Psalms 57

Ps 57:1-11.

Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical

allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for

which compare

1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3.

In Moses' prayer

(De 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

Ps 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.

1. my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened.

shadow of thy wings--

(Ps 17:8; 36:7).

calamities--literally, "mischiefs"

(Ps 52:2; 55:10).

2. performeth--or, completes what He has begun.

3. from . . . swallow me up--that pants in rage after me

(Ps 56:2).

mercy and . . . truth--

(Ps 25:10; 36:5),

as messengers

(Ps 43:3)

sent to deliver him.

4. The mingled figures of wild beasts

(Ps 10:9; 17:12)

and weapons of war

(Ps 11:2)

heighten the picture of danger.

whose . . . tongue--or slanders.

5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his

deliverance with God's glory.

6. (Compare

Ps 7:15; 9:15, 16).

7. I will . . . praise--both with voice and instrument.

8. Hence--he addresses his glory, or tongue

(Ps 16:9; 30:12),

and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.

I myself . . . early--literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically

expressing his zeal and diligence.

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