Psalms 56:8

¶ Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

Thou tellest {H5608}{H8804)} my wanderings {H5112}: put {H7760}{H8798)} thou my tears {H1832} into thy bottle {H4997}: are they not in thy book {H5612}?

You have kept count of my wanderings; store my tears in your water-skin -aren't they already recorded in your book?

You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?

Thou numberest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle; Are they not in thy book?

Psalm 56:8 is a deeply personal and comforting verse from David's prayer, expressing his profound trust in God's intimate knowledge and care during times of distress. It beautifully conveys the idea that God not only observes our sufferings but also cherishes and remembers every aspect of our pain.

Context

This verse is part of a Psalm of David (Psalm 56), specifically a "Michtam" (a golden psalm or a psalm of lasting significance), written when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath (as recounted in 1 Samuel 21:10-15). In this psalm, David is surrounded by enemies, feeling abandoned and fearing for his life. Despite his perilous circumstances and the overwhelming sense of vulnerability, he turns to God, expressing both his lament and his steadfast faith that God sees and cares.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience and Care: The phrase "Thou tellest my wanderings" highlights God's complete awareness of David's every step, every exile, and every hardship. It assures us that no suffering goes unnoticed by God, demonstrating His meticulous attention to His children's lives.
  • God's Remembrance of Suffering: The poetic request, "put thou my tears into thy bottle," uses the ancient custom of collecting tears in lachrymatories (tear bottles). This vivid imagery assures the suffering individual that their pain is not forgotten but is precious and carefully recorded by God. It implies that every tear shed in sorrow is valuable to Him.
  • Divine Record-Keeping: The rhetorical question, "are they not in thy book?", reinforces the theme of God's meticulous record. It suggests a divine ledger where all human experiences, particularly suffering and sorrow, are noted. This concept brings immense comfort, knowing that God remembers and will ultimately address every injustice and pain, promising a future where He will wipe away every tear.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wanderings" (nodi) can also mean "lamentations" or "flight," emphasizing David's unsettled and distressed state. The "bottle" (nod) is a reference to a skin bottle, but in this context, it evokes the symbolic practice of collecting tears, signifying their preciousness and the divine preservation of memory. The "book" (sepher) denotes a written record, reinforcing God's perfect memory and justice, akin to a "book of remembrance" for those who fear Him.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 56:8 offers profound comfort and hope. It reminds us that during our own "wanderings" – times of uncertainty, pain, or persecution – God is intimately aware of our struggles. Our tears are not shed in vain; they are collected and remembered by a compassionate God who cares deeply for our suffering. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are overwhelming, knowing that He sees, He remembers, and He will ultimately bring justice and comfort. It assures us that our pain has meaning in God's eyes and that He is always present, even in our deepest sorrows.

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.

  • 2 Kings 20:5

    Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

  • Psalms 39:12

    Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

  • Malachi 3:16

    Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard [it], and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

  • Psalms 126:5

    They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

  • Psalms 126:6

    He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

  • Revelation 7:17

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Psalms 139:16

    Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.

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