Read Psalms chapter 56 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
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). 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).
1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David on Michtam, concerning the dumme doue in a farre countrey, when the Philistims tooke him in Gath. Be mercifull vnto me, O God, for man would swallow me vp: he fighteth continually and vexeth me.
2 Mine enemies would dayly swallowe mee vp: for many fight against me, O thou most High.
3 When I was afrayd, I trusted in thee.
4 I will reioyce in God, because of his word, I trust in God, and will not feare what flesh can doe vnto me.
5 Mine owne wordes grieue me dayly: all their thoughtes are against me to doe me hurt.
6 They gather together, and keepe them selues close: they marke my steps, because they waite for my soule.
7 They thinke they shall escape by iniquitie: O God, cast these people downe in thine anger.
8 Thou hast counted my wandrings: put my teares into thy bottel: are they not in thy register?
9 When I cry, then mine enemies shall turne backe: this I know, for God is with me.
10 I will reioyce in God because of his worde: in the Lord wil I reioyce because of his worde.
11 In God doe I trust: I will not be afrayd what man can doe vnto me.
12 Thy vowes are vpon me, O God: I will render prayses vnto thee.
13 For thou hast deliuered my soule from death, and also my feete from falling, that I may walke before God in the light of the liuing.