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.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
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.
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.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
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.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psalms 57 offers a powerful glimpse into David's unwavering faith in the face of mortal danger. Understanding the context surrounding this psalm enriches its meaning and provides a framework for applying its truths to our own lives. Along with Psalms 56 and 142, Psalm 57 was likely composed during David's flight from King Saul, who was consumed by jealousy and sought to kill him. These were times of immense stress, involving hiding in caves and constantly evading capture (1 Samuel 19:1-2; 22:1; 24:2-3). It was in these moments of vulnerability that David penned these words of supplication and praise. The psalm is dedicated "To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave." The phrase "Do Not Destroy" was likely the name of a tune, also referenced in Psalms 58, 59, and 75.
A Plea for Mercy and Protection (Psalms 57:1-3)
David begins with an urgent cry for God's mercy: "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by" (Psalms 57:1). He pictures God as a protective mother bird, sheltering her young under her wings from the storm. This imagery evokes a sense of safety and security found only in God's presence. Just as a fledgling finds refuge under its mother’s wings, David seeks refuge in God's steadfast love and faithfulness.
David's confidence stems from his deep-seated belief that God has a purpose for his life and will fulfill it. He declares, "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me" (Psalms 57:2). This understanding, rooted in God's earlier promises to David (1 Samuel 16:12-13), fuels his trust that God will ultimately deliver him. He knows that God's "faithful love and truth" (Psalms 57:3) will guide and defend him.
Surrounded by Lions (Psalms 57:4-6)
David vividly describes the perilous circumstances he faces: "My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid those who are ablaze with fire; the teeth of men are spears and arrows, their tongues sharp swords" (Psalms 57:4). This powerful imagery highlights the ferocity of his enemies, likely a reference to Saul and his pursuing forces. They are depicted as savage beasts, eager to devour him. Their words, like sharpened weapons, inflict deep wounds.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, David remains resolute in his faith. He proclaims, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!" (Psalms 57:5). This declaration is not just a statement of faith, but a defiant act of worship in the face of adversity. He is determined to exalt God, even amidst his trials. David’s enemies set a trap for him, but they themselves fell into it (Psalms 57:6).
A Heart Firmly Fixed (Psalms 57:7-11)
David's unwavering trust in God empowers him to sing praises, even in the darkest of times. "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!" (Psalms 57:7). His heart is "steadfast," meaning it is firmly fixed on God, unyielding in its devotion. He resolves to praise God "among the peoples" and "among the nations" (Psalms 57:9), suggesting a desire to share his faith with the entire world, extending beyond the borders of Israel.
David marvels at the immensity of God's "steadfast love" and "faithfulness," comparing them to the grandeur of creation: "For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalms 57:10). He is in awe of God’s attributes. David concludes the psalm with a repetition of the refrain from verse 5: "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!" (Psalms 57:11). This reinforces his central desire: that God's glory would be revealed throughout the world.
Lessons for Today
Psalms 57 teaches us valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and worship in the midst of adversity. David's example encourages us to:
- Seek refuge in God: When facing trials, turn to God as our protector and source of strength.
- Trust in God's purpose: Believe that God has a plan for our lives and will fulfill it, even when we cannot see the path ahead.
- Praise God in all circumstances: Cultivate a heart of worship, even in the midst of difficulty, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
- Magnify God in our trials: Seek to glorify God through our actions and attitudes, allowing our lives to be a testament to His power and grace.
Like David, we can cultivate a disposition of glorifying God, no matter the circumstances. By clinging to faith and magnifying God, we can find strength, peace, and purpose even in the face of life's greatest challenges.
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.
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
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.
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.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
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.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psalms 57 offers a powerful glimpse into David's unwavering faith in the face of mortal danger. Understanding the context surrounding this psalm enriches its meaning and provides a framework for applying its truths to our own lives. Along with Psalms 56 and 142, Psalm 57 was likely composed during David's flight from King Saul, who was consumed by jealousy and sought to kill him. These were times of immense stress, involving hiding in caves and constantly evading capture (1 Samuel 19:1-2; 22:1; 24:2-3). It was in these moments of vulnerability that David penned these words of supplication and praise. The psalm is dedicated "To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave." The phrase "Do Not Destroy" was likely the name of a tune, also referenced in Psalms 58, 59, and 75.
A Plea for Mercy and Protection (Psalms 57:1-3)
David begins with an urgent cry for God's mercy: "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by" (Psalms 57:1). He pictures God as a protective mother bird, sheltering her young under her wings from the storm. This imagery evokes a sense of safety and security found only in God's presence. Just as a fledgling finds refuge under its mother’s wings, David seeks refuge in God's steadfast love and faithfulness.
David's confidence stems from his deep-seated belief that God has a purpose for his life and will fulfill it. He declares, "I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me" (Psalms 57:2). This understanding, rooted in God's earlier promises to David (1 Samuel 16:12-13), fuels his trust that God will ultimately deliver him. He knows that God's "faithful love and truth" (Psalms 57:3) will guide and defend him.
Surrounded by Lions (Psalms 57:4-6)
David vividly describes the perilous circumstances he faces: "My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid those who are ablaze with fire; the teeth of men are spears and arrows, their tongues sharp swords" (Psalms 57:4). This powerful imagery highlights the ferocity of his enemies, likely a reference to Saul and his pursuing forces. They are depicted as savage beasts, eager to devour him. Their words, like sharpened weapons, inflict deep wounds.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, David remains resolute in his faith. He proclaims, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!" (Psalms 57:5). This declaration is not just a statement of faith, but a defiant act of worship in the face of adversity. He is determined to exalt God, even amidst his trials. David’s enemies set a trap for him, but they themselves fell into it (Psalms 57:6).
A Heart Firmly Fixed (Psalms 57:7-11)
David's unwavering trust in God empowers him to sing praises, even in the darkest of times. "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!" (Psalms 57:7). His heart is "steadfast," meaning it is firmly fixed on God, unyielding in its devotion. He resolves to praise God "among the peoples" and "among the nations" (Psalms 57:9), suggesting a desire to share his faith with the entire world, extending beyond the borders of Israel.
David marvels at the immensity of God's "steadfast love" and "faithfulness," comparing them to the grandeur of creation: "For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalms 57:10). He is in awe of God’s attributes. David concludes the psalm with a repetition of the refrain from verse 5: "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!" (Psalms 57:11). This reinforces his central desire: that God's glory would be revealed throughout the world.
Lessons for Today
Psalms 57 teaches us valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and worship in the midst of adversity. David's example encourages us to:
- Seek refuge in God: When facing trials, turn to God as our protector and source of strength.
- Trust in God's purpose: Believe that God has a plan for our lives and will fulfill it, even when we cannot see the path ahead.
- Praise God in all circumstances: Cultivate a heart of worship, even in the midst of difficulty, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
- Magnify God in our trials: Seek to glorify God through our actions and attitudes, allowing our lives to be a testament to His power and grace.
Like David, we can cultivate a disposition of glorifying God, no matter the circumstances. By clinging to faith and magnifying God, we can find strength, peace, and purpose even in the face of life's greatest challenges.