Psalms 57:5

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 57 is a Michtam of David, meaning a 'golden psalm' or a 'fixed inscription,' often associated with deep spiritual insight and enduring truth. This particular psalm is set against a backdrop of intense personal peril, as indicated in its superscription: "when he fled from Saul in the cave." This likely refers to events such as David hiding in the cave of Adullam or the cave of En-gedi, where he faced imminent danger from King Saul. Despite being surrounded by enemies and experiencing great distress, David pours out his heart to God, shifting from desperate plea to unwavering trust and fervent praise.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Divine Transcendence: The phrase "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens" is a powerful declaration of God's supreme sovereignty and majesty. It acknowledges that God is not merely powerful on earth, but His being and authority transcend all creation, far above the visible cosmos. It is a recognition of His incomparable greatness.
  • Universal Glory: "Let thy glory be above all the earth" is both a prayer and a prophetic desire. It asks for God's inherent splendor, honor (Hebrew: kavod), and visible manifestation to be recognized and celebrated throughout the entire world. David's deepest desire, even in his personal suffering, is for God's name to be magnified and His renown to be known universally. This echoes the ultimate purpose for which God created all things.
  • Prioritizing God's Honor: This verse reveals David's spiritual maturity; his primary concern is not just his own deliverance but the vindication of God's name. Even while seeking refuge, his focus remains on God's glory, demonstrating a selfless devotion that places God's reputation above personal safety or comfort.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "exalted" is rum (ืจื•ึผื), meaning to be high, lifted up, or elevated. It signifies God's supreme position and authority over everything. The term "glory" is kavod (ื›ึผึธื‘ื•ึนื“), which carries the sense of weight, substance, honor, majesty, and splendor. When applied to God, it refers to His inherent greatness and the visible manifestation of His presence and attributes.

Related Scriptures

  • This declaration of God's exaltation and universal glory is so significant that it is repeated almost verbatim in Psalm 108:5, indicating its central importance in David's theology and worship.
  • The desire for God's glory to be "above all the earth" resonates with other prophetic passages, such as Numbers 14:21, where the Lord declares, "as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD," and Habakkuk 2:14, which states, "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."

Practical Application

Psalms 57:5 serves as a powerful model for prayer and worship, particularly in times of distress. It teaches us to:

  • Shift Focus: Even when facing overwhelming difficulties, we are called to lift our eyes above our circumstances and declare God's supreme majesty. Our prayers should begin with an acknowledgment of who God is, rather than solely focusing on our needs.
  • Prioritize God's Name: Like David, our ultimate desire should be for God's glory to be seen and known throughout the earth. This perspective allows us to endure personal trials with faith, knowing that God's honor is paramount.
  • Worship in All Circumstances: This verse is a testament to the power of worship to transform our perspective. By exalting God in the midst of our "caves," we acknowledge His control and unchanging character, inviting His presence and peace into our situations.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:14 (149 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 6:3 (123 votes)

    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 (105 votes)

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

  • Numbers 14:21 (100 votes)

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

  • Psalms 57:11 (93 votes)

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

  • Psalms 108:4 (83 votes)

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

  • Psalms 108:5 (83 votes)

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