Copyright StatementThese files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text scanned by Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary is in the public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliographical InformationJamieson, Robert, D.D.; Fausset, A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Psalms 57". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
commentaries/eng/jfb/psalms-57.html. 1871-8.
Introduction
PSALM 57
:-. Altaschith—or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1 Samuel 22:1; 1 Samuel 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (Deuteronomy 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam—(See on Deuteronomy 9:26- :, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing.
Verse 1
1. my soul—or self, or life, which is threatened.
shadow of thy wings— (Psalms 17:8; Psalms 36:7).
calamities—literally, "mischiefs" (Psalms 52:2; Psalms 55:10).
Verse 2
2. performeth—or, completes what He has begun.
Verse 3
3. from . . . swallow me up—that pants in rage after me (Psalms 56:2).
mercy and . . . truth— (Psalms 25:10; Psalms 36:5), as messengers (Psalms 43:3) sent to deliver him.
Verse 4
4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psalms 10:9; Psalms 17:12) and weapons of war (Psalms 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
whose . . . tongue—or slanders.
Verse 5
5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
Verse 6
6. (Compare Psalms 7:15; Psalms 9:15; Psalms 9:16).
Verse 7
7. I will . . . praise—both with voice and instrument.
Verse 8
8. Hence—he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psalms 16:9; Psalms 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
I myself . . . early—literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
Verse 9
9, 10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.