Psalms
Chapter 57
David asks God for mercy while enemies hunt him. He pictures himself hiding under God's wings until the danger passes, surrounded by men whose words cut like swords. He says the trap they dug has caught them instead. The psalm turns from fear to singing, twice asking that God be lifted high above the heavens.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
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.
1Be kind to me, God. Be kind to me. I run to you to keep me safe. I will hide in the shadow of your wings until this trouble has passed.
2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
2I call out to God, the Most High, to the God who finishes what he plans for me.
3He 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.
3He will reach down from heaven and save me. He will stop the one who tries to swallow me whole. (Selah) God will send his love and his truth.
"Selah" is a word the psalms use often. Nobody today knows exactly what it meant. It was likely a music mark, maybe a pause or a signal to the players.
4My 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.
4I am living among lions. I lie down among men who attack like wild beasts. Their teeth are like spears and arrows, and their tongues are sharp swords.
5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
5God, be lifted high above the skies. Let your glory cover the whole earth.
6They 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.
6They spread a net where I walk, and my heart sank low. They dug a pit in my path, and they fell into it themselves. (Selah)
7My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
7My heart is steady, God. My heart is steady. I will sing, and I will make music for you.
8Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
8Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will be awake before the sun comes up.
"My glory" here means the singer's own self, his innermost life. The "psaltery" was a stringed instrument, something like a small harp or a lyre.
9I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
9I will thank you, Lord, where the peoples can hear. I will sing about you among the nations.
10For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
10Your love is so great it reaches the skies. Your truth reaches the clouds.
In the King James Bible, "mercy" here means steady, loyal love, not just letting someone off. It is love that keeps its promises.
11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
11God, be lifted high above the skies. Let your glory cover the whole earth.
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