Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁאֲפ֣וּ
swallow
H7602
שָׁאֲפ֣וּ
swallow
Strong's:
H7602
Word #:
1 of 9
to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten
שׁ֭וֹרְרַי
Mine enemies
H8324
שׁ֭וֹרְרַי
Mine enemies
Strong's:
H8324
Word #:
2 of 9
to be hostile (only active participle an opponent)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיּ֑וֹם
would daily
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
would daily
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 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
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַבִּ֨ים
me up for they be many
H7227
רַבִּ֨ים
me up for they be many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 9
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Psalms 57:3He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.Revelation 16:14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 54:5He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.Psalms 3:1LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.Psalms 91:1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalms 35:1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me.Psalms 92:8But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore.Psalms 92:1It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:Psalms 93:4The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
Historical Context
David faced continuous persecution from Saul's agents, then from Philistine suspicion, showing the righteous often find no earthly refuge. The intensity of this pursuit tested David's faith in God's covenant promises regarding his future kingship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that persecution is normative for believers affect your response to opposition?
- What sustains faith when enemies seem more numerous and powerful than your defenders?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The persistent hostility ('daily') reveals that opposition to God's elect is unrelenting in this fallen world. Yet the Hebrew 'saraph' (pant/long for) describes enemies' intensity, implying their zeal achieves nothing against God's protection. 'Many' emphasizes the multitude of opposition, anticipating Christ's words that believers will face hatred from all nations (Matthew 24:9).