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Psalms / Chapter 57
Psalm 57 traces a movement from urgent appeals for mercy and shelter under threat to renewed confidence in help from heaven, culminating in a widened, public song of praise that repeats its climactic refrain.
Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, For my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, Until disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High, To God who accomplishes my requests for me.
He will send from heaven, and save me, He rebukes the one who is pursuing me. Selah. God will send out his lovingkindness and his truth.
My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword.
Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!
They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the midst of it themselves. Selah.
My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp! I will wake up the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your great lovingkindness reaches to the heavens, And your truth to the skies.
Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 58 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David.
Psalms journey · Psalms 57
Full passage context
Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.
Prayer, lament, praise, kingship, and hope teach God's people to sing truthfully.
Movement
Worship across the whole story
Artifact
Prayer book of the covenant people
Biblical Timeline
Kingdom
Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context
Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC
Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.
Follow the movement of the chapter, then open any passage in its full context.
Context snapshot
Date
Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC
Genre
Poetry, prayer, and praise
Setting
Israel/Judah worship tradition
Audience
Israel
World Stage
Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries
Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.
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