Psalms 57:2

Authorized King James Version

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶ֭קְרָא

H7121

I will cry

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לֵֽאלֹהִ֣ים

H430

unto God

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

עֶלְי֑וֹן

H5945

most high

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

לָ֝אֵ֗ל

H410

unto God

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

גֹּמֵ֥ר

H1584

that performeth

to end (in the sense of completion or failure)

עָלָֽי׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?