The first part of this Psalm (verses 1-8) is the lament of David about the enemies that were coming upon him. Then verses 9-13 describe David’s gratitude towards God for delivering him from the hands of the evil people. From the caption of the Psalm, its setting can be traced to 1 Sam 21:10-15 when David fled from King Saul in Israel and came into the region of Gath.

First, he was fleeing from the king of Israel, an insecure and unscrupulous king who was trying to kill him. Second, it did not help to escape into the nation of Gath. Third, David had to come before the people there in the guise of a mad man as a deception to cover his royal identity. At the disfavor of these two kings and his self-humiliation to disguise as an insane lunatic, David was in extreme and dire circumstances. Verses 1-8 vividly describe his desperate plight in the midst of all these enemies.

Interestingly, the tone of verse 9 changes in the next section with the word “then” to describe how the enemies turned away from him. David attributed it to God’s help and presented a thanksgiving offering to Him (verse 12). The Psalm ends beautifully in verse 13 with the gratitude toward God for saving him. In response to a righteous God for showing justice, David resolved all the more to please Him with his whole life.

There is a stanza with an idea that is being repeated in each section. First, Ps 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Second, Ps 56:10-11, “In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This sums up David’s confidence in God whenever he encounters enemies that arise from every quarter.

The expression “In God, we trust” printed on US currency is a reminder to the American people. Perhaps, it is quoted from Psalm 56 here. Jesus also comforted the disciples when He predicted about His death, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me.” (Jn 14:1 NCV). Dearly beloved, are you in any dilemma facing difficult people recently? Or are you going through any kind of trial in your life at this moment?

Prayer

Dear Lord, you are in sovereign control of this universe and also, what is happening in my life right now. I commit myself to you… (tell God specifically what is happening to you). I ask that you strengthen my faith in you. In you, O God I trust. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.