Bible Commentaries
Psalms 57

Verses 1-11

Psalms 57:1-11. Title. Al-taschith.] " Destroy not." This may intimate, that David trusted, that the Lord would not permit him to be destroyed, though closely pursued by Saul. Some think that the word refers to the restriction David laid on his officers, not to destroy Saul. (Marg. Ref. a. Notes, 1 Samuel 24:4-7 Cave.] Notes, cxlii, title. 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Samuel 23:19-29; 1 Samuel 24:1-3.

V. 1, Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalms 36:5-9; Psalms 63:7-8. Ruth 2:11-12. Isaiah 26:20-21. Matthew 23:37-39.

V. 2. Most High.] Note,Psalms 56:1-2. Psalms 5:2. That performeth, &c.] David could not perform for himself those things, which were requisite for his security and advancement ; and he would not seek them by killing Saul, nor would he allow his soldiers to slay him : but he trusted in God, who had given him the promise of the kingdom, to perform all things necessary to its fulfilment in his own time and manner. (Notes, Psalms 138:8. 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 24:4-7; 1 Samuel 26:8-12. 1 Kings 11:37; 1 Kings 12:2-3, Philippians 1:3-6.)

V. 3. From the reproach, &c.] Or, From the reproof of him that would swallow me up. (Note, Ivi. 1, 2.) God would sooner send his angels from heaven to deliver his servant, than suffer his furious enemies to destroy him. (Marg. Ref.) Mercy, &c.] Notes, Psalms 40:11-12; Psalms 62:5-7; Psalms 86:14-15; Psalms 89:1-4. John 1:17

V. 4. My soul, &c.] ’ The fiercest beasts, the most devouring of elements, and the sharpest of military weapons, are selected, to represent the power and fury of David’s enemies. How much stronger and more furious were the enemies of Christ, who, in the day of his passion, resembled Daniel in the lion’s den, and the three children in the fiery furnace ! ’ Bp. Home.

Set on fire.] He means those who are inflamed, or incendiaries, who inflame and irritate the minds of others by lies and calumnies.’ Robertson. The tongue setteth on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire of " hell." (James 3:6. Notes, Psalms 52:1-4. 1 Samuel 22:9-10. Proverbs 16:27; Proverbs 26:17-23. James 3:3-6.

V. 5. If David had been destroyed by his fierce enemies, God would have been dishonoured : but his marvellous deliverance and advancement would be honourable to the name of the Lord ; and even angels in heaven, as well as men on earth, would glorify him on that account. (Notes, Psalms 21:13. Matthew 6:9; Matthew 6:13.)

V. 6. Marg. Ref. Notes, Psalms 7:14-16. Psalms 9:15-16.

V. 7- 11. The Psalmist here suddenly changes his language from deep complaints to exulting praises. His heart, delivered from desponding fears, was prepared, and fixed in a determination to praise God, and to employ his tongue and all his musical powers in that service : with this he would awaken the morning, or begin the day ; and he wou Ref. h.

V. 5. The ld render his worship as public as he possibly could, that both the Israelites and the surrounding nations might hear. This may with peculiar propriety be applied to Jesus, as risen from the dead, and exulting in the view of the glory which would redound to God in the conversion of the Gentiles. (Notes, 5. Psalms 22:22-28. Psalms 40:9-10. Psalms 108:1-5.) The people. (9) : both the nouns are plural. Thy mercy, &c. (10) Notes, Psalms 36:5-9; Psalms 89:1-4. Psalms 103:11-13.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

Protection from man’s injustice must be sought from the Lord’s mercy; and the most eminent believers need frequently to reiterate the publican’s prayer, " God be merciful to me, a sinner." But an inward consciousness, that our souls trust in the Lord, may enable us in the most imminent dangers, to expect, that our calamities will at length be overpast: and, in the mean time, by faith and prayer, we must make the shadow of his almighty wings our refuge. If we have fled from the wrath to come unto Jesus Christ, we are interested in all his merits, grace, and victories; and in all the precious promises and glorious perfections of our God : and he, who has performed all things requisite to the salvation of his people, will in answer to our prayers perform all things for us, and in us, which are needful to our enjoyment of it. It is true that the sons of men, among whom we live, are often savage as lions, and fierce as the flaming fire : their teeth seem to be spears and arrows, and their slanderous tongues, sharp swords : and Satan, i still more subtle, powerful, and cruel enemy, would swallow us up. But notwithstanding their snares and pits, their stratagems and assaults, we are safe, if we belong to the Li-rd. The Redeemer was far more exposed to their rage and malice, and by their wicked hands was crucified and slain : yet the Lord sent from heaven and raised him Irom the dead, and advanced him to his glorious throne : and he will, through him, send forth his mercy and truth, and graciously accomplish his promises ; he will rescue our souls from all tempters and persecutors; and angels shall join with men in beholding and celebrating his glory in our salvation. Let us then seek to have our hearts fixed on him, and prepared for his spiritual worship ; to celebrate the praises of his boundless mercy and unfailing faithfulness, and to " glorify him with " body and spirit, which are his." Let us assuredly expect and wait for the completion of what concerneth us : and let us earnestly pray, that the Lord may be exalted above the heavens, and his glory above all the earth, by extending the blessings of his gospel through every part of every land, in all the world. (Notes, Ixvii.)