BSB
Psalms 56-57
Psalms 56
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.
2My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.
3When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
4In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
5All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.
6They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.
7In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.
8You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
9Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.
10In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
13For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalms 57
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
2I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
3He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.
4My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
6They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah
7My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.
8Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
9I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples.
10For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.
11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
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Adullam: A Cave Near the Dead Sea Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Afflicted Saints: should Praise God Psalm 56:8–10
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book? / Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. / In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Psalm 56:8–10
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book? / Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. / In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Psalm 56:1–13
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. / When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Saints Grieve to Meet With, in Their Intercourse with The Psalm 57:4
My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Anthropomorphisms: Miscellaneous Figures Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Arrow: Figurative Psalm 57:4
My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
Backsliders: Promises To Psalm 56:13
For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Beautiful Feet Psalm 56:13
For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Book of Remembrance Psalm 56:8
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Books: Memorials of God's Providence Psalm 56:8
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Bottle used As a Lachrymatory (A Receptacle for Tears) Psalm 56:8
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Bottles of God's Remembrance Psalm 56:8
You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Character of the Renewed Heart: Fixed on God Psalm 57:7
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.
Character: Firmness of Psalm 57:7
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.
David: King of Israel: At This Time Probably Writes Psalm 56:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.
David: King of Israel: Writes Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Decision: David Psalm 56:12
Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
Enemy: The Wickedness of David's Psalm 56:5
All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.
Faith: Exemplified Psalm 56:3, 4, 8, 9, 11
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? / You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
Glorifying God by David Psalm 57:5
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
Glorifying God: David Psalm 57:5
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
God: Glory of Psalm 57:5, 11
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth. / Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.
God: Mercy of Psalm 57:10
For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds.
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Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Pastoral and devotional reflections focused on spiritual formation and application.
Psalms 56:1-7 Verses 1-7
Be merciful unto me, O God. This petition includes all the good for which we come to throne of grace. If we obtain mercy there, we need no more to make us happy. It implies likewise our best plea, not our merit, but God's mercy, his free, rich mercy. We may flee to, and trust the mercy of God, when surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers. His enemies were too hard for him, if God did not help him. He resolves to make God's promises the matter of his praises, and so we have reason to make them. As we must not trust an arm of flesh when engaged for us, so we must not be afraid of an arm of flesh when stretched out against us. The sin of sinners will never be their security. Who knows the power of God's anger; how high it can reach, how forcibly it can strike?
Psalms 56:8-13 Verses 8-13
The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed, should teach us to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet we are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his griefs. God has a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. He observes them with tender concern. Every true believer may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and then I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. And vows of thankfulness properly accompany prayers for mercy. If God deliver us from sin, either from doing it, or by his pardoning mercy, he has delivered our souls from death, which is the wages of sin. Where the Lord has begun a good work he will carry it on and perfect it. David hopes that God would keep him even from the appearance of sin. We should aim in all our desires and expectations of deliverance, both from sin and trouble, that we may do the better service to the Lord; that we may serve him without fear. If his grace has delivered our souls from the death of sin, he will bring us to heaven, to walk before him for ever in light.
Psalms 57:1-6 Verses 1-6
All David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers need often repeat the publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner." But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in our utmost dangers, that our calamities will at length be overpast, and in the mean time, by faith and prayer, we must make him our refuge. Though God be most high, yet he condescends so low, as to take care that all things are made to work for good to his people. This is a good reason why we should pray earnestly. Look which way we will on this earth, refuge fails, no help appears; but we may look for it from heaven. If we have fled from the wrath to come, unto Jesus Christ, he that performed all things needful to purchase the salvation of his people, will do for us and in us all things needful for our enjoyment of it. It made David droop to think there should be those that bore him so much ill-will. But the mischief they designed against him, returned on themselves. And when David was in the greatest distress and disgrace, he did not pray, Lord, exalt me, but, Lord, exalt thine own name. Our best encouragement in prayer, is taken from the glory of God, and to that, more than to our own comfort, we should have regard in all our petitions for mercy.
Psalms 57:7-11 Verses 7-11
By lively faith, David's prayers and complaints are at once turned into praises. His heart is fixed; it is prepared for every event, being stayed upon God. If by the grace of God we are brought into this even, composed frame of mind, we have great reason to be thankful. Nothing is done to purpose, in religion, unless it is done with the heart. The heart must be fixed for the duty, put in frame for it; fixed in the duty by close attention. Our tongue is our glory, and never more so than when praising God; dull and sleepy devotions will never be acceptable to God. Let us awake early in the morning, to begin the day with God; early in the beginning of a mercy. When God comes toward us with his favours, let us go forth to meet him with our praises. David desired to bring others to join in praising God; and in his psalms, he is still praising God among the people, singing to Him among the nations. Let us seek to have our hearts fixed to praise his boundless mercy and unfailing faithfulness; and to glorify him with body, soul, and spirit, which are his. Let us earnestly pray that the blessings of the gospel may be sent through every land.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
Historical, contextual, and verse-level study notes for deeper biblical exploration.
Psalms 56:1-2 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
would swallow--literally, "pants as a raging beast" (Ac 9:1).
Psalms 56:1-13 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
silence" of distant places; either denoting a melody (see on Ps 9:1) of that name, to which this Psalm was to be performed; or it is an enigmatical form of denoting the subject, as given in the history referred to (1Sa 21:11, &c.), David being regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from his native home to wander in exile. Beset by domestic and foreign foes, David appeals confidently to God, recites his complaints, and closes with joyful and assured anticipations of God's continued help.
Psalms 56:2 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
enemies--watchers (Ps 54:5). most High--As it is not elsewhere used absolutely for God, some render the word here, arrogantly, or proudly, as qualifying "those who fight," &c.
Psalms 56:3 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
in--or literally, "unto." thee--to whom he turns in trouble.
Psalms 56:4 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
in God ... his word--By His grace or aid (Ps 60:12; 108:13), or, "I will boast in God as to His word"; in either case His word is the special matter and cause of praise. flesh--for mankind (Ps 65:2; Isa 31:3), intimating frailty.
Psalms 56:5-6 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
A vivid picture of the conduct of malicious enemies.
Psalms 56:7 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
Shall they escape? &c.--or better, "Their escape is by iniquity." cast ... people--humble those who so proudly oppose Thy servant.
Psalms 56:8 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
God is mindful of his exile and remembers his tears. The custom of bottling the tears of mourners as a memorial, which has existed in some Eastern nations, may explain the figure.
Psalms 56:9 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
God is for me--or, "on my side" (Ps 118:6; 124:1, 2); hence he is sure of the repulse of his foes.
Psalms 56:12 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
I will render praises--will pay what I have vowed.
Psalms 56:13 Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of
The question implies an affirmative answer, drawn from past experience. falling--as from a precipice. before God--in His favor during life. PSALM 57
Psalms 57:1 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
my soul--or self, or life, which is threatened. shadow of thy wings--(Ps 17:8; 36:7). calamities--literally, "mischiefs" (Ps 52:2; 55:10).
Psalms 57:1-11 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
enigmatical allusion to the critical circumstances connected with the history, for which compare 1Sa 22:1; 26:1-3. In Moses' prayer (De 9:26) it is a prominent petition deprecating God's anger against the people. This explanation suits the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth also. Asaph uses it for the seventy-fifth, in the scope of which there is allusion to some emergency. Michtam--(See on Ps 16:1, title). To an earnest cry for divine aid, the Psalmist adds, as often, the language of praise, in the assured hope of a favorable hearing.
Psalms 57:2 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
performeth--or, completes what He has begun.
Psalms 57:3 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
from ... swallow me up--that pants in rage after me (Ps 56:2). mercy and ... truth--(Ps 25:10; 36:5), as messengers (Ps 43:3) sent to deliver him.
Psalms 57:4 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
The mingled figures of wild beasts (Ps 10:9; 17:12) and weapons of war (Ps 11:2) heighten the picture of danger. whose ... tongue--or slanders.
Psalms 57:5 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
This doxology illustrates his view of the connection of his deliverance with God's glory.
Psalms 57:6 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
(Compare Ps 7:15; 9:15, 16).
Psalms 57:7 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
I will ... praise--both with voice and instrument.
Psalms 57:8 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
Hence--he addresses his glory, or tongue (Ps 16:9; 30:12), and his psaltery, or lute, and harp. I myself ... early--literally, "I will awaken dawn," poetically expressing his zeal and diligence.
Psalms 57:9-10 Altaschith--or, "Destroy not." This is perhaps an
As His mercy and truth, so shall His praise, fill the universe. PSALM 58