites himself to the duty of praise (Psa 57:8):
Awake up my glory, that is, my tongue (our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when it is employed in praising God), or my soul, that must be first awakened; dull and sleepy devotions will never be acceptable to God. We must stir up ourselves, and all that is within us, to praise God; with a holy fire must that sacrifice be kindled, and ascend in a holy flame. David's tongue will lead, and his psaltery and harp will follow, in these hymns of praise. I myself will awake, not only, "I will not be dead, and drowsy, and careless, in this work," but, "I will be in the most lively frame, as one newly awakened out of a refreshing sleep." He will awake early to this work, early in the morning, to begin the day with God, early in the beginnings of a mercy. When God is coming towards us with his favours we must go forth to meet him with our praises.
III.How he pleases himself, and (as I may say) even prides himself, in the work of praise; so far is he from being ashamed to own his obligations to God, and dependence upon him, that he resolves to praise him among the people and to sing unto him among the nations, Psa 57:9. This intimates,
1.That his own heart was much affected and enlarged in praising God; he would even make the earth ring with his sacred songs, that all might take notice how much he thought himself indebted to the goodness of God.
2.That he desired to bring others in to join with him in praising God. He will publish God's praises among the people, that the knowledge, and fear, and love of God might be propagated, and the ends of the earth might see his salvation. When David was driven out into heathen lands he would not only not worship their gods, but he would openly avow his veneration for the God of Israel, would take his religion along with him wherever he went, would endeavour to bring others in love with it, and leave the sweet savour of it behind him. David, in his psalms, which fill the universal church, and will to the end of time, may be said to be still praising God among the people and singing to him among the nations; for all good people make use of his words in praising God. Thus St. John, in his writings, is said to prophesy again before many peoples and nations, Rev 10:11.
IV.How he furnishes himself with matter for praise, Psa 57:10.
That which was the matter of his hope and comfort (God shall send forth his mercy and his truth, Psa 57:3) is here the matter of his thanksgiving: Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, great beyond conception and expression; and thy truth unto the clouds, great beyond discovery, for what eye can reach that which is wrapped up in the clouds? God's mercy and truth reach to the heavens, for they will bring all such to heaven as lay up their treasure in them and build their hopes upon them. God's mercy and truth are praised even to the heavens, that is, by all the bright and blessed inhabitants of the upper world, who are continually exalting God's praises to the highest, while David, on earth, is endeavouring to spread his praises to the furthest, Psa 57:9.
V.How he leaves it at last to God to glorify his own name (Psa 57:11):
Be thou exalted, O God! The same words which he had used (Psa 57:5) to sum up his prayers in he here uses again (and no vain repetition) to sum up his praises in: "Lord, I desire to exalt thy name, and that all the creatures may exalt it; but what can the best of us do towards it? Lord, take the work into thy own hands; do it thyself: Be thou exalted, O God! In the praises of the church triumphant thou art exalted to the heavens, and in the praises of the church militant thy glory is throughout all the earth; but thou art above all the blessing and praise of both (Neh 9:5), and therefore, Lord, exalt thyself above the heavens and above all the earth. Father, glorify thy own name. Thou hast glorified it, glorify it yet again."
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
But the patience of good men with preparation of heart accepts the will of God: and glories in tribulations, saying that which follows: "Prepared is my heart, O God, I will sing and play" [Psalm 57:8]. What has he done to me? He has prepared a pit, my heart is prepared. He has prepared pit to deceive, shall I not prepare heart to suffer? He has prepared pit to oppress, shall I not prepare heart to endure? Therefore he shall fall into it, but I will sing and play. Hear the heart prepared in an Apostle, because he has imitated his Lord: "We glory," he says, "in tribulations: because tribulation works patience: patience probation, probation hope, but hope makes not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us." [Romans 5:3] He was in oppressions, in chains, in prisons, in stripes, in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, [2 Corinthians 11:27] in every wasting of toils and pains, and he was saying, "We glory in tribulations." Whence, but that prepared was his heart? Therefore he was singing and playing.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave great assurance to his witnesses, that is, to the martyrs who, on account of their human weakness, were worried that perhaps they would perish after death if they died while confessing him. He did this by telling them, “Not a hair of your head will be harmed.” Are you, whose hair will not be harmed, afraid of perishing? If inconsequential things in your life are protected in this way, under how much protection is your soul? A hair, which you do not feel when it is cut, does not perish; does the soul, through which you feel, perish? To be sure, he foretold that they were going to suffer many difficult circumstances, in order that by his prediction he might make them stronger. They said, then, to him, “My heart is steadfast.” What does this mean, “My heart is steadfast,” except that my will is strong? In their martyrdom the martyrs had their will steadfast, but “their will was made steadfast by the Lord.” As they thought about the future harsh and difficult evils, he added, “By patient endurance you will save your lives.” By patient endurance, he said, for patient endurance would not be there if your will were not in it. “In patient endurance,” but where does ours come from? Both what we possess and what is given to us are ours, for if it were not ours, it would not be given to us. How do you give something to another, unless it comes to belong to the one to whom you are giving it? That confession is revealed: “Will not my soul be subject to God? For from him comes my patience.” He himself tells us, “In patient endurance.” Let us also say to him, “From him comes my hope.” He made it yours by giving it to you; do not be ungrateful by attributing it to yourself.
Continue studying Psalms 57:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Psalms 57:8 is a profound declaration of King David's unwavering commitment to praise God, even when facing dire circumstances and mortal threats. This verse powerfully encapsulates a spirit of proactive, intentional, and fervent worship that transcends personal distress, calling forth not only David's innermost being but also his musical instruments to greet the dawn with adoration, thereby shifting his focus from peril to the sovereign greatness of God.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 57 is a "Michtam of David," a golden psalm, penned during a period of intense persecution when David was fleeing from King Saul and hiding in a cave (likely referenced in 1 Samuel 22:1 or 1 Samuel 24:3). The psalm opens with a desperate plea for mercy and refuge, "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast" (Psalm 57:1). David describes his enemies as ravenous lions, their spears and arrows as sharp words, and his soul as being among them (Psalm 57:4). Yet, amidst this profound danger and fear, there is a dramatic pivot in the psalm. Verse 7 marks a turning point, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." This resolve culminates in verse 8, a command to himself and his instruments to awaken for early praise, demonstrating a remarkable shift from petition to proclamation, and from fear to fervent worship. The psalm then concludes with a renewed call for God to be exalted above the heavens (Psalm 57:11).
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop is David's period as a fugitive, hunted by King Saul, who was consumed by jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and divine favor. Hiding in caves was a common survival tactic in the rugged Judean wilderness. Culturally, music played a central role in ancient Israelite worship, both in private devotion and public ceremonies. The "psaltery" (נֵבֶל, nebel, a stringed instrument similar to a lyre or lute) and "harp" (כִּנּוֹר, kinnôwr, a lyre-like instrument) were primary instruments used to accompany singing and praise. The act of "awaking early" (בַשָּׁחַר, bashshachar, "at dawn") was significant. Dawn was often associated with new beginnings, divine intervention, and the time for morning sacrifices and prayers in Israelite tradition (Psalm 5:3 and Psalm 119:147). David's commitment to praise at this specific time underscores his intentionality and determination to seek God's presence and acknowledge His sovereignty before the day's challenges fully emerge.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Proactive Praise, demonstrating that worship is not merely a reactive response to favorable circumstances but a deliberate choice, even in the face of adversity. David doesn't wait for deliverance; he initiates praise, thereby shifting his focus from his problems to God's greatness. Secondly, there is the theme of Inner Awakening and Holistic Worship, as David commands his "glory" – his innermost being – to awaken, signifying that true worship engages the entire person, spirit, soul, and body, including the use of musical instruments. This emphasizes the importance of a prepared heart and active engagement in devotion. Thirdly, the verse underscores Zeal and Determination in Seeking God. David's resolve to "awake early" speaks to a deep spiritual hunger and commitment, prioritizing communion with God above all else, even personal safety or rest. This resonates with the call to seek God earnestly, as seen in Psalm 63:1. Finally, the act of worship itself emerges as a Spiritual Weapon against fear and despair. By choosing praise, David affirms his faith and trust in God's ultimate deliverance, transforming a potentially paralyzing situation into an opportunity for divine encounter and a declaration of God's victory.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew word (H3519), properly meaning "weight," is used figuratively here to denote splendor, copiousness, honor, or dignity. In this context, "my glory" refers to David's innermost being, his soul, or spirit—the very essence of his being and the seat of his capacity for praise. It can also specifically imply the tongue or voice, as the instrument through which honor is expressed. By commanding his "glory" to "awake," David is rousing his entire self—his mind, will, emotions, and vocal abilities—to engage fully and fervently in worship, refusing to let fear or weariness silence him. It is a call for his very essence to be vibrant and active in adoration.
These were prominent stringed instruments in ancient Israel, frequently used in temple worship, prophetic ministries, and personal devotion. The nebel (H5035, psaltery) was likely a larger, lyre-like instrument, possibly with a deeper tone, sometimes described as a "viol" or "pitcher" due to its shape. The kinnôwr (H3658, harp) was a smaller, portable lyre, often associated with David himself (1 Samuel 16:23). Their inclusion here signifies the importance of instrumental music in expressing praise, adding a dimension of beauty, celebration, and spiritual intensity to David's worship. By commanding them to "awake," David is not only preparing his own heart but also his tools of praise, ensuring a full and prepared offering of worship.
The verb "awake" (H5782, ʻûwr) is a primitive root meaning to wake, stir up, or rouse, literally or figuratively. It conveys an active, intentional awakening. The word "early" (H7837, shachar), derived from a root meaning "dawn," refers to the break of day or morning. When combined as "I will awake early" (or "I will rouse the dawn"), this phrase conveys David's intense zeal and proactive commitment to seek God. It implies rising before the sun, before the day's demands or dangers fully manifest, to dedicate the first fruits of his time and energy to God. This is not a reluctant or delayed act but a passionate pursuit, demonstrating a deep spiritual hunger and a desire to meet God in the quiet anticipation of a new day. It signifies a deliberate choice to prioritize God's praise above all else, even sleep or personal comfort, in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Verse Breakdown
"Awake up, my glory;"
This is a powerful, self-directed imperative. David commands his innermost being, his very soul and spirit—the seat of his dignity and capacity for praise—to rouse itself from any slumber of despair, fear, or weariness. It's a call to his essential self to become alert, active, and fully engaged in the act of worship, refusing to let circumstances dictate his spiritual state.
"awake, psaltery and harp:"
Following the command to his inner self, David addresses his musical instruments. This signifies his intention to engage in full, expressive, and audible worship. It implies preparing the tools of praise, tuning them, and making them ready to produce sounds that honor God. This also speaks to the holistic nature of his worship, involving both his internal being and external expressions.
"I [myself] will awake early."
This final clause is a personal, resolute declaration. It emphasizes David's own commitment and determination. The "I myself" underscores his personal agency and zeal. The phrase "awake early" (literally, "I will rouse the dawn" or "I will awaken it at dawn") conveys his eagerness to be among the first to praise, to greet the new day with worship before its challenges begin. It is a testament to his proactive faith, choosing to set the tone for his day and his spirit through intentional devotion to God.
Literary Devices
Psalms 57:8 is rich in Personification, a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. David commands his "glory" (his soul or inner being) to "awake," as if it were a sleeping entity that needs to be roused. Similarly, he tells his "psaltery and harp" to "awake," giving these musical instruments the capacity to respond to his command. This personification vividly portrays David's determination to rally every part of himself and his resources for worship. The phrase "I will awake early" can also be seen as a form of Hyperbole or Metonymy, where "awaking early" is a strong expression of his zeal and commitment to be diligent and proactive in praise, perhaps even implying that he will "rouse the dawn" with his music, making his worship so fervent that it ushers in the new day. The use of Apostrophe is evident as David directly addresses his "glory" and his instruments, creating a sense of intimate and urgent communication, underscoring the depth of his resolve to worship God despite his perilous situation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 57:8 beautifully articulates the profound theological truth that worship is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a deliberate, proactive act of faith, especially potent in times of adversity. David's resolve to "awake early" and command his "glory" and instruments to praise God, even while hiding in a cave from a murderous king, demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty and an understanding that praise shifts one's focus from the problem to the all-powerful God. This intentional turning to God in praise, rather than succumbing to despair, is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of worship. It aligns with the biblical teaching that our praise is a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15), an offering made by choice, which strengthens faith, invites God's presence, and reorients our perspective towards His unfailing goodness and deliverance. This verse serves as a timeless call to cultivate a spirit of proactive, wholehearted worship, recognizing that God is worthy of our praise regardless of our earthly trials.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 57:8 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today, urging us to cultivate a spirit of proactive and fervent worship that transcends our immediate circumstances. In a world often filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and personal struggles, David's example reminds us that worship is not a luxury reserved for good times, but a spiritual discipline and a powerful weapon against despair. To "awake up, my glory" means to intentionally rouse our innermost being—our will, emotions, and intellect—to engage fully with God, refusing to let fear or weariness dictate our spiritual posture. It calls us to prepare our hearts and minds for communion with God, just as David prepared his instruments. Furthermore, the commitment to "awake early" speaks to the discipline of prioritizing God in our lives, dedicating the first and best of our time and energy to Him, whether at the start of our day or at the outset of a new challenge. This intentionality in seeking God's presence and offering Him praise, even before the full light of day or the full weight of our problems descends, can profoundly transform our perspective, strengthen our faith, and enable us to experience God's peace and deliverance amidst the storm. It is a call to choose praise, to declare God's greatness, and to trust in His unfailing love, knowing that He is worthy of our every breath.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "my glory" refer to in this verse?
In Psalms 57:8, "my glory" (Hebrew: כְּבוֹדִי, from the root H3519, kâbôwd) is a poetic and deeply personal expression that refers to David's innermost being, his soul, spirit, or even his tongue/voice. It represents the seat of his dignity, honor, and capacity for praise. By commanding his "glory" to "awake," David is rousing his entire self—his mind, will, and emotions—to actively and intentionally engage in worship, refusing to let fear or despair silence his praise. This concept is similar to how the psalmist speaks of his "soul" praising the Lord in Psalm 103:1.
Why does David mention "psaltery and harp" specifically?
The "psaltery" (H5035, nebel) and "harp" (H3658, kinnôwr) were common stringed instruments used in ancient Israelite worship and personal devotion. David, known as a skilled musician and "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 23:1), would have used these instruments to accompany his songs and prayers. By commanding them to "awake," he signifies his intention to engage in full, expressive, and audible worship, involving both his internal spiritual state and external musical expression. It highlights the holistic nature of his praise, involving both his inner being and the tools available to him to magnify God's name, much like the call to make a joyful noise to the Lord with instruments in Psalm 98:5-6.
What is the significance of "I will awake early" in the context of this psalm?
The phrase "I will awake early" (or "I will rouse the dawn," using H5782, ʻûwr, and H7837, shachar) signifies David's profound zeal, determination, and proactive commitment to worship God. It means rising before the sun, before the day's challenges or dangers fully emerge, to dedicate the first fruits of his time and energy to God. This intentional act of seeking God at dawn, a time often associated with new beginnings and divine intervention (Psalm 130:6), demonstrates his prioritization of God's presence and praise above all else, even in the midst of life-threatening circumstances. It's a powerful statement of faith, choosing to set the spiritual tone for his day by focusing on God's greatness rather than his immediate peril.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 57:8, with David's resolute command to his "glory" and instruments to "awake early" for praise, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was still a fallen human, whose praise, however fervent, was imperfect. Jesus, however, is the perfect Worshipper, whose entire life was an unbroken symphony of praise and obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross. He perfectly embodied the proactive spirit of worship, not waiting for ideal circumstances but always seeking to do the Father's will (John 4:34). His "glory"—His divine essence and perfect humanity—was always awake and attuned to God, even in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He chose obedience over personal comfort (Luke 22:42). Moreover, Christ is the One who enables our glory to awake. Through His atoning sacrifice, He has reconciled us to God, empowering us by His Spirit to offer true and acceptable worship (Romans 12:1). He is the true "Lamb of God" whose sacrifice makes our praise meaningful and our "early awakening" to God possible. Our worship is not merely an imitation of David's but a participation in Christ's eternal praise, offered through Him, with Him, and in Him, as we offer the "sacrifice of praise... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15). He is the dawn we awake to, the "bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16), illuminating our path and empowering our praise.