Psalm 56
NET Bible
Chapter overview
Psalm 56 speaks from capture among hostile Philistines, where enemies watch and twist words. Fear is acknowledged rather than denied, tears are remembered, and trust grows into confidence that human threats cannot finally prevail.
FearTrustTearsDeliverance
1Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
2Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
3When I am afraid, I trust in you.
4In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?
5All day long they cause me trouble; they make a habit of plotting my demise.
6They stalk and lurk; they watch my every step, as they prepare to take my life.
7Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
8You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container! Are they not recorded in your scroll?
9My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help; I know that God is on my side.
10In God – I boast in his promise – in the Lord – I boast in his promise –
11in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?
12I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,
13when you deliver my life from death. You keep my feet from stumbling, so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.
Verses to memorize from Psalm 56
- Psalm 56:3When I am afraid, I trust in you.
- Psalm 56:8You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container!…
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