Bible Commentaries

Psalm 57:1-11. Altaschith - or, “Destroy not.” This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Samuel 26:1-3. In Moses‘ prayer (Deuteronomy 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 Psalm 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.

my soul — or self, or life, which is threatened.

shadow of thy wings — (Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7).

calamities — literally, “mischiefs” (Psalm 52:2; Psalm 55:10).

performeth — or, completes what He has begun.

swallow me up — that pants in rage after me (Psalm 56:2).

mercy and … truth — (Psalm 25:10; Psalm 36:5), as messengers (Psalm 43:3) sent to deliver him.

The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psalm 10:9; Psalm 17:12) and weapons of war (Psalm 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.

whose … tongue — or slanders.

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

(Compare Psalm 7:15; Psalm 9:15, Psalm 9:16).

I will … praise — both with voice and instrument.

Hence — he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psalm 16:9; Psalm 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.

I myself … early — literally, “I will awaken dawn,” poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.

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