Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 56:3
3. in—or literally, "unto." thee—to whom he turns in trouble. read more
3. in—or literally, "unto." thee—to whom he turns in trouble. read more
1. The opposition of ungodly enemies 56:1-7 read more
Psalms 56David wrote this psalm of individual lament when the Philistines seized him in Gath (1 Samuel 21:10; cf. Psalms 34). He composed it for singing to the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." This melody was evidently common in David’s day.The content of this psalm is similar to that of Psalms 54, 55, , 57. Again David determined to continue trusting in the Lord even though his enemies sought to destroy him. read more
Because he trusted in God, who was on his side, David knew he did not need to fear the opposition of mere mortals (Heb. basar, flesh; Psalms 56:4). Note the close connection David saw between the Lord and His Word (Psalms 56:4).". . . trusting in the Lord requires a prior commitment to the revelation of God in his Word." [Note: VanGemeren, p. 399.] read more
Title.—(RV) ’For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David: Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath.’ For Michtam see on Psalms 16. Jonath elem rehokim (’the dove of the distant terebinths’) indicates the song to the melody of whicb the Ps. was to be sung. As in the case of Psalms 34 the title hardly describes accurately the occasion which it mentions (1 Samuel 21:10), and consequently too much weight must not be attached to it. The Psalmist, with many enemies... read more
(3) What time.—Heb., yôm, apparently with same meaning as beyôm in Psalms 56:10, “in the day.”I am afraid . . .—No doubt the right reading: is, “I cry.” read more
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
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
Reader, do remark how suited this case is to every exercised soul. It corresponds to the case of the Redeemer, and to his church upon all occasions. read more
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 56:3
trust = confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69 . read more