Psalms 57:11
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Original Language Analysis
ר֣וּמָה
Be thou exalted
H7311
ר֣וּמָה
Be thou exalted
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
1 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שָׁמַ֣יִם
above the heavens
H8064
שָׁמַ֣יִם
above the heavens
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
3 of 8
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This refrain's repetition would aid congregational worship, allowing the assembly to join David's testimony. The Psalter's liturgical function means individual experience becomes communal worship, as Israel corporately identifies with David's trials and deliverances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your testimony of God's faithfulness serve the broader church community?
- What does the repetition of doxology teach about worship's centrality in the believer's life?
Analysis & Commentary
The repetition of verse 5 as the psalm's conclusion creates an inclusio, framing the entire composition with doxology. This structure teaches that proper response to deliverance is not self-congratulation but ascribing glory to God. The progression from David's plight (v.1-4) through deliverance (v.6) to praise (v.7-11) models the structure of redemptive history itself.