Psalm 57
Psalm 57 is attributed to David, written during a time when he was fleeing from Saul and hiding in a cave. The psalm expresses David’s trust in God amidst danger. It moves from a plea for mercy to a confident declaration of praise, reflecting a shift from fear to faith. David highlights both the trouble surrounding him and his unshaken belief in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 57:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.
2 I will cry out to God Most High,
To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah
God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
David begins with a heartfelt plea for mercy, trusting that God will provide refuge from the dangers he faces. The imagery of taking shelter under God's wings conveys David’s reliance on God’s protection. He acknowledges God as sovereign and all-powerful, able to intervene from heaven. Despite the threats around him, David expresses faith that God's mercy and truth will rescue him from his enemies.
Psalm 57:4 (NKJV)
4 My soul is among lions;
I lie among the sons of men
Who are set on fire,
Whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
David vividly describes the hostility he faces, comparing his enemies to lions and their speech to deadly weapons. He feels surrounded by people filled with destructive intentions, yet his words suggest endurance in the face of such opposition.
Psalm 57:5 (NKJV)
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
David shifts his focus from his troubles to exalting God. Despite the danger, his desire is for God to be glorified above all. This verse reflects David’s heart of worship and trust in God's sovereign rule over all creation.
Psalm 57:6 (NKJV)
6 They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They have dug a pit before me;
Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah
David acknowledges that his enemies have plotted against him, trying to ensnare him in their traps. However, he expresses confidence that their schemes will backfire, leading to their own downfall. This reflects a deep trust in God’s justice.
Psalm 57:7-10 (NKJV)
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds.
David affirms his unwavering trust in God with a steadfast heart. He is so full of joy and confidence in God’s deliverance that he calls for music and song, even saying he will awaken the dawn with his praise. David's worship extends beyond Israel, as he vows to proclaim God's mercy and truth among all nations. His words emphasize God's limitless mercy and faithfulness.
Psalm 57:11 (NKJV)
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
The psalm concludes with the same refrain as verse 5, a declaration of God’s exaltation. David's focus remains on God's glory being displayed throughout the earth, showing that despite personal danger, his ultimate concern is that God's greatness be magnified.