October 4, 2017 (Wednesday)
The Psalmist pleads for God’s mercy. He presents a beautiful allegory in his prayer: “refuge in the shadow of your wings,” alluding to a mother bird protecting her young. God cares for His own people. The Psalmist closes each of the two sections of the Psalm with “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” His enemies shall suffer the fate they plan to inflict upon him (“They dug a pit in my path–but they have fallen into it themselves”). The Psalmist is filled with joy as he offers thanksgiving.
Psalm 57
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.”
Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
I. ASSURANCE OF GOD’S HELP (1-5)
1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me–
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts–
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
II. JOYOUS THANKSGIVING FOR VICTORY (6-11)
6 They spread a net for my feet–
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path–
but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
New International Version (NIV)
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.”
Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
I. ASSURANCE OF GOD’S HELP (1-5)
1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me–
God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.
4 I am in the midst of lions;
I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts–
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
II. JOYOUS THANKSGIVING FOR VICTORY (6-11)
6 They spread a net for my feet–
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path–
but they have fallen into it themselves.
7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.