Psalms 56 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

It seems by this, and many other psalms, that even in times of the greatest trouble and distress David never hung his harp upon the willow-trees, never unstrung it or laid it by; but that when his dangers and fears were greatest he was still in tune for singing God's praises. He was in imminent peril when he penned this psalm, at least when he meditated it; yet even then his meditation of God was sweet. I. He complains of the malice of his enemies, and begs mercy for himself and justice against them, ver. 1, 2, 5-7. II. He confides in God, being assured that he took his part, comforting himself with this, that therefore he was safe and should be victorious, and that while he lived he should praise God, ver. 3, 4, 8-13. How pleasantly may a good Christian, in singing this psalm, rejoice in God, and praise him for what he will do, as well as for what he has done.

Prayer for Help under Oppression; Confidence in God.

To the chief musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.

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Psalms 56 — OverviewPsalms 56 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 56:1, David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies; Psalms 56:9, He professes his confidence in God’s word, and promises to praise him. A.M. 2942. B.C. 1062. (Title.) upon…Psalms 56 — OverviewPsalms 56 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David when the Philistines took him in Gath. The words "jonathelemrechokim" are by our translators left untranslated. Aben Ezra takes them to be the beginning of…Psalms 56:1-7Psalms 56:1-7 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid, in this psalm, by his faith throws himself into the hands of God, even when he had by his fear and folly thrown himself into the hands of the Philistines; it was when they took him in Gath, whither he…Psalms 56:1Psalms 56:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryBe merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; literally, man panteth after me—like a wild beast after his prey. The contrast is sharp between "man" (enosh, "weak man") and God (Elohim, "the Mighty One"). He…Psalms 56:1-13Psalms 56:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THIS and the following have been called "twin psalms." They begin with the same words, are nearly of the same length, and have each a refrain which divides them into two portions. Formally, the chief…Psalms 56:1-13Psalms 56:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryFear and deliverance. Taking this psalm as David's, we may use it to illustrate two great truths. I. "THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE." (Proverbs 29:25.) The best of men are but men at the best. David was a man of…

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