Psalms 57:8

KJV

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.

KJV (with Strong's)

Awake up {H5782}{H8798)}, my glory {H3519}; awake {H5782}{H8798)}, psaltery {H5035} and harp {H3658}: I myself will awake {H5782}{H8686)} early {H7837}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Awake, my glory! Awake, lyre and lute! I will awaken the dawn.

Berean Standard Bible

Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

American Standard Version

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake right early.

Commentary

### 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](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David in the Cave of Adullam") or [1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - David in the Cave of Engedi")). 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](/psalms/57-1 "Psalm 57:1 - David's Plea for Mercy")). David describes his enemies as ravenous lions, their spears and arrows as sharp words, and his soul as being among them ([Psalm 57:4](/psalms/57-4 "Psalm 57:4 - David Among Lions")). 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](/psalms/57-11 "Psalm 57:11 - God Exalted")).

* **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 (cf. [Psalm 5:3](/psalms/5-3 "Psalm 5:3 - Morning Prayer") and [Psalm 119:147](/psalms/119-147 "Psalm 119:147 - Early Seeking")). 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](/psalms/63-1 "Psalm 63:1 - Thirsting for God"). 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
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_):** 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.
* **Psaltery (Hebrew, _nebel_) and Harp (Hebrew, _kinnôwr_):** 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](/1_samuel/16-23 "1 Samuel 16:23 - David Playing the Harp for Saul")). 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.
* **Awake (Hebrew, _ʻûwr_) / Early (Hebrew, _shachar_):** 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](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), 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.

* [Habakkuk 3:17-19](/habakkuk/3-17 "Habakkuk 3:17-19 - Rejoicing in God Despite Adversity")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer, Thanksgiving, and Peace")
* [Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times")

### 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
* **What does it mean for your "glory" (your innermost being) to "awake" in worship today?**
* **How can you proactively choose praise and seek God's presence, even when facing difficult or uncertain circumstances?**
* **What disciplines can you implement to "awake early" in your spiritual life, dedicating the first and best of your time and energy to God?**
* **How does the act of worship transform your perspective and strengthen your faith when you are in a "cave" of distress?**

### FAQ
**What does "my glory" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: 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](/psalms/103-1 "Psalm 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul").

**Why does David mention "psaltery and harp" specifically?**

Answer: 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](/2_samuel/23-1 "2 Samuel 23:1 - David's Last Words")), 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](/psalms/98-5-6 "Psalm 98:5-6 - Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord").

**What is the significance of "I will awake early" in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: 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](/psalms/130-6 "Psalm 130:6 - Waiting for the Lord More Than Watchmen for the Morning")), 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](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do the Will of God")). 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](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). 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](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). 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](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise")). He is the dawn we awake to, the "bright and morning star" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star")), illuminating our path and empowering our praise.

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 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Judges 5:12

¶ Awake, awake, Deborah: awake, awake, utter a song: arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam.

Acts 2:26

Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

Psalms 108:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm of David. O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

Psalms 108:3

I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.