Add parallel Print Page Options

Psalm 57

Refuge in the Shadow of Your Wings
(Psalm 57:7-11 parallels Psalm 108:1-5)

Heading

For the choir director. “Do Not Destroy.”[a] By David. A miktam.
When he fled from Saul. In the cave.[b]

The Opening Plea

Have mercy on me, O God,
have mercy on me,
because my soul has taken refuge in you.
In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge
    until destruction has passed by.
I call to God Most High,
to God, who completes his plans for me.[c]
He will send from heaven, and he will save me. Interlude
He puts to shame the one who pants as he pursues me.[d]
God will send his mercy and his faithfulness.

The Problem

My life is spent among lions.
I lie down among ferocious men,
whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongue is a sharp sword.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God.
May your glory be over all the earth.
They spread a net for my steps.
My soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in front of me. Interlude
They have fallen into it.

David’s Confidence

My heart is steadfast, O God.
My heart is steadfast.
I will sing and I will make music.
Awake, my soul![e]
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Lord.
I will make music to you among the nations,[f]
10 because your great mercy reaches above the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the skies.
11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 57:1 This may be the name of the tune.
  2. Psalm 57:1 The cave at Adullam in 1 Samuel 22 or the cave at En Gedi in 1 Samuel 24
  3. Psalm 57:2 Or avenges me
  4. Psalm 57:3 Or who tramples me
  5. Psalm 57:8 Literally my glory
  6. Psalm 57:9 The main Hebrew text divides the word for nations into two words to create the derogatory expression non-nations.

Psalm 57[a](A)

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.(B)

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.(C)
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings(D)
    until the disaster has passed.(E)

I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.(F)
He sends from heaven and saves me,(G)
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c](H)
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.(I)

I am in the midst of lions;(J)
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.(K)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.(L)

They spread a net for my feet(M)
    I was bowed down(N) in distress.
They dug a pit(O) in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.(P)

My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;(Q)
    I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!(R)
    I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.(S)

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;(T)
    let your glory be over all the earth.(U)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.
  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.