57 1 David being in the desert of Ziph, where the inhabitants did betray him, and at length in the same cave with Saul, 2 Calleth most earnestly unto God, with full confidence that he will perform his promise, and take his cause in hand. 5 Also that he will show his glory in the heavens and the earth against his cruel enemies. 9 Therefore doth he render laud and praise.

To him that excelleth. [a]Destroy not. A Psalm of David on Michtam. (A)When he fled from Saul in the cave.

Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me; for my soul trusteth in thee, and in the shadow of thy wings will I [b]trust, till these [c]afflictions overpass.

I will call unto the most high God, even the God, that [d]performeth his promise toward me.

He will send from [e]heaven, and save me from the reproof of him that would swallow me. Selah. God will send his mercy, and his truth.

My soul is among lions; I lie among the children of men, that are set on fire; whose teeth are [f]spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

[g]Exalt thyself, O God, above the heaven, and let thy glory be upon all the earth.

They have laid a net for my steps; [h]my soul is pressed down, they have dug a pit before me, and are fallen into the midst of it. Selah.

Mine heart is [i]prepared, O God, mine heart is prepared; I will sing and give praise.

[j]Awake my tongue, awake viol and harp: I will awake early.

I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people, and I will sing unto thee among the nations.

10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the [k]clouds.

11 Exalt thyself, O God, above the heavens, and let thy glory be upon all the earth.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 57:1 This was either the beginning of a certain song, or the words which David uttered when he stayed his affection.
  2. Psalm 57:1 Or, dwell most safely.
  3. Psalm 57:1 He compareth the afflictions which God layeth upon his children, to a storm that cometh and goeth.
  4. Psalm 57:2 Who leaveth not his works begun imperfect.
  5. Psalm 57:3 He would rather deliver me by a miracle, than that I should be overcome.
  6. Psalm 57:4 He meaneth their calumnies and false reports.
  7. Psalm 57:5 Suffer me not to be destroyed to the contempt of thy Name.
  8. Psalm 57:6 For very fear seeing the great dangers on all sides.
  9. Psalm 57:7 That is, wholly bent to give thee praise for my deliverance.
  10. Psalm 57:8 He showeth that both his heart shall praise God, and his tongue shall confess him, and also he will use other means to provoke himself forward to the same.
  11. Psalm 57:10 Thy mercies do not only appertain to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.

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.