Psalms

Chapter 57

In You My Soul Takes Refuge

This psalm begins in the darkness of cave refuge and ends in the open air of cosmic praise. David asks for mercy while hiding under the shadow of God's wings until destruction passes, trusts that God Most High will send saving help from heaven against those who reproach him, describes enemies whose words and traps are meant to consume him, then rises into a steady doxology in which his awakened heart praises God among the peoples because divine steadfast love and faithfulness reach to the heavens.

Psalm 57 is a classic movement from refuge to exaltation. It teaches that confidence in God's sovereign mercy can coexist with immediate danger, that traps laid by the wicked often recoil on them, and that deliverance naturally expands private prayer into public worship and mission among the nations.

1 section·94 words·~1 min read

Begin reading Zoom into first section

Reader

Psalms 57

A continuous BSB reading flow. Turn on the guide when you want authored orientation; leave it off when you simply want the text.

vv. 1-11

In You My Soul Takes Refuge

Open section

F¹or the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. ²I cry out to God Most High, ³He reaches down from heaven and saves me;

⁴My soul is among the lions; ⁵Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; ⁶They spread a net for my feet;

⁷My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. ⁸Awake, my glory! ⁹I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; ¹⁰For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, ¹¹Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Section map

Open the closer view when you want it.

Each section keeps the passage focused, adds summaries and cross references, and gives verse-level links.

01vv. 1-11In You My Soul Takes RefugeDavid pleads for mercy and takes refuge in God beneath the shelter of his wings until calamity passes, crying to God Most High who fulfills his purposes and sends saving help from heaven. Though surrounded by lion-like enemies whose words are like spears and swords, he interrupts the lament with the refrain that God be exalted above the heavens and his glory over all the earth. When the wicked spread nets and dig pits for him, they themselves fall into the trap, while David's now steadfast heart awakens harp and lyre to praise the Lord among the peoples, celebrating that God's steadfast love and faithfulness rise higher than the heavens.