Psalm 57

David's hiding from Saul in a cave precipitated this psalm (1 Sam. 22; 24; cf. Ps. 142). The tune name means, "Do not destroy."

This psalm resembles the preceding one in its general theme and design. It too has a recurring refrain (vv. 5, 11). It is, however, more "up beat."

 1. The psalmist's need for God's help 57:1-5

57:1 David began by comparing himself to a little bird that takes refuge from a passing enemy by hiding under the wing of its parent (cf. 17:8; 36:7; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4). The side to the cave in which David hid may have reminded him of a bird's wing.

57:2-3 He said he would cry and God Most High would send help. In these verses David pictured himself as an insignificant creature that a larger predator was about to step on.

57:4 His enemies were similar to voracious lions (cf. 7:2) and their words resembled lions' teeth. I wonder if Daniel thought of this verse when he was in the lions' den (Dan. 6). The soul represents the life of the psalmist. David's enemies used words as implements of warfare to attack him.

57:5 This refrain expresses David's desire that God would glorify Himself. Implicit in the desire is a request that God would deliver the just psalmist.

 2. The psalmist's confidence that God would help 57:6-11

57:6 Now David spoke of himself as a wild animal whom hunters were trying to snare. However, he believed that his hunters would fall into their own trap (cf. 7:15; 9:15; 35:8).

57:7-10 In anticipation of his deliverance David promised to praise God (cf. 108:1-5). He returned to previous references to the Lord's loyal love and truth (v. 10; cf. v. 3).

57:11 The refrain closes the psalm (cf. v. 5). God's glory was David's greatest concern.

Life sometimes seems similar to a jungle with wild beasts threatening to devour us and hostile hunters trying to trap us. Nevertheless the godly can count on supernatural assistance and can rejoice in ultimate salvation. In the mean time we should live for the glory of God.