Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 57:1

PSALM 57

Psa 57:1-11. Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (De 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam--(See on Psa 16:1, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing.

1. my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened.

shadow of thy wings--(Psa 17:8; 36:7).

calamities--literally, "mischiefs" (Psa 52:2; 55:10).