Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 57
Altaschith—or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (Deu 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 JFB for Psa 16:1, 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.
1. my soul—or self, or life, which is threatened.
shadow of thy wings— (Psa 17:8; 36:7).
calamities—literally, "mischiefs" (Psa 52:2; 55:10).
2. performeth—or, completes what He has begun.
3. from...swallow me up—that pants in rage after me (Psa 56:2).
mercy and...truth— (Psa 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Psa 43:3) sent to deliver him.
4. The mingled figures of wild beasts (Psa 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Psa 11:2) heighten the picture of danger.
whose...tongue—or slanders.
5. This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
6. (Compare Psa 7:15; 9:15-16).
7. I will...praise—both with voice and instrument.
8. Hence—he addresses his glory, or tongue (Psa 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp.
I myself...early—literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
9, 10. As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe.