Psalms 56:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Chapter Context
Psalms 56 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, redemption, worship. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 56:8
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Analysis
The image of God numbering wanderings and collecting tears in a bottle reveals divine attention to suffering. The Hebrew 'nod' (wandering/exile) indicates David's fugitive status. Ancient Near Eastern peoples collected tears in small bottles to represent mourning; David asks if God similarly treasures his tears. 'Are they not in thy book?' affirms that God records all suffering for eschatological vindication.
Historical Context
David's years as a fugitive from Saul involved constant movement from place to place with no settled home. The imagery of collected tears reflects ancient mourning practices where tear bottles were sometimes placed in tombs.
Reflection
- How does knowing that God records your sufferings affect your endurance of trials?
- What does the metaphor of God's 'book' reveal about His purposes in allowing suffering?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 39:12, 121:8, 139:16, 2 Kings 20:5, Isaiah 63:9, Malachi 3:16