Psalms 57
BSB1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. 3 He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. 4 My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth. 6 They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples. 10 For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
Study Notes — Psalms 57
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 57
- Themes from Psalms 57
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 57
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Psalms 57 is a psalm of David, written when he was in the cave, fleeing from King Saul. The chapter begins with David's cry for mercy and protection, expressing his trust in God's deliverance. In Psalms 57:1-3, David describes his situation, surrounded by enemies, but affirms his confidence in God's power to save him. The middle section, Psalms 57:4-6, describes the wickedness of his enemies and the righteousness of God. The chapter concludes with David's expression of gratitude and worship, as seen in Psalms 57:7-11, where he vows to sing praises to God and trust in His deliverance. Throughout the chapter, David's trust in God is evident, and he encourages the reader to do the same, regardless of their circumstances.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 57 is part of the Psalter, a collection of poems and songs that express the emotions and experiences of God's people. The chapter is attributed to David, who wrote it when he was in the cave, fleeing from King Saul. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the Psalms, which describe the experiences of God's people and their trust in His deliverance. As seen in 1 Samuel 22:1, David's experience in the cave is a significant event in his life, and Psalms 57 provides insight into his thoughts and feelings during this time.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's deliverance and protection, just as David did. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, believers can find refuge in God's presence and trust in His power to save them from sin and its consequences. This trust is rooted in God's character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 57 is a chapter about trusting in God's deliverance and protection. David writes about his experiences fleeing from King Saul and how he trusts in God to save him. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, the chapter encourages believers to trust in God's power and character, and to find refuge in His presence. The chapter also highlights God's faithfulness and righteousness, which are demonstrated through His deliverance of David and His people.
Voices from the Church
“The shadow of God's wings is a blessed refuge, where we may hide from the storms of life. As seen in Psalms 57:1, David's trust in God's deliverance is a powerful example of faith and confidence in God's power.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“David's trust in God is not based on his own strength or abilities, but on God's character and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, this trust is rooted in God's sovereignty and providence.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: David's Cry for Mercy (Psalms 57:1-3) — David cries out to God for mercy and protection, expressing his trust in God's deliverance. As seen in Psalms 57:1, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness.
- The Wickedness of David's Enemies (Psalms 57:4-6) — The chapter describes the wickedness of David's enemies, who seek to destroy him. As seen in Psalms 57:4-6, this wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice.
- God's Faithfulness and Deliverance (Psalms 57:7-11) — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and deliverance, as David expresses his gratitude and worship. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, God's faithfulness is demonstrated through His deliverance of David and His people.
- Conclusion: David's Trust in God (Psalms 57:1-11) — The chapter concludes with David's expression of trust in God's deliverance and protection. As seen in Psalms 57:1-11, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith.
- Application: Trusting in God's Deliverance — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's deliverance and protection, just as David did. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, believers can find refuge in God's presence and trust in His power to save them from sin and its consequences.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty
- The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the lives of His people. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, God's sovereignty is demonstrated through His deliverance of David and His people.
- The Doctrine of Salvation
- The chapter highlights God's power to save His people from sin and its consequences. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, God's salvation is rooted in His character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith.
- The Doctrine of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and character. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, faith is demonstrated through obedience and trust in God's deliverance.
- The Doctrine of Worship
- The chapter encourages believers to worship and praise God for His deliverance and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, worship is a response to God's salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character.
Lessons from Psalms 57
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches that trusting in God is essential for living a life of faith and obedience. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness.
- The Power of God's Deliverance — The chapter highlights God's power to deliver His people from sin and its consequences. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, God's deliverance is demonstrated through His salvation of David and His people.
- The Importance of Worship and Praise — The chapter encourages believers to worship and praise God for His deliverance and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, worship is a response to God's salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character.
- The Challenge of Living by Faith — The chapter teaches that living by faith can be challenging, but it is essential for trusting in God's deliverance and protection. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, faith is demonstrated through obedience and trust in God's power and character.
- The Reward of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches that trusting in God brings joy, peace, and deliverance. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, trusting in God is rooted in His character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith.
Themes from Psalms 57
- Trust in God's Deliverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power to deliver His people from sin and its consequences. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness.
- The Wickedness of God's Enemies — The chapter describes the wickedness of God's enemies, who seek to destroy His people. As seen in Psalms 57:4-6, this wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice.
- God's Faithfulness and Righteousness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and righteousness, which are demonstrated through His deliverance of David and His people. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, God's faithfulness is rooted in His character and faithfulness.
- The Importance of Worship and Praise — The chapter encourages believers to worship and praise God for His deliverance and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, worship is a response to God's salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character.
- The Challenge of Living by Faith — The chapter teaches that living by faith can be challenging, but it is essential for trusting in God's deliverance and protection. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, faith is demonstrated through obedience and trust in God's power and character.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's deliverance and protection in your life?
- How does the chapter describe the wickedness of David's enemies, and what can we learn from this?
- What are some ways that God's faithfulness and righteousness are demonstrated in the chapter?
- How can you apply the principles of trust and faith in your own life, and what are some challenges that you may face?
- What are some ways that you can worship and praise God for His deliverance and faithfulness in your life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: David's Cry for Mercy (Psalms 57:1-3)
| 57:1 | David cries out to God for mercy and protection, expressing his trust in God's deliverance. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness. |
| 57:2 | David asks God to send His lovingkindness and truth to deliver him from his enemies. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is demonstrated through his obedience and faith. |
| 57:3 | David affirms his trust in God's power to deliver him from his enemies. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is rooted in God's sovereignty and providence. |
2. The Wickedness of David's Enemies (Psalms 57:4-6)
| 57:4 | The chapter describes the wickedness of David's enemies, who seek to destroy him. As seen in this verse, this wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice. |
| 57:5 | David describes the wickedness of his enemies, who seek to destroy him. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is demonstrated through his obedience and faith. |
| 57:6 | David affirms his trust in God's power to deliver him from his enemies. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness. |
3. God's Faithfulness and Deliverance (Psalms 57:7-11)
| 57:7 | David's heart is steadfast, and he will sing and praise God. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is demonstrated through his obedience and faith. |
| 57:8 | David awakens his soul to praise God, and he will sing to the Lord. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness. |
| 57:9 | David will praise God among the nations, and he will sing to His name. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is demonstrated through his obedience and faith. |
| 57:10 | David affirms God's greatness and lovingkindness, which reach to the heavens. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is rooted in God's sovereignty and providence. |
| 57:11 | David affirms God's truth, which reaches to the skies. As seen in this verse, David's trust in God is demonstrated through his obedience and faith. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Psalms 57?
The chapter is attributed to David, who wrote it when he was in the cave, fleeing from King Saul. As seen in 1 Samuel 22:1, David's experience in the cave is a significant event in his life, and Psalms 57 provides insight into his thoughts and feelings during this time.
What is the main theme of Psalms 57?
The main theme of the chapter is trust in God's deliverance and protection. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith.
How does the chapter describe the wickedness of David's enemies?
The chapter describes the wickedness of David's enemies, who seek to destroy him. As seen in Psalms 57:4-6, this wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 57:1 → Psalms 36:7 | Both passages describe God's wings as a refuge for His people. As seen in Psalms 36:7, God's wings are a symbol of His protection and care. |
| 2 | Psalms 57:3 → Psalms 43:3 | Both passages describe God's lovingkindness and truth as a deliverance for His people. As seen in Psalms 43:3, God's lovingkindness and truth are rooted in His character and faithfulness. |
| 3 | Psalms 57:4 → Psalms 35:7 | Both passages describe the wickedness of God's enemies, who seek to destroy His people. As seen in Psalms 35:7, this wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice. |
| 4 | Psalms 57:7 → Psalms 30:12 | Both passages describe the importance of praising God for His deliverance. As seen in Psalms 30:12, praising God is a response to His salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character. |
| 5 | Psalms 57:9 → Psalms 9:11 | Both passages describe the importance of praising God among the nations. As seen in Psalms 9:11, praising God is a response to His salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character. |
| 6 | Psalms 57:10 → Psalms 36:5 | Both passages describe God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, which reach to the heavens. As seen in Psalms 36:5, God's lovingkindness and faithfulness are rooted in His character and faithfulness. |
| 7 | Psalms 57:11 → Psalms 108:4 | Both passages describe God's truth, which reaches to the skies. As seen in Psalms 108:4, God's truth is a demonstration of His power and character. |
| 8 | Psalms 57:1 → Romans 8:28 | Both passages describe God's sovereignty and providence, which are demonstrated through His deliverance of His people. As seen in Romans 8:28, God's sovereignty and providence are rooted in His character and faithfulness. |
| 9 | Psalms 57:3 → Hebrews 13:6 | Both passages describe God's power to deliver His people from their enemies. As seen in Hebrews 13:6, God's power is demonstrated through His salvation of His people. |
| 10 | Psalms 57:7 → Ephesians 5:19 | Both passages describe the importance of praising God for His deliverance. As seen in Ephesians 5:19, praising God is a response to His salvation and a demonstration of faith and trust in His power and character. |
Sermons on Psalms 57
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Complete Surrender by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to God and sacrificing for His glory. The speaker talks about the need to prioritize spiritual matter |
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The Secret of Victory by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully dedicating oneself to God. He shares the story of a preacher who chose to retire and move away when he was diagnosed |
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Exalted God Above All by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of miracles and the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that miracles are a visible manifestation of God' |
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The Alarm by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wakefulness in the spiritual life. He starts by discussing the power of praise and how even birds sing with all their migh |
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The Alarum by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wakefulness in the spiritual life. He starts by discussing the power of praise and how even birds sing with all their migh |
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My Heart Is Fixed by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of praising God and the importance of having a fixed heart. He shares a personal testimony of being healed through praising the Lo |
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The God of Glory - the Delights of an Awakened Heart by Aeron Morgan | The sermon transcript discusses Psalm 57 and focuses on David's trust in God during turbulent times. The speaker emphasizes the importance of encountering God and being transformed |
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The God of Glory - No Threat to His Children by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His self-revelation through prayer and studying the Bible. He quotes John Piper, who states th |
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A Man Who Exalted God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of exalting God above all else, using Psalm 57 as a foundation. He reflects on David's prayer for God's mercy and his commitment to praise God |
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The Divine Names and Titles by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger delves into the significance of various names of God in the Bible, highlighting the different aspects of His character and relationship with His people. Elohim, ment |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 57
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 57 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and protection. As seen in Psalms 57:1-3, David's trust in God is rooted in God's character and faithfulness, and it is demonstrated through obedience and faith. Henry notes that God's lovingkindness and truth are a deliverance for His people, and that His people should trust in His power to save them from their enemies. As seen in Psalms 57:7-11, Henry encourages believers to praise God for His deliverance and to trust in His power to save them from their enemies. The commentary also highlights the importance of worship and praise, as seen in Psalms 57:7-11, and encourages believers to sing to the Lord and to praise His name among the nations. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
David's Trust in God
David's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, as he expresses his confidence in God's power to deliver him. This trust is rooted in God's character and faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 57:1-3.
The Wickedness of David's Enemies
The chapter describes the wickedness of David's enemies, who seek to destroy him, as seen in Psalms 57:4-6. This wickedness is contrasted with God's righteousness and justice.
God's Faithfulness
The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and righteousness, which are contrasted with the wickedness of David's enemies, as seen in Psalms 57:4-6. God's faithfulness is demonstrated through His deliverance of David and His people.





