Psalms 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָג֤וּרוּ׀

H1481

They gather themselves together

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

H6845

they hide

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

הֵ֭מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עֲקֵבַ֣י

H6119

my steps

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

יִשְׁמֹ֑רוּ

H8104

themselves they mark

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

כַּ֝אֲשֶׁ֗ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קִוּ֥וּ

H6960

when they wait

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

נַפְשִֽׁי׃

H5315

for my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?