ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 57
“Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!”
Psalms 57:5
David speaks to God, declaring his desire for God's exaltation above the heavens, which frames the entire psalm's expression of trust and praise.
What Psalm 57 is about
The psalmist requests mercy from God, taking refuge in Him until danger passes (vv. 1-3). He acknowledges that God Most High will intervene and save him from his pursuers, sending His loving kindness and truth. Describing his peril, the psalmist feels surrounded by dangerous foes, comparing them to lions and weapons (vv. 4-6). Despite this, he maintains a steadfast heart and resolves to sing praises to God (vv. 7-8). He declares his intention to give thanks to God among the peoples and sing praises among the nations (vv. 9-10). The psalmist emphasizes God's great loving kindness and truth, which reaches to the heavens. He concludes with a call to exalt God above the heavens and let His glory be over all the earth (v. 11).
God's loving kindness and truth extend to the heavens, promising His exaltation over all the earth.
Psalm 57 at a glance
- Psalm 57:1–3Seeking Refuge in God
- Psalm 57:4–6Describing Peril and Trust
- Psalm 57:7–8Steadfast Heart and Praise
- Psalm 57:9–10Thanksgiving Among Nations
- Psalm 57:11Exaltation of God
Key verse: Psalms 57:5
One thing to notice
The psalmist begins by asking God for mercy in vv. 1-3, using the plea 'Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me.' This request for protection is made while expressing trust in God’s ability to save, moving from a personal appeal to a universal acknowledgment of God's power.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 57 (WEB)
Seeking Refuge in God Psalm 57:1–3
1Verse 1. Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me,for my soul takes refuge in you.Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,until disaster has passed.2Verse 2. I cry out to God Most High,to God who accomplishes my requests for me.3Verse 3. He will send from heaven, and save me,he rebukes the one who is pursuing me.Selah.God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
Describing Peril and Trust Psalm 57:4–6
4Verse 4. My soul is among lions.I lie among those who are set on fire,even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,and their tongue a sharp sword.5Verse 5. Be exalted, God, above the heavens!Let your glory be above all the earth!6Verse 6. They have prepared a net for my steps.My soul is bowed down.They dig a pit before me.They fall into the middle of it themselves.Selah.
Steadfast Heart and Praise Psalm 57:7–8
7Verse 7. My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast.I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.8Verse 8. Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp!I will wake up the dawn.
Thanksgiving Among Nations Psalm 57:9–10
9Verse 9. I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples.I will sing praises to you among the nations.10Verse 10. For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens,and your truth to the skies.
Exaltation of God Psalm 57:11
11Verse 11. Be exalted, God, above the heavens.Let your glory be over all the earth.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 57
trust in God
In Psalm 57, trust in God is articulated in vv. 1-3, where the psalmist seeks refuge in God's mercy, declaring, 'my soul takes refuge in you.' The imagery of shelter under 'the shadow of your wings' conveys a deep reliance on God during peril. This trust is further reinforced as the psalmist cries out to 'God Most High' who fulfills requests and promises aid in times of trouble.
divine deliverance
Divine deliverance surfaces in vv. 3 and 6, as the psalmist expresses confidence that God will intervene. In v. 3, it states, 'He will send from heaven, and save me,' indicating a belief in God’s active role in salvation. Moreover, in v. 6, the psalmist observes that adversaries who set traps will themselves fall into them, illustrating the theme of God’s protective and redemptive action.
steadfast love
In verse 10, the psalmist states, 'your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens.' This declaration speaks to the vastness and reliability of God's love, which serves as a source of comfort during times of trouble. The mention of God's 'truth' alongside His loving kindness presents a fuller picture of His character, which bolsters the psalmist's trust and confidence even in dire circumstances.
praise and worship
Praise and worship are central to the psalmist's response in vv. 7-11. In v. 7, the repeated declaration, 'My heart is steadfast, God,' sets the stage for an outpouring of songs of praise. The psalmist calls to instruments in v. 8, urging them to join in as he gives thanks in v. 9, indicating a communal aspect of worship that reaches beyond personal experience to all nations.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 57 unfolds
Psalm 57:1–3 Seeking Refuge in God
The psalmist appeals for God's mercy, expressing trust in divine protection as he finds refuge in God's ‘shadow of your wings’ during a time of trouble (v. 1). He calls upon God, the ‘Most High,’ to answer his cries and fulfill his needs (v. 2).
Psalm 57:4–6 Describing Peril and Trust
The psalmist expresses his plight, stating ‘My soul is among lions’ and describing his enemies as fierce men whose ‘teeth are spears and arrows’ (v. 4). He calls for God's exaltation and notes that his enemies have set traps for him (vv. 5-6).
Psalm 57:7–8 Steadfast Heart and Praise
The psalmist affirms his ‘steadfast’ heart, declaring, ‘I will sing, yes, I will sing praises’ (v. 7). He urges his ‘glory’ and instruments to awaken for worship, emphasizing his commitment to praise (v. 8).
Psalm 57:9–10 Thanksgiving Among Nations
The psalmist commits to thanking God ‘among the peoples’ and singing praises ‘among the nations’ (v. 9). He acknowledges God's loving kindness that reaches to the heavens and truth to the skies (v. 10).
Psalm 57:11 Exaltation of God
The psalmist concludes with a declaration of God's exaltation, asking that God’s glory be above all the earth (v. 11). This reiterates a central theme of worship throughout the psalm, emphasizing the divine sovereignty and majesty.
Key verses
Psalms 57:5David speaks to God, declaring his desire for God's exaltation above the heavens, which frames the entire psalm's expression of trust and praise.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 57
- observeIn v1, what does David ask God to be towards him?
- observeWhat metaphor does David use in v1 to describe his refuge?
- interpretIn v4, why does David describe his enemies' teeth as 'spears and arrows'?
- interpretIn v10, what does the phrase 'your great loving kindness' indicate about God's nature?
- applyWhen have you felt like you were among 'lions' in your own life?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 57
- Psalm 91Psalm 57:1 and Psalm 91:1Both seek refuge: Psalm 57:1 expresses taking refuge in God's wings, while Psalm 91:1 notes dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty.
- Habakkuk 2Psalm 57:5 and Habakkuk 2:14Both exalt God's glory: Psalm 57:5 declares God's glory above the earth, while Habakkuk 2:14 states the earth will be filled with His glory.
- Psalm 108Psalm 57:5 and Psalm 108:4Both exalt God's loving kindness: Psalm 57:5 praises God's glory above the heavens, while Psalm 108:4 notes His loving kindness is great.
- Psalm 138Psalm 57:2 and Psalm 138:8Both affirm God's assistance: Psalm 57:2 cries out to God who accomplishes requests, while Psalm 138:8 states He fulfills concerns.
- Isaiah 6Psalm 57:5 and Isaiah 6:3Both proclaim God's glory: Psalm 57:5 calls for God's glory above the heavens, while Isaiah 6:3 declares the earth is full of His glory.
- Psalm 72Psalm 57:5 and Psalm 72:19Both celebrate God's glory: Psalm 57:5 proclaims God's glory above the heavens, while Psalm 72:19 prays for the earth to be filled with His glory.
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