Psalm 57 Bible Commentary

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes

(Read all of Psalm 57)

Verse 3

[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.

Send forth — Will discover them, by affording his gracious help in pursuance of his promises.

Verse 4

[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.

Lions — Fierce and bloody men.

I lie — I have my abode.

On fire — From hell. Who are mere fire-brands, breathing out wrath and threatenings, and incensing Saul against me.

Verse 5

[5] Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

Excited — Glorify thy power, and goodness, and justice, and faithfulness, by my deliverance.

Above, … — To the highest degree possible.

Verse 7

[7] My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Fixed — In a stedfast belief of thy promises.

Verse 8

[8] Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

My glory — My tongue, the instrument of singing.

Awake — I will employ all the powers of my soul and body.

Verse 9

[9] I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

The people — Among the Israelites, and among the Heathens, as I shall have occasion.