Psalms 56:13

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

For thou hast delivered {H5337}{H8689)} my soul {H5315} from death {H4194}: wilt not thou deliver my feet {H7272} from falling {H1762}, that I may walk {H1980}{H8692)} before {H6440} God {H430} in the light {H216} of the living {H2416}?

For you rescued me from death, you kept my feet from stumbling, so that I can walk in God's presence, in the light of life.

For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

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?

Psalm 56:13 is a powerful declaration of faith and a prayer of confident expectation from King David, written during a time of intense personal danger. It encapsulates his gratitude for past deliverance and his unwavering trust in God's continued protection.

Context

This psalm, bearing the superscription "Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath," refers to a perilous period in David's life when he was fleeing from King Saul. Specifically, it points to the incident recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, where David sought refuge among the Philistines but found himself in further jeopardy, feigning madness to escape. Surrounded by enemies and facing mortal threats, David poured out his heart to God, acknowledging his fear but ultimately choosing to place his trust in the Lord (as seen in Psalm 56:3-4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse begins with a grateful affirmation: "For thou hast delivered my soul from death." This reflects David's personal experience of God's faithful intervention, saving him from life-threatening situations. It speaks to God's power to rescue from ultimate destruction.
  • Confident Expectation: The rhetorical question, "[wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling," is not a query of doubt but an expression of strong assurance. Having experienced God's past faithfulness, David is confident that God will continue to protect him from stumbling, spiritual collapse, or utter defeat. This mirrors the principle that God, who began a good work, will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
  • Purposeful Living: The ultimate aim of this deliverance is stated clearly: "that I may walk before God in the light of the living." This signifies a desire to live a life pleasing to God, in His presence, guided by His truth and experiencing His life-giving vitality. It's about living a purposeful existence, distinct from the darkness of death or spiritual decay.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the light of the living" (Hebrew: 'or ha-chayyim') is significant. "Light" often symbolizes truth, knowledge, favor, and God's presence in the Bible. "Living" emphasizes vitality, flourishing, and a genuine existence in contrast to death or the grave. To "walk in the light of the living" means to live a vibrant, righteous life in God's truth and fellowship, enjoying His blessings and guidance.

Practical Application

Psalm 56:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing anxieties, fears, or overwhelming challenges, we can look back at God's past faithfulness in our lives or in the lives of biblical figures like David. This reflection builds confidence that the God who delivered us before will continue to protect and guide our steps. It reminds us that God's deliverance has a purpose: not just survival, but enabling us to live a life that honors Him, walking in His truth and presence, even amidst a fallen world. We are called to live purposeful lives, demonstrating His light to others, trusting that He will keep our feet from falling as we pursue His will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 116:8

    For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, [and] my feet from falling.

  • Psalms 116:9

    I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

  • Job 33:30

    To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

  • Revelation 21:23

    And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

  • Revelation 21:24

    And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

  • Psalms 145:14

    The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.

  • Psalms 49:15

    ¶ But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.

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