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John Gill
INTRODUCTION TO Psalms 57 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Some think the words "Altaschith" are the beginning of a song, to the tune of which this was set, as Aben Ezra; others, that they are taken from Deuteronomy 9:26; they signifying "destroy not" (g); others, that they refer to what David said to Abishai, when he would have slain Saul,...
John Gill
Be merciful unto me, O God,.... Or "be gracious to me" (k); which words are repeated by him. "Be merciful", or "gracious, unto me"; to show the greatness of his distress, the eagerness, vehemency, and importunity he used in prayer; his case requiring a speedy answer, and immediate relief; and that he expected only from the mercy and grace of God; [See comments on Psalms 56:1]; for my soul...
Matthew Henry
This psalm is very much like that which goes next before it; it was penned upon a like occasion, when David was both in danger of trouble and in temptation to sin; it begins as that did, "Be merciful to me;" the method also is the same. I. He begins with prayer and complaint, yet not without some assurance of speeding in his request, ver. 1-6. II. He concludes with joy and praise, ver. 7-11. So...
Charles H. Spurgeon
Ver. 1. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me. Urgent need suggests the repetition of the cry, for thus intense urgency of desire is expressed. If `he gives twice who gives quickly, 'so he who would receive quickly must ask twice. For mercy the psalmist pleads at first, and he feels he cannot improve upon his plea, and therefore returns to it. God is the God of mercy, and the Father of...
Charles H. Spurgeon
1. 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. The heading of this Psalm — “To the chief musician, Aitaschith Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave,” — tells us when it was written. It is one of David’s “ golden Psalms.” What a mixture of feebleness and...
Charles H. Spurgeon
Be merciful unto me, O God — He begins with the same note as in the last Psalm; it is a note that cannot be too often on the believer’s tongue: “Be merciful unto me, O God,” — Psa_57:1. Be merciful unto me: As an old writer says, “The tongue of the bell strikes on both sides, and the note is the same in each case, ‘Be merciful unto me, be merciful unto me.” You cannot have that petition offered...
Charles H. Spurgeon
For my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpass. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. “That perfecteth all things for me,” so it may be read; “that perfecteth all his mercies, all his promises, — and that will perfect all that concerneth me whatever it may be, — unto this God will I cry.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: He pleads twice; for his was an urgent case. He would have the Lord help him at once; for, perhaps, if the Lord’s mercy came not to him at once, it would be too late; so he cried, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me.” Psa_57:1. For my soul trusteth in thee: This is the feather on the arrow of prayer that guides it straight to the heart...