A prayer asking for God‘s deliverance from fierce and ruthless foes.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-5
st. 3 = vv. 6-8
st. 4 = vv. 9-11

Hounded by fierce foes (v. 4), the psalmist takes refuge in the protective "shadow of [God's] wings" (v. 1). The first half of the psalm is an appeal to God for mercy and refuge (st. 1) and a description of the ferocity of the psalmist's enemies (st. 2). The second half expresses both the psalmist's confidence that these enemies will fall into the trap they have set (st. 3) and praise for God's saving help (st. 4). Both halves end with a refrain exalting God as the LORD over all creation (vv. 5, 11; st. 2, 4). Though originally a lament on being threatened by enemies, Psalm 57 expresses great confidence in God's help; the refrain in stanzas 2 and 4 highlights the tone of praise that often concludes such laments. Marie J. Post (PHH 5) versified this psalm in 1982 for the Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
The combined themes of distress, confidence in God, and praise to God suggest a number of uses in Christian worship.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook