Psalm 56:11

man (Hebrew ’adam): The psalm also uses two other words for man:

• ’enosh (meaning “people,” Psalm 56:1) and

• basar (meaning “mere mortals,” Psalm 56:4).

All these words point to the short and limited nature of human life.

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).

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.