Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 57

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

The psalmist asks for mercy and protection, then expresses trust and confidence in the Lord (Psalm 57:1–4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (Psalm 57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7–10).

shadow of Your wings: Like a bird protects its young, God protects those who trust in him (see Psalm 17:8).

See 1 Samuel 22:1 or Psalm 24:1–8.

• God Most High (Hebrew Elohim-Elyon) is a common title for God. He is more powerful than all real or imagined supernatural beings (see Psalms 91:1; 97:9; Genesis 14:18–22).

• who fulfills His purpose for me: Or who will end my [trouble], or who deals kindly with me.

These verses are a prayer for rescue from strong enemies. The metaphor of fierce lions describes human foes. The psalmist feels unable to escape them without God's help (see also Psalms 35:11–21; 124:6).

• This verse appears again in Psalm 57:11 and 108:5.

• God's glory, which is his visible presence that keeps out all evil (Psalm 8:1; 19:1–4; 24:7), will fill the entire creation (Isaiah 6:3).

This section is repeated with a few changes in Psalm 108:1–5.

The psalmist is sure that God will stop the night of evil (compare Psalm 56:13).

God's glory reaches the entire universe, and people will praise his constant love and faithfulness.