For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.
David wrote this song for the musical director of the Levites. The “yonath-elem-rechovim” tune means “to the tune of the dove on distant oaks.” David wrote this song when he was captured by the Philistines at Gath. He escaped by feigning insanity.
56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
David was being attacked from two sides by two different enemies.
56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
King Saul declared David as a national enemy of Israel. Saul sent the army of Israel after him. The Philistines also saw David as their enemy. Therefore, David was pursued by two different nations.
56:3 When I am afraid, I trust in you.
David did not fear men, because he feared God. Men cannot take away one’s physical life, unless God allows them to do so. Men cannot send one to the Lake of Fire for eternity.
56:4 In God—I boast in his promise— in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?
God promised David that he would one day co-reign with the Messiah. Therefore, David trusted in this promise of God. There was nothing that men could do to stop God from keeping His promises and executing His divine program.
56:5 All day long they cause me trouble; they make a habit of plotting my demise.
Saul’s army and the Philistine army were both causing David trouble.
56:6 They stalk and lurk; they watch my every step, as they prepare to take my life.
Both armies were planning to execute David.
56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
These two armies were attempting to execute God’s anointed King. David asked Jehovah to bring His anger down upon these two armies.
56:8 You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container! Are they not recorded in your scroll?
Jehovah recorded David’s tears and misery on a literal scroll which is kept in heaven.
56:9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help; I know that God is on my side.
When David cries out to God, then the two armies will withdraw their attacks on David. They will realize that David is the anointed king of Israel.
56:10 In God—I boast in his promise— in the Lord—I boast in his promise—
David boasted that God would keep His promise.
56:11 in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?
David feared God, but he did not fear men. Mere man can do nothing to David, unless God allows them to do so.
56:12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve, 56:13 when you deliver my life from death. You keep my feet from stumbling, so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.
David was so confident that God would rescue him, causing him to speak in the Qal Perfect (or past tense). David will give Jehovah thank offerings which point to Christ. He confesses that Jehovah keeps his foot from stumbling. This divine protection gave David more opportunity to perform divine viewpoint services for God.
This is a good song for modern believers, because it teaches one how to trust God for protection. It also teaches one how to pray.