Psalm 57 is traditionally associated with the time when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave (1 Sam 22, 1 Sam 24). Whatever the author or context, the psalmist is suffering a severe trial and implores God for help.
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge," the psalm begins.
The sages asked why the psalmist repeated his plea for mercy. One answer proposed is that David was praying that he not fall into Saul's hands, and also that Saul not fall into his hands. Another proposal is that the psalmist prayed that he not fall into sin; and that if he did, that he would be able to come back to God and find forgiveness. A third idea is that Israel collectively prayed that the Temple not be destroyed, and that if it were, that they would find mercy while in exile.
In any case, the psalmist knows that he is turning to the only one who can help, the one who is exalted above all but still is carrying out a purpose through us lowly human beings (v 2). He prays for rescue and for favor from God (v 3).
His prayers are answered. The enemy, likened to hungry lions (v 4), sets a trap for him, but the plan backfires. The enemy falls into his own trap (v 6)!
Strengthened in the wake of God's deliverance, the psalmist desires to praise God so that the whole world will hear. He marvels at the vastness of God's love and faithfulness.
Verses 7-11 of this psalm are essentially repeated in Ps 108:1-5.
