Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 57

Verses 1-11

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 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).

Verses 2

2. performeth—or, completes what He has begun.

Verses 3

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.

Verses 4

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.

Verses 5

5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.

Verses 6

6. (Compare Ps 7:15; 9:15, 16).

Verses 7

7. I will … praise—both with voice and instrument.

Verses 8

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.

Verses 9

9, 10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.