Psalms 57
1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. 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.
God, be merciful to me! Act mercifully toward me because I come to you to protect me. I ask you to protect me [like little birds are protected under their mother’s] wings [MET] until the storm/danger is ended.
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
God, you who are greater than all other gods, I cry out to you, the one who enables me to do all that you desire.
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.
You will answer me from heaven and rescue me, but you will cause those who oppress me to be [defeated and] disgraced! (Think about that!) God will [always] faithfully love me and (will be faithful/will do what he promises).
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.
[Sometimes] I am surrounded by [my enemies who are like] lions that [kill] humans; [they are like] lions that chew with their teeth [animals that they kill]; but my enemies have spears and arrows, not teeth; and [the false things that] they say [MTY] [hurt people as much as] sharp swords [hurt people] [MET].
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
God, show in the heavens that you are very great! And show your glory to people all over 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!
[It is as if] [MET, HYP] my enemies spread a net to seize me, and I became very distressed [IDM]. [It is as if] [MET, HYP] they dug a deep pit along the path where I walk, but they themselves fell into it!
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.
God, I have complete confidence [DOU] in you. I will sing to you, and I will praise you while I sing.
8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
I will awaken myself; I will arise before the sun rises and [praise you while I play] my harp or my (lyre/small harp).
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples.
Lord, I will thank you among [all] the people; and I will sing to praise you among [many] ethnic groups,
10 For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.
because your faithful love for us is [as great as the distance from the earth] to the sky, and because your (faithfulness/faithfully doing what you promise) is [as great as the distance] up to the clouds [MET].
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
God, show in the heavens that you are very great! And show your glory [to people] all over the earth!
