Shelter Under God's Wings
Study note
David cries out for mercy and takes refuge in the shadow of God's wings. He is surrounded by enemies whose teeth are like spears. But he asks God to be exalted above the heavens.
1 Show me mercy, God — show me mercy — because I am running to you for safety. I will hide in the shadow of your wings until the storm blows over. 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.
2 I call out to God Most High, to God who always finishes what he started in me. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3 He will reach down from heaven and save me. He will put to shame the people who trample me. Selah. God will send out his loyal love and his truth to rescue me. 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.
4 I am lying down among lions. These are fierce, fiery people. Their teeth are like spears and arrows. Their tongues cut like sharp swords. My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Rise high above the heavens, God. Let your glory cover the entire earth. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
A Steadfast Heart
Study note
David's enemies set a net for him but fell into their own pit. His heart is steadfast and he sings praise. He will wake up early to praise God among the nations because God's love reaches to the heavens.
6 They spread a net to trip my feet — I felt weighed down and trapped. They dug a pit before me, but they are the ones who tumbled into it. Selah. They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
7 My heart is rock-solid, God. My heart is steady and sure. I am ready to sing and make music. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
8 Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I want to wake up the morning itself. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
9 I will praise you among the peoples, Lord. I will sing about you among the nations. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
10 Your loyal love towers as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness stretches all the way to the clouds. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
11 Rise high above the heavens, God. Let your glory cover the entire earth. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.