New English Translation

Psalms 56:1-5

1 1 2 3 4Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.

2Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.

3When I am afraid, I trust in you.

4In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

5All day long they cause me trouble; they make a habit of plotting my demise.

Notes

1. Psalms 56:1 Psalm 56. Despite the threats of his enemies, the psalmist is confident the Lord will keep his promise to protect and deliver him. ↩
2. Psalms 56:1 The literal meaning of this phrase is “silent dove, distant ones.” Perhaps it refers to a particular style of music, a tune title, or a type of musical instrument. ↩
3. Psalms 56:1 The precise meaning of the Hebrew word מִכְתָּם (miktam), which also appears in the heading to Pss 16 and 57-60 is uncertain. HALOT 582-83 s.v. defines it as “inscription.” ↩
4. Psalms 56:1 According to the superscription, David wrote this psalm when the Philistines seized him and took him to King Achish of Gath (see 1 Sam 21:11-15). ↩