Psalms 56 - Printer Friendly

David wrote this psalm in response to his experiences in Gath. He had fled there to escape Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 21:10–15). David pretended to be insane when captured by the Philistines so they would not see him as a threat. The song echoes themes common in Psalms, such as trust in the Lord despite danger and a commitment to praise God for His provision. The song is probably meant to be set to a tune called "The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths."

Opening phrases set the tone for the rest of the song. David prays for rescue from the constant threat of his enemies. Despite this, he resolves to respond with trust in the Lord. David asks, rhetorically, what possible danger could earthly men be compared to the power of God (Psalm 56:1–4).

David's enemies act with hate and malice. They have driven him into the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 20:1; 23:15). Yet David is confident that God is aware of these struggles. Even further, God is depicted as treasuring David's suffering: symbolically saving all of David's tears. This highlights the biblical teaching that no suffering is purposeless. God sees, knows, and will account for everything in the end. This assurance once again leads David to trust the Lord, giving Him praise (Psalm 56:5–11).

The psalm ends with David's commitment to publicly thank God for His deliverance. As he does in other songs (Psalm 3:7–8; 9:5–6; 52:9), David speaks of rescue as if it has already happened. Faith leads David to trust, being fully confident he will once again praise the Lord in safety (Psalm 56:12–13).

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.

Psalm 56:12–13 provides a fitting conclusion, as David met fear with faith. He has described his perilous situation in Gath, a Philistine city (1 Samuel 21:10–15) yet remained confident that God would protect him. Based on that faith, David anticipates giving offerings to God with praise and gratitude (1 Chronicles 29:10–13).

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.

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.