Psalms 56
Psalm 56 is a psalm in which David confesses his trust in God even in danger and fear. This psalm is set against the situation where David was seized by the Philistines (especially the incident at Gath, 1 Samuel 21:10–15), and it contains a sincere prayer offered in the moment of distress. Overall, it is structured around four themes: suffering, fear, trust, and gratitude.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me.
2verseMy enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.
3verseWhen I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
4verseIn God, I praise his word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
5verseAll day long they twist my words. All their thoughts are against me for evil.
6verseThey conspire and lurk, watching my steps. They are eager to take my life.
7verseShall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, God.
8verseYou count my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Aren’t they in your book?
9verseThen my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call. I know this: that God is for me.
10verseIn God, I will praise his word. In the LORD, I will praise his word.
11verseI have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12verseYour vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you.
13verseFor you have delivered my soul from death, and prevented my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
The Structure and Flow of the Text
Psalm 56 can be divided broadly into the following structure:
| Verses 1–4 | Relying on God in the midst of fear |
| Verses 5–7 | An appeal regarding the wicked actions and persistence of enemies |
| Verses 8–11 | Confessing trust without fear, as God remembers my tears |
| Verses 12–13 | A vow of gratitude and praise offered to God |
The Key Themes and Message of the Text
- Trust in the midst of fear: The psalmist is overwhelmed by fear because of his enemies, but each time he confesses, "I will rely on God" (verses 3–4, 10–11). Fear is real, yet the psalm shows that faith is a choice.
- God’s care: The psalm writer is confident that God is watching over his wandering and all his tears (verse 8). This is the message that God deeply empathizes with and understands his pain.
- Revisiting gratitude: Ultimately, David keeps the vow he made to God, moving forward in gratitude by praising the God who brings deliverance and gives life (verses 12–13).
Meditation Points
- When you are in suffering and fear, who are you trusting more?
- How much comfort and strength does the faith that my pain and tears are recorded before God give me?
- It teaches me that a confession of gratitude should not be forgotten in any circumstances.
Applying It to Myself
- When you have things that make you anxious or afraid, let’s practice a posture of honestly laying everything before God, like David, and putting our trust in Him.
- Start today’s day with the belief that God remembers and cares for even the smallest trials in my life.
- Even amid long-standing problems or worries, let’s strive to offer a heart of gratitude and praise to God.
