57:title music director See note on 4:title.

Do Not Destroy This phrase appears in the titles of Pss 57–59 and Psa 75.

Of David See note on 3:title.

A miktam See note on 16:title.

When he fled from Saul into the cave David fled to a cave in both 1 Sam 22:1–2 and Ps 24:1–7. See note on 3:title.

David and the Psalm Titles

57:1 Be gracious to me, O God A common plea in lament psalms. The Hebrew verb used here, chanan, refers to extending grace or compassion. See note on 51:1.

In the shadow of your wings A common image for God’s protection. See note on 36:7; note on Ruth 2:12.

destruction passes by The Hebrew word here, hawwah, means “disaster” or “calamity” (Psa 52:2; Job 6:2). The psalmist wants to take shelter in God’s protection and wait for the destruction to pass over like a storm.

57:2 God Most High The Hebrew phrase used here, elohim elyon, emphasizes God’s supremacy over the entire earth (Ps 47:2; Deut 32:8). It fits with the psalmist’s emphasis that God’s glory be praised throughout the entire earth (Ps 57:5, 11).

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

to God who accomplishes things concerning me Given the psalmist’s desire that God shame his enemies (v. 3), this phrase should be understood as a call for God to bring vengeance on his behalf.

57:3 he will reproach the one who tramples me The psalmist expresses confidence that God will ultimately shame his enemies. See note on 25:2.

57:4 is among lions Describes enemies as lions; they encircle him and wait for the chance to destroy him (17:12). See note on 7:2.

57:5 Be exalted The term rum used here means “to be high.” The psalmist praises God, who is elevated as the supreme ruler and judge over the entire earth. See note on v. 2.

above the heavens This could refer to the highest heavens, where the Israelites believed that Yahweh dwelled, or be a general exaltation declaring that God is greater than all things.

57:7 is steadfast The term nakhon means “to be established” or “to be permanent.” The psalmist assures God that he is confident in God’s protection (compare 73:2).

57:8 Awake, harp and lyre The Hebrew text here refers to stringed instruments associated with celebration and worship. See 33:2 and note; 92:3 and note.

I will awake the dawn Probably indicates that the psalmist woke early to praise God.

57:9 among the peoples, O Lord The psalmist’s praise extends to all peoples and nations. God’s glory and sovereignty extends throughout all the earth. See note on 47:9.

57:10 your faithfulness to the clouds Emphasizes the far-reaching scope of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. It reaches above the sky (see 108:4 and note).

57:11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God The psalmist closes by repeating his exultation of God. Compare v. 7 and note.