Psalm 57:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

NIV: I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.

NASB: I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me.

CSB: I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

NLT: I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

KJV: I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

NKJV: I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me.

This verse uses the phrase Elōhim 'Elyon, translated as "God Most High." Nearly the exact same title was used four times in the description of Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17–23). As David prays for safety (Psalm 57:1, 4), he acknowledges the Lord's absolute power and authority. The following verses demonstrate David's supreme confidence that God will answer his prayer and keep him safe (Psalm 57:3).

When David speaks of what God can accomplish, he uses the root word gamar. Most variations of the term imply completion, finality, or an end. David is crediting God as the One who "makes things happen." This doesn't mean God always does everything exactly as David demands (2 Samuel 12:16–23). However, it expresses the idea that David's life is the result of God's will and God's work (Psalm 138:8).

Like Abram, David knew God is the sovereign owner of everything, including David's life. He believed God Most High would fulfill all His plans and promises (1 Samuel 16:12–13). Christians should be confident that God Most High will fulfill His will for them. Philippians 2:13 says, "It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

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.