Psalm 56

1. Nearly every scholar agrees, and the superscription to the Psalm points out, that the 56th Psalm was written when David had been captured by the Philistines at Gath (First Samuel 21). Because of those circumstances, it is interesting to note the trust that David still shows in his words.

2. Verses 1 and 2 set the stage for David’s thoughts. He is not only defeated, he is weary of fighting. Even in this state, though, he still comes to God with his thoughts and requests.

3. We need to teach verse 3 to our children. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” It is true that we should trust God at all times, but there is something special about trusting in God in times of fear and distress.

4. Verse 4 expresses the question at the heart of David’s thoughts. Although he has been “beaten” by his enemies, he will still trust God. Why? “What can man do to me?” When all is said and done, that is the greatest question David could ask. Man might be able to hurt us physically, but he cannot break us down in the most important ways if our trust is truly in the Father.

5. As he has done many other times in the Psalms, David takes a few lines to describe how the wicked work (verses 5-6). He speaks here specifically about their cunning or their ability to “lurk” behind the scenes.

6. Even though the enemies come after David, he still knows that God knows all (verse 8). If we are living a faithful life, that should give us comfort. God knows what we do.

7. In verses 10 and 11 David once again says that man cannot really hurt him, but this time he gives a slightly different emphasis. Man cannot hurt him because he cannot equal the Word of God. God is faithful in all He does and in all he says.

8. The final two verses seem to indicate that David is so confident that God will deliver him from this danger that he is already thanking his Father.