Chapter 57
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
6They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”
Overview
Psalm 57 was written when David fled from Saul into a cave. He cries out for mercy, making his refuge in the shadow of God's wings until the calamities pass. He calls upon God Most High who performs all things for him. God shall send forth His mercy and truth. David is among lions — men whose teeth are spears and arrows and whose tongue is a sharp sword. Yet his heart is fixed — he will sing and give praise. He calls upon his own soul to awake, along with the psaltery and harp, saying 'I myself will awake early.' David's desire is that God's glory be exalted above all the earth.
Key Themes
Refuge Under God's Wings
In the darkness of a cave, hunted by Saul, David finds shelter not in the cave's walls but in the shadow of God's wings.
A Fixed Heart in Uncertain Times
Despite desperate circumstances, David's heart is fixed — settled, resolved, steadfast — and this fixed heart produces praise even in crisis.
God's Glory Above All
David's ultimate concern transcends personal safety — he desires that God be exalted above the heavens and His glory above all the earth.
Study Questions
What does it mean to make your refuge 'in the shadow of thy wings' (v. 1)?
How can David's heart be 'fixed' (v. 7) when his circumstances are so unstable and dangerous?
What does it look like to 'awake early' (v. 8) to praise God in the midst of trouble?
How does David's desire for God's glory (v. 5, 11) transcend his personal situation?
What can we learn from David's ability to worship in a cave while being hunted?
Connection to Christ
Jesus often withdrew to pray in lonely places, including the night before the cross. He modeled perfect trust in the Father's wings even while among 'lions' who sought His life. Christ's fixed heart led Him through the cross to resurrection, and His exaltation fulfills David's prayer that God's glory be above all the earth.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 57. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?