United Commentaries

Ps.51.1-65.13

These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.

Ps.57.1-11

The psalmist’s cry for mercy and protection quickly turns into an affirmation of trust and confidence in the Lord (57:1-4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7-10).

Ps.57.1

title David . . . fled from Saul and went into the cave: See 1 Sam 22:1 or Ps 24:1-8.

Ps.57.1

shadow of your wings: As a bird protects its young, God protects the one who trusts in him (see 17:8).

Ps.57.2

God Most High (Hebrew Elohim-Elyon) is a generic title for God, who is more powerful than all real or imagined supernatural beings (see 91:1; 97:9; Gen 14:18-22).

who will fulfill his purpose: Or who will end my [trouble], or who deals kindly with me.

Ps.57.3-4

These verses are a prayer for rescue from powerful enemies. The metaphor of fierce lions describes human enemies; the psalmist feels unable to escape them without God’s intervention (see also 35:11-21; 124:6).

Ps.57.5

This verse is repeated in 57:11 and 108:5.

God’s glory—his manifest presence that excludes all evil (8:1; 19:1-4; 24:7)—will fill the whole created order (Isa 6:3).

Ps.57.7-11

This section is repeated with a few modifications in 108:1-5.

Ps.57.7-8

The psalmist is confident that God will end the night of evil (cp. 56:13).

Ps.57.10-11

God’s glory extends to the whole universe, as will praise for his unfailing love and faithfulness.