05/5/12

Psalm 57 When David Fled From Saul Into the Cave

Psalms as Songs. I believe that we sometimes forget that Psalms were the original hymns of the Old Testament. They still apply today, but are mostly used as Biblical poetry endowed with wisdom. David, especially, wrote Psalms as praise of God’s deliverance and as inspiration for others. That is why in this present age we can personally relate to the Psalms and hold them dear to our hearts. Psalms are an expression of the inner workings and intentions of the heart, therefore they still stand the test of time.  Psalm 57, which we have here, is a Psalm which expresses David’s gratitude for the shelter of God’s wings. Saul was in pursuit of David, which placed David and his followers in a defensive position. Through the grace of GOD, David was able to turn the tables and to become a victor. We all have that ability in Christ today. We are truly loved.

 

PSALM 57

 

Psalm 57[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

They spread a net for my feet —
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

 

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 57:1 : 57:7-11pp — Ps 108:1-5
  2. Psalm 57:1 : 1Sa 22:1; 24:3; Ps 142 Title
  3. Psalm 57:1 : Ps 2:12; 9:9; 34:22
  4. Psalm 57:1 : S Ru 2:12; S Mt 23:37
  5. Psalm 57:1 : Isa 26:20
  6. Psalm 57:2 : Ps 138:8
  7. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 18:9, 16; 69:14; 142:6; 144:5, 7
  8. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 56:1
  9. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 25:10; 40:11; 115:1
  10. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 35:17
  11. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 55:21; Pr 30:14
  12. Psalm 57:5 : ver 11; Ps 108:5
  13. Psalm 57:6 : Ps 10:9; 31:4; 140:5
  14. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 38:6; 145:14
  15. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 9:15
  16. Psalm 57:6 : S Est 6:13; Ps 7:15; Pr 28:10; Ecc 10:8
  17. Psalm 57:7 : Ps 112:7
  18. Psalm 57:8 : Ps 33:2; 149:3; 150:3
  19. Psalm 57:10 : S Ps 36:5
  20. Psalm 57:11 : S Ps 8:1; 113:4
  21. Psalm 57:11 : S ver 5

 

 New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Charlene’s Source: www.biblegateway.com

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