PS 57 David here begins with prayer and complaint, tho' not as without hope, ver. 1-6. He concludes with joy and praise, ver. 7- 11. To the chief musician Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Title of the psalm. Al-taschith - The word signifies, destroy not. Which some think to be a preface, containing the sum of the psalm. The cave - Either

1. That of Adullam, 1 Sam. xxii, 1, or

2. That of Engedi, 1 Sam. xxiv, 1.

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

4. 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.

5. Excited - Glorify thy power, and goodness, and justice, and faithfulness, by my deliverance. Above, &c. - To the highest degree possible.

7. Fixed - In a stedfast belief of thy promises.

8. My glory - My tongue, the instrument of singing. Awake - I will employ all the powers of my soul and body.