Psalms 57

1 Have mercy [be merciful unto me, show kindness] on me, O God [Elohim, the supreme Creator], have mercy [act mercifully toward me], for in You [as my trust and refuge] my soul [the innermost part of my being] takes refuge [trusts and finds shelter]. In the shadow [protection and care] of Your wings [like a mother bird’s wings] I will take shelter [make my refuge, find safety] until the danger [calamities, troubles] has passed [is overpast, has ended]. word study 2 I cry out [with urgent need, in distress] to God [Elohim, the supreme God] Most High [exalted above all, supreme], to God [who is my Savior, my Deliverer] who fulfills [accomplishes, brings to pass] His purpose [plan, intention] for me [on my behalf, in my life]. word study 3 He reaches down [from above, out of heaven] from heaven and saves [rescues, delivers] me; He rebukes [corrects, disciplines] those who trample [oppress, persecute] me. Selah [pause, reflect] God [Elohim, the supreme God] sends forth [dispatches, extends] His loving devotion [mercy, kindness, lovingkindness] and His truth [faithfulness, reliability]. word study 4 My soul [my inner being, my life] is among the lions [ferocious beasts, ruthless men]; I lie down with ravenous beasts [men who are set on fire, fiercely devouring]— with men whose teeth are spears [sharp weapons, instruments of war] and arrows [piercing words, deadly attacks], whose tongues are sharp swords [cutting words, harsh criticisms]. word study 5 Be exalted [lifted up, elevated], O God [Elohim, the supreme Creator], above the heavens [the visible sky and the spiritual realm]; may Your glory [divine presence, honor] cover [encompass, overshadow] all the earth [the land, the world]. word study 6 They spread a net [to seize and trap] for my feet; my soul [my inner being, my emotions] was despondent [deeply distressed, bent down]. They dug a pit [a deep hole, a trap] before me, but they themselves have fallen [been caught and plunged] into it [in a state of ruin and shame]! Selah word study 7 My heart [soul, inner being] is steadfast [fixed, established], O God [Elohim, the supreme Creator], my heart [spirit, inner self] is steadfast [firm, unwavering]. I will sing [make music, give praise] and make music [play instruments, worship]. word study 8 Awake, my glory [my heart, my soul]! Awake, O harp [lyre, musical instrument] and lyre [psaltery, stringed instrument]! I will awaken [arise early, wake up at dawn] the dawn [early morning, daybreak]. word study 9 I will praise [give thanks, sing hymns to] You, O Lord [my Savior, my God], among the nations [Gentile peoples, non-Jewish countries]; I will sing [make music, chant] Your praises [hymns, songs of adoration] among the peoples [multitudes, ethnic groups]. word study 10 For Your [great, merciful] loving devotion [faithful love, kindness] reaches to the heavens [the skies, the highest point], and Your faithfulness [truth, trustworthiness] to the clouds [the skies, the celestial realm]. word study 11 Be exalted [lifted up, elevated], O God [the supreme Creator], above the heavens [the visible universe, the sky]; may Your glory [divine presence, honor] cover [encompass, overshadow] all the earth [the land, the world]. word study