1 For the Leader; upon Jonath-elem-rehokim. A Psalm of David; Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath.
2 Be gracious unto me, O G-d, for man would swallow me up; all the day he fighting oppresseth me.
3 They that lie in wait for me would swallow me up all the day; for they are many that fight against me, O Most High,
4 In the day that I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.
5 In G-d--I will praise His word--in G-d do I trust, I will not be afraid; what can flesh do unto me?
6 All the day they trouble mine affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil.
7 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps; according as they have waited for my soul.
8 Because of iniquity cast them out; in anger bring down the peoples, O G-d.
9 Thou has counted my wanderings; put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book?
10 Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call; this I know, that G-d is for me.
11 In G-d--I will praise His word--in HaShem--I will praise His word--
12 In G-d do I trust, I will not be afraid; what can man do unto me?
13 Thy vows are upon me, O G-d; I will render thank-offerings unto Thee.
14 For thou hast delivered my soul from death; hast Thou not delivered my feet from stumbling? that I may walk before G-d in the light of the living?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 56 about?
What does verse 8 mean by God putting tears 'into thy bottle'?
What does the psalm repeat as its central resolve?
Today's Verse
the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches.
Verse Of The DayThe psalmist finds comfort that God tells his wanderings and keeps his tears 'in thy bottle,' repeating twice, 'I will not be afraid what man can do unto me,' a line close to Psalms 34:4. The refuge theme continues into Psalms 57.
