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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 56:1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day long they press their attack.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/56-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_056_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 56:1 - Be Merciful to Me, O God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day long they press their attack." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/56-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/56-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/56.htm">Chapter 56</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm" title="Psalm 55:23">◄</a> Psalm 56:1 <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm" title="Psalm 56:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/psalms/56.htm">New International Version</a> For the director of music. To the tune of &#8220A Dove on Distant Oaks.&#8221 Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. <a href="/nlt/psalms/56.htm">New Living Translation</a> O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. <a href="/esv/psalms/56.htm">English Standard Version</a> Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; <a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/psalms/56.htm">King James Bible</a> To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, 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. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/56.htm">New King James Version</a> To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/56.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For the music director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, God, for a man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. <a href="/nasb/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1995</a> For the choir director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. <a href="/lsb/psalms/56.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For the choir director. According to Jonath Elem Rehokim. A Mikhtam of David. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; All day long, an attacker oppresses me. <a href="/amp/psalms/56.htm">Amplified Bible</a> To the Chief Musician; set to [the tune of] “Silent Dove Among Those Far Away.” A Mikhtam of David. [A record of memorable thoughts] when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled on me; All day long the adversary oppresses and torments me. <a href="/csb/psalms/56.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: according to “A Silent Dove Far Away.” A Miktam of David. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. † Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/56.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For the choir director: according to &#8220A Silent Dove Far Away.&#8221 A Davidic Miktam. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, God, for man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. <a href="/asv/psalms/56.htm">American Standard Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. <a href="/cev/psalms/56.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Have pity, God Most High! My enemies chase me all day. <a href="/erv/psalms/56.htm">English Revised Version</a> For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David: Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: all the day long he fighting oppresseth me. <a href="/gwt/psalms/56.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> [For the choir director; according to [yonath elem rechokim]; a [miktam] by David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.] Have pity on me, O God, because people are harassing me. All day long warriors oppress me. <a href="/gnt/psalms/56.htm">Good News Translation</a> Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. <a href="/isv/psalms/56.htm">International Standard Version</a> Have mercy on me, God, because men have harassed me. Those who oppress me have fought against me all day long. <a href="/msb/psalms/56.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/psalms/56.htm">NET Bible</a> For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me. <a href="/nheb/psalms/56.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> [For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.] Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. <a href="/wbt/psalms/56.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> To the chief Musician upon Jonathelem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. <a href="/web/psalms/56.htm">World English Bible</a> For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/56.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> TO THE OVERSEER. [SET] ON “A SILENT DOVE FAR OFF.” A MIKTAM OF DAVID, IN THE PHILISTINES’ TAKING HOLD OF HIM IN GATH. Favor me, O God, for man swallowed me up, "" All the day fighting he oppresses me, <a href="/ylt/psalms/56.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> To the Overseer. -- 'On the Dumb Dove far off.' -- A secret treasure of David, in the Philistines' taking hold of him in Gath. Favour me, O God, for man swallowed me up, All the day fighting he oppresseth me, <a href="/slt/psalms/56.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To the overseer for the silent dove of those far off: to David, a poem in the rovers taking him in Gath. Compassionate me, O God, for man panted after me; warring all the day, he will press me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/56.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar ) when the Philistines held him in Geth. Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/56.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 55:1>Unto the end. For the people who have become far removed from the Sacred. Of David, with the inscription of a title, when the Philistines held him in Gath. <a href="/nabre/psalms/56.htm">New American Bible</a> For the director. According to Yonath elem rehoqim. A miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him at Gath. [2] Have mercy on me, God, for I am treated harshly; attackers press me all the day. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/56.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/56.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> BE merciful to me, O God; for man has trodden me under foot; all the day long the fighting oppresses me. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/56.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Show mercy upon me, God, because man has trodden upon me, and all day the warrior has persecuted me, because a multitude of warriors has risen up against me.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/56.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For the Leader; upon Jonath-elem-rehokim. [A Psalm] of David; Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be gracious unto me, O God, for man would swallow me up; All the day he fighting oppresseth me. <a href="/sep/psalms/56.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For the end, concerning the people that were removed from the sanctuary, by David for a memorial, when the Philistines caught him in Geth. Have mercy upon me, O God; for man has trodden me down; all the day long he warring has afflicted me. <a href="/parallel/psalms/56-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6590" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Be Merciful to Me, O God</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/5329.htm" title="5329: lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- Preeminent or enduring. A primitive root; properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. To be eminent; also, to be permanent.">For the choirmaster.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">To the tune of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3128.htm" title="3128: yō·w·naṯ (N-fsc) -- From yownah and 'elem and the plural of rachowq; dove of silence of distances; the title of a ditty.">“A Dove</a> <a href="/hebrew/3128.htm" title="3128: rə·ḥō·qîm (Adj-mp) -- From yownah and 'elem and the plural of rachowq; dove of silence of distances; the title of a ditty.">on Distant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3128.htm" title="3128: ’ê·lem (Adj-ms) -- From yownah and 'elem and the plural of rachowq; dove of silence of distances; the title of a ditty.">Oaks.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4387.htm" title="4387: miḵ·tām (N-ms) -- A technical term in psalm titles. From katham; an engraving, i.e. A poem.">A Miktam</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">when the Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: be·’ĕ·ḥōz (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">seized</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1661.htm" title="1661: bə·ḡaṯ (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Wine press, a Philistine city. The same as gath; Gath, a Philistine city.">in Gath.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2603.htm" title="2603: ḥān·nê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore."> Be merciful to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ĕ·nō·wōš (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/7602.htm" title="7602: šə·’ā·p̄a·nî (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten.">are hounding me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3905.htm" title="3905: yil·ḥā·ṣê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To squeeze, press, oppress. A primitive root; properly, to press, i.e. to distress.">they press</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lō·ḥêm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">their attack.</a> 2My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a> I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. <a href="/psalms/18-6.htm">Psalm 18:6</a> In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. <a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">Psalm 86:1</a> A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. <a href="/psalms/142-6.htm">Psalm 142:6</a> Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. <a href="/psalms/9-13.htm">Psalm 9:13</a> Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death, <a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9</a> Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. <a href="/psalms/69-16.htm">Psalm 69:16</a> Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion. <a href="/psalms/109-26.htm">Psalm 109:26</a> Help me, O LORD my God; save me according to Your loving devotion. <a href="/isaiah/33-2.htm">Isaiah 33:2</a> O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble. <a href="/lamentations/3-55.htm">Lamentations 3:55-56</a> I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. / You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.” <a href="/2_corinthians/1-3.htm">2 Corinthians 1:3-4</a> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a> We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Be merciful to me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresses me.A.<a href="/psalms/16-1.htm">Psalm 16:1</a> Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.<a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.<a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Psalm 58:1</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?when<a href="/1_samuel/21-11.htm">1 Samuel 21:11-15</a> And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? … <a href="/1_samuel/29-4.htm">1 Samuel 29:4</a> And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men?Be<a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9</a> Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.<a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1-3</a> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast… <a href="/psalms/59-10.htm">Psalm 59:10</a> The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.swallow<a href="/psalms/21-9.htm">Psalm 21:9</a> Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.<a href="/psalms/27-2.htm">Psalm 27:2</a> When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.<a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Psalm 35:25</a> Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/55-20.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/42-10.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/55-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/job/22-12.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/psalms/55-6.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-17.htm">Far-Off</a> <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Gath</a> <a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/49-11.htm">Lands</a> <a href="/psalms/41-10.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Michtam</a> <a href="/psalms/16-1.htm">Miktam</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Miktamwhen</a> <a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/29-9.htm">Oaks</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/numbers/10-9.htm">Oppresses</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Poem</a> <a href="/psalms/55-23.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-19.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/job/9-8.htm">Trampled</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/ruth/3-13.htm">Wants</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/72-14.htm">Attacks</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Choirmaster</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Director</a> <a href="/psalms/65-5.htm">Distant</a> <a href="/psalms/68-13.htm">Dove</a> <a href="/psalms/65-5.htm">Far-Off</a> <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/psalms/81-1.htm">Gath</a> <a href="/psalms/59-5.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/psalms/65-5.htm">Lands</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Michtam</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Miktam</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Miktamwhen</a> <a href="/psalms/57-7.htm">Music</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Oaks</a> <a href="/psalms/74-8.htm">Oppress</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-31.htm">Oppresses</a> <a href="/psalms/83-7.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Poem</a> <a href="/psalms/56-13.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/119-53.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Terebinths</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Trampled</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-28.htm">Wants</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 56</div>1. <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies,</a> 9. <a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">He professes his confidence in God's word, and promises to praise him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader in the musical aspect of temple worship. The role of the choirmaster was significant in organizing and leading the musical elements of worship, which were an integral part of Israelite religious life.To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” This specifies the melody to which the psalm was to be sung. The exact tune is unknown today, but it suggests a specific musical setting familiar to the original audience. The imagery of a dove may evoke themes of peace, innocence, or lament, which could influence the emotional tone of the psalm.A Miktam of David, The term "Miktam" is not fully understood, but it is often associated with a type of psalm that conveys deep personal reflection or lament. David, the attributed author, was the second king of Israel and a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his musical and poetic skills.when the Philistines seized him in Gath. This historical context refers to an event recorded in <a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a>, when David fled from King Saul and sought refuge in Gath, a Philistine city. The Philistines were long-standing enemies of Israel, and David's presence there was fraught with danger. This background highlights the psalm's themes of fear and reliance on God.Be merciful to me, O God, David's plea for mercy underscores his recognition of God's sovereignty and his own need for divine intervention. This appeal to God's mercy is a common theme in the Psalms, reflecting a deep trust in God's character and compassion.for men are hounding me; This phrase captures the relentless pursuit David faced from his enemies, particularly Saul's forces. The imagery of being hunted emphasizes the intensity of his distress and the urgency of his plea for God's protection.all day they press their attack. The continuous nature of the threat is highlighted here, suggesting that David's trials were unceasing and overwhelming. This persistence of adversity is a common experience for many believers, who find solace in the psalms' honest expression of human struggle and divine hope.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The author of this psalm, David, is expressing his plea for God's mercy during a time of distress. This psalm is attributed to the time when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The central figure to whom David directs his plea for mercy and protection. David's relationship with God is one of trust and dependence. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a> The enemies of Israel who captured David in Gath, representing the external threats and pressures David faced. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a> A Philistine city where David sought refuge but found himself in danger, highlighting the context of his plea for divine intervention. 5. <a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men</a> The adversaries who are relentlessly pursuing David, symbolizing the constant challenges and opposition believers may face.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_mercy.htm">Dependence on God's Mercy</a> Recognize that in times of distress, our first response should be to seek God's mercy, acknowledging our dependence on Him. <a href="/topical/f/facing_adversity_with_faith.htm">Facing Adversity with Faith</a> Like David, we can face our adversaries and challenges with confidence, knowing that God is our protector and refuge. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a> Understand that the "men" who hound us can represent spiritual battles we face, and we must be vigilant in prayer and trust in God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_unchanging_character.htm">God's Unchanging Character</a> Trust in God's consistent nature; His mercy and protection are available to us just as they were to David. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_mercy.htm">Living Out Mercy</a> As recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others, reflecting God's character in our interactions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_56.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 56</a> <a href="/q/is_psalm_124_3_metaphorical_or_unverified.htm">Psalm 124:3 describes enemies swallowing Israel alive, but there is no archaeological evidence of such an event. Could this be metaphorical, or is it historically unverified? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_'michtam'_mean_in_psalms.htm">What is the meaning of Michtam in the Psalms?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_60_1_fit_god's_mercy.htm">Since Psalm 60:1 portrays God as angry and distant, how does this align with the Bible's broader portrayal of His mercy and love?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_blasphemy_unforgivable.htm">Matthew 12:31-32: How can blasphemy against the Holy Spirit be 'unforgivable' if Scripture elsewhere teaches God's limitless forgiveness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/56.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Man . . .--Heb., enosh, either as in <a href="/psalms/9-19.htm" title="Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in your sight.">Psalm 9:19</a>, "mortal man," or, contemptuously, "a rabble, a multitude."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/56.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; literally, man panteth after me - like a wild beast after his prey. The contrast is sharp between "man" (enosh, "weak man") and God (Elohim, "the Mighty One"). He fighting daily oppreseeth me; rather, all the day long is he fighting and oppressing me. <a href="/commentaries/psalms/56-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For the choirmaster. לַמְנַצֵּ֤חַ ׀ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5329.htm">Strong's 5329: </a> To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent To the tune of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against “A Dove י֬וֹנַת (yō·w·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> A dove on Distant רְ֭חֹקִים (rə·ḥō·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> Remote, of place, time, precious Oaks.” אֵ֣לֶם (’ê·lem) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_482.htm">Strong's 482: </a> Silence A Miktam מִכְתָּ֑ם (miḵ·tām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4387.htm">Strong's 4387: </a> A technical term in psalm titles of David, לְדָוִ֣ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse when the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֣ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia seized בֶּֽאֱחֹ֨ז (be·’ĕ·ḥōz) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> To grasp, take hold, take possession him in Gath. בְּגַֽת׃ (bə·ḡaṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1661.htm">Strong's 1661: </a> Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city Be merciful to me, חָנֵּ֣נִי (ḥān·nê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2603.htm">Strong's 2603: </a> To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore O God, אֱ֭לֹהִים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction men אֱנ֑וֹשׁ (’ĕ·nō·wōš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind are hounding me; שְׁאָפַ֣נִי (šə·’ā·p̄a·nî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7602.htm">Strong's 7602: </a> To inhale eagerly, to cover, to be angry, to hasten all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every day long הַ֝יּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day they press יִלְחָצֵֽנִי׃ (yil·ḥā·ṣê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3905.htm">Strong's 3905: </a> To squeeze, press, oppress their attack. לֹחֵ֥ם (lō·ḥêm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 56:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/55-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 55:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 55:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/56-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 56:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 56:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>