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Psalms 57:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

This psalm—the "twin psalm" with the last—has also an elaborate "title," which runs thus: "To the precentor (or chief musician): destroy not; David's; Michtam; when he fled from Saul; in the cave." The meaning of the second and fourth headings is doubtful Some explain the second as "musical;" others as an allusion to David's words when he bade Abishai not to kill Saul. The last two clauses give the place and occasion of the composition. It was written "in the cave"—probably the cave of Adullam ()—when David was flying from Saul. No valid reason can be urged against these statements.

The psalm is divided by its refrain (, ) into two parts, which are further subdivided by the pause mark, "Selah." The initial strophe () is a mixture of prayer and complaint; the concluding one () begins with complaint (), but almost immediately changes into "a strain of exulting and triumphant confidence," so exulting and triumphant as to cause its selection by our Church for recitation on Easter Day.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 57:1-6Psalms 57:1-6 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryAll David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers need often repeat the publican's prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in our utmost dangers, th…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1Psalms 57:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryBe merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee (compare the preceding psalm, Psalms 57:1 and Psalms 57:4). Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge (see the comment on Psalms…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1-11Psalms 57:1-11 · The Pulpit CommentaryOne of God's rescues. The Bible is full of records of deliverances, not only deliverances of nations, hut rescues of individuals. These things are "written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the S…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1-11Psalms 57:1-11 · The Pulpit CommentaryExpectation and assurance of deliverance. In many respects this psalm is very like the previous one. May be regarded under two general aspects. As expressing ― I. THE PSALMIST'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. (…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 57:1-6All David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers need often repeat the publican's prayer, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in our utmost dangers, th…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee (compare the preceding psalm, Psalms 57:1 and Psalms 57:4). Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge (see the comment on Psalms…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1-11Expectation and assurance of deliverance. In many respects this psalm is very like the previous one. May be regarded under two general aspects. As expressing ― I. THE PSALMIST'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. (…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:1-11One of God's rescues. The Bible is full of records of deliverances, not only deliverances of nations, hut rescues of individuals. These things are "written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the S…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:2I will cry unto God most High. In the original, "unto Elohim 'elyon"—an expression which only occurs here and in Psalms 78:56. El elyon, however, occurs in Psalms 78:45; as in Genesis 14:18, Genesis 14:19, Genesis 14:22…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:3He 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 s…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:3Mercy and truth. I. MARK GOD'S CHARACTER. When God proclaimed his Name to Moses, he put "mercy" in the forefront: "The Lord God merciful;" but "truth" had also its place, for it is added," abundant in truth" (Exodus 34:…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions (comp. Psalms 7:2; Psalms 10:9; Psalms 17:12; Psalms 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 s…Joseph S. Exell and contributors