Psalms 56:1
Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
Original Language Analysis
חָנֵּ֣נִי
Be merciful
H2603
חָנֵּ֣נִי
Be merciful
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
אֱ֭לֹהִים
unto me O God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים
unto me O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁאָפַ֣נִי
would swallow me up
H7602
שְׁאָפַ֣נִי
would swallow me up
Strong's:
H7602
Word #:
4 of 9
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
for man
H582
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
for man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
daily
H3117
הַ֝יּ֗וֹם
daily
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
1 Samuel 29:4And 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?Psalms 59:1Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.Psalms 60:1O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.Psalms 27:2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.Psalms 16:1Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.Psalms 124:3Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:Psalms 35:25Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.Psalms 58:1Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?Psalms 136:15But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalms 21:9Thou 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.
Historical Context
The superscription 'when the Philistines took him in Gath' refers to 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David feigned madness before King Achish. This was one of David's lowest moments, showing that even faith's champions experience desperation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does crying out for mercy differ from demanding deliverance as a right?
- What does God's faithfulness to David in pagan Gath reveal about His covenant commitment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew 'chanan' (be gracious/merciful) opens this psalm of trust amid persecution. 'Man would swallow me up' uses vivid imagery of enemies as beasts of prey, yet directs the appeal to God's character rather than human allies. The superscription's reference to David among the Philistines shows that even among pagans, God's covenant mercy sustains His elect.