Psalms 56 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.51.1-65.13
These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.
Ps.56.1-13
This individual lament moves from petition to confidence two times (56:1-4, 5-13).
Ps.56.1
title David was seized by Philistines concerned about his loyalties and brought before King Achish (1 Sam 21:10-15).
Ps.56.4
mere mortals: Or mere flesh, in contrast to the immortal and infinitely more powerful God (see Isa 2:22).
Ps.56.5-7
The psalmist specifies his charge against his attackers as he prays for their evil to cease.
Ps.56.8
The psalmist makes a play on the Hebrew words translated sorrows (Hebrew nod) and bottle (Hebrew no’d).
Ps.56.11
mere mortals (Hebrew ’adam): The psalm also uses two other words for man: ’enosh (“people,” 56:1) and basar (“mere mortals,” 56:4). All express the ideas of mortality and finitude.
Ps.56.13
The light of God’s goodness and salvation will replace the darkness of death (see 18:25-29; 27:1).