Psalm 56:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me;

NIV: For the director of music. To the tune of 'A Dove on Distant Oaks.' Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

NASB: Be gracious to me, God, for a man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

CSB: Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me; he fights and oppresses me all day long.

NLT: O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.

KJV: {To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.} Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.} Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me.

This psalm corresponds to David's experience in the Philistine city of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). David was desperate to escape the murderous jealousy of Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2; 22:17–19). David likely calculated he would be safer in Philistine territory, where they would see him as a supposed rebel against Saul, than to hide in Israel. When he was recognized, David pretended to be insane so the Philistine king would leave him alone. He then escaped once again (1 Samuel 22:1). Gath was the home city of the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4), the Philistine champion slain by David (1 Samuel 17:48–51).

In Gath, David found harsh treatment. Perhaps this came only during the time he feigned insanity, and he was praying for endurance. Or this may be referring to the persecution of Saul and his followers. Most likely, David is referring to his situation at large. Both Philistines and Israelites were against him. Their mockery (Psalm 56:2) contrasts with the praise David received when he and the Israelite army were returning home from his victory over Goliath. First Samuel 18:6 reports that "the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments." But their celebration honored David more than Saul. They sang, "Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands" (1 Samuel 18:7; cf. 1 Samuel 21:11).

This psalm's title notes the "choirmaster," probably meaning the person in charge of worship and music. "The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths," or yo'nat ē'lem rehōqim, was likely a well-known tune; David set the words of his psalm to that melody. This is also described as a miktām, as are Psalms 16 and Psalms 57—60. Isaiah 38:9 applies a similar word to the words of Hezekiah after recovering from his sickness. The exact meaning of "miktam" or "mikhtam" is unclear; most likely, it refers to a style of music.

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.