Bible Strands
Psalms 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David, in a cave, fleeing Saul. He is not in a temple or a throne room; he is in a hole in the ground, and he speaks to God from there.
The words — חָנֵּ֗/נִ (cho.ne./ni, "show favor to me") is repeated in immediate succession, doubling the plea. The image of "the shadow of your wings" (בְּצֵל כְּנָפֶיךָ) borrows from the protective posture of a bird over its young.
The thread — The wings/shelter image recurs in Psalms 91:4 and 36:7; the plea for refuge from foes appears in Psalms 17:7.
Why it lands — The verse does not promise the danger will be removed; it says the soul takes shelter until it passes. The reader is asked to hold the same posture: remain under God's protection without demanding an immediate exit.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
To the chief Musician, Al–taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
Cross-references
- Psalms 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
- Psalms 17:7 Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.
- Psalms 36:7 How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!
- Psalms 9:10 Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
- Psalms 63:7 For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
- Psalms 61:4 Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
- Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
- Psalms 69:13 But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
- James 5:10 Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
- Ruth 2:12 May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.”