Psalms 57

Ps 57 The psalmist’s cry for mercy and protection quickly turns into an affirmation of trust and confidence in the Lord (57:1-4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7-10).57:title David . . . fled from Saul and went into the cave: See 1 Sam 22:1 or Ps 24:1-8.57:1 shadow of your wings: As a bird protects its young, God protects the one who trusts in him (see 17:8).

57:2 God Most High (Hebrew Elohim-Elyon) is a generic title for God, who is more powerful than all real or imagined supernatural beings (see 91:1; 97:9; Gen 14:18-22). • who will fulfill his purpose: Or who will end my [trouble], or who deals kindly with me.

57:3-4 These verses are a prayer for rescue from powerful enemies. The metaphor of fierce lions describes human enemies; the psalmist feels unable to escape them without God’s intervention (see also 35:11-21; 124:6).

57:5 This verse is repeated in 57:11 and 108:5. • God’s glory—his manifest presence that excludes all evil (8:1; 19:1-4; 24:7)—will fill the whole created order (Isa 6:3).

57:7-11 This section is repeated with a few modifications in 108:1-5.57:7-8 The psalmist is confident that God will end the night of evil (cp. 56:13).

57:10-11 God’s glory extends to the whole universe, as will praise for his unfailing love and faithfulness.