56 1 David being brought to Achish the king of Gath, 1 Sam. 21:12, complaineth of his enemies, demandeth succor, 3 Putteth his trust in God and in his promises, 12 And promiseth to perform his vows which he had taken upon him, whereof this was the effect, to praise God in his Church.
To him that excelleth. A Psalm of David on Michtam, concerning the [a]dumb dove in a far country, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
1 Be merciful unto me, O God, for [b]man would swallow me up: he fighteth continually and vexeth me.
2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for many fight against me, O thou most High.
3 When I was afraid, I trusted in thee.
4 I will rejoice in God, because of his [c]word, I trust in God, and will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
5 Mine own [d]words grieve me daily: all their thoughts are against me to do me hurt.
6 [e]They gather together, and keep themselves close: they mark my steps, because they wait for my soul.
7 [f]They think they shall escape by iniquity: O God, cast these people down in thine anger.
8 Thou hast counted my wanderings; put my [g]tears into thy bottle; are they not in thy register?
9 When I cry, then mine enemies shall turn back; this I know, for God is with me.
10 I will rejoice in God because of his word; in the Lord will I rejoice because of his word.
11 In God do I trust; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
12 [h]Thy vows are upon me, O God, I will render praises unto thee.
13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, and also my feet from falling, that I may [i]walk before God in the [j]light of the living.
Footnotes
- Psalm 56:1 Being chased by the fury of his enemies into a strange country, he was a dumb dove not seeking revengeance.
- Psalm 56:1 He showeth that it is either now time or never, that God help him, for all the world is against him and ready to devour him.
- Psalm 56:4 He stayeth his conscience upon God’s promise, though he see not present help.
- Psalm 56:5 All my counsels have evil success, and turn to mine own sorrow.
- Psalm 56:6 As all the world against one man, and cannot be satiate, except they have my life.
- Psalm 56:7 They think not only to escape punishment, but the more wicked they are, the more impudent they wax.
- Psalm 56:8 If God keep the tears of his Saints in store, much more will he remember their blood, to avenge it: and though tyrants burn the bones, yet can they not blot the tears and blood out of God’s register.
- Psalm 56:12 Having received that which I required, I am bound to pay my vows of thanksgiving, as I promised.
- Psalm 56:13 As mindful of his great mercies, and giving him thanks for the same.
- Psalm 56:13 That is, in this life and light of the sun.