Bible Commentaries
Psalms 57

Introduction

PSALM 57

:-. Altaschith—or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Samuel 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (Deuteronomy 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam—(See on Deuteronomy 9:26- :, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing.

Verse 1

1. my soul—or self, or life, which is threatened.

shadow of thy wings— (Psalms 17:8; Psalms 36:7).

calamities—literally, "mischiefs" (Psalms 52:2; Psalms 55:10).

Verse 2

2. performeth—or, completes what He has begun.

Verse 3

3. from . . . swallow me up—that pants in rage after me (Psalms 56:2).

mercy and . . . truth— (Psalms 25:10; Psalms 36:5), as messengers (Psalms 43:3) sent to deliver him.

Verse 4

4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psalms 10:9; Psalms 17:12) and weapons of war (Psalms 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.

whose . . . tongue—or slanders.

Verse 5

5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.

Verse 6

6. (Compare Psalms 7:15; Psalms 9:15; Psalms 9:16).

Verse 7

7. I will . . . praise—both with voice and instrument.

Verse 8

8. Hence—he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psalms 16:9; Psalms 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.

I myself . . . early—literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.

Verse 9

9, 10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.