Psalms 57:5
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
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
above the heavens
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם
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)
Cross References
Habakkuk 2:14For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.Psalms 72:19And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.Numbers 14:21But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.Psalms 57:11Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.Habakkuk 3:3God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.Psalms 148:13Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.Psalms 8:1O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.Isaiah 2:11The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.Isaiah 37:20Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.
Historical Context
This verse functions as the psalm's center, structurally and theologically. Davidic psalms characteristically move from lament to praise, with the turning point marked by doxology focusing on God's transcendent worthiness regardless of circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does focusing on God's exaltation transform your perspective in trials?
- What practical difference does it make that God's glory transcends your circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
The refrain 'Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens' shifts focus from David's plight to God's glory. This doxological interruption demonstrates proper theology—God's glory as ultimate reality transcending circumstances. 'Let thy glory be above all the earth' is both prayer and prophetic vision of eschatological consummation when every knee bows (Philippians 2:10-11).