Psalms 56

David, through Sauls continual persecution being come into the hands of the Philistines, maketh complaint to God of all his sufferings, weepings and wanderings, payeth for favour and the punishment of his enemies, magifieth the Word of God, is confident of the fulfilling thereof, and promiseth thankfulness for it.

1. A Golden Jewel of David, for the chief-song-master. [See Psalm 16.on v.1. and 4.on v.1.] on Jonath Elem Rechokim: [this some do hold for a beginning of certain song, well known unto the Jews of those days, unto the tune whereof this Psalm was to be sung. Others render it thus: of the dumb Dove, (Heb. Dove of dumbness) in remote places. Whereby David should understand himself, being at that time like unto a Dove, which being chased far away from her wonted abode, doth mourn and makes no sound at all, Comp.Psal.55.7. again, thus of the oppression of the assembly (or rout) of those that are far (stranged) viz.from God and his people, meaning the Philistines; who had put David in hold among them, and brought him before their King Achis, nothing doubting, but the same would forthwith command, that David should be put to some shameful death to other.] When the Philistines had laid hold on him at Gath.

2. Be gracious unto me, O God, for the man (homo) [Saul with his on the one side, and now the Philistines also on the other, so that he was no where safe] seeketh to swallow me up: [Heb. Doth swallow or swill, glut me up; or hath swallowed me. i.e. he seeketh to devour me, or, there wants not much but he doth it, he wants not will nor means to do it; and so in the next verse, compare Nehem6.on verse 9.14. and below 57.4. [others yawneth, gapeth snatcheth after me, pursueth gaping after me, i.e. gapeth, longeth and endeavoureth most eagerly, that, and how he may undo and ruine me. Thus the Hebrew word is likewise taken, Job 7.v.2. Eccles.1.5. and below Psal.119.131] the adversary presseth me all the day. [or, fighting he presseth me.]

3. My spies [Those that watch my ways and walking] seek all the day to swallow (me) up, for I have many adversaries, O most high! [Thus the Hebrew word Marom, is likewise used of God, Psalms 92:9. Mich.6.6. otherwise (in) height, i.e. haughtily, daringly, insolently, in the highest degree.]

4. On the day (when) I shall be afraid, will I trust in thee. [As if he had said, I shall overcome the fear by trusting in thee.]

5. In God will I praise his word; [That is, his true and stedfats promises, which do support my faith, and comfort me in all sufferings; Howbeit they are not presently fulfilled; yet this I am most sure of they shall not remain behind, nor tarrie, but in due time I shall rejoice and glory in the Lord. Thus David strengtheneth himself in his extremity] I trust in God, I will not fear: what should flesh do unto me? [a frail and perishing man, who is but flesh and blood, compare Psalms 78:39. Isa.31.3. and 46. Jer.17.5. also 2. Chron.32.on v.8. it, Gen.6.on verse 12.]

6. All the day (long) they wrest my words: [Others, trouble, or grieve my things or affairs. The Hebrew word doth signify to cause smart, grief, trouble, and likewise, to frame, from, fashion (see Job 10.on v.8.) which the Potter performeth on the clay with turning, wresting and pressing: Thus it seems David would say, that they do vex and grieve him, with a daily wresting and turning of his words, to whom they give (as it were) quite another shape and semblance, forcing a false and perverse sense upon them, onely to make him black and odious] all their thoughts are against me for evil.

7. They gather together, they hide themselves, they observe my heel: [For to look in secret upon my ways and steps, to see how and where they may entrap me, and take away my life, which they long for with expectation] as those that watch for my soul [i.e. for my life, See Gen.19.on v.17.]

8. Should they go free for (their) iniquity? [Or, shalt thou let (them) escape in their iniquity? i.e. go unpunished? Others, the bearing (tendeth) them to iniquity, or, oppression, i.e. thy forbearance and long-suffering, (that thou delayest to punish them) is abused by them to al manner of evil and mischief; therefore throw, &c.] throw down the Nations in wrath O God. [these namely, that deal thus, and follow such practices.]

9. Thou hast numbered my wandering about; [How often I was put to fly and retire, now to this, then to that place] lay my tears, [Heb. Tear i.e. every tear I shed] into thy bottle: [or leather bag. Spoken of God after a human manner, to declare that God takes singular notice of their tears, which are wrongfully oppressed, and holds them in esteem, to right and vindicate them in due season. Comp. Deut.32.34. both Hebrew words, signifying to swarve, or wander about, and a bottle, a singular and apposite resemblance sounding much alike] are they not in thy Register? [or book accounts. I know assuredly (will David say) that thou dost note or set them down, and shalt forget not one of them, according to the usual interrogatory was among the Hebrews, when they affirm a thing past all doubt.]

10. Then shall mine enemies turn backward, on the day, when I shall call: [As above, Psalms 4:2.] this I know that God is with me, [or for me, or mine, how little soever it appear, yet by my condition or present plight of affairs. Others, this I know for God is for me.]

11. In God will I praise the Word; [see above on ver.5.] In the LORD will I praise the Word.

12. I trust in God, I will not fear: what should man do unto me? [As if he said, so weak frail creature, made but of earth, comp.above v.5.]

13. O God, on thee are my vows: [i.e. I have engaged my self to thee by vows, that I will shew my thankfulness, when thou shalt have performed thy promises upon me, according to thy word. Compare Psalms 66:13.] I will render thee thanks-givings, or thank-offerings, praise-offerings.]

14. For thou hast rescued my soul from death: not also my feet from offending? [By way of question as above, v.9.] to walk before Gods face, [i.e. before thy face] in the light of the living? [which men enjoy, whiles they are alive, yet here on earth; Compare Psalm 116. Verse 9. And Psalm 27.on verse 13. Job 33:28.30.]