Psalms 56:1
“For the leader of the music. To be sung to the tune of “The dumb dove among strangers.” A psalm of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.” Have pity upon me, O God! for man panteth for my life; My adversary daily oppresseth me!
Noyes Bible
In The King James Version
Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
In Context
2Mine enemies daily pant for my life, And many are they who war proudly against me.
Cross References
Psalms 16:1“A psalm off David.” Preserve me, O God! for to thee do I look for help.
Psalms 27:2When the wicked came upon me to devour me, Even my persecutors and enemies, they stumbled and fell.
Psalms 35:25Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha! we have our wish!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!”
Psalms 58:1“For the leader of the music. To the tune of “Do not destroy.” A psalm of David.” Do ye, indeed, administer justice faithfully, ye mighty ones? Do ye judge with uprightness, ye sons of men?
Psalms 59:10My God will come to meet me with his mercy; God will cause me to look with joy upon my enemies.
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 →