Psalms 57
1 For the music director. According to “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm (miktam) of David concerning the time he fled from Saul and hid in the cave. Please be kind to me, God! Be kind to me because I come to you for protection. I will shelter under the shadow of your wings until the danger is past.
Be merciful to me, God, show favor to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.
2 I cry out for help to God Most High, to God who vindicates me.
I cry out to El 'Elyon [God Most High], to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
3 From heaven he sends his help, and he saves me. He defeats those who persecute me. (Selah) God sends me his unfailing love, showing he is completely trustworthy.
He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. (Selah) ·contemplation with musical interlude·. God will send out his chesed ·loving-kindness· and his truth.
4 I am surrounded by man-eating lions—I am forced to live with them! Their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongues are swords.
My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your kavod ·weighty glory· be above all the earth!
6 They set a trap to catch me. I was so depressed. They dug a pit on my path but they were the ones who fell into it. (Selah)
They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the middle of it themselves. (Selah) ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
7 I have confidence in you, God, I have confidence in you. I will sing songs of praise to you.
My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing zahmar ·musical praise·.
8 I say to myself, “Wake up!” Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn!
Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp! I will wake up the dawn.
9 I will thank you among the peoples, Lord; I will sing your praises among the nations.
I will yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing zahmar ·musical praise· to you among the nations.
10 Your faithful love reaches to the heavens; your trustworthiness to the clouds.
For your great chesed ·loving-kindness· reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.
11 God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your kavod ·weighty glory· be over all the earth.
