John Wesley Commentary on Psalms Chapter 56

Psalms, Chapter 56 David complains of his enemies, and begs for mercy, and help against them, ver. 1 - 7. Expresses his confidence in God, ver. 8 - 13. To the chief musician upon Jonath - elem - rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.

Title of the psalm. Jonath - elem - rechokim. Which is supposed to be the name of a song.

4: Will praise - I will praise the Lord for his word, for his promises of protection and deliverance, made to his people. Flesh - Infirm and mortal men, called flesh by way of contempt, as (Ps 78:39,Isa 31:3).

6: They gather - After they have severally employed their thoughts against me, they meet together to compare them, and to put them in execution. Hide - They lurk secretly, that they may pry into my most private actions. Steps - That they may find some occasion to reproach me. Soul - Or, life, to take it away.

7: Escape - Shall they secure themselves by injurious and malicious practices. The people - These who are mine enemies.

8: Wanderings - How I have been hunted from place to place. Put - Regard and pity them. Are they not - But why do I pray to God to do that which he hath already done?

12: Thy vows - I had made vows to express my gratitude, and resolve to perform them.

13: Walk - That I may serve and glorify thee. The light - ln this life.

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