Psalm 56:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

Traditional

To the chief Musician upon Jonath–elem–rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

Literal

For the one directing according to “A Dove of Distant Oaks.” Of David. A Miktam in the seizing of him by the Philistines in Gath. Show favor to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; all the day fighting, he oppresses me.

Latin

In finem, pro populo qui a sanctis longe factus est. David in tituli inscriptionem, cum tenuerunt eum Allophyli in Geth. Miserere mei, Deus, quoniam conculcavit me homo; tota die impugnans, tribulavit me.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

Notes

Psalms 56:1

A Miktam: This may be a literary or musical term.
David was seized by Philistines concerned about his loyalties and brought before King Achish (1 Samuel 21:10–15).

Psalms 56:1–13

In this lament, the psalmist first asks for help and then expresses confidence in God. This pattern occurs two times (Psalm 56:1–4, 5–13).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

1 Samuel 29:4
But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?
Psalm 31:9
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.
Psalm 16:1
A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.
Psalm 59:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.
Psalm 69:13–16
But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
Psalm 27:2
When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
1 Samuel 21:11–15
But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
1 Corinthians 15:54
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Psalm 143:12
And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.
Psalm 60:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!
Psalm 21:9
You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them.
Psalm 124:3
…when their anger flared against us, then they would have swallowed us alive,

Parallels

1 Samuel 21:8–15

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jonath-elem-rechokim: A musical term in the superscription of Psalm 56 Miktam: A musical or literary term used in Psalm titles

Places

Gath: Philistine city; home of Goliath; refuge for David Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

David Jonath-Elem-Rechokim Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In David: King of Israel: At This Time Probably Writes Music: Micahtam: A Musical Term in the Titles of Psalms: Afflictions

Psalm 56:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?