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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:12

Thy vows are upon me, O God. The psalmist, under his affliction, has made vows to God; i.e. promises of thank offerings if God would come to his aid, and save him from his enemies. These vows he considers to be now due, and himself to be under the obligation of paying them. Accordingly, he announces his intention of speedily discharging his obligation— I will render praises (rather, thank offerings ) unto thee. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:12

Vows. The first time we read of vows in the Bible is in Genesis 28:20 , where it is said, "And Jacob vowed a vow." Sometimes vows were made at special times and for special purposes; but, in the deepest sense, God's people felt that to them life was a vow; at every moment and through all changes they were under the law of consecration to God. The words of the psalmist may be held as appropriate to the period of entering upon a new year. This is a fitting time— I. FOR THANKFUL ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:12-13

The psalm ends with an expression of thankfulness to God for the deliverance, which is so confidently expected, that it is looked upon as assured, and even spoken of as past ( Psalms 56:13 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:13

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling; rather, hast thou not delivered (Revised Version); or, surely thou hast delivered (Professor Cheyne). The psalmist views his entire deliverance as accomplished; nothing remains to be asked for. That I may walk before God in the light of the living; i.e. that henceforth I may be free from trouble, and walk before God in the clear daylight, no longer dwelling in darkness, but in "the light of life"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:13

The experience of God's mercy a ground for hope. "Thou hast delivered," etc. (Authorized Version). The Revisers have filled up the ellipsis in the Hebrew, "Hast thou not delivered?" instead of "Wilt thou not deliver?" The Hebrew has simply "not," with a word expressing a question. It is one of many cases where the instructed English reader may judge for himself, as well as the Hebrew scholar. Certainly the Authorized Version gives a much more full and harmonious sense, and accords with the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 56:12

Thy vows are upon me, O God - The word “vow” means something promised; some obligation under which we have voluntarily brought ourselves. It differs from duty, or obligation in general, since that is the result of the divine command, while this is an obligation arising from the fact that we have “voluntarily” taken it upon ourselves. The extent of this obligation, therefore, is measured by the nature of the promise or vow which we have made; and God will hold us responsible for carrying out our... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 56:13

For thou hast delivered my soul from death - That is, my “life.” Thou hast kept “me” from death. He was surrounded by enemies. He was pursued by them from place to place. He had been, however, graciously delivered from these dangers, and had been kept alive. Now he gratefully remembers this mercy, and confidently appeals to God to interpose still further, and keep him from stumbling.Wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling - This might be rendered, “Hast thou not delivered;” thus carrying... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 56:12-13

Psalms 56:12-13. Thy vows are upon me As I have prayed to thee, and am assured that thou wilt deliver me, so, in confidence thereof, I have made vows to express my gratitude to thee, and I acknowledge myself obliged thereby, and do resolve to perform them. For thou hast delivered my soul from death Which my enemies designed to bring upon me, and of which I was in extreme danger. Wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling? I am confident that thou wilt, because of thy promises, and my... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 56:1-57

Psalms 56:1-57:11 David escapes from SaulBoth these psalms belong to the time when David fled from Saul, first to the city of Gath, then to the cave of Adullam. (For the historical background see introductory notes to Psalms 34:0.)David is in great distress in Gath, as he learns that certain people in the city are planning to kill him (56:1-2). The increased danger he faces drives him to an increased dependence on God (3-4). Enemies watch his every move, plotting how they can best attack him... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 56:13

delivered = plucked. "Wilt not thou . . . ? Figure of Speech. Erotesis. App-6 . In the light of the living = in resurrection life. Hence the title "Michtam". Compare Psalms 16:0 , and other Michtam Psalms. See also: Job 33:30 ; and Psalms 116:8 , Psalms 116:9 ; where it is "land of the living". To the chief Musician. See App-64 . Al-taschith = Destroy not. See App-65 . The words of David in 1 Samuel 26:9 . 2 Samuel 24:16 , 2 Samuel 24:17 . Same word as in 2 Samuel 1:14 .Isaiah 65:8 .... read more

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