David
Psalm 57
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.
Scripture (KJV)
1Be 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.
2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3He 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.
4My 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.
5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
6They 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.
7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Summary
Psalm 57 is a prayer of trust and praise written when David fled from Saul into a cave. He cries to God Most High, who performs all things for him, and takes refuge in the shadow of God’s wings until calamities pass. His soul is among lions, among men whose teeth are spears and arrows and whose tongue is a sharp sword. Yet the refrain that frames the psalm lifts the eyes: "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth." Though enemies have prepared a net and dug a pit, they have fallen into it themselves. David’s heart is fixed; he awakens psaltery and harp to praise the LORD among the peoples, for His mercy reaches to the heavens and His truth to the clouds.
The major themes are refuge, praise, God’s exaltation, mercy, and a fixed heart. Practically, the psalm teaches that worship can be offered in a cave and that a fixed heart is the foundation of praise. The great lesson is that God’s glory is above all the earth, and those who trust Him can sing even among lions.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 57
Be merciful unto me, O God, for my soul trusts in You. In the shadow of Your wings I make my refuge until calamities pass. I cry to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. Send from heaven and save me. My soul is among lions, yet I say: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth. When enemies dig a pit, let them fall into it themselves. My heart is fixed, O God; I will sing and give praise. Awake, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp; I will awake early. I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, for Your mercy is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1How does David praise God even while hiding in a cave?
- 2What does it mean to have a "fixed heart"?
- 3How does the refrain "Be thou exalted, O God" reframe David’s circumstances?
- 4Where do I need to take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings?
Related Psalms
Psalm 56
“Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily vexeth me.”
Trust in God’s word when afraid; recording tears in His book.
Read morePsalm 55
“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.”
A lament of betrayal by a close friend, longing to flee to God.
Read morePsalm 59
“Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.”
A prayer for protection from assailants, praising God as fortress.
Read morePsalm 108
“O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.”
Psalm 108 is a composite psalm, drawing its first five verses from Psalm 57:7-11 and its latter half from Psalm 60:5-12.
Read morePsalm 36
“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.”
Contrast of human wickedness with God’s steadfast love and fountain of life.
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