Psalms
Chapter
Psalms is a collection of poems written over a long period of time by various authors. They express the heart of humanity in all generations through a variety of religious experiences. Originally the poems were chanted or sung to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument. One of the characteristics of this Hebrew poetry is parallelism; that is, the second line reiterates the idea of the first line.
Psalm 57
57:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. 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.
57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
57:3 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.
57:4 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.
57:5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
57:6 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.
57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.