Psalm 57

In You My Soul Takes Refuge

(1 Samuel 22:1–5; Psalms 108:1–13; Psalms 142:1–7)

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam 1 of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave.

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.

² I cry out to God Most High,2 to God who fulfills His purpose for me.

³ He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.

My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.

They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.

Awake, my glory!3 Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples.

¹⁰ For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.

¹¹ Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.


  1. 57:0 Miktam is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 16 and 56–60. ↩︎

  2. 57:2 Hebrew Elohim-Elyon ↩︎

  3. 57:8 Or Awake, my soul! ↩︎