Sent his mercy, &c., (Calmet) above the power of man. (Worthington) --- Reproach. Saul was forced to entreat David to preserve his family, as he had just spared his own life; which would, no doubt, mortify his pride, (1 Kings xxiv. 18, 22.; Calmet) and seem a reproach to him. (Worthington) read more
1-7 Be merciful unto me, O God. This petition includes all the good for which we come to throne of grace. If we obtain mercy there, we need no more to make us happy. It implies likewise our best plea, not our merit, but God's mercy, his free, rich mercy. We may flee to, and trust the mercy of God, when surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers. His enemies were too hard for him, if God did not help him. He resolves to make God's promises the matter of his praises, and so we have... read more
Comfort in the Midst of Persecution. To the chief musician upon Jonathelem-rechokim, the word not only denoting the melody according to which the hymn was to be sung, "The dove of silence of distant places," but also the subject of the psalm, David being the uncomplaining, meek dove, driven from home to wander in exile, Michtam, a poem of epigrams, of David when the Philistines took him in Gath, the event being recorded 1 Samuel 21:10-2 Kings :. v. 1. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man... read more
Psalms 56:0To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up;He fighting daily oppresseth me.2 Mine enemies would daily swallow meFor they be many that fight against me, O thou Most High.3 What time I am afraid,I will trust in thee.4 In God I will praise his word,In God I have put my trust; I will not fearWhat flesh can do unto me.5 Every day they wrest... read more
Psalms FEAR AND FAITH Psa_56:3 - Psa_56:4 . It is not given to many men to add new words to the vocabulary of religious emotion. But so far as an examination of the Old Testament avails, I find that David was the first that ever employed the word that is here translated, I will trust , with a religious meaning. It is found occasionally in earlier books of the Bible in different connections, never in regard to man’s relations to God, until the Poet-Psalmist laid his hand upon it, and... read more
“What Can Man Do unto Me?” Psalms 56:1-13 This psalm was composed under the same circumstances as Psalms 34:1-22 . See 1 Samuel 21:1-15 . What a strange medley is here shown-David feigning madness and composing psalms! Commenting on Psalms 56:3 , one says that Isaiah’s resolve is still better: “I will trust and not be afraid,” Isaiah 12:2 . Note, the magnificent refrain at the close of each of the first two strophes, Psalms 56:4 ; Psalms 56:10 . The psalmist asks: “What can flesh do?”... read more
The keynote of this psalm is the concluding declaration of the previous one, "I will trust in Thee." Here again are evident the same circumstances of oppression (verses Psa 56:5-7 ). The song opens and closes with praise. The opening (verses Psa 56:1-4 ) is a prayer for deliverance which culminates in a note of praise. Notice how it ascends. First, the singer declares that in the hour of fear he will trust. Then he declares he will trust and not be afraid. The closing movement is wholly of... read more
The Heading (Psalms 56:1 a). ‘For the Chief Musician; set to Yonath elem rehokim (‘the silent dove of far off places (or ‘men’)’). A Psalm of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. This is another Psalm dedicated to the Choirmaster or Chief Musician (the head of music). A Michtam may signify ‘a covering’ and thus a plea for protection (from the Akkadian katamu (‘to cover’). It has also been interpreted as ‘a golden Psalm’ (from chetem = ‘gold’). Michtam occurs also in... read more
LVI. A Prayer against Strong, Numerous, and Crafty Foes. Psalms 56:2 . For “ enemies” read “ they that lie in wait for me” ( mg.) ,— proudly: read “ bitterly.” Psalms 56:4 . Will praise his word, i.e. the fulfilment of His promise. The fulfilment comes, of course, “ through God.” The verse recurs in Psalms 56:10 f., which is probably its original place since it cannot be a refrain. It has been anticipated here by a mistake of the scribe. Psalms 56:6 b, c, Psalms 56:7 a. Read, with slight... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 56:3-4
Reader, do remark how suited this case is to every exercised soul. It corresponds to the case of the Redeemer, and to his church upon all occasions. read more