The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 57
In brief
According to its title, Psalm 57 is a prayer of David hiding in the cave, pursued by Saul. Among lions and spears, he seeks refuge in the shadow of God's wings, then declares that God will send his goodness and faithfulness. At verse 7 the psalm turns: David's heart is steadfast, he decides to sing and to wake the dawn with his harp. A refrain frames the end and puts God's glory at the center: may it be over all the earth.
The chapter in 3 parts
1Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.
2I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
3He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
4My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!
6They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the middle of it themselves.
7My heart is steadfast, God. My heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
8Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp! I will wake up the dawn.
9I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.
11Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.
Key verses
I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
David takes refuge in God like a chick under its mother's wings. He does not say the danger goes away, he says where he shelters until the disasters have passed.
He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
God will send his goodness and his faithfulness. These are two messengers coming from heaven to help the one who prays.
My heart is steadfast, God. My heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
A steadfast heart is a heart that has decided, one that fixes itself on God before the situation changes. The repetition stresses this inner firmness.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.
David wants to sing even before the nations: his deliverance will become a testimony to the peoples. Verse 8, where he says he will wake the dawn, already describes this awakening of praise.
For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.
God's goodness reaches the heavens and his faithfulness the skies. The vastness of these images answers the narrowness of the cave.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 57
In what context did David write Psalm 57?
The title of the psalm says it was composed when David took refuge in the cave, pursued by Saul. The story is in the first book of Samuel, chapters 22 and 24. David is a fugitive, surrounded by people who threaten him, and he chooses to pray and sing rather than give in to fear.
What does the shadow of your wings mean in Psalm 57:2?
The image evokes the protection of a bird covering its young. It says that God is a close and tender shelter. David does not deny the danger, he places himself under God's protection until the disasters have passed. The same image appears in Psalms 17, 36, 61 and 63.
How can I pray Psalm 57 today?
Read it aloud in three steps. First ask God for mercy and name what threatens you. Then repeat verse 7 as a decision: my heart is steadfast. Finish with a song or praise, taking up the refrain of verses 5 and 11 to put God's glory at the center of your prayer.
Articles quoting Psalm 57
World English Bible translation — public domain.