Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
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?
Psalms 56 offers a powerful testament to faith and resilience in the midst of overwhelming adversity. This psalm, attributed to David, provides a window into his heart during a particularly vulnerable period of his life. Understanding the historical backdrop and David's emotional state allows us to glean profound insights into trusting God when surrounded by enemies and fear.
Context: David's Flight and Faith
The superscription of Psalms 56 connects it to David's time in Gath, a Philistine city. This likely refers to the events recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David, fleeing from King Saul's relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 18), sought refuge in enemy territory. Recognized and captured, David cleverly feigned madness to avoid being killed. This psalm encapsulates his prayer for safety during that precarious time. The psalm is probably meant to be set to a tune called "The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths." This psalm shares similarities with Psalms 57, which recalls a similar time when David fled from Saul into a cave (1 Samuel 24:1-22). Both Psalms reveal David's dependence on God amidst persecution.
A Prayer for Grace and Trust (Psalms 56:1-4)
The psalm opens with a plea for God's mercy. David cries out for deliverance from his adversaries who "trample [him] all day long" (Psalms 56:1-2). He acknowledges the constant pressure and threat he faces. In the face of such relentless opposition, David makes a crucial decision: "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Psalms 56:3). This verse is a cornerstone of the psalm, revealing the key to overcoming fear: placing unwavering trust in God. He then asks rhetorically, "What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalms 56:4). This rhetorical question highlights David's growing confidence in God's protection. It's a powerful reminder to adopt a divine perspective, comparing the size of our problems and enemies to the immensity and power of our trustworthy God.
God's Awareness of Suffering (Psalms 56:5-11)
David then describes the malicious actions of his enemies, noting how they twist his words and constantly plot against him (Psalms 56:5-7). They have driven him into the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 18; 20:1; 23:15). Yet, David is confident that God is fully aware of his struggles. David expresses confidence that they will not escape God's judgment. He uses poignant imagery to depict God's attentiveness: "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalms 56:8). This verse beautifully illustrates that God sees, knows, and treasures our suffering. No pain is unnoticed, and no tear is shed in vain. God is aware of the details of your suffering. And, in the person of his Son, he took on humanity and suffered for you. This assurance reinforces David's trust, leading him to declare, "God is for me" (Psalms 56:9). This conviction empowers him to praise God, knowing that human schemes cannot overrule God's plans (Psalms 56:10-11).
A Promise of Thanksgiving (Psalms 56:12-13)
The psalm concludes with David's vow to offer thanksgiving to God for His deliverance. He speaks of rescue as if it has already occurred, demonstrating his faith in God's promise (Psalms 56:12). He looks forward to "walk[ing] before God in the light of life" (Psalms 56:13), experiencing the fullness of God's presence both now and in eternity. This is a commitment to publicly thank God for His deliverance.
Applications for Today
Psalms 56 provides timeless lessons for believers facing challenges:
- Acknowledge your fears, but choose to trust God. David doesn't deny his fear; instead, he uses it as a catalyst to turn to God.
- Remember that God sees your suffering and cares deeply. He is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in your life.
- Focus on God's power and perspective. When fear looms large, remember that God is greater than any obstacle.
- Cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving. Even before deliverance arrives, express gratitude for God's faithfulness.
By embracing these principles, we can find courage and strength to face our own "Gath" experiences, confident that God will deliver us and lead us into the light of life.
Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
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?
Psalms 56 offers a powerful testament to faith and resilience in the midst of overwhelming adversity. This psalm, attributed to David, provides a window into his heart during a particularly vulnerable period of his life. Understanding the historical backdrop and David's emotional state allows us to glean profound insights into trusting God when surrounded by enemies and fear.
Context: David's Flight and Faith
The superscription of Psalms 56 connects it to David's time in Gath, a Philistine city. This likely refers to the events recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David, fleeing from King Saul's relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 18), sought refuge in enemy territory. Recognized and captured, David cleverly feigned madness to avoid being killed. This psalm encapsulates his prayer for safety during that precarious time. The psalm is probably meant to be set to a tune called "The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths." This psalm shares similarities with Psalms 57, which recalls a similar time when David fled from Saul into a cave (1 Samuel 24:1-22). Both Psalms reveal David's dependence on God amidst persecution.
A Prayer for Grace and Trust (Psalms 56:1-4)
The psalm opens with a plea for God's mercy. David cries out for deliverance from his adversaries who "trample [him] all day long" (Psalms 56:1-2). He acknowledges the constant pressure and threat he faces. In the face of such relentless opposition, David makes a crucial decision: "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Psalms 56:3). This verse is a cornerstone of the psalm, revealing the key to overcoming fear: placing unwavering trust in God. He then asks rhetorically, "What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalms 56:4). This rhetorical question highlights David's growing confidence in God's protection. It's a powerful reminder to adopt a divine perspective, comparing the size of our problems and enemies to the immensity and power of our trustworthy God.
God's Awareness of Suffering (Psalms 56:5-11)
David then describes the malicious actions of his enemies, noting how they twist his words and constantly plot against him (Psalms 56:5-7). They have driven him into the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:1-2, 18; 20:1; 23:15). Yet, David is confident that God is fully aware of his struggles. David expresses confidence that they will not escape God's judgment. He uses poignant imagery to depict God's attentiveness: "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalms 56:8). This verse beautifully illustrates that God sees, knows, and treasures our suffering. No pain is unnoticed, and no tear is shed in vain. God is aware of the details of your suffering. And, in the person of his Son, he took on humanity and suffered for you. This assurance reinforces David's trust, leading him to declare, "God is for me" (Psalms 56:9). This conviction empowers him to praise God, knowing that human schemes cannot overrule God's plans (Psalms 56:10-11).
A Promise of Thanksgiving (Psalms 56:12-13)
The psalm concludes with David's vow to offer thanksgiving to God for His deliverance. He speaks of rescue as if it has already occurred, demonstrating his faith in God's promise (Psalms 56:12). He looks forward to "walk[ing] before God in the light of life" (Psalms 56:13), experiencing the fullness of God's presence both now and in eternity. This is a commitment to publicly thank God for His deliverance.
Applications for Today
Psalms 56 provides timeless lessons for believers facing challenges:
- Acknowledge your fears, but choose to trust God. David doesn't deny his fear; instead, he uses it as a catalyst to turn to God.
- Remember that God sees your suffering and cares deeply. He is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in your life.
- Focus on God's power and perspective. When fear looms large, remember that God is greater than any obstacle.
- Cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving. Even before deliverance arrives, express gratitude for God's faithfulness.
By embracing these principles, we can find courage and strength to face our own "Gath" experiences, confident that God will deliver us and lead us into the light of life.