For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. For You have deliveredThis phrase acknowledges God's active role in salvation and deliverance. The Hebrew root for "delivered" is "נָצַל" (natsal), which conveys the idea of being snatched away or rescued. Historically, this reflects the numerous times God intervened to save His people, such as the Exodus from Egypt. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His personal involvement in the lives of His followers, offering assurance that He is a present help in times of trouble. my soul from death
The "soul" in Hebrew is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), which refers to the entire being or life of a person. The deliverance from "death" signifies not only physical preservation but also spiritual salvation. In a broader scriptural context, this points to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life to believers. It is a reminder of the hope and assurance Christians have in Christ's victory over sin and death. my feet from stumbling
The imagery of "feet" and "stumbling" suggests guidance and stability. In Hebrew, "stumbling" is "כָּשַׁל" (kashal), which means to falter or fall. This phrase indicates God's provision of strength and direction, preventing believers from falling into sin or despair. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a shepherd who leads His flock safely, as seen in Psalm 23. It encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and protection in their daily walk. that I may walk before God
"Walk" in Hebrew is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which implies living or conducting one's life. To "walk before God" means to live in His presence, under His watchful eye, and in accordance with His will. This phrase underscores the relational aspect of faith, where believers are called to live a life pleasing to God, reflecting His character and commands. It is an invitation to a life of holiness and devotion, walking in fellowship with the Creator. in the light of life
The "light of life" symbolizes truth, purity, and divine revelation. In Hebrew, "light" is "אוֹר" (or), often associated with God's presence and guidance. This phrase suggests living in the illumination of God's truth, which dispels darkness and leads to abundant life. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "light of the world" in the New Testament, embodies this concept, offering spiritual enlightenment and life to all who follow Him. It inspires believers to seek and reflect God's light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, David often wrote during times of distress and persecution, particularly when he was pursued by King Saul or enemies like the Philistines. 2. GodThe central figure in the psalm, God is portrayed as the deliverer and protector of David's soul. 3. PhilistinesWhile not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 56 is David's capture by the Philistines in Gath, which is a backdrop to his plea for deliverance. Teaching Points Deliverance and GratitudeRecognize and give thanks for God's deliverance in our lives, both physically and spiritually. Reflect on how God has saved us from various forms of "death" or danger. Walking in the LightStrive to live a life that reflects God's light, making choices that align with His will and truth. This involves daily commitment to spiritual disciplines and moral integrity. Avoiding StumblingSeek God's guidance to prevent spiritual stumbling. This includes prayer, studying Scripture, and being part of a faith community that encourages accountability and growth. Living with PurposeUnderstand that our deliverance is not just for our benefit but to enable us to walk before God and fulfill His purposes. Consider how your life can be a testimony to God's saving grace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of David's life enhance our appreciation of Psalm 56:13? 2. In what ways can we identify with David's experience of deliverance in our own lives? 3. How does the concept of "walking before God in the light of life" challenge our daily living and decision-making? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid spiritual stumbling in our walk with God? 5. How can we use our experiences of God's deliverance to encourage and witness to others, drawing connections to other scriptures that speak of God's saving power? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 116:8-9This passage echoes the themes of deliverance from death and walking before God, reinforcing the idea of God's saving power and guidance. John 8:12Jesus refers to Himself as the "light of the world," which connects to the "light of life" mentioned in Psalm 56:13, emphasizing the spiritual illumination and guidance provided by God. 2 Corinthians 4:6Paul speaks of God shining light into our hearts, which parallels the concept of walking in the "light of life" as a metaphor for living in God's truth and presence. People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics 57, Cave, Chief, David, Death, Deliver, Delivered, Falling, Fled, Habitually, Hast, Indeed, Kept, Michtam, Musician, Power, Prevented, Psalm, Saul, Soul, Stumbling, Walk, Walking, Wilt, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 56:13 4020 life, of faith
4836 light, and people of God
5151 feet
5186 stumbling
5197 walking
6645 eternal life, nature of Psalm 56:12-13 6634 deliverance Library March 27. "What Time I am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee" (Ps. Lvi. 3).
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Ps. lvi. 3). We shall never forget a remark Mr. George Mueller once made in answer to a gentleman who asked him the best way to have strong faith. "The only way," replied the patriarch of faith, "to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." This is very true. The time to trust is when all else fails. Dear one, if you scarcely realize the value of your present opportunity, if you are …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth A Song of Deliverance
'For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: hast Thou not delivered my feet from falling? that I may walk before God in the light of the living.'--PSALM lvi. 13 (R.V.). According to the ancient Jewish tradition preserved in the superscription of this psalm, it was written at the lowest ebb of David's fortunes, 'when the Philistines took him in Gath,' and as you may remember, he saved himself by adding the fox's hide to the lion's skin, and by pretending to be an idiot, degraded as well as delivered …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Fear and Faith
What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. 4. ... In God I have put my trust: I will not fear.'--PSALM lvi. 3, 4. It is not given to many men to add new words to the vocabulary of religious emotion. But so far as an examination of the Old Testament avails, I find that David was the first that ever employed the word that is here translated, I will trust, with a religious meaning. It is found occasionally in earlier books of the Bible in different connections, never in regard to man's relations …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture January the Thirtieth Irresistible Artillery
"When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back." --PSALM lvi. But it must be a real "cry"! It must not be an idle recitation which sheds no blood. It must be a cry like the cry of the drowning, a cry which cleaves the air like a bullet. Said a man to me some while ago, "Assault the heavens with cries for me!" That is the cry which takes the kingdom by storm. When such a cry rends the heavens, "my enemies turn back." A secret and irresistible artillery begins to play upon them, and their …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year Now this Election the Apostle Demonstrating to Be...
17. Now this election the Apostle demonstrating to be, not of merits going before in good works, but election of grace, saith thus: "And in this time a remnant by election of grace is saved. But if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace." [2672] This is election of grace; that is, election in which through the grace of God men are elected: this, I say, is election of grace which goes before all good merits of men. For if it be to any good merits that it is given, …
St. Augustine—On Patience Motives to Holy Mourning
Let me exhort Christians to holy mourning. I now persuade to such a mourning as will prepare the soul for blessedness. Oh that our hearts were spiritual limbecs, distilling the water of holy tears! Christ's doves weep. They that escape shall be like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity' (Ezekiel 7:16). There are several divine motives to holy mourning: 1 Tears cannot be put to a better use. If you weep for outward losses, you lose your tears. It is like a shower …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 56:13 NIVPsalm 56:13 NLTPsalm 56:13 ESVPsalm 56:13 NASBPsalm 56:13 KJV
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