Psalms 57 - Printer Friendly

This song was written during David's attempts to evade Saul, the jealous and murderous king (1 Samuel 19:1–2; 22:1; 24:2–3). This included fleeing from pursuing attackers and hiding in caves. The same series of events factored into the writing of Psalms 56 and 142. The psalm is presumably set to a then-known tune called "Do Not Destroy." This same melody is referenced in Psalms 58, 59, and 75.

David begins by calling on God for mercy: to be rescued from his current situation. He depicts the Lord as a mother bird guarding her young from storms and rain with her wings. Because of God's promises to David (1 Samuel 16:12–13), David was confident the Lord would keep him safe. Though his enemies attack him like wild animals, using both weapons and words, David is assured of God's protection. He declares that the Lord's praise should be heard over the entire world (Psalm 57:1–5).

Because of this deep faith, David is assured that his enemies will only harm themselves. He promises to praise God early in the morning, using all his spiritual and musical strengths. David then refers to praising God among both "the peoples" and "the nations." This suggests an audience beyond Israel and extending into the Gentile world. David refers to the Lord's "steadfast love," or "lovingkindness;" this depicts God's merciful loyalty to His chosen people. The psalm ends by repeating the refrain of verse 5, calling for God to be praised worldwide (Psalm 57:6–11).

In these opening verses of Psalm 57 David asks God to be merciful to him, and he declares that God is his refuge. When David composed this psalm, he was hiding in a cave from vengeful King Saul, but he was trusting in God for safety until the storm of Saul's wrath ended. He knew God had a purpose for his life and would deliver him from Saul. Although his enemies sought to kill him, he longed for God to exalt Himself.

David asks for God's merciful protection, with full confidence that it will be delivered. Despite the vicious attacks of his enemies, David resolves to praise the Lord. This is motivated, in part, by appreciation for God's loyal, merciful, caring love. He declares that the Lord's praise should be heard all over the world.

Along with Psalms 56 and 142, this was composed in response to David's escape from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2; 22:1). This included hiding in cave, where David turned down an opportunity to kill his enemy (1 Samuel 24:1–22). David is entirely sure that God will fulfill His promises (1 Samuel 16:12–13).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.