Psalms 56:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 56:5
5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Chapter Context
Psalms 56 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, holiness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 56:5
5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Analysis
Enemies' continual twisting of David's words ('wrest my words') reveals the weapon of slander. The Hebrew 'atsab' (pain/grieve) shows how verbal assault injures. All their thoughts being 'against me for evil' indicates comprehensive hostility, prefiguring Christ who faced constant opposition seeking grounds for accusation (Matthew 22:15).
Historical Context
David's words were constantly misconstrued, whether by Saul who viewed him as a threat or by Philistines who suspected his loyalty. This psalm shows how the righteous suffer not only physical persecution but assault on their character and motives.
Reflection
- How should you respond when your words and motives are persistently misrepresented?
- What does Christ's silent endurance of false accusation teach about responding to slander?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: 1 Samuel 18:21, Jeremiah 18:18, 2 Peter 3:16
- Parallel theme: Psalms 41:7, 1 Samuel 18:17, 18:29, Matthew 22:15, 26:61, Luke 11:54