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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 57, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, Altaschith, 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. {Altaschith: or, Destroy not} {Michtam: or, A golden Psalm}
Psalms 57:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth {all things} for me.
Psalms 57:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me {from} the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. {from the...: or, he reproacheth him that}
Psalms 57:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 My soul {is} among lions: {and} I lie {even among} them that are set on fire, {even} the sons of men, whose teeth {are} spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Psalms 57:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; {let} thy glory {be} above all the earth.
Psalms 57:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen {themselves}. Selah.
Psalms 57:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. {fixed: or, prepared}
Psalms 57:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I {myself} will awake early.
Psalms 57:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Psalms 57:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 For thy mercy {is} great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Psalms 57:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: {let} thy glory {be} above all the earth.
Psalms 57:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.