Psalm 56:1-60:14 NLT

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 56:1-13

Psalms 56:1-13THE superscription dates this psalm from the time of David’s being in Gath. Probably his first stay there is meant, during which he had recourse to feigned insanity in order to secure his safety. What a contrast between the seeming idiot scrabbling on the walls and the saintly singer of this lovely song of purest trust! But striking as the contrast is, it is not too violent to be possible. Such heroic faith might lie very near such employment of pardonable dissimulation, even if... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 56:1-13

Psalms 56:0 The Faithfulness of God, the Comfort of His People 1. Trust and Comfort (Psalms 56:1-9 ) 2. Praise for anticipated deliverance (Psalms 56:10-13 ) These five Psalms which are grouped together are Michtam Psalms. This one was written by David when the Philistines took him at Gath. The inscription Jonathelem-rechokim has been rendered by the Septuagint translators as “upon the people driven afar from the holy place,” the literal rendering is, “The dove of silence in far off... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 56:1

56:1 [To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, {a} when the Philistines took him in Gath.] Be merciful unto me, O God: for {b} man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.(a) Being chased by the fury of his enemies into a strange country, he was a dumb dove not seeking vengeance.(b) He shows that if God will help him, it must be now or never for all the world is against him and ready to devour him. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 56:1

CONTENTS The Psalmist is again before the throne in this Psalm. Though in distress from men, yet happy in communion with God. His plea is for the Lord to comfort him, while his enemies buffet him. And in the review of past mercies he finds confidence for future deliverances. To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 56:1-2

I cannot begin this Psalm without first taking notice of the title. It is addressed to the chief musician. I have already thrown out my views of who this chief musician is. The next object is what it is upon: Jonath-elem-rechokim, which some translate the silent or peaceful dove not nigh. In the book of the Songs, Christ calleth his church by this name of Dove. Song of Solomon 2:14 . The next observation is, that this Psalm is among the Michtams, that is, the golden sayings, such things as were... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 56:1

Destroy not. Suffer me not to be destroyed, (Challoner; Menochius) or I will not allow my men to destroy an implacable foe, (Haydock) as they entreat me to do. This conduct is worthy of eternal memory. (Worthington) --- The words may also be an admonition to the reader, not to alter this piece, Apocalypse xxii. 18. (Calmet) --- Al tashcheth, (or thosseth.; Haydock) is supposed to be an instrument, or a favourite song, such as that of Moses, (Deuteronomy ix. 26.) which begins thus. But the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 56:1-7

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... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Psalms 56:1-13

Comfort in the Midst of Persecution. To the chief musician upon Jonathelem-rechokim, the word not only denoting the melody according to which the hymn was to be sung, "The dove of silence of distant places," but also the subject of the psalm, David being the uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from home to wander in exile, Michtam, a poem of epigrams, of David when the Philistines took him in Gath, the event being recorded 1 Samuel 21:10-2 Kings :. v. 1. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Psalms 56:1-13

Psalms 56:0To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up;He fighting daily oppresseth me.2 Mine enemies would daily swallow meFor they be many that fight against me, O thou Most High.3 What time I am afraid,I will trust in thee.4 In God I will praise his word,In God I have put my trust; I will not fearWhat flesh can do unto me.5 Every day they wrest... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Psalms 56:1-13

“What Can Man Do unto Me?” Psalms 56:1-13 This psalm was composed under the same circumstances as Psalms 34:1-22 . See 1 Samuel 21:1-15 . What a strange medley is here shown-David feigning madness and composing psalms! Commenting on Psalms 56:3 , one says that Isaiah’s resolve is still better: “I will trust and not be afraid,” Isaiah 12:2 . Note, the magnificent refrain at the close of each of the first two strophes, Psalms 56:4 ; Psalms 56:10 . The psalmist asks: “What can flesh do?”... read more