Psalm 56

Psalm 56 is a plea for deliverance and a declaration of trust in God. David composed this psalm when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath, as recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In this psalm, he expresses his fear and sorrow but ultimately reaffirms his faith that God will protect him. It reflects the believer’s struggle with fear and the assurance of God’s care.

Psalm 56:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
Fighting all day he oppresses me.
2 My enemies would hound me all day,
For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
3 Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
4 In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?

David begins by pleading for God’s mercy, aware that his enemies relentlessly pursue him. Despite the overwhelming threat, David chooses to place his trust in God, reminding himself that human opposition is limited. Even in fear, he resolves to depend on God’s word and faithfulness. His confidence grows as he reflects on God's protection, declaring that no harm can ultimately prevail against him.

Psalm 56:5-7 (NKJV)
5 All day they twist my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
6 They gather together,
They hide, they mark my steps,
When they lie in wait for my life.
7 Shall they escape by iniquity?
In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

David describes the malicious intent of his enemies, who distort his words and conspire against him. They follow his every move, looking for an opportunity to harm him. He appeals to God’s justice, asking that those who act with deceit and wickedness be stopped. David trusts that God will intervene and bring justice against those who threaten him.

Psalm 56:8-11 (NKJV)
8 You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
9 When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because God is for me.
10 In God (I will praise His word),
In the Lord (I will praise His word),
11 In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

David acknowledges God’s intimate care, believing that every tear he sheds is noticed and remembered. His assurance is that when he calls upon God, his enemies will retreat, for he knows God is with him. Repeating his commitment to praise God’s word, David reinforces his confidence. Since his trust is in God, human opposition becomes powerless in comparison.

Psalm 56:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
I will render praises to You,
13 For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?

David concludes by affirming his vow to praise God for deliverance. He reflects on how God has spared him from death and kept him from stumbling, allowing him to continue living faithfully in God's presence. This ending reveals David’s gratitude and hope, celebrating God’s protection and guidance.