Psalms 56

13 verses

TL;DR

A lament and plea for deliverance, followed by confidence in God’s protection and praise.

Summary

The psalmist cries out for mercy, lamenting enemies who seek to destroy him. He acknowledges his fear but declares trust in God, refusing to be shaken by human threats. He describes how adversaries plot and confront him daily. The psalmist believes that God records his tears and will turn the enemy’s plans against them. He affirms that God has saved him from death and promises continued praise. Despite the danger, he trusts that God will keep him from falling and let him walk in the light. The psalm concludes with a confident declaration of ongoing worship.

Outline

Lament of persecution and plea for mercy
Declaration of trust and assurance of deliverance
Conclusion of praise and affirmation of God’s protection

Themes

Trust in God amid persecutionGod’s record and remembrance of the faithfulPraise as an act of faith

Keywords

mercifulenemiestrustfeartearspraisedeliver

People

Godenemies

Places

Things

wordtrustfeartearsbottlepraise

Key Verses

Psalms 56:3: Shows the transition from fear to trust.
Psalms 56:8: Highlights God’s remembrance of the psalmist’s tears.
Psalms 56:13: Affirms deliverance and future praise.

Questions

How does the psalmist’s fear coexist with his confidence in God?
What role does God’s remembrance play in the psalmist’s sense of security?
In what ways does praising God serve as a response to persecution?

Sentiment

mixed
The psalm contains both anguish and confidence.