Psalm Fifty Seven

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Navigate to Verse

To the chief Musician, Al-Taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.

Al-taschith.Al-taschith” means “Destroy not.” It is used in the headings of Psalms 57, 58, 59 and 75. This historical reference in the title is to 1 Samuel 22:1-5, when David was in the cave of Adullam.

Psalm 57:1 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.

shadow of thy wings. This striking phrase occurs four times in the Psalms (17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7).

Psalm 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Psalm 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalm 57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 57:6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah

Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Psalm 57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

my glory. See note on Psalm 16:9.

Psalm 57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

Psalm 57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

Psalm 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.