To the chief Musician, Altaschith, 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.

PSALMS 57:1KJV
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Psalms 57:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 57:1 mean?

Psalms 57:1 presents David asking God for mercy while he is in danger. His repeated request and his choice of God as his refuge show that he looks to God for protection while the trouble lasts.

The heading places David in a cave as he flees Saul. Inside that setting, the picture of shelter beneath wings suggests the protective care of a bird covering its young.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 57:1

  • “merciful” — חָנַן (ḥanan): This word can mean to show favor or be gracious. Its repetition gives urgency to David’s appeal for God’s kindness.
  • “soul” — נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh): This word can refer to a person’s life or whole self. “My soul trusteth in thee” expresses David’s own reliance on God.
  • “trusteth” and “refuge” — חָסָה (ḥasah): Both words express taking shelter. The repeated Hebrew word links David’s trust with his picture of finding cover beneath wings.

Why Psalms 57:1 matters

  • David’s request is set within a particular threat, not an unspecified feeling of fear. The heading connects the prayer with his flight from Saul.
  • The words “until these calamities be overpast” give the danger a time frame. David speaks of taking refuge while the troubles pass, rather than describing them as already over.
  • The opening plea leads into a direct appeal for help. In verse 2, David says that he will cry to God, continuing the prayer begun in verse 1.

Where else these words appear

“Altaschith” Hebrew H516 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 58:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?
  • Psalms 59:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 75:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

“Michtam” Hebrew H4387 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 16:1 Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
  • Psalms 56:1 To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
  • Psalms 59:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

“calamities” Hebrew H1942 · used in 16 verses

  • Job 6:2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
  • Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
  • Proverbs 10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

“cave” Hebrew H4631 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
  • Joshua 10:16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.
  • 1 Samuel 24:10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.