Psalms 57:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 57:3
3 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.
Chapter Context
Psalms 57 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, redemption. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 57:3
3 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.
Analysis
David's confidence that God 'shall send from heaven' reveals divine intervention from beyond human means. The parallelism between 'mercy and truth' echoes covenant attributes (Exodus 34:6). God's 'sending' anticipates the ultimate sending of Christ (John 3:16). The rebuke of 'him that would swallow me up' uses predatory imagery, showing God's active defense of His elect.
Historical Context
Written when David hid in a cave from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1 or 24:3), this psalm shows faith exercised in literal darkness and confinement. The cave represented both physical refuge and spiritual testing ground.
Reflection
- How does God's 'sending' from heaven manifest in your life beyond direct miracles?
- What does God's mercy and truth together reveal about His character?
Word Studies
- Mercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim) H2617 - Compassion, mercy
Cross-References
- Grace: Psalms 61:7, John 1:17
- Truth: Psalms 40:11, 43:3
- Parallel theme: Numbers 23:24, Job 31:31, Acts 12:11