Psalms 57

David flying before Saul, prayeth to God for favour and protection, whereof he assureth himself, and describing the bitterness of his enemies, he foretelleth their fall, and is ready to praise God.

1. A Golden Jewel of David, for the chief-songmaster, [As in the former Psalm] Altascheth, This some do likewise hold, for the beginning of a certain song well known among the Jews in that time, according to the tune whereof this Psalm was to be sung. Others are of opinion, that it is a short summary, or argument of the contents of this Psalm, wherein David declared more at large, that in his great distress he was wont, anxiously and frequently to call upon God, in these few words. Destroy not, consume not.] when as he fled before Sauls face, into the cave, (or den.)

2. Be gracious to me O God, (or have mercy on,) be gracious unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee, [Or taketh refuge to thee, and so in the sequel] and I take my refuge (or shelter) under the shadow of thy wings. [see Ruth.2.on v.12. and below 61,5. And 63.8.] till the destructions shall be passed by, [or the troubles, miseries, mishaps, mischieves, wretched nesses.]

3. I will call upon God the most high, upon God that shall fulfil (or accomplish) it on me. [to wit, his work, which he hath aready begun with me. Comp. Psal.138.8. Phil.1.6.]

4. He shall send from heaven, [His hand, namely, his help, or holy Angels, see Psalms 144:7. Dan.3.28. or his kindness and truth, as followeth] and save me shaming, (or bringing to reproach) him that seeks to swallow me up, [see Psalm 56.on v.2.] Sela! [see Psa.3.on v.3.] God shall send his kindness and his truth, [or faithfulness, i.e. He shall faithfully perform his gracious promises, by actual help and deliverance. Compare Psal.40.12. and 42.v.9.]

5. My soul [i.e. my self, my person] is in the midst of the Lions, I lie among incendiaries, (butterfeux) [or fire-hands, Heb, flaming (ones) whereby he understands the flatterers and informers, which betrayed him still to Saul, and incensed him more and more against him. See 1.Sam.23.19.20. and 24.10. and 26.1.] Children of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, [i.e. like unto spears, etc. Heb.spear] and their tongue a sharp sword. [compare Psalms 55:22. and 59 8.]

6. Exalt thy self above the heavens, O God: compare v.4. Because Davids God was quiet, a while, Davids enemies persuaded themselves, that God regarded him not, and approveth of their wicked practises, wherewith they dishonoured God: therefore he prayeth that God would manifest the contrary from heaven upon earth, for the honour of his righteousness and truth; compare Psalm.58.verse 11.12.] thine honour be over all the earth.

7. They have prepared a net for my paths, my soul was bowed down; [I was almost ensnared and taken in their net, I was even fallen into to.] they have digged a pit before my face: they are fallen into the middest of it, Sela!

8. My heart is really O God, my heart is ready: [Or strengthened, confirmed; See Psalms 108:2. etc. And the annotate. There I will sing, and sing Psalms.

9. Awake mine honour, [As Psalms 16:9. see there] Awake thou lute and harp; I will awake in the dawning of the day.

10. I will praise thee among the people, O LORD: I will sing Psalms to thee among the Nations.

11. For thy benignity (goodness, kindness) is great, up to the Heavens; and thy Truth up to the uppermost clouds.

12. Exalt thy self above the heavens, O God, thine honour be over all the earth. [As above v.6.]