Psalms 56

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.

1 [a][b]Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.
2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7 Because of their wickedness do not[c] let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll[d] — are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Images for Psalms 56

Cross References 24

  • 1. Psalms 6:2
  • 2. Psalms 57:1-3
  • 3. Psalms 17:9
  • 4. Psalms 35:25; Psalms 124:3; Psalms 57:3
  • 5. Psalms 35:1
  • 6. Psalms 55:4-5
  • 7. S Psalms 55:23
  • 8. ver 10
  • 9. S Psalms 27:1
  • 10. Psalms 118:6; Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:6
  • 11. Psalms 41:7; 2 Peter 3:16
  • 12. Psalms 59:3; Psalms 94:21; Mark 3:6
  • 13. Psalms 17:11
  • 14. Psalms 71:10
  • 15. Proverbs 19:5; Ezekiel 17:15; Romans 2:3; Hebrews 12:25
  • 16. Psalms 36:12; Psalms 55:23
  • 17. S 2 Kings 20:5
  • 18. Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 7:10; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16
  • 19. Psalms 9:3
  • 20. Psalms 102:2
  • 21. S Numbers 14:8; S Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:31
  • 22. Psalms 50:14
  • 23. Psalms 30:3; Psalms 33:19; Psalms 49:15; Psalms 86:13; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 116:8
  • 24. S Job 33:30

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. In Hebrew texts 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14.
  • [b]. Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  • [c]. Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not have "do not" .
  • [d]. Or "misery;" / "put my tears in your wineskin"

Psalms 56 Commentaries

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