Psalms 57
1 To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.
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.
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.
I cry out for help to God Most High, to God who vindicates me.
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. (Selah) God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
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.
4 My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
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.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. (Selah)
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)
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
I have confidence in you, God, I have confidence in you. I will sing songs of praise to you.
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.
I say to myself, “Wake up!” Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn!
9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
I will thank you among the peoples, Lord; I will sing your praises among the nations.
10 For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Your faithful love reaches to the heavens; your trustworthiness to the clouds.
11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
