Psalms 56:2

Commentary on Psalms 56:2 (KJV)

Psalm 56:2 captures the desperate cry of David, surrounded by adversaries who relentlessly seek his downfall. This verse vividly expresses the feeling of being overwhelmed by hostile forces, appealing directly to God for intervention. It highlights the profound sense of vulnerability when facing numerous and persistent enemies.

Context

This psalm is titled "A Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath." This historical setting, likely found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, depicts David fleeing from King Saul and seeking refuge among the Philistines, only to find himself in grave danger there. He was caught between two powerful enemies, experiencing intense fear and vulnerability. The phrase "daily swallow me up" reflects the constant, pervasive threat he faced, emphasizing the relentless nature of his persecution and the feeling of being cornered by those who sought his harm.

Key Themes

• Overwhelming Opposition: The verse emphasizes the sheer number and persistence of David's enemies ("many that fight against me," "daily swallow me up"). This highlights the feeling of being outnumbered and under constant attack, a common human experience when facing significant challenges and spiritual warfare.
• Desperate Plea: David's cry is not just a statement of fact but a fervent appeal to God. He turns to the only One who can truly deliver him from such dire circumstances, acknowledging his helplessness without divine aid.
• Trust in the Most High: Addressing God as "O thou most High" (Hebrew: Elyon) signifies an acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, power, and transcendence. It’s a declaration that despite the overwhelming human opposition, God is above all, capable of intervening with divine strength and offering divine protection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "swallow [me] up" comes from the Hebrew word בָּלַע (bala'), which means to gulp down, devour, or consume. It paints a vivid picture of complete annihilation or absorption, indicating the enemies' desire to utterly destroy David, not just defeat him. This isn't merely about losing a battle but about being completely overwhelmed and extinguished. The title "most High" (עֶלְיוֹן - Elyon) is a powerful, ancient name for God, emphasizing His sovereignty, supreme position, and ultimate power above all earthly powers and threats. It assures David, and us, that no enemy, however numerous or powerful, can stand against the Almighty God.

Related Scriptures

David's reliance on God in the face of fear is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms, echoing his faith expressed in Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" His appeal to the "Most High" also resonates with the declaration in Psalm 97:9, "For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods." These connections reinforce the constant need for divine intervention when human resources are exhausted.

Practical Application

Psalm 56:2 offers profound comfort and guidance for believers today who face overwhelming opposition, whether from literal adversaries, personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or societal pressures. It reminds us that when we feel "swallowed up" by circumstances, our ultimate recourse is to cry out to the "Most High." This verse encourages us to:

• Acknowledge the Reality: It's okay to admit the intensity of our struggles and the multitude of our challenges without shame.
• Turn to God: Like David, our first response should be to appeal to God, recognizing His supreme power over all situations and His willingness to hear our prayers.
• Trust in His Sovereignty: Even when enemies seem countless and our situation dire, the Most High remains in control, capable of delivering us from any threat and providing strength to endure.

This psalm ultimately moves towards a declaration of trust (Psalm 56:3-4), showing that even in fear, faith can arise by focusing on God's unchanging character and promises for divine deliverance.