Psalms 57

Psalms 57:1-11

The psalmist asks for mercy and protection, then expresses trust and confidence in the Lord (Psalm 57:1–4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (Psalm 57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7–10).

Psalms 57:1

shadow of Your wings: Like a bird protects its young, God protects those who trust in him (see Psalm 17:8).

See 1 Samuel 22:1 or Psalm 24:1–8.

Psalms 57:2

• God Most High (Hebrew Elohim-Elyon) is a common title for God. He is more powerful than all real or imagined supernatural beings (see Psalms 91:1; 97:9; Genesis 14:18–22).

• who fulfills His purpose for me: Or who will end my [trouble], or who deals kindly with me.

Psalms 57:3-4

These verses are a prayer for rescue from strong enemies. The metaphor of fierce lions describes human foes. The psalmist feels unable to escape them without God's help (see also Psalms 35:11–21; 124:6).

Psalms 57:5

• This verse appears again in Psalm 57:11 and 108:5.

• God's glory, which is his visible presence that keeps out all evil (Psalm 8:1; 19:1–4; 24:7), will fill the entire creation (Isaiah 6:3).

Psalms 57:7-11

This section is repeated with a few changes in Psalm 108:1–5.

Psalms 57:7-8

The psalmist is sure that God will stop the night of evil (compare Psalm 56:13).

Psalms 57:10-11

God's glory reaches the entire universe, and people will praise his constant love and faithfulness.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.