56:1ffThis was probably written on the same occasion as Psalm 34, when David fied from Saul to Philistine territory. He had to pretend insanity before Achish when some servants grew suspicious of him (1 Samuel 21:10-15). §6:3, 4 David stated, “What can mere mortals do to me?” How much harm can people do to us? They can inflict pain, suffering, and death. But no person can rob us of our souls or our future i beyond this life. How much harm can we do to ourselves? The worst thing we can do is to reject God and lose our eternal life. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul” (Matthew 10:28). Instead, we should fear God, who controls this life and the next.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 56
Psalm 56
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 902, 903
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
56Psalm 56
Author: David
15 For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized himin Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.”O God, have mercy on me,for people are hounding me.My foes attack me all day long.
2Tam constantly hounded by those who slander me,and many are boldly attacking me.
3But when I am afraid,I will put my trust in you.
4I praise God for what he has promised.I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?What can mere mortals do to me?
5They are always twisting what I say;they spend their days plotting to harm me.
6They come together to spy on me—watching my every step, eager to kill me.
7Don't let them get away with their wickedness;in your anger, O God, bring them down.
8You keep track of all my sorrows.*You have collected all my tears in your bottle.You have recorded each one in your book.
9My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.This I know: God is on my side!
10I praise God for what he has promised;Yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.
12I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
13For you have rescued me from death;you have kept my feet from slipping.So now I can walk in your presence, O God,in your life-giving light.Theme: God's faithful help and love in times of trouble. When we face trials, God willquiet our hearts and give us confidence.
Textual footnotes
- 56:8 Or my wanderings.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
56:8Even in our deepest sorrow, God cares! Jesus reminded us further of how much God understands us—even the hairs on our head are all numbered (Matthew 10:30). Often we waver between faith and fear. When you feel so discouraged that you are sure no one understands, remember that God knows every problem and sees every tear.
Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages
Study feature · page 903
Interlude
Study feature · page 903
Interlude