Psalms 56:9

KJV

When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {H3117} I cry {H7121}{H8799)} unto thee, then shall mine enemies {H341}{H8802)} turn {H7725}{H8799)} back {H268}: this I know {H3045}{H8804)}; for God {H430} is for me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then my enemies will turn back on the day when I call; this I know: that God is for me.

Berean Standard Bible

Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.

American Standard Version

Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 56:9 is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and divine assurance, articulated by David during a period of extreme peril. It encapsulates the psalmist's profound conviction that his fervent prayer will directly result in the defeat of his adversaries, grounded in the absolute certainty that God is personally and actively on his side, providing defense and intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 56 is categorized as a "Michtam of David," a type of psalm often characterized by deep personal reflection, lament, and ultimately, a turning to God in trust. The psalm opens with David's desperate plea for mercy amidst relentless persecution from his enemies, expressing his fear and distress (e.g., [Psalms 56:1-4](/psalms/56-1 "Psalms 56:1-4 - David's Plea for Mercy")). As the psalm progresses, David moves from lament to a profound declaration of trust, culminating in the confident assertion of verse 9 and the vow of praise in subsequent verses (e.g., [Psalms 56:12-13](/psalms/56-12 "Psalms 56:12-13 - Vows of Praise")). This verse serves as the pivotal point where David's fear transmutes into an unshakeable certainty, based not on his circumstances, but on God's character and commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalms 56 explicitly states its historical setting: "when the Philistines took him in Gath." This refers to a critical and dangerous episode in David's life, detailed in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Flees to Gath"). Fleeing from King Saul's relentless pursuit, David sought refuge in Gath, the very heart of Philistine territory, a land of his people's sworn enemies. His presence was recognized, and he was brought before Achish, the king of Gath, placing him in extreme jeopardy. To escape, David feigned madness, an act of desperation that underscores the immense pressure and fear he was experiencing. In this context, his declaration in Psalms 56:9 is not a theoretical theological statement but a raw, lived conviction born from immediate, life-threatening danger, reflecting a deep understanding of God as a personal deliverer and protector, a common theme for Israel's God in the face of national and personal enemies.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 56:9 powerfully articulates several core themes present throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **efficacy of prayer**, demonstrating David's conviction that his earnest cry to God directly influences the outcome of his circumstances, causing his enemies to retreat. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine partnership and active intervention**, encapsulated in the phrase "God is for me." This is not a passive observation but an active alliance, signifying God's full backing and defense on behalf of His servant, a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel") and [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Presence and Strength"). Thirdly, the phrase "this I know" speaks to **unwavering assurance and certainty**, a profound conviction born not merely of hope, but of deep faith and perhaps previous experiences of God's faithfulness (e.g., [1 Samuel 17:37](/1_samuel/17-37 "1 Samuel 17:37 - David's Past Deliverances")). Finally, the verse implicitly emphasizes **victory through God**, attributing the turning back of enemies not to David's own strength or cunning, but solely to God's presence and intervention on his behalf, aligning with the broader biblical principle that "the battle is the Lord's" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cry (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies more than just making a sound; it denotes a desperate, urgent calling out, an invocation, or an appeal for help. It implies a sense of distress and a turning to a higher power for intervention. In the context of prayer, it suggests a heartfelt, earnest, and often loud or public appeal to God, signifying a deep reliance on divine aid.
* **Turn back (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb means to turn, return, or retreat. In the context of enemies, it signifies their defeat, withdrawal, or flight. It implies a reversal of their aggressive advance, a cessation of their pursuit, and a definitive end to their threat, brought about by an external force.
* **For me (Hebrew, _li_):** This is the preposition `lamed` (לְ) attached to the first-person singular suffix (`-i`). The preposition `lamed` can indicate direction ("to"), possession ("belonging to"), or advantage ("for the benefit of"). In this context, `li` powerfully conveys God's personal commitment and active alignment with David. It's a declaration that God is not merely aware of David's plight but is actively on his side, fighting for him, providing support and defense. This personal pronoun makes the theological truth deeply intimate and applicable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back:"** This clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. David asserts that his act of crying out to God (an act of prayer and dependence) will directly result in the retreat and defeat of his adversaries. It highlights the psalmist's deep conviction in the efficacy and power of prayer, portraying God as a responsive and intervening deity who acts on behalf of those who call upon Him in distress. The turning back of enemies is presented as an assured consequence of divine engagement.
* **"this I know;"** This short, emphatic phrase is a declaration of absolute certainty. It is not a hopeful wish or a tentative belief, but a firm, settled conviction. This knowledge likely stems from David's personal experience of God's faithfulness in past deliverances (e.g., from the lion, the bear, Goliath), as well as a deep theological understanding of God's character as a covenant-keeping God. It underscores the experiential and foundational nature of his faith.
* **"for God [is] for me."** This is the foundational theological truth that underpins David's certainty and the efficacy of his prayer. The phrase "God is for me" (אֱלֹהִים לִי, _Elohim li_) is a profound statement of divine allegiance and active support. It means that the sovereign God of the universe has taken David's side, is his advocate, his defender, and his ally. This personal and active divine support is the ultimate guarantee of security and eventual triumph, rendering any opposition ultimately futile.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 56:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of faith and assurance. The most prominent is **Assertion**, as David makes a direct, declarative statement of certainty ("this I know; for God is for me"). This is not a question or a plea, but a confident declaration of truth. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: "When I cry... then shall mine enemies turn back," illustrating the direct impact of prayer on circumstances. The verse also features powerful **Personal Confession**, as David expresses his conviction using "I" and "mine," making the theological truth deeply intimate and experiential. The phrase "God is for me" functions as a foundational **Axiom** or self-evident truth upon which David's confidence rests. While not a strict parallelism, the turning back of enemies is presented as the direct, divinely-orchestrated outcome of God being on David's side, creating a thematic **Correspondence** between divine presence and human victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 56:9 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God and His relationship with His people. It reveals God not as a distant, impassive deity, but as an intimately involved, actively supportive, and powerfully intervening Father who stands with His children against all opposition. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God, demonstrating that He is ultimately in control of all circumstances, even the movements of enemies. It also highlights the transformative power of prayer, presenting it as a direct conduit for divine intervention. The certainty expressed by David, "this I know," is a testament to a faith grounded in experience and the unchanging character of God, providing immense encouragement that God's active presence is the ultimate guarantee of security and triumph for those who trust in Him.

* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")
* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord Is On My Side")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 56:9 offers a timeless anchor for believers navigating life's inevitable storms. In a world fraught with opposition, fear, and uncertainty, David's declaration serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength or the absence of adversaries, but in the unwavering presence and active support of God. This verse calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on God through prayer, recognizing that our cries are not merely heard but acted upon. It challenges us to move beyond a passive hope to an active, knowing certainty that God is indeed "for us," regardless of the circumstances. Embracing this truth transforms our perspective on challenges, enabling us to face them with courage, knowing that the Creator of the universe is our personal advocate and defender. It invites us to live from a place of confident assurance, allowing God's presence to define our identity and dictate our response to fear and opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's certainty ("this I know") challenge my own level of trust in God when facing adversity?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to live with the conviction that "God is for me" in my daily life and struggles?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to "cry out" to God with the expectation that He will cause my "enemies" (whether spiritual, circumstantial, or personal) to turn back?**

### FAQ

**What does "Michtam of David" mean, and how does it relate to Psalms 56?**

Answer: "Michtam" is a Hebrew term found in the superscriptions of six psalms (Psalms 16, 56-60). Its precise meaning is debated among scholars, but common interpretations include "golden psalm," "engraved psalm," or "a psalm of deep impression." It often suggests a psalm of profound spiritual significance, perhaps a prayer or meditation from a time of great distress or deliverance. For Psalms 56, the "Michtam" designation highlights its personal and reflective nature, fitting for David's experience of extreme danger and his subsequent declaration of unwavering faith and trust in God's deliverance, as seen in [Psalms 56:9](/psalms/56-9 "Psalms 56:9 - God Is For Me").

**How does this verse relate to David's historical context in Gath?**

Answer: The superscription explicitly links Psalms 56 to the time "when the Philistines took him in Gath." This refers to the perilous period described in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Flight to Gath"). David, fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath, only to be recognized and brought before King Achish. In this enemy territory, David feigned madness to escape capture and death. Psalms 56:9, with its declaration "When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back," reflects David's desperate prayer and his profound realization, even in the midst of such fear and vulnerability, that God was his ultimate protector and deliverer, actively working on his behalf to turn back his adversaries.

**Is "God is for me" a guarantee that I will never suffer or face opposition?**

Answer: No, "God is for me" is not a guarantee of an absence of suffering or opposition. David himself, who penned this psalm, faced immense suffering, persecution, and numerous enemies throughout his life, even after this declaration. Rather, it is a profound assurance of God's unwavering presence, active support, and ultimate vindication *in the midst* of suffering and opposition. It means that even when enemies surround us, God is on our side, working all things for our good and His glory, and that ultimately, no foe can prevail against His sovereign will. As [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good") and [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us") beautifully articulate, if God is for us, then nothing can truly stand against us in a way that separates us from His love or thwarts His ultimate purposes for us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 56:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's cry in distress and his certainty that "God is for me" foreshadows Christ's absolute reliance on the Father, even in the face of the ultimate enemy—death. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, faced relentless opposition, yet He continually demonstrated His trust in the Father's active support, knowing that His Father was always "for Him" (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - The Father is With Me")). The turning back of enemies, which David experienced in a physical sense, is fulfilled in Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection. His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Cry of Dereliction")), was followed by His triumphant resurrection, the ultimate proof that God was indeed "for Him," raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). For believers, this means that through Christ, we are united with the One for whom God is eternally and irrevocably "for." Paul's triumphant declaration in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us"), "If God is for us, who can be against us?" directly echoes Psalms 56:9, finding its complete assurance in the finished work of Christ, who secured our adoption as children of God ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons")) and guarantees our ultimate triumph over all spiritual foes ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Thus, David's personal confession becomes a universal truth for all who are in Christ, confirming that God is eternally and powerfully "for us," ensuring our final victory and eternal security.

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

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Psalms 102:2

Hide not thy face from me in the day [when] I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day [when] I call answer me speedily.

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Psalms 118:11

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Psalms 118:13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.