Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 56

Trusting God in the Midst of EnemiesThis psalm was written by David when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath, after fleeing from Saul. David found himself in great danger, surrounded by enemies who wanted to destroy him. Even though he was afraid, David put his faith in God’s mercy and protection. He compared himself to a silent dove, harmless and suffering, but he did not lose hope. This psalm teaches us to trust God’s promises even when we are in trouble or surrounded by those who want to harm us.v. 1: David prays, Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresses me. He asks for God’s mercy above all else, knowing that only God can help him when people are cruel and try to destroy him.

v. 2: David continues, My enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou Most High. He is outnumbered and under attack every day. David appeals to God, who is greater than any enemy, to notice his desperate situation.

v. 3: David says, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Even when he feels fear, he chooses to put his trust in God. This is a lesson for us to turn to God whenever we are afraid.

v. 4: He declares, In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. David praises God for His promises and says he will not be afraid of what people can do, because he trusts in God’s power.

v. 5: David complains, Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. His enemies twist everything he says, looking for ways to harm him. They are always plotting against him.

v. 6: He adds, They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. His enemies secretly plan and watch his every move so they can trap him. They are united in their desire to destroy him.

v. 7: David asks, Shall they escape by iniquity? In thine anger cast down the people, O God. He knows that evil people cannot escape God’s justice, even if they escape human punishment. David trusts that God will bring down those who do wrong (Romans 2:3 ).

Comfort under Affliction; Confidence in GodIn these verses, David finds comfort in God during his time of trouble. He remembers that God sees all his pain and keeps track of every tear. David is confident that God hears his prayers and will defeat his enemies. He praises God for past deliverance and trusts Him for future help. David’s faith lifts him above fear and gives him hope that he will continue to walk in God’s light.v. 8: David says, Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? God knows every place David has been and every tear he has cried. God cares about all our troubles and remembers every sorrow. Not one tear is forgotten (2 Kings 20:5; Jeremiah 31:18 ).

v. 9: He is sure that, When I cry unto thee, then shall my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. David trusts that prayer is powerful. When he calls out to God, his enemies will be defeated because God is on his side (Ephesians 6:18 ).

v. 10: David repeats, In God will I praise his word: in the Lord

v. 11: He says, In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Because David trusts God, he is not afraid of people, no matter what they try to do (Hebrews 13:6 ).

v. 12: David remembers his promises to God: Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. He is committed to keeping his vows and giving thanks to God for His help.

v. 13: He ends with praise, For 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? David thanks God for saving his life and trusts that God will keep him safe in the future. He wants to live faithfully before God, enjoying the light and life that God gives.