Psalms 57
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare Sa1 22:1; Sa1 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (Deu 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam--(See on Psa 16:1, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing. (Psa 57:1-11) my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened. shadow of thy wings-- (Psa 17:8; Psa 36:7). calamities--literally, "mischiefs" (Psa 52:2; Psa 55:10).
Open source ↗Be merciful unto me, O God,.... Or "be gracious to me" (k); which words are repeated by him. "Be merciful", or "gracious, unto me"; to show the greatness of his distress, the eagerness, vehemency, and importunity he used in prayer; his case requiring a speedy answer, and immediate relief; and that he expected only from the mercy and grace of God; See Gill on Psa 56:1; for my soul trusteth in thee; or "in thy word"; as the Targum; and in thee only, both as the God of providence and the God of grace; and a great act of faith this was to trust in the Lord in such circumstances; and it was not a bare profession of trust, but it was hearty and sincere; his "soul" trusted in the Lord; he trusted in him with all his heart and soul, and trusted him with his soul or life: and this he makes a reason or argument for mercy; seeing, as the mercy of the Lord is an encouragement to faith and hope; so the Lord has declared, that he takes pleasure in those that hope and trust in it; wherefore mercy may be expected by such; yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge; or "I will hope" (l); the meaning is, that he would betake himself to the power and protection of God, and make him his refuge from the enemy: the allusion is either to the hen, or any other bird covering its young with its wings, when a bird of prey is near, till that is gone; or to the cherubim, whose wings overshadowed the mercy seat, between which the glory of God dwelt; and so the Targum, "in the shadow of thy Shechinah, or glorious Majesty, will I trust;'' which agrees with his applying to the mercy seat, or to God on a throne of grace and mercy: and here he determines to abide, until these calamities be overpast; the storm of them was over, which was very black and threatening. The Targum is, "until the tum…
Open source ↗By means of the two distinctive tense-forms the poet describes his believing flight to God for refuge as that which has once taken place (חסיה from חסה = חסי out of pause, like the same forms in Psa 73:2; Psa 122:6), and still, because it is a living fact, is ever, and now in particular, renewed (אחסה). The shadow of the wings of God is the protection of His gentle, tender love; and the shadow of the wings is the quickening, cordial solace that is combined with this protection. Into this shadow the poet betakes himself for refuge now as he has done before, until הוּות, i.e., the abysmal danger that threatens him, be overpast, praeteriverit (cf. Isa 26:20, and on the enallage numeri Psa 10:10, Ges. ֗147, a). Not as though he would then no longer stand in need of the divine protection, but he now feels himself to be specially in need of it; and therefore his chief aim is an undaunted triumphant resistance of the impending trials. The effort on his own part, however, by means of which he always anew takes refuge in this shadow, is prayer to Him who dwells above and rules the universe. עליון is without the article, which it never takes; and גּמר (Psa 57:3) is the same, because it is regularly left out before the participle, which admits of being more fully defined, Amo 9:12; Eze 21:19 (Hitzig). He calls upon God who accomplisheth concerning, i.e., for him (Est 4:16), who carrieth out his cause, the cause of the persecuted one; גּמר is transitive as in Psa 138:8. The lxx renders τὸν εὐεργετήσαντά με, as though it were גּמל עלי (Psa 13:6, and frequently); and even Hitzig and Hupfeld hold that the meaning is exactly the same. But although גמל and גמר fall back upon one and the same radical notion, still it is just their distinctive final letters that serve to indicate a di…
Open source ↗The title of this psalm has one word new in it, Al-taschith - Destroy not. Some make it to be only some known tune to which this psalm was set; others apply it to the occasion and matter of the psalm. Destroy not; that is, David would not let Saul be destroyed, when now in the cave there was a fair opportunity of killing him, and his servants would fain have done so. No, says David, destroy him not, Sa1 24:4, Sa1 24:6. Or, rather, God would not let David be destroyed by Saul; he suffered him to persecute David, but still under this limitation, Destroy him hot; as he permitted Satan to afflict Job, Only save his life. David must not be destroyed, for a blessing is in him (Isa 65:8), even Christ, the best of blessings. When David was in the cave, in imminent peril, he here tells us what were the workings of his heart towards God; and happy are those that have such good thoughts as these in their minds when they are in danger! I. He supports himself with faith and hope in God, and prayer to him, Psa 57:1, Psa 57:2. Seeing himself surrounded with enemies, he looks up to God with that suitable prayer: Be merciful to me, O Lord! which he again repeats, and it is no vain repetition: Be merciful unto me. It was the publican's prayer, Luk 18:13. It is a pity that any should use it slightly and profanely, should cry, God be merciful to us, or, Lord, have mercy upon us, when they mean only to express their wonder, or surprise, or vexation, but God and his mercy are not in all their thoughts. It is with much devout affection that David here prays, "Be merciful unto me, O Lord! look with compassion upon me, and in thy love and pity redeem me." To recommend himself to God's mercy, he here professes, 1. That all his dependence is upon God: My soul trusteth in thee, Psa 57:1. He did no…
Open source ↗Ps 57 The psalmist’s cry for mercy and protection quickly turns into an affirmation of trust and confidence in the Lord (57:1-4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7-10). 57:title David . . . fled from Saul and went into the cave: See 1 Sam 22:1 or Ps 24:1-8. 57:1 shadow of your wings: As a bird protects its young, God protects the one who trusts in him (see 17:8).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
נָצַח (nâtsach, H5329) — properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of… אַל תַּשְׁחֵת (ʼAl tashchêth, H516) — 'Thou must not destroy'; probably the opening words to a popular song מִכְתָּם (miktâm, H4387) — an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse בָּרַח (bârach, H1272) — to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… שָׁאוּל (Shâʼûwl, H7586) — Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites מְעָרָה (mᵉʻârâh, H4631) — a cavern (as dark) חָנַן (chânan, H2603) — properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… חָסָה (châçâh, H2620) — to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative כָּנָף (kânâph, H3671) — an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or…
Open source ↗קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn, H5945) — an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) גָּמַר (gâmar, H1584) — to end (in the sense of completion or failure)
Open source ↗שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ, H3467) — properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to… חָרַף (châraph, H2778) — to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth… שָׁאַף (shâʼaph, H7602) — to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten סֶלָה (çelâh, H5542) — suspension (of music), i.e. pause אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
Open source ↗נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre לָבִיא (lâbîyʼ, H3833) — to roar; a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;)) שָׁכַב (shâkab, H7901) — to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose) לָהַט (lâhaṭ, H3857) — properly, to lick, i.e. (by implication) to blaze בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) שֵׁן (shên, H8127) — a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff חֲנִית (chănîyth, H2595) — a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent) חֵץ (chêts, H2671) — properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God)… לָשׁוֹן (lâshôwn, H3956) — the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or… חַד (chad, H2299) — sharp חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or…
Open source ↗רוּם (rûwm, H7311) — to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… רֶשֶׁת (resheth, H7568) — a net (as catching animals) פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow) נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… כָּפַף (kâphaph, H3721) — to curve כָּרָה (kârâh, H3738) — properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open שִׁיחָה (shîychâh, H7882) — a pit-fall פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre נָפַל (nâphal, H5307) — to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or… סֶלָה (çelâh, H5542) — suspension (of music), i.e. pause
Open source ↗לֵב (lêb, H3820) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the… כּוּן (kûwn, H3559) — properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… שִׁיר (shîyr, H7891) — to sing זָמַר (zâmar, H2167) — play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and…
Open source ↗עוּר (ʻûwr, H5782) — to wake (literally or figuratively) כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness נֶבֶל (nebel, H5035) — a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape… כִּנּוֹר (kinnôwr, H3658) — a harp שַׁחַר (shachar, H7837) — dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
Open source ↗יָדָה (yâdâh, H3034) — physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship… אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… זָמַר (zâmar, H2167) — play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and… לְאֹם (lᵉʼôm, H3816) — a community
Open source ↗חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness שַׁחַק (shachaq, H7834) — a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
Open source ↗רוּם (rûwm, H7311) — to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively) אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… שָׁמַיִם (shâmayim, H8064) — the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds… כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!
Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”
Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed.
Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.