Psalms 56:6

KJV

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

They gather themselves together {H1481}{H8799)}, they hide {H6845}{H8799)}{H8675)}{H6845}{H8686)} themselves, they mark {H8104}{H8799)} my steps {H6119}, when they wait {H6960}{H8765)} for my soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They gather together and hide themselves, spying on my movements, hoping to kill me.

Berean Standard Bible

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

American Standard Version

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, Even as they have waited for my soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 56:6 powerfully depicts the relentless and insidious nature of the psalmist's adversaries. They are shown as a coordinated, covert force, meticulously observing his every move with the ultimate, sinister aim of taking his life. This verse vividly portrays the psalmist's profound vulnerability and the calculated malice of those who seek his destruction, setting the stage for his subsequent expressions of fear and, ultimately, his unwavering trust in God amidst extreme peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 56 is a "Michtam of David," a lament that oscillates between expressions of deep fear and resolute trust in God. Verse 6 falls within the opening section (vv. 1-7) where the psalmist details the overwhelming nature of his enemies. Having cried out for mercy in [Psalm 56:1-2](/psalms/56-1-2 "Psalm 56:1-2 - David's Plea for Mercy"), David then describes the specific, predatory actions of his foes in [Psalm 56:5-6](/psalms/56-5-6 "Psalm 56:5-6 - The Enemies' Malicious Intent"). This detailed portrayal of their malice serves to heighten the tension and underscore the profound faith required to declare, as he does in [Psalm 56:3-4](/psalms/56-3-4 "Psalm 56:3-4 - Trusting God Amidst Fear"), "What can flesh do unto me?" The enemies' actions in verse 6 are the very reason for David's distress, making his subsequent declarations of trust all the more significant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes Psalm 56 to David "when the Philistines took him in Gath." This refers to a desperate period in David's life when he was fleeing from King Saul, who relentlessly sought his life ([1 Samuel 21:10](/1-samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10 - David Flees to Gath")). Gath was a major Philistine city, and being captured there placed David in extreme danger, as the Philistines were traditional enemies of Israel. The enemies described in this verse could literally be the Philistines and their spies, or more broadly, the network of adversaries including Saul's agents who were actively hunting him. In ancient Near Eastern warfare and political intrigue, surveillance ("mark my steps"), covert operations ("hide themselves"), and conspiracies ("gather themselves together") were common tactics. David's experience reflects the precarious existence of a fugitive leader, constantly under threat from powerful, hostile forces.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Malicious Surveillance and Plotting**. The enemies are not merely hostile; they are calculating and strategic, engaging in coordinated efforts to entrap the psalmist. This is a recurring motif in the Psalms, where the wicked "lie in wait" for the righteous, as seen in [Psalm 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalm 10:9 - The Wicked Lie in Wait") and [Psalm 37:32](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Existential Threat** to the psalmist's life. The phrase "wait for my soul" unequivocally states their ultimate goal: to take his life, emphasizing the extreme danger and the preciousness of life. Lastly, it speaks to the **Vulnerability of the Righteous**. Even a man after God's own heart, like David, faced intense and life-threatening opposition, reminding believers that faith does not exempt one from trials or the cunning malice of adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"mark" (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁעַל (_sha'al_) here carries the sense of 'to observe closely,' 'to track,' 'to spy out,' or 'to prowl about.' It denotes a meticulous, predatory watchfulness, akin to a hunter tracking prey. This is not a casual glance but a deliberate, sustained, and dangerous surveillance, aimed at finding a weakness or an opportune moment to strike.
* **"hide themselves" (Hebrew, _tsaphan'_):** The verb צָפַן (_tsaphan_) means 'to conceal,' 'to hide,' 'to store up,' or 'to lie in wait.' In this context, it emphasizes the covert nature of the enemies' operations. They are not openly confronting the psalmist but are operating in secrecy, perhaps preparing an ambush or gathering intelligence from hidden positions, adding to the sense of treachery and unseen danger.
* **"soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (_nephesh_) is rich in meaning, referring not merely to the spiritual soul but often encompassing the entire being, the life force, the person themselves, or even the throat/breath. Therefore, "wait for my soul" means they are waiting to destroy his very existence, to end his life, to cut off his breath. It signifies an attack on his complete personhood and vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They gather themselves together":** This clause indicates a concerted effort and a unified, hostile intent. The enemies are not acting individually but are conspiring, forming a group or a coalition with a shared, malicious purpose. It suggests a planned, organized assault rather than random acts of hostility.
* **"they hide themselves":** Following the gathering, this phrase describes their method of operation. They are not confronting openly but are employing stealth, secrecy, and deception. This could imply lying in ambush, concealing their true intentions, or operating from unseen positions to gain an advantage. It underscores their cunning and treacherous nature.
* **"they mark my steps":** This is a vivid image of meticulous surveillance. The enemies are carefully observing and tracking the psalmist's every movement, looking for patterns, vulnerabilities, or an opportune moment to strike. It conveys a sense of being constantly watched, hunted, and unable to escape their scrutiny.
* **"when they wait for my soul":** This final clause reveals the ultimate, deadly objective of their combined actions. All their gathering, hiding, and marking of steps culminates in their desire to take the psalmist's life. It signifies an existential threat, highlighting the extreme danger David faced and the profound fear that permeated his experience.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 56:6 employs powerful **Imagery** to paint a vivid picture of the psalmist's predicament. The enemies are depicted as cunning hunters, gathering and hiding, meticulously tracking their prey—the psalmist—with lethal intent. This creates a strong sense of dread and vulnerability. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by attributing human actions of plotting, hiding, and waiting to the abstract concept of "enemies," making their malice more tangible and menacing. The progression of actions—gathering, hiding, marking, waiting—demonstrates a form of **Climax**, building the intensity of the threat towards the ultimate goal of taking the psalmist's "soul." This cumulative effect emphasizes the calculated and relentless nature of the opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical theme of the righteous suffering at the hands of the wicked, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. It underscores the reality that even those who walk in faith may face intense, calculated opposition, often from unseen or deceptive forces. The psalmist's experience reminds us that God is fully aware of every plot and hidden scheme against His people. While the enemies operate in darkness, God sees all, and His justice will ultimately prevail. This verse, therefore, is not merely a description of human malice but also an implicit call to trust in the God who knows all things, even the secret intentions of the heart.

* [Psalm 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalm 10:9 - The Wicked Lie in Wait")
* [Psalm 37:32](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 1:11](/proverbs/1-11 "Proverbs 1:11 - Lying in Wait for the Innocent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 56:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that opposition, whether spiritual or relational, can be cunning, coordinated, and aimed at our downfall. While we may not always face literal plots against our physical lives, we can experience various forms of "marking our steps" through subtle temptations, criticisms designed to undermine our faith, or spiritual attacks that seek to cause us to stumble or deviate from God's path. This verse calls us to a heightened awareness of such hidden dangers and to respond not with despair, but with vigilance and unwavering trust in God. It encourages us to recognize that our adversary, the devil, "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" ([1 Peter 5:8](/1-peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober and Vigilant")), employing deceptive tactics similar to those described here. Our security is not in the absence of threat, but in the presence and power of our protecting God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you identify "hidden" or "covert" opposition in your life, whether from spiritual forces or human adversaries?**
* **In what ways might you be "marking your own steps" to ensure you walk in integrity and wisdom, avoiding pitfalls?**
* **How does the psalmist's profound vulnerability in this verse encourage you to rely more fully on God's protection and provision in your own trials?**

### FAQ

**What does "they mark my steps" specifically mean in the ancient context?**

Answer: In the ancient context, "they mark my steps" refers to a meticulous and predatory form of surveillance. It implies that the enemies are carefully observing and tracking the psalmist's every movement, looking for patterns, weaknesses, or an opportune moment to ambush or attack. This was a common tactic in ancient warfare, hunting, and political intrigue, where intelligence gathering and covert operations were crucial. It suggests a deliberate, calculated effort to entrap or destroy, much like a hunter tracking prey.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trusting God in Psalm 56?**

Answer: Psalm 56:6 is crucial because it establishes the intense and existential threat that the psalmist faces, making his subsequent declarations of trust in God all the more profound and powerful. The greater the danger and the more cunning the enemy's plot, the greater the faith required to say, as David does in [Psalm 56:3-4](/psalms/56-3-4 "Psalm 56:3-4 - Trusting God Amidst Fear"), "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" This verse provides the dark backdrop against which the light of David's faith shines brightly, demonstrating that true trust in God is forged in the crucible of extreme peril.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 56:6, with its depiction of the righteous sufferer being meticulously tracked and plotted against, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. David's experience of being hunted by those who "gathered themselves together" and "hid themselves" while "marking his steps" and "waiting for his soul" perfectly foreshadows the earthly life of Jesus. From the moment of His birth, Herod sought to destroy Him ([Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Herod Seeks to Kill Jesus")), and throughout His ministry, the religious leaders constantly "marked His steps," seeking to entrap Him in His words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and actions ([Luke 11:53-54](/luke/11-53-54 "Luke 11:53-54 - Scribes and Pharisees Lie in Wait")). They "gathered themselves together" in councils to conspire against Him ([John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea Because of Plots"), [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")), ultimately "waiting for His soul" to be taken. Unlike David, who fled, Jesus willingly laid down His life ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")), becoming the ultimate innocent sufferer whose "soul" was indeed poured out unto death ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - He Poured Out His Soul Unto Death")). His resurrection, however, demonstrates that though His enemies marked His steps to the grave, they could not ultimately hold His soul, fulfilling the promise of divine deliverance for the righteous sufferer.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 71:10

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

Psalms 59:3

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Acts 23:14

And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

Luke 20:20

¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Acts 4:5

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,