Psalms 56:6
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Original Language Analysis
יָג֤וּרוּ׀
They gather themselves together
H1481
יָג֤וּרוּ׀
They gather themselves together
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
יִצְפּ֗יֹנוּ
they hide
H6845
יִצְפּ֗יֹנוּ
they hide
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
2 of 8
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
עֲקֵבַ֣י
my steps
H6119
עֲקֵבַ֣י
my steps
Strong's:
H6119
Word #:
4 of 8
a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)
יִשְׁמֹ֑רוּ
themselves they mark
H8104
יִשְׁמֹ֑רוּ
themselves they mark
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
כַּ֝אֲשֶׁ֗ר
H834
כַּ֝אֲשֶׁ֗ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 71:10For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,Psalms 59:3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.Psalms 140:2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.Luke 20:20And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
Historical Context
This describes the methods of ancient assassination plots and military surveillance. David experienced both Saul's attempts on his life (1 Samuel 19:11) and Philistine monitoring of his movements (1 Samuel 21:11), making constant vigilance necessary for survival.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's omniscience comfort you when facing hidden enemies or unseen opposition?
- What does God's detailed knowledge of persecution reveal about His care for the persecuted?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The enemies' tactics—gathering, hiding, marking steps—reveal coordinated, deliberate persecution. 'They wait for my soul' indicates their murderous intent. Yet David's recounting of these details to God demonstrates confidence that omniscience sees all plots. Nothing escapes divine notice, ensuring that persecution serves God's sovereign purposes despite appearing random or unjust.