Psalms 57
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Psalms 57
Be Merciful Unto Me, O God: In the Shadow of Thy Wings
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 57
Psa 57:1-11. Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (De 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.
1. my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened.
shadow of thy wings--(Psa 17:8; 36:7).
calamities--literally, "mischiefs" (Psa 52:2; 55:10).
PSALM 57
Psa 57:1-11. Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (De 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.
1. my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened.
shadow of thy wings--(Psa 17:8; 36:7).
calamities--literally, "mischiefs" (Psa 52:2; 55:10).
The Pulpit Commentary
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee (compare the preceding psalm, Psa_57:1 and Psa_57:4). Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge (see the comment on Psa_17:8; and comp. Psa_36:7; Psa_61:4; Psa_63:7; Psa_91:4). The metaphor is first used in Deu_32:11. Until these calamities (rather, these wickednesses, or these malignities) be overpast. That they will pass away the psalmist has no doubt. What he needs is support while they endure.
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee (compare the preceding psalm, Psa_57:1 and Psa_57:4). Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge (see the comment on Psa_17:8; and comp. Psa_36:7; Psa_61:4; Psa_63:7; Psa_91:4). The metaphor is first used in Deu_32:11. Until these calamities (rather, these wickednesses, or these malignities) be overpast. That they will pass away the psalmist has no doubt. What he needs is support while they endure.
2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. performeth--or, completes what He has begun.
2. performeth--or, completes what He has begun.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will cry unto God most High. In the original, "unto Elohim 'elyon"—an expression which only occurs here and in Psa_78:56. El elyon, however, occurs in Psa_78:45; as in Gen_14:18, Gen_14:19, Gen_14:22, and Jehovah 'elyon in Ps 7:18. Unto God that performeth all things for me (comp. Psa_138:8). God "accomplishes" for his saints whatever is good for them.
I will cry unto God most High. In the original, "unto Elohim 'elyon"—an expression which only occurs here and in Psa_78:56. El elyon, however, occurs in Psa_78:45; as in Gen_14:18, Gen_14:19, Gen_14:22, and Jehovah 'elyon in Ps 7:18. Unto God that performeth all things for me (comp. Psa_138:8). God "accomplishes" for his saints whatever is good for them.
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. from ... swallow me up--that pants in rage after me (Psa 56:2).
mercy and ... truth--(Psa 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Psa 43:3) sent to deliver him.
3. from ... swallow me up--that pants in rage after me (Psa 56:2).
mercy and ... truth--(Psa 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Psa 43:3) sent to deliver him.
The Pulpit Commentary
He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. The two clauses stand unconnected in the original, which runs, "He shall send from heaven and save me—my pursuer reproaches—God shall send," etc. The second clause is really parenthetic, and, as Dr. Driver says, "circumstantial," noting the circumstances under which God would take action. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. His mercy, to relieve the psalmist; his truth, to confound the psalmist's enemies.
He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. The two clauses stand unconnected in the original, which runs, "He shall send from heaven and save me—my pursuer reproaches—God shall send," etc. The second clause is really parenthetic, and, as Dr. Driver says, "circumstantial," noting the circumstances under which God would take action. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. His mercy, to relieve the psalmist; his truth, to confound the psalmist's enemies.
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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psa 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Psa 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
whose ... tongue--or slanders.
4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psa 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Psa 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
whose ... tongue--or slanders.
The Pulpit Commentary
My soul is among lions (comp. Psa_7:2; Psa_10:9; Psa_17:12; Psa_22:21, etc.). And I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men—literally, I lie on firebands, sons of men—whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. David occupies the cave (of Adullam?), while around him prowl lion-like men, whose fury is like that of firebrands, who threaten to devour him with their sharp teeth, and to pierce his soul with their cruel tongues.
My soul is among lions (comp. Psa_7:2; Psa_10:9; Psa_17:12; Psa_22:21, etc.). And I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men—literally, I lie on firebands, sons of men—whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. David occupies the cave (of Adullam?), while around him prowl lion-like men, whose fury is like that of firebrands, who threaten to devour him with their sharp teeth, and to pierce his soul with their cruel tongues.
5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
The Pulpit Commentary
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; or, exalt thyself, O God, above the heavens; i.e. show forth thy might in such a signal way that the heavens (i.e. the angels) may stand to gaze at it. Let thy glory be above all the earth. Let thy exaltation equally draw the attention of the whole earth.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; or, exalt thyself, O God, above the heavens; i.e. show forth thy might in such a signal way that the heavens (i.e. the angels) may stand to gaze at it. Let thy glory be above all the earth. Let thy exaltation equally draw the attention of the whole 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. (Compare Psa 7:15; 9:15, 16).
6. (Compare Psa 7:15; 9:15, 16).
The Pulpit Commentary
The strophe of "triumphant confidence" now begins, but with an echo from the strophe of complaint. The enemy is still at work, still plotting against the psalmist, still seeking to do him a mischief; but the efforts made are in vain. They only bring the enemy himself into trouble (Psa_57:6), and cause the psalmist to pour forth a song of joy (Psa_57:7-11).
They have prepared a net for my steps (comp. Psa_9:15; Psa_10:10; Psa_25:15; Psa_31:4; Psa_35:7). These metaphors from the chase are peculiarly appropriate at the time when Saul was "hunting David upon the mountains" (1Sa_26:20). My soul is bowed down; rather, they have bowed down my soul; literally, he has bowed down; but the alternate use of the singular and the plural, without any real change of subject, is very common. They have digged a pit before me (comp. Psa_7:15; Psa_119:85). Into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Here is the first note of triumph—a very familiar note (Psa_7:15; Psa_9:15; Psa_39:8; Psa_141:10), but one always sounded with marked satisfaction.
The strophe of "triumphant confidence" now begins, but with an echo from the strophe of complaint. The enemy is still at work, still plotting against the psalmist, still seeking to do him a mischief; but the efforts made are in vain. They only bring the enemy himself into trouble (Psa_57:6), and cause the psalmist to pour forth a song of joy (Psa_57:7-11).
They have prepared a net for my steps (comp. Psa_9:15; Psa_10:10; Psa_25:15; Psa_31:4; Psa_35:7). These metaphors from the chase are peculiarly appropriate at the time when Saul was "hunting David upon the mountains" (1Sa_26:20). My soul is bowed down; rather, they have bowed down my soul; literally, he has bowed down; but the alternate use of the singular and the plural, without any real change of subject, is very common. They have digged a pit before me (comp. Psa_7:15; Psa_119:85). Into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Here is the first note of triumph—a very familiar note (Psa_7:15; Psa_9:15; Psa_39:8; Psa_141:10), but one always sounded with marked satisfaction.
7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. I will ... praise--both with voice and instrument.
7. I will ... praise--both with voice and instrument.
The Pulpit Commentary
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; or, my heart is steadfast—it does not doubt or waver, it is firm in its trust on thee. I will sing and give praise. Sing to thee, i.e; and praise thy Name.
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; or, my heart is steadfast—it does not doubt or waver, it is firm in its trust on thee. I will sing and give praise. Sing to thee, i.e; and praise thy Name.
8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. Hence--he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psa 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
I myself ... early--literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
8. Hence--he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psa 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
I myself ... early--literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
The Pulpit Commentary
Awake up, my glory; i.e. "my soul" (comp. Psa_16:9; Psa_30:12). The psalmist stirs his soul to earnest, heartfelt devotion. Awake, psaltery and harp; i.e. awake, my musical instruments and my musical powers, which have slept, as it were, while I was in affliction. I myself will awake early; or, "will awaken the dawn" (comp. Ovid, 'Metaph.,' 11.597, "Vigil ales evocat auroram;" and Milton, "Cheerly rouse the slumbering morn."
Awake up, my glory; i.e. "my soul" (comp. Psa_16:9; Psa_30:12). The psalmist stirs his soul to earnest, heartfelt devotion. Awake, psaltery and harp; i.e. awake, my musical instruments and my musical powers, which have slept, as it were, while I was in affliction. I myself will awake early; or, "will awaken the dawn" (comp. Ovid, 'Metaph.,' 11.597, "Vigil ales evocat auroram;" and Milton, "Cheerly rouse the slumbering morn."
9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9-10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.
9-10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.
The Pulpit Commentary
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people (rather, peoples); I will sing unto thee among the nations. The psalmist's joy is toe great to be confined within any narrower limits than those of the entire earth. He will have his hymn of praise go forth to all "peoples," "nations," and languages. Michaelis notes that his desire has had a full accomplishment.
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people (rather, peoples); I will sing unto thee among the nations. The psalmist's joy is toe great to be confined within any narrower limits than those of the entire earth. He will have his hymn of praise go forth to all "peoples," "nations," and languages. Michaelis notes that his desire has had a full accomplishment.
10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
The Pulpit Commentary
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. "Thy mercy, thy truth" (comp. Psa_57:3).
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. "Thy mercy, thy truth" (comp. Psa_57:3).
11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
The Pulpit Commentary
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory he above all the earth (compare the comment on Psa_57:5, with which this verso is identical).
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory he above all the earth (compare the comment on Psa_57:5, with which this verso is identical).
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 57
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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