Psalms 57 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2PSALM 57 Psa 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 Psa 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-- ( Psa 17:8 ; 36:7 ). calamities-- literally, "mischiefs" ( Psa 52:2 ; 55:10 ).
32. performeth-- or, completes what He has begun.
43. from ... swallow me up-- that pants in rage after me ( Psa 56:2 ). mercy and ... truth-- ( Psa 25:10 ; 36:5 ), as messengers ( Psa 43:3 ) sent to deliver him.
54. The mingled figures of wild beasts ( Psa 10:9 ; 17:12 ) and weapons of war ( Psa 11:2 ) heighten the picture of danger. whose ... tongue-- or slanders.
65. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
76. (Compare Psa 7:15 ; 9:15 , 16 ).
87. I will ... praise-- both with voice and instrument.
98. Hence-- he addresses his glory, or tongue ( Psa 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.
10–119-10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.