FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 56
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm
56: Prayer in the company of the enemy
For
the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.”
Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
[Preliminary
Comments: Another of the historical context psalms,
this time when he is in Gath with the Philistines [1 Sam 21:10,15
27:1-28:2] on the run from Saul. It is difficult to know whether
the enemies he refers to are Saul or some of the Philistines who
did not trust him. It is an unusual psalm in that it is a backwards
and forwards mix of pleas to God [v.1,2, 7-9] and statements of
faith [v.3,4,10-13] plus explanations of his concern [v.5,6].
v.1,2
A plea to God for Him to help
v.1
Be
merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
v.2 My
adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
v.3,4
David reaffirms his trust in God
v.3
When
I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
v.4
In God, whose
word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
v.5,6
His enemies speak and conspire against him to kill him
v.5
All
day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
v.6
They conspire, they lurk,
they watch
my steps,
hoping to take my life.
v.7-9
He pleads with the Lord to deal with them
v.7
Because
of their wickedness do not let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations
down.
v.8
Record
my misery;
list my tears on your scroll—
are they not in your record?
v.9 Then
my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
v.10,11
He declares he will (trust), praise the Lord and not be afraid
v.10
In
God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord , whose word I praise—
v.11
in
God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
v.12,13
He will remain true and worship the Lord because He delivers him
v.12
I
am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to
you.
v.13
For
you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
[Additional
Thoughts: A reminder that when we are under pressure
from people our prayers need to be a mix of petitions and declarations
of faith. For this in the New Testament see Acts 4:24-30]
Continue
to Psa 57