Psalms Chapter 56

Psalms 56 ~ Listen and Read Along

Dramatized KJV

JV McGee

The phrase "according to Jonathelemrehokim": Hebrew it can also be translated with: "dove of silence from afar.". The tone indicated by this term is that of plaintive homesickness. The Septuagint translates this with: “According to people who have been driven away from the sanctuary.” This indicates that it speaks prophetically of the remnant driven out of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:16-16).

In Psalm 55 David wished that he had the wings of a dove so that he could fly away and lodge in the wilderness (55:6-7); in this psalm his desire is realized. The enemy is outside. However, David is in great danger; the wicked are on every side. But through it all God delivered him. The historical background of this psalm has to do with the Philistines capturing David at Gath. David's experience is a picture of the Great Tribulation period. All of these psalms have a prophetic undertone. Between the historical (David's experiences) and the prophetical (Israel's experience in the future), is a real message for us today. All of the Psalms have a message for our own hearts.

The keynote of this psalm is the concluding declaration of the previous one, "I will trust in Thee" (55:23) Here again are evident the same circumstances of oppression (v. 5-7). The song opens and closes with praise. The opening (v. 1-4) is a prayer for deliverance which culminates in a note of praise. Notice how praise ascends. First, the singer declares that in the hour of fear he will trust. Then he declares he will trust and "not be afraid." (v. 11).

The Treasury of David

	David's fear and trust.
Psalms 56:1	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.
Psalms 56:2	Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
Psalms 56:3	What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:4	In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 56:5	Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Psalms 56:6	They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Psalms 56:7	Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Psalms 56:8	Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalms 56:9	When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Psalms 56:10	In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
Psalms 56:11	In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psalms 56:12	Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
Psalms 56:13	For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Psalms 56 ~ Listen and Read Along

David's fear and trust.