The formulaic expression “heavens and earth” seems to carry both the idea of the bipolar nature of creation and its oneness. The interaction of these two fundamentally different realms of creation is reflected in Ps 57. Earth is the living space for human beings, and heaven is the living space for God, the locus of his heavenly temple and throne (see Pss 11:4; 18:7) and of his cosmic dominion. However, God moves into the realm of earth and manifests his glorious presence, especially through his acts of salvation. His temple or sanctuary on earth is an extension of the heavenly realm. God’s presence and will on earth are contested and distorted, especially through those human actions which are reflected so vividly in the psalms of lament. But in the heavenly realm, his will is supreme (see Ps 82; Matt 2:6; 3:2). God’s created order may be threatened, especially by the wicked and violent actions of human beings (see Jer 4:19–22). Therefore it was appropriate for the Israelite worshiper to pray that the glory of God be “over all the earth”; i.e., that he would actualize his will and authority throughout the living space of humanity: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

MARVIN TATE, PSALMS 51-100, VOLUME 20 (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY), 81.