otcanon
Psalms 57
A fugitive psalm — almost certainly composed in the cave season of David's life — moving from urgent petition to settled praise without denying the danger. David cries to 'God Most High' (El Elyon), the title that surfaces the Father-of-the-Father pattern: Jehovah as intercessor, El Elyon as the one who performs all things. The adversaries who set snares fall into the pit they dug — the lex talionis embedded in providence. From that recognition the psalmist's heart fixes, not because the calamities have passed, but because mercy reaches to the heavens and truth to the clouds — covenant attributes that do not expire with the crisis.
1
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
2
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3
He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
6
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
7
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10
For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
