Psalm 57 Study Notes

Ps 57 title Do Not Destroy was probably a known song tune of the time (see note at Ps 22 title). On Miktam, see note at Ps 16 title. There are two possibilities for the historical setting of this psalm, both of which involved David fleeing from Saul and going into a cave (1Sm 22:1; 24:1-3; cp. Ps 142).

57:1 On shadow of your wings, see notes at 17:8; 27:5.

57:2 Most High emphasizes God’s sovereignty over the whole earth (see note at 7:17).

57:3 On tramples, see note at 56:1-2.

57:4 Enemies are often portrayed as lions that devour people (see notes at 7:1-2; 14:4). Tongues probably refers to their speech, which is often destructive (see note at 52:2).

57:5 Glory (Hb kavod) carries the idea of “heavy” or “weighty” in the sense of “important” (see word study at 24:7-10). God’s glory can either be a physical manifestation, such as that which came down on the ark of the covenant (Ex 40:34-35), or be used to represent his significance, perhaps connected with his reputation or “name” (Ps 29:2; 66:2). In this verse his significance is over the whole earth, meaning beyond anything on earth. Verse 11 repeats the same words as v. 5.

57:6 The desire for enemies to fall into their own traps is a common request in these types of prayers (see note at 7:14-16).

57:7-8 My soul here is literally “my glory” from the same Hebrew word (kavod) as v. 5. Here it represents the person but creates an interesting wordplay within the psalm.

57:9 The praise . . . among the peoples and nations demonstrates that the Lord’s authority is over all the nations of the earth (see notes at 18:49; 22:27-31).