Psalms 57:3

Authorized King James Version

He 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִשְׁלַ֥ח
H7971
He shall send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
מִשָּׁמַ֨יִם׀
H8064
from heaven
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
#3
וְֽיוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נִי
H3467
and save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#4
חֵרֵ֣ף
H2778
me from the reproach
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
#5
שֹׁאֲפִ֣י
H7602
of him that would swallow me up
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
#6
סֶ֑לָה
H5542
Selah
suspension (of music), i.e., pause
#7
יִשְׁלַ֥ח
H7971
He shall send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
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
#9
חַסְדּ֥וֹ
H2617
his mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#10
וַאֲמִתּֽוֹ׃
H571
and his truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of truth reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. 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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection