Psalm 56:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

NIV: Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

NASB: Because of their wickedness, will there be an escape for them? In anger make the peoples fall down, God!

CSB: Will they escape in spite of such sin? God, bring down the nations in wrath.

NLT: Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.

KJV: Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

NKJV: Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

The first part of this verse is "rhetorical:" phrased like a question yet making a firm statement. David dismisses the idea that those who attack him will avoid God's judgment. The forces of Saul were seeking to kill him (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 20:1–42), so David fled into enemy territory (Psalm 56:1; 1 Samuel 21:10). There, he was recognized by the Philistines and so pretended to be insane to confuse them (1 Samuel 21:11–15). With his trust in the Lord's goodness (Psalm 56:4), David confidently calls on God to strike down these lurking evildoers (Psalm 56:6).

Modern religious culture is often uncomfortable with the concept of God's wrath. The preferred emphasis is on His love, with the result being that many assume the Lord is "too loving" to judge anyone. This ignores the fact that God is also just, and holy, and perfect (Psalm 29:2; 145:17). He abhors sin and judges the unrepentant sinner. John 3:16 describes God's love as so astounding that He gave His only Son, saving those who trust Him for salvation. However, John 3:36 warns that whoever rejects God's Son lives under the wrath of God. In the tribulation the wrath of God's Son, the Lamb, will be poured out, and the question is asked: "Who can stand?" (Revelation 6:17). The final display of God's wrath awaits the Great White Throne Judgment, when all unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Psalm 56:5–11 describes the hateful actions of David's enemies. He pleads with the Lord to punish these foes. He recalls the misery of his flight from Saul in the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:18; 20:1). David was assured God knew his troubles. Poetically, David speaks of God's precious awareness of suffering. He believed the Lord would answer his prayers and defeat his enemies. With confidence that God was on his side, David vowed to praise God's Word, trust in Him, and not be afraid.

David prays for God's protection as he is "oppressed" and "trampled" by his enemies. This refers to his experience in enemy territory near the city of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). Despite natural fear, David chooses to trust in God. He knows the Lord will bring judgment to evil people, and that God sees everything which David has experienced. David resolves to praise the Lord once this danger has passed.

When David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 22:17–19), he was forced to enter enemy territory: the land of the Philistines. When he was recognized, David was captured but pretended to be insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15). This psalm reflects his prayer for safety while subject to these dangers.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.