1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. 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.
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.
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.
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.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
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.
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.
9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10 For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
Overview of Psalm 57
Psalm 57 is a poignant expression of David’s faith and reliance on God during a time of great distress. This chapter is categorized as a “miktam,” which is a term that suggests a musical or poetic composition, and it is traditionally associated with David’s experiences while fleeing from King Saul. The psalm reflects themes of refuge, divine protection, and the ultimate triumph of God’s glory.
Thematic Elements
- Seeking Refuge in God: The psalm opens with David’s earnest plea for mercy, illustrating his deep need for God’s protection amidst peril.
- Confidence in God’s Deliverance: David expresses unwavering trust in God’s ability to save him, highlighting his faith even in dire circumstances.
- Contrast Between Human Threats and Divine Sovereignty: The psalm contrasts the dangers posed by enemies with the steadfastness of God’s love and faithfulness.
- Worship and Praise: Despite his troubles, David resolves to glorify God, emphasizing the importance of worship in the face of adversity.
Structure and Literary Devices
- Invocation for Mercy (Verses 1-2): David begins with a heartfelt request for mercy, establishing the tone of desperation and dependence on God.
- Expression of Trust (Verse 3): Here, David acknowledges that God will send help and deliverance, reinforcing his faith in divine intervention.
- Describing Enemies (Verses 4-6): David vividly portrays the threats he faces, using metaphors such as lions and fiery traps to illustrate the severity of his situation.
- Declaration of Praise (Verses 7-11): The psalm culminates in a powerful declaration of David’s commitment to worship, as he resolves to sing and make music to God, showcasing the importance of praise.
Key Verses and Their Significance
- Verse 1: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge.”
This verse sets the stage for the entire psalm, emphasizing the theme of seeking refuge in God.
- Verse 3: “He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me.”
This verse illustrates David’s confidence in God’s intervention and protection.
- Verse 10: “For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
This verse highlights the vastness of God’s love and faithfulness, reinforcing the idea that God is greater than any earthly threat.
- Verse 11: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”
This closing verse encapsulates the psalm’s ultimate message of glorifying God, regardless of circumstances.
Conclusion
Psalm 57 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and worship in times of trouble. David’s heartfelt expressions of distress, trust, and praise resonate with believers facing their own challenges. The psalm encourages readers to seek refuge in God, affirming that His love and faithfulness surpass any earthly trials. Ultimately, it calls for a posture of worship, recognizing God’s sovereignty and glory in all circumstances.
