For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.
1 Sam 21:10-15 provides the background. David is under house-arrest in Gath, presumably as a VIP hostage.
Outline (following Motyer):
- David, though the object of human hostility (1f), is the object of divine care (vv9-11).
- David’s trust counters fear (v3f), and issues in prayer (v7f).
- David, though oppressed by man (v5f), is under vow to God (v13f).
56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!
All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.
Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
As Motyer observes, there is a single cry to God, while dwelling primarily on the surrounding danger. Contrast v12f, where there is one reference to danger, while dwelling primarily on God. Such is the effect of trust (v3f) and prayer (vv9-11). When the eye is turned upon Jesus, ‘the things of earth will grow stangely dim’.
56:3 When I am afraid,
I trust in you.
56:4 In God—I boast in his promise—
in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men do to me?
When I am afraid…I am not afraid – a paradox which ‘expresses the heart of the psalm’ (Motyer, NBC).
His promise – ‘Trust is not a ‘feeling’ that all will work out for the best. It is a conviction arising from what God has himself said, a confidence in promises.’ (Motyer)
Mere men – ‘mortal man’, in contrast to immortal God.
56:5 All day long they cause me trouble;
they make a habit of plotting my demise.
56:6 They stalk and lurk;
they watch my every step,
as they prepare to take my life.
56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!
In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
Bring down the nations – or, ‘these people’ (Motyer)
56:8 You keep track of my misery.
Put my tears in your leather container!
Are they not recorded in your scroll?
God keeps a record of our griefs and sorrows.