What does Psalms 57:5 mean?
"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth." - Psalms 57:5

The Bible verse Psalms 57:5 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth." This verse is found within the book of Psalms, which is a collection of poems and songs attributed to King David, expressing a range of emotions and experiences, from praise and thanksgiving to lament and petition. In this particular verse, the psalmist is exalting and glorifying God, acknowledging His sovereignty and supremacy over all creation.
The theme of exalting and glorifying God is a central theme in the Bible, and this verse echoes the sentiment found in various other passages, such as Psalm 108:5 which says, "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth." In essence, the psalmist is proclaiming the greatness and majesty of God, acknowledging Him as the highest and most exalted being in the universe. This theme of exaltation is also found in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:9-11, "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The context of Psalm 57 provides further insight into the meaning and significance of this verse. The superscription of the psalm indicates that it was written by David when he fled from Saul into the cave. The psalm reflects David's distress and perilous situation, yet at the same time, it is filled with expressions of trust and confidence in God. It is in the midst of his adversity that David exalts and glorifies God, acknowledging His power and sovereignty over all creation. This context demonstrates the timeless relevance of the verse, as it highlights the importance of exalting God even in the face of adversity and trials. It serves as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, God remains exalted and worthy of praise.
The symbolism in this verse is significant as well. The imagery of God being exalted above the heavens and His glory above all the earth conveys the idea of His universal reign and authority. It symbolizes the transcendence of God, His supremacy over all creation, and His presence that encompasses the entirety of the universe. The heavens and the earth are often used in the Bible to represent the entire created order, and by exalting God above them, the psalmist is emphasizing His dominion over all things. This symbolism underscores the idea that God is not confined to any specific place or limited by any earthly power, but rather His glory exceeds all boundaries and surpasses all understanding.
In conclusion, Psalms 57:5 in the King James Version expresses the timeless theme of exalting and glorifying God, acknowledging His sovereignty and supremacy over all creation. The context of the psalm provides a backdrop for understanding the depth of this exaltation during times of distress, while the symbolism of God's exaltation above the heavens and His glory above all the earth emphasizes His universal reign and authority. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the greatness and majesty of God, calling us to exalt Him above all things and acknowledge His glory in every aspect of our lives.
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Psalms 57:5 Artwork
Psalms 57:5 - "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth."
"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth." - Psalms 57:5
Psalms 57:10 - "For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds."
"For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds." - Psalms 57:10
Psalms 57:8 - "Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early."
Psalms 57:7 - "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."
Psalms 57:11 - "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth."
Psalms 57:2 - "I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 119:57 - "Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words."
Psalms 78:57 - "But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow."
"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth." - Psalms 57:11
Psalms 57:9 - "I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations."
"Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." - Psalms 98:5
Psalms 57:6 - "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."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 57:3 - "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."
Psalms 57:4 - "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."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." Light pastel colors
Psalms 17:5 - "Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."
Psalms 57:1 - "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 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." Light pastel colors
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." - Psalms 57:7
Psalms 56:5 - "Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil."
"Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early." - Psalms 57:8
Psalms 148:5 - "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created."