Psalms 56

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God. 8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? 9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. 10 In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 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?

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 56:1-2

PSALM 56

Psa 56:1-13. Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of silence" of distant places; either denoting a melody (see on Psa 9:1) of that name, to which this Psalm was to be performed; or it is an enigmatical form of denoting the subject, as given in the history referred to (1Sa 21:11, &c.), David being regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from his native home to wander in exile. Beset by domestic and foreign foes, David appeals confidently to God, recites his complaints, and closes with joyful and assured anticipations of God's continued help.

1-2. would swallow--literally, "pants as a raging beast" (Ac 9:1).

Psalms 56:3

3. in--or literally, "unto."

thee--to whom he turns in trouble.

Psalms 56:4

4. in God ... his word--By His grace or aid (Psa 60:12; 108:13), or, "I will boast in God as to His word"; in either case His word is the special matter and cause of praise.

flesh--for mankind (Psa 65:2; Is 31:3), intimating frailty.

Psalms 56:5-6

5-6. A vivid picture of the conduct of malicious enemies.

Psalms 56:7

7. Shall they escape? &c.--or better, "Their escape is by iniquity."

cast ... people--humble those who so proudly oppose Thy servant.

Psalms 56:8

8. God is mindful of his exile and remembers his tears. The custom of bottling the tears of mourners as a memorial, which has existed in some Eastern nations, may explain the figure.

Psalms 56:9

9. God is for me--or, "on my side" (Psa 118:6; 124:1, 2); hence he is sure of the repulse of his foes.

Psalms 56:12

12. I will render praises--will pay what I have vowed.

Psalms 56:13

13. The question implies an affirmative answer, drawn from past experience.

falling--as from a precipice.

before God--in His favor during life.

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