Psalms56

Psalm 56 records David's plea for mercy while he is oppressed by his enemies, specifically when taken by the Philistines in Gath. Despite his fear, David declares his unwavering trust in God and His word, confident that God will deliver him. He believes that when he cries out, his enemies will retreat because God is for him.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Plea for Mercy Amidst Oppression

1
Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. ​
2
Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me.
3
What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. ​
4
In God (I will praise his word), In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me? ​

The Malicious Plotting of Foes

5
All the day long they wrest my words: All their thoughts are against me for evil.
6
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, Even as they have waited for my soul.
7
Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God. ​

God Remembers My Suffering

8
Thou numberest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle; Are they not in thy book? ​
9
Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me. ​
10
In God (I will praise his word), In Jehovah (I will praise his word), ​
11
In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me?

Vow of Praise for Deliverance

12
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank-offerings unto thee. ​
13
For thou hast delivered my soul from death: Hast thou not delivered my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living? ​

Study Notes for Psalms 56

Verse 1

The superscription places this psalm during the terrifying period when David, fleeing Saul, sought temporary, dangerous refuge among the Philistines in Gath (1 Sam 21:10-15). David feels consumed by human hostility, reflecting his precarious situation as an exile.

Verse 3

This verse provides a profound model of faith: acknowledging fear while immediately redirecting trust toward God. It contrasts the immediate human emotion with the stable divine reality.

Verse 4

To 'praise his word' means to rely on God’s revealed promises and covenant faithfulness. David contrasts the power of God's reliable word with the limited, temporary power of 'flesh' (humanity).

Verse 7

David asks a rhetorical question implying that the wicked should not escape divine judgment simply because they rely on cunning or violence. This reflects a plea for immediate divine justice against oppressors.

Verse 8

The beautiful imagery of God counting David's 'wanderings' and storing his 'tears into thy bottle' signifies God's intimate and meticulous care for the suffering of His faithful servant. This assures David that no pain goes unnoticed by the Almighty.

Verse 9

David expresses absolute certainty ('this I know') that his prayer will trigger the retreat of his enemies. This confidence is rooted not in his own strength, but in the theological certainty: God is for me.

Verse 10

The repetition of the phrase 'praise his word' using both God's general name (Elohim) and covenant name (LORD/Yahweh) reinforces the unwavering reliability of God’s promise and revelation.

Verse 12

'Thy vows are upon me' refers to promises David made to God during his time of deep distress (v. 1). Having experienced deliverance, David now commits to fulfilling those promises through sacrifices and public worship.

Verse 13

The ultimate purpose of deliverance from death is not mere survival, but the ability to 'walk before God' in fellowship and obedience. 'The light of the living' is a metaphor for life lived fully in God's presence and favor on earth.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options