Psalms 56:1
“To the chief musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, by David, a Michtham, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.” (56:2) Be gracious unto me, O God; for man longeth to swallow me up; all the time he oppresseth me fighting.
Leeser Tanakh
In The King James Version
Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
In Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 21:11(21:12) And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not of this man sing one to another in the dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
Psalms 16:1“A Michtham of David.” Preserve me, O God; for I have placed my trust in thee.
Psalms 27:2When evil-doers come near against me to eat up my flesh, my assailants and my enemies at me: then do they stumble and fall.
Psalms 35:25Let them not say in their heart, Aha, [this is the wish of] our soul: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.
Psalms 58:1“To the chief musician Al-tashcheth, by David, a Michtham.” (58:2) Do you indeed, who are dumb, speak righteously? do ye judge in uprightness, O ye sons of men?
Psalms 59:10(59:11) The God who showeth me kindness will go before me: God will let me see [my desire] upon those who regard me with envy.
Matthew Henry on Psalms 56:1
It seems by this, and many other psalms, that even in times of the greatest trouble and distress David never hung his harp upon the willow-trees, never unstrung it or laid it by; but that when his dangers and fears were greatest he was still in tune for singing God's praises. He was in imminent peril when he penned this psalm, at least when he meditated it; yet even then his meditation of God was sweet. I. He complains of the malice of his enemies, and begs mercy for himself and justice against them, ver. 1, 2 ,… Read the whole commentary →