Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 56

Tyndale House Publishers

Psalms 56:1-14

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Psalms 56:1-13

In this lament, the psalmist first asks for help and then expresses confidence in God. This pattern occurs two times (Psalm 56:1–4, 5–13).

Psalms 56:1

A Miktam: This may be a literary or musical term.
David was seized by Philistines concerned about his loyalties and brought before King Achish (1 Samuel 21:10–15).

Psalms 56:4

man: Or mere flesh, in contrast to God, who is immortal and much more powerful (see Isaiah 2:22).

Psalms 56:5-7

The psalmist specifies his charge against his attackers as he prays for their evil to end.

Psalms 56:8

The psalmist uses wordplay with two similar Hebrew words: wanderings (nod) and bottle (no’d).

Psalms 56:11

man (Hebrew ’adam): The psalm also uses two other words for man:

’enosh (meaning “people,” Psalm 56:1) and
basar (meaning “mere mortals,” Psalm 56:4).

All these words point to the short and limited nature of human life.

Psalms 56:13

The light of God’s goodness and salvation will replace the darkness of death (see Psalms 18:25–29; 27:1).