Log inSign up

Psalm 57 · a question people ask

Psalm 108 begins with the end of Psalm 57. Why is it there twice?

In the text

The Psalms don't say, and these notes don't guess. What the text does show is this. The first five verses of Psalm 108 are close to Psalm 57:7-11, and its next eight are close to Psalm 60:5-12 (Psalm 108:1-13). Each has its own title: "A Song. A Psalm by David" (Psalm 108:1), where Psalm 57's is "For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave" (57:1). Psalm 108 doesn't have the lions, the net or the pit of Psalm 57 (57:4, 57:6). The WEB words the shared lines differently in places, and a few of the differences are in the Hebrew too (Go deeper sets them side by side). There are other pairs like this: Psalm 53 is almost the same psalm as Psalm 14 (Psalm 14:1, 53:1), and Psalm 70 has the last five verses of Psalm 40 again, with some differences in wording (Psalm 40:13-17, 70:1-5). The chapter on Psalm 108 will look at its own lines.

The verses

“For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.”
Psalm 57:1 · World English Bible
“My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.”
Psalm 57:4 · World English Bible
“They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the middle of it themselves. Selah. My heart is steadfast, God. My heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises. Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp! I will wake up the dawn. I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies. Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.”
Psalm 57:6-11 · World English Bible
“For the Chief Musician. By David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good.”
Psalm 14:1 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 57

Psalm 57: In the shadow of your wings

Psalm 57's prayer "Be exalted, God, above the heavens" comes in the middle, between the lions and the net (57:4-6), not only at the end. And the net they "prepared" (57:6) and the heart that is "steadfast" (57:7) are one Hebrew verb, kun.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 57 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 57

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions