Psalm 56:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 56:8-13

Several things David here comforts himself with in the day of his distress and fear. I. That God took particular notice of all his grievances and all his griefs, Ps. 56:8. 1. Of all the inconveniences of his state: Thou tellest my wanderings, my flittings, so the old translation. David was now but a young (under thirty) and yet he had had many removes, from his father's house to the court, thence to the camp, and now driven out to sojourn where he could find a place, but not allowed to rest... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 56:9

When I cry unto thee ,.... In prayer; then shall mine enemies turn back ; great is the strength of prayer; the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much against their enemies: when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed: the cases of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, prove it; this David was assured of, and knew it to be true by experience, his prayer being often the prayer of faith in this respect; this I know: for God is for me ; he knew that when he prayed his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 56:9

When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back - As soon as they know that I call upon thee, then, knowing that thou wilt hear and save, my enemies will immediately take flight. The cry of faith and prayer to God is more dreadful to our spiritual foes than the war-whoop of the Indian is to his surprised brother savages. This I know - I have often had experience of the Divine interposition; and I know it will be so now, for God is with me. He who has God With him need not fear... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 56:9

Verse 9 9.When I cry, then shall mine enemies turn back. Here he boasts of victory with even more confidence than formerly, specifying, as it were, the very moment of time when his enemies were to be turned back. He had no sensible evidence of their approaching destruction but from the firm reliance which he exercised upon the promise, he was able to anticipate the coming period, and resolved to wait for it with patience. Though God might make no haste to interpose, and might not scatter his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:1-13

The present psalm has a very complex heading, or "title." First, it is addressed, like most of the other psalms of this book, "to the chief musician," or "precentor." Then it is said to be "On the silent dove of far off regions." Thirdly, it is called "Michtam of David," which some explain as "a golden psalm composed by David." And fourthly, the occasion of its composition is declared to have been "the seizure of David by the Philistines in Gath." David's authorship may readily be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:1-13

Fear and deliverance. Taking this psalm as David's, we may use it to illustrate two great truths. I. " THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE ." ( Proverbs 29:25 .) The best of men are but men at the best. David was a man of splendid courage and generosity; but there were times when he grievously erred ( 1 Samuel 21:10-15 ). It was said by Dr. Arnold, "The fear of God makes no man do anything mean or dishonourable, but the fear of man does lead to all sorts of weakness and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:1-13

The struggle and victory of faith. The contents of this psalm may be summed up as the struggle and the victory of faith. I. THE STRUGGLE OF FAITH . He is in great fear and danger on account of the plots and wickedness of his enemies. They fight against him with the most dangerous weapons they can command. He does not seek to defend himself with counter plots such as they employed. What are his weapons? The one mighty weapon of trust in God. 1 . In the merciful... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:4-11

The expression and the result of faith. "In God I will praise his word," etc. This is not a vain repetition or a mere poetic burden. The meaning is enlarged and strengthened. In Psalms 56:4 that Divine name is used which speaks of the Almighty Creator, "God." In Psalms 56:10 this is repeated, but that personal name is added which speaks of God's covenant and faithfulness, "in the Lord" (equivalent to "Jehovah"). Again, in Psalms 56:4 the psalmist speaks of man in his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 56:9

When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me; literally, in the day that I call upon thee. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 56:9

When I cry unto thee - This expresses strong confidence in prayer. The psalmist felt that he had only to cry unto God, to secure the overthrow of his enemies. God had all power, and his power would be put forth in answer to prayer.Then shall mine enemies turn back - Then shall they cease to pursue and persecute me. He did not doubt that this would be the ultimate result - that this blessing would be conferred, though it might be delayed, and though his faith and patience might be greatly... read more

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