Psalms 56
Psalms 56 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 56 summary
It seems by this, and many other psalms, that even in times of the greatest trouble and distress David never hung his harp upon the willow-trees, never unstrung it or laid it by; but that when his dangers and fears were greatest he was still in tune for singing God's praises. He was in imminent peril when he penned this psalm, at least when he meditated it; yet even then his meditation of God was sweet. I. He complains of the malice of his enemies, and begs mercy for himself and justice against them (Psa 56:1, Psa 56:2, Psa 56:5-7).
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It seems by this, and many other psalms, that even in times of the greatest trouble and distress David never hung his harp upon the willow-trees, never unstrung it or laid it by; but that when his dangers and fears were greatest he was still in tune for singing God's praises. He was in imminent peril when he penned this psalm, at least when he meditated it; yet even then his meditation of God was sweet. I. He complains of the malice of his enemies, and begs mercy for himself and justice against them (Psa 56:1, Psa 56:2, Psa 56:5-7). II. He confides in God, being assured that he took his part, comforting himself with this, that therefore he was safe and should be victorious, and that while he lived he should praise God (Psa 56:3, Psa 56:4, Psa 56:8-13). How pleasantly may a good Christian, in singing this psalm, rejoice in God, and praise him for what he will do, as well as for what he has done. To the chief musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 56
Psalms 56 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
In God I Trust
1For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. [A Psalm] of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. 2Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me. 3What time I am afraid, I will put my trust in thee. 4In God (I will praise his word), In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me? 5All the day long they wrest my words: All their thoughts are against me for evil. 6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, Even as they have waited for my soul. 7Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God. 8Thou numberest my wanderings: Put thou my tears into thy bottle; Are they not in thy book? 9Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me. 10In God (I will praise [his] word), In Jehovah (I will praise [his] word), 11In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me? 12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thank-offerings unto thee. 13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [Hast thou] not [delivered] my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?