The symmetry of Psalm 57 is seen in the placement of the refrain at the center and end of the poem. Furthermore, pivot patterns are sometimes used in these places as structural markers. In verse 5 (and verse 11) line b lacks the final stress, since the word ʾelohim occurs only at the end of line a. A formal translation can be “High above the heavens, God / over all the earth your glory (God).”

The prayer in verse 5 is repeated in verse 11: it is a request that God reveal his “greatness” (Good News Translation) and his glory (see comments at 3.3) in all the universe. So above the heavens in line a has its complement over all the earth in line b; the two together include all of creation. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch may be followed: “O God, shine upon heaven with your glory, and fill the earth with your might!” In this context the psalmist prays for such a revelation in terms of God’s saving him and destroying his enemies. The expression Be exalted may be rendered in many languages as in Good News Translation “Show your greatness,” or shifted to a verb phrase; for example, “Show people how great you are.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .