Psalm 57:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.

Traditional

To the chief Musician, Al–taschith, 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.

Literal

For the one directing. To “Do not Destroy.” Of David. A Miktam in his fleeing from the face of Saul in the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me! For in You my soul takes refuge, and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until the calamities have passed by.

Latin

In finem, ne disperdas. David in tituli inscriptionem, cum fugeret a facie Saul in speluncam. Miserere mei, Deus, miserere mei, quoniam in te confidit anima mea. Et in umbra alarum tuarum sperabo, donec transeat iniquitas.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.

Notes

Psalms 57:1

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

Psalms 57:title

See 1 Samuel 22:1 or Psalm 24:1–8.

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 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David Trusting God in the Psalms

Related verses

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
Psalm 36:7
How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!
Psalm 17:7–8
Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.
Psalm 63:7
For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Psalm 61:4
Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
James 5:10–11
Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Psalm 69:13–16
But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
Isaiah 26:20
Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed.
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Ruth 2:12
May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”

Parallels

1 Samuel 22:1–5 Psalm 108:1–13 Psalm 142:1–7

People

Al-taschith: Musical or literary term in Psalms, meaning "Do Not Destroy" David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Miktam: A musical or literary term used in Psalm titles Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Adullam, Adullamite Al-Taschith David Mercy Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Adullam: A Cave Near the Dead Sea Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Figures David: King of Israel: Writes Faith: Exemplified Music: Al-Taschith: It Appears in the Titles of Music: Micahtam: A Musical Term in the Titles of Protection is Granted to Saints in Calamities Psalms: Afflictions Shadows

Psalm 57:1

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