Psalms 56 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
PSALM 56
Psa 56:1-13. Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of silence" of distant places; either denoting a melody (see on Psa 9:1) of that name, to which this Psalm was to be performed; or it is an enigmatical form of denoting the subject, as given in the history referred to (1Sa 21:11, &c.), David being regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from his native home to wander in exile. Beset by domestic and foreign foes, David appeals confidently to God, recites his complaints, and closes with joyful and assured anticipations of God's continued help.
1-2. would swallow--literally, "pants as a raging beast" (Ac 9:1).
2Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
PSALM 56
Psa 56:1-13. Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim--literally, "upon the dove of silence" of distant places; either denoting a melody (see on Psa 9:1) of that name, to which this Psalm was to be performed; or it is an enigmatical form of denoting the subject, as given in the history referred to (1Sa 21:11, &c.), David being regarded as an uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from his native home to wander in exile. Beset by domestic and foreign foes, David appeals confidently to God, recites his complaints, and closes with joyful and assured anticipations of God's continued help.
1-2. would swallow--literally, "pants as a raging beast" (Ac 9:1).
3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
3. in--or literally, "unto."
thee--to whom he turns in trouble.
4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
4. in God ... his word--By His grace or aid (Psa 60:12; 108:13), or, "I will boast in God as to His word"; in either case His word is the special matter and cause of praise.
flesh--for mankind (Psa 65:2; Is 31:3), intimating frailty.
5Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
5-6. A vivid picture of the conduct of malicious enemies.
6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
5-6. A vivid picture of the conduct of malicious enemies.
7Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
7. Shall they escape? &c.--or better, "Their escape is by iniquity."
cast ... people--humble those who so proudly oppose Thy servant.
8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
8. God is mindful of his exile and remembers his tears. The custom of bottling the tears of mourners as a memorial, which has existed in some Eastern nations, may explain the figure.
9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
9. God is for me--or, "on my side" (Psa 118:6; 124:1, 2); hence he is sure of the repulse of his foes.
10In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
12. I will render praises--will pay what I have vowed.
13For 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?
13. The question implies an affirmative answer, drawn from past experience.
falling--as from a precipice.
before God--in His favor during life.