Psalms56
English Standard Version
1To the : to The Dove on . A of , when the him in . Be to me, O , on me; long an me;
2my on me long, me .
3 I am , I put my in you.
4In , whose I , in I ; I shall be . can to me?
5 long they my ; their are me for .
6They stir up , they ; they my , they have for my .
7 their will they ? In cast the , O !
8You have kept of my ; my in your . Are they in your ?
9 my will in the when I . I , is for me.
10In , whose I , in the Lord, whose I ,
11in I ; I shall be . can to me?
12I must perform my you, O ; I will to you.
13 you have my , , my , that I may in the of .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 56.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David seeks mercy from God, amidst the malice of his enemies. (1–7). He rests his faith on God's promises, and declares his obligation to praise him for mercies. (8–13).
vv1-7
Be merciful unto me, O God. This petition includes all the good for which we come to throne of grace. If we obtain mercy there, we need no more to make us happy. It implies likewise our best plea, not our merit, but God's mercy, his free, rich mercy. We may flee to, and trust the mercy of God, when surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers. His enemies were too hard for him, if God did not help him. He resolves to make God's promises the matter of his praises, and so we have reason to make them. As we must not trust an arm of flesh when engaged for us, so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when stretched out against us. The sin of sinners will never be their security. Who knows the power of God's anger; how high it can reach, how forcibly it can strike?
vv8-13
The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed, should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either from doing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, that we may do the better service to the Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him for ever in light.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יוֹנַת אֵלֶם רְחֹקִים: dove of (the) silence (i.e. dumb Israel) of (i.e. among) distances (i.e. strangers); the title of a ditty (used for a name of its melody)
מִכְתָּם: an engraving, i.e. (techn.) a poem
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
פְּלִשְׁתִּי: a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth
אָחַז: to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
גַּת: Gath, a Philistine city
חָנַן: properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition)
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
Cross References
Psalms 56Hebrews 13:6 directly quotes this verse: 'I will not fear what man shall do unto me.'
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the exact language of deliverance of the soul from death and feet from falling.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Shares the urgent cry 'Be merciful unto me, O God' under identical fleeing circumstances.
Supported by John Calvin
Provides the historical setting of David being seized in Gath by the Philistines.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels praising God's word above all, a key focus of both Psalm 56 and 138.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Directly mirrors the assurance: 'The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.'
Supported by JFB
Illustrates the exact moment of fear when David fled from Saul to Achish at Gath.
Supported by Matthew Poole
An internal refrain within the Psalm, repeating and amplifying confidence in God's word.
Supported by John Calvin
Parallels God's book of remembrance keeping record of His people's tears and trials.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the promise to walk before God in 'the light of the living'.
Supported by John Calvin
Contrasts God with mortal 'flesh' to emphasize the foolishness of fearing men.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Describes the secret lurking, hiding, and marking of steps of wicked oppressors.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illustrates rendering vows of praise and thanksgiving to the Most High.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Uses the same Hebrew concept for 'enemies' as watchers or observers lying in wait.
Supported by JFB