Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary < PSALM 57
Ps 57:1-11. Altaschith—or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (De 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam—(See on [599]Ps 16:1, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing. 1. my soul—or self, or life, which is threatened. shadow of thy wings—(Ps 17:8; 36:7). calamities—literally, "mischiefs" (Ps 52:2; 55:10). I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. 2. performeth—or, completes what He has begun.
He 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. 3. from … swallow me up—that pants in rage after me (Ps 56:2).
mercy and … truth—(Ps 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Ps 43:3) sent to deliver him. My 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. 4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Ps 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Ps 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
whose … tongue—or slanders. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth. 5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
They 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. 6. (Compare Ps 7:15; 9:15, 16).
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 7. I will … praise—both with voice and instrument.
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 8. Hence—he addresses his glory, or tongue (Ps 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
I myself … early—literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 9, 10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth. |
