To the chief musician, al-taskith, a micktam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave
57:Title Al taskith probably indicated the tune to be used in singing this psalm. It means “Do not Destroy”. Miktam was probably a literary or musical term.⚜
57
📚Be merciful to me,O God,
be merciful to me,
for my soul trusts in you.
Yes, in the shadow of your wings 📖
I will make my refuge,
until these calamities
have passed.
57:1 This was written when David fled to a cave. Two such times are recorded in 1 Samuel (1 Sam 22:1; and 24:1-3). Both were times of seeming great danger, but who can really be in danger when he is in God, the Almighty refuge? See Ps 7:1-2.⚜
2 📚I will cry out to God Most High 📖,
to God who performs good things
for me.
3 📚He will send from heaven
and save me from the taunt
of the one who would
swallow me up. Selah
God will send forth his mercy
and his truth.
4 📚My soul is among lions,
and I lie down among
those who are set on fire,
the sons of men whose teeth are
spears and arrows,
and whose tongue is
a sharp sword.
57:4 See Ps 56:1-2. A very vivid picture of the cruelty of his enemies.⚜
5 📚Be exalted, O God, above
the heavens.
May your glory be
above all the earth.
57:5 No greater prayer can be offered. Here is concern for far more than personal safety. Even in deep troubles David wanted God to be honored and glorified. Compare 1 Cor 10:31.⚜
6 📚They have prepared a net
for my steps.
My soul is bowed down.
They have dug a pit in front
of me;
they themselves have fallen
into the middle of it. Selah
7 📚My heart is steadfast 📖, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and give praise.
8 📚Awake, my glory!
Awake, lyre and harp!
I myself will awake early.
9 📚I will praise you, O Lord,
among the peoples.
I will sing to you among the nations.
10 📚For your mercy is great,
reaching to the heavens,
and your truth to the clouds.
11 📚Be exalted, O God, above the
heavens.
May your glory be above
all the earth.
57:7-11 David knew that his deliverance was not by his own strength and wisdom. God’s goodness and love fill his thoughts, bring joy to his heart, and a song to his lips. Can we be silent who have been delivered by the Lord Jesus in a far greater display of grace and love than David experienced?⚜