Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 56 mean?

David wrote this psalm in response to his experiences in Gath. He had fled there to escape Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 21:10–15). David pretended to be insane when captured by the Philistines so they would not see him as a threat. The song echoes themes common in Psalms, such as trust in the Lord despite danger and a commitment to praise God for His provision. The song is probably meant to be set to a tune called “The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths.”

Opening phrases set the tone for the rest of the song. David prays for rescue from the constant threat of his enemies. Despite this, he resolves to respond with trust in the Lord. David asks, rhetorically, what possible danger could earthly men be compared to the power of God (Psalm 56:1–4).

David’s enemies act with hate and malice. They have driven him into the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 20:1; 23:15). Yet David is confident that God is aware of these struggles. Even further, God is depicted as treasuring David’s suffering: symbolically saving all of David’s tears. This highlights the biblical teaching that no suffering is purposeless. God sees, knows, and will account for everything in the end. This assurance once again leads David to trust the Lord, giving Him praise (Psalm 56:5–11).

The psalm ends with David’s commitment to publicly thank God for His deliverance. As he does in other songs (Psalm 3:7–8; 9:5–6; 52:9), David speaks of rescue as if it has already happened. Faith leads David to trust, being fully confident he will once again praise the Lord in safety (Psalm 56:12–13).

Chapter Context
When David fled from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 22:17–19), he was forced to enter enemy territory: the land of the Philistines. When he was recognized, David was captured but pretended to be insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15). This psalm reflects his prayer for safety while subject to these dangers.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;all day long an attacker oppresses me;

This psalm corresponds to David’s experience in the Philistine city of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). David was desperate to escape the murderous jealousy of Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2; 22:17–19). David likely calculated he would be safer in Philistine territory, where they would see him as a supposed rebel against Saul, than to hide in Israel. When he was recognized, David pretended to be insane so the Philistine king would leave him alone. He then escaped once again (1 Samuel 22:1). Gath was the home city of the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4), the Philistine champion slain by David (1 Samuel 17:48–51).

In Gath, David found harsh treatment. Perhaps this came only during the time he feigned insanity, and he was praying for endurance. Or this may be referring to the persecution of Saul and his followers. Most likely, David is referring to his situation at large. Both Philistines and Israelites were against him. Their mockery (Psalm 56:2) contrasts with the praise David received when he and the Israelite army were returning home from his victory over Goliath. First Samuel 18:6 reports that “the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.” But their celebration honored David more than Saul. They sang, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7; cf. 1 Samuel 21:11).

This psalm’s title notes the “choirmaster,” probably meaning the person in charge of worship and music. “The Dove on Far-Off Terebinths,” or yo’nat ē’lem rehōqim, was likely a well-known tune; David set the words of his psalm to that melody. This is also described as a miktām, as are Psalms 16 and Psalms 57—60. Isaiah 38:9 applies a similar word to the words of Hezekiah after recovering from his sickness. The exact meaning of “miktam” or “mikhtam” is unclear; most likely, it refers to a style of music.

Context Summary
Psalm 56:1–4 sets the tone for the entire psalm. David tells the Lord about his plight: constant assault by his enemies. Yet he meets this trouble with trust in God. Faith triumphs over fear.

Verse 2. my enemies trample on me all day long,for many attack me proudly.

David continues his lament over attacking enemies (Psalm 56:1). In this situation, he was running from the forces of king Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 20:1–42) and feigning insanity to distract the Philistines of Gath (1 Samuel 21:10–15). On all sides were enemies, like a pack of predators trying to take him down. David also describes their acts using a Hebrew word that is often translated as “arrogant” or “pridefully.”

Christians, too, have been under attack since the founding of the worldwide church (John 16:33). Yet Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16:18). He said the persecution would be so intense that “whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). Not long after the church in Jerusalem was formed, wicked King Herod seized the apostle James and executed him (Acts 12:2). When that act made him popular with Jewish leaders, Herod apprehended the apostle Peter, put him in prison, and intended to execute him, too, after Passover (Acts 12:3–4). The apostle Paul was also the target of bloodthirsty attacks. He was stoned at Lystra (Acts 14:19), beaten and imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16:18–24), assaulted in Jerusalem (Acts 21:30–36), and put on trial in Rome with the possible sentence of death (Acts 26:32; Philippians 1:7, 20–21).

Verse 3. When I am afraid,I put my trust in you.

David did not give up under his enemies’ constant oppression. It’s important to note that David never claims to be immune to fear. In some of his psalms, David said he was literally shaking in fear (Psalm 55:5). He resolved not to lose faith on account of anxiety (Psalm 3:6; 27:3), often speaking as if he is reminding himself of God’s protection (Psalm 27:1; 56:4). Rather than falling apart due to fear, David resolved to rely on the Lord (Psalm 11:1). Fear can either drive a person away from God or to God. Because he was human, David experienced fear, but he took the right course of action. He allowed his fear to drive him to God. His fear did not vanish, but it did not overcome trusting reliance on the Lord.

The Hebrews feared the approaching Egyptian cavalry when they stood at the edge of the Red Sea with no possible escape route. However, Moses called upon the Hebrews to trust in the Lord, saying, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lᴏʀᴅ, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lᴏʀᴅ will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:13–14). Fear says, “Run,” but faith says, “Stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.”

Verse 4. In God, whose word I praise,in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.What can flesh do to me?

God’s Word encouraged David, who was under constant oppression from his enemies. He praised God’s “word,” which in this context means something more involved than the written Scriptures. David expresses trust in the nature, character, and promises of God. David knew the Lord had established him for special purposes (1 Samuel 16:11–13). Though David was subject to normal human emotions (Psalm 56:4), he chose to rely on God in those hard times.

Whoever wants to meet trouble with strong faith needs to develop a personal knowledge of God, which includes understanding His written Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Because his faith in the Lord was strong, David was not afraid of anything man might do to him. When Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), He told them to announce, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7). He forewarned them that they would face persecution (Matthew 10:23), but He said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Verse 5. All day long they injure my cause;all their thoughts are against me for evil.

Saul was jealous and intent on killing David (1 Samuel 19:1–2). At one point, David desperately crossed into enemy territory (Psalm 56:1; 1 Samuel 21:10) hoping the Philistines would assume he was rebelling against Saul. He likely assumed Saul would never look for him in a Philistine city. However, by hiding in Gath, David put his life at risk. The Philistines recognized him and plotted evil. For this reason, David pretended to be insane, hoping the enemy would keep their distance (1 Samuel 21:11–15).

Believers should not expect to receive anything but persecution from the world (2 Timothy 3:12). The evil world system is not the believer’s friend (John 15:18–21). Jesus promised that His followers would experience difficulties in this life (John 16:33). Yet Jesus also said He had already attained victory over the world. Abraham’s nephew Lot chose to settle in Sodom, an extremely wicked city. It was a bad choice. Eventually, God judged Sodom, pouring down sulfur and fire on the city. He spared Lot and his family, but Lot left everything he owned in Sodom when he fled for his life (Genesis 19:24–30). Christians should not be surprised when the unbelieving world applies evil thoughts and evil plans against them.

Context Summary
Psalm 56:5–11 describes the hateful actions of David’s enemies. He pleads with the Lord to punish these foes. He recalls the misery of his flight from Saul in the wilderness (1 Samuel 19:18; 20:1). David was assured God knew his troubles. Poetically, David speaks of God’s precious awareness of suffering. He believed the Lord would answer his prayers and defeat his enemies. With confidence that God was on his side, David vowed to praise God’s Word, trust in Him, and not be afraid.

Verse 6. They stir up strife, they lurk;they watch my steps,as they have waited for my life.

David points out in this verse that the Philistines of Gath stirred up strife and watched his steps. They looked for an opportunity to kill him. “Watch my steps” is literally “watch my heels.” They resembled vicious dogs snapping at the heels of someone they wanted to tear apart. David had entered Philistine territory to escape from Saul (Psalm 56:1; 1 Samuel 21:10). His hopes of hiding were foiled, however, as the people recognized him (1 Samuel 21:11–15). So, David pretended to be insane so the king of the Philistines would refuse to see him. Both the forces of king Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and the Philistines were eager to see David killed.

Jesus, too, was stalked by His enemies. The scribes and Pharisees dogged His steps, hoping for an opportunity to see Him break the Mosaic law. They watched His every action. Luke 6:6–12 reports that Jesus entered the synagogue and found a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and the Pharisees watched Jesus to see if He would heal on the sabbath. They were hoping to find a reason to accuse Him. But Jesus knew their thoughts and asked them whether it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm. They did not answer. When Jesus healed the withered hand, the scribes and Pharisees became furious and discussed plans to deal with Jesus.

Verse 7. For their crime will they escape?In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

The first part of this verse is “rhetorical:” phrased like a question yet making a firm statement. David dismisses the idea that those who attack him will avoid God’s judgment. The forces of Saul were seeking to kill him (1 Samuel 19:1–2, 18; 20:1–42), so David fled into enemy territory (Psalm 56:1; 1 Samuel 21:10). There, he was recognized by the Philistines and so pretended to be insane to confuse them (1 Samuel 21:11–15). With his trust in the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 56:4), David confidently calls on God to strike down these lurking evildoers (Psalm 56:6).

Modern religious culture is often uncomfortable with the concept of God’s wrath. The preferred emphasis is on His love, with the result being that many assume the Lord is “too loving” to judge anyone. This ignores the fact that God is also just, and holy, and perfect (Psalm 29:2; 145:17). He abhors sin and judges the unrepentant sinner. John 3:16 describes God’s love as so astounding that He gave His only Son, saving those who trust Him for salvation. However, John 3:36 warns that whoever rejects God’s Son lives under the wrath of God. In the tribulation the wrath of God’s Son, the Lamb, will be poured out, and the question is asked: “Who can stand?” (Revelation 6:17). The final display of God’s wrath awaits the Great White Throne Judgment, when all unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15).

Verse 8. You have kept count of my tossings;put my tears in your bottle.Are they not in your book?

In hard times, we often worry that God has forgotten us (Psalm 42:9) . David was no stranger to hardship (Psalm 3:1–2), or to fear (Psalm 55:5; 56:1–3). The words used here literally refer to God using a “wineskin” to catch David’s tears, suggesting quite a bit of emotion. Yet he knew that God sees all things. Instead of despair, David reacted to fear with faith. He knew that the Lord was aware of his suffering. Here, he describes God’s response as tender and caring. God is depicted as counting David’s every move and saving each of his tears. This beautifully depicts the Christian idea that God will ultimately redeem all suffering. According to the Bible, no suffering is “wasted” or pointless (Romans 8:28). All evil will be punished (Revelation 20:11–15) and all hurt will be made right (Revelation 21:4) for those who know Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 36).

Later in Israel’s history, King Hezekiah became terribly ill. He turned his face to the wall, prayed, and wept bitterly. The Lord answered through the prophet Isaiah. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and had seen his tears (2 Kings 20:1–5). The famously short verse John 11:35 has only two words: “Jesus wept.” Yet this phrase is full of meaning. God the Creator, in human form, knowing He was about to raise a man from death, still expressed emotion over the pain of human suffering. He felt the sorrow of Lazarus’s sisters at the loss of their brother. The Lord knows all about our heartaches, and He cares (1 Peter 5:7)!

Verse 9. Then my enemies will turn backin the day when I call.This I know, that God is for me.

Conviction that God was on his side reassured David. He was running from the jealousy of king Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and was living among Philistine enemies (1 Samuel 21:11–15). Because he trusted deeply in the Lord’s protection (Psalm 56:4), David confidently prayed for the Lord to move against his enemies (Psalm 56:7). Despite experiencing hardship and sorrow, David knew that his struggles were meaningful. God knew his troubles intimately (Psalm 56:8; Hebrews 4:15–16). Because the Lord cares for His people, David could confidently say, “God is for me,” meaning He was on David’s side.

Prayer is powerful. Second Corinthians 10:4 states, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” When Gideon battled the hordes of Midianites, his fighting force was comically outnumbered but Gideon was confident (Judges 7:15). His battle cry was “A sword for the Lᴏʀᴅ and for Gideon” (Judges 7:20). The Midianites panicked and fled. When Hezekiah prayed for Jerusalem’s deliverance from the huge Assyrian army, the Lord answered by eliminating 185,000 Assyrians in their camp. Sennacherib and the survivors hurried home (2 Kings 19:14–36).

The apostle Paul assures believers in Romans 8:31 that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” He points out that in all things, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). This does not mean that believers are immune to tragedy (John 16:33), but that God never allows us to experience anything without purpose.

Verse 10. In God, whose word I praise,in the Lord, whose word I praise,

These words begin a phrase concluded in the following verse. This echoes the same statement David made earlier in the song (Psalm 56:4). Rather than despair in his hard circumstances (Psalm 56:1–6), David remembered that God knew his struggles (Psalm 56:7–8) and he trusted the Lord to act for good purposes (Psalm 56:9). The “word” David refers to is not simply the written texts of Scripture. David means all of God’s doings, dealings, and concerns. The nature and person of the Lord God was the object of David’s continual praise.

The second term for God used here is the covenant name, Yahweh, used by God in reference to Himself (Exodus 3:14). During David’s life, he was given promises by God (1 Samuel 16:11–13; 2 Samuel 7:8-12). When David faced trouble and danger, he experienced natural fear (Psalm 55:4–6). Yet he also relied on God’s promises and chose to trust the Lord rather than despair (Psalm 55:22; 56:8–9).

In his letter to Titus, Paul writes that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). Of course, not every promise in the entire Bible applies to every believer. Yet those who know Christ as their Savior have enough promises to drive away fear and provide hope and confidence. The apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:3–4: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises.” Hebrews chapter 11 points out many instances of God fulfilling His promises; these are recorded as reasons for living believers to trust the Lord’s guarantees.

Verse 11. in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.What can man do to me?

This repeats nearly word-for-word what was written in the early verses of this psalm (Psalm 56:4). David does not imply that he never experiences anxiety. Rather, David was honest about experiencing terror when danger lurked (Psalm 55:4–6; 56:3). This is a reminder as well as a declaration: that David will not despair or fail to trust God in the face of fear. Ultimately, no person can overcome God’s purposes. The Lord is on the believer’s side (Psalm 56:9)—nothing can happen to a child of God which is not ultimately for good purposes (Psalm 56:8; Romans 8:28).

Here, David refers to earthly enemies using the literal word for a human being: ā’dām, a reference to the first man being formed out of dirt—adamah—by God (Genesis 2:7). The prior expression (Psalm 56:4) used the word for “flesh”—bāsār—as another comparison to God’s infinitely powerful nature (2 Chronicles 32:8; Psalm 78:39). Those who persecute God’s people (John 16:33) are “mere mortals,” as several translations put it. The Lord is immortal and all-powerful (1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Chronicles 29:11).

Even when earthly struggles end in death, this is not a “defeat” for those who follow God. Death could not subdue Jesus; He conquered death and has given eternal life to all who believe on Him as Savior (John 3:16–18, 36). Death for the believer is not a tragedy (1 Corinthians 15:54–58). Paul writes, “We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Awaiting trial that might result in his execution, Paul exuded strong faith. He writes, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Verse 12. I must perform my vows to you, O God;I will render thank offerings to you.

David looked forward to offering praise and appreciation to the Lord. This anticipation was based on trust: fully believing God would protect David from his enemies (Psalm 56:1; 1 Samuel 21:10–15) and restore him to Jerusalem. There, he could worship again and give all credit to the Lord.

Thanksgiving offerings are described in Leviticus 7:11–18. A portion of the worshiper’s thanksgiving offering became a meal for him and his family. Gratitude should be an essential part of the believer’s worship today. In Philippians 4:6 believers are admonished to overcome anxiety by praying and pleading in everything. The thought is to put the weight of our concerns fully on the Lord, yet the verse instructs believers to do this with thanksgiving. The believer who carefully recalls God’s goodness to him in the past realizes that he has nothing to worry about. God who took care of him in the past will take care of him today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:5–6). Remembering God’s goodness with thanksgiving is a reliable way to enjoy His peace (Philippians 4:7).

Context Summary
Psalm 56:12–13 provides a fitting conclusion, as David met fear with faith. He has described his perilous situation in Gath, a Philistine city (1 Samuel 21:10–15) yet remained confident that God would protect him. Based on that faith, David anticipates giving offerings to God with praise and gratitude (1 Chronicles 29:10–13).

Verse 13. For you have delivered my soul from death,yes, my feet from falling,that I may walk before Godin the light of life.

David was so sure the Lord would rescue him from the Philistines and Saul that he wrote as if the rescue had already been accomplished. This technique is seen in several of David’s psalms (Psalm 3:7–8; 9:5–6; 52:9).

In response to the Lord’s protection, David would walk before God in “the light of life.” Jesus referred to Himself as “the light of the world,” and said, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Bible often uses “light” as a metaphor for truth, goodness, and virtue. David was grateful that God had delivered him from death, but God has delivered all who trust in His Son from spiritual death (Ephesians 2:1–5) and from eternal death (John 3:16). The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

End of Psalm 56

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