In God, whose word I praise--in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? In GodThe phrase "In God" signifies a deep, personal relationship and reliance on the divine. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," which is a plural form often used to denote the majesty and power of God. This reflects the psalmist's acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and his commitment to place his trust in the Almighty. Historically, this trust in God was central to the Israelites' identity, as they were often surrounded by hostile nations and needed to rely on God's protection and guidance. whose word I praise
The "word" refers to God's promises and commands, which are worthy of praise because they are true and reliable. The Hebrew term for "word" is "dabar," which encompasses God's spoken and written communication. Praising God's word indicates a deep reverence and appreciation for the guidance and truth it provides. In the historical context, the Israelites held the Torah in high esteem, viewing it as the foundation of their covenant relationship with God. in God I trust
This phrase emphasizes a conscious decision to place confidence in God. The Hebrew root for "trust" is "batach," which conveys a sense of security and assurance. Trusting in God implies a relinquishment of fear and anxiety, knowing that God is faithful and sovereign. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's character and promises, which is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms. I will not be afraid
The declaration "I will not be afraid" is a bold statement of faith. The Hebrew word for "afraid" is "yare," which can mean to fear or to be in awe. Here, it signifies the absence of fear due to the psalmist's trust in God. This reflects a common biblical theme where faith in God dispels fear, as seen in the lives of figures like David, who faced numerous threats yet remained confident in God's protection. What can man do to me?
This rhetorical question underscores the psalmist's confidence in God's protection. The term "man" refers to mortal beings, emphasizing their limitations compared to the omnipotent God. Historically, David, the attributed author of this psalm, faced many human adversaries, yet he recognized that their power was insignificant compared to God's. This perspective encourages believers to focus on God's sovereignty rather than the threats posed by others, reinforcing the idea that ultimate security is found in God alone. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 56, David wrote this psalm during a time of great distress when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath. His trust in God amidst fear is a central theme. 2. PhilistinesA group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. David's capture by them sets the backdrop for this psalm. 3. GathA Philistine city where David was taken. It represents a place of danger and fear for David, yet also a place where he expressed profound trust in God. Teaching Points Trust in God's WordThe phrase "whose word I praise" emphasizes the importance of valuing and trusting in God's promises. In times of fear, believers are encouraged to turn to Scripture for reassurance and strength. Overcoming FearDavid's declaration, "I will not be afraid," serves as a model for believers to confront fear with faith. Trusting in God diminishes the power of fear over our lives. Human LimitationsThe rhetorical question, "What can man do to me?" reminds us of the limitations of human power compared to God's sovereignty. It encourages believers to focus on God's omnipotence rather than human threats. Praise as a WeaponPraising God, even in difficult circumstances, shifts our focus from problems to the Provider. It is a powerful tool for maintaining faith and trust. Faith in ActionTrusting God should lead to practical steps of faith, such as prayer, worship, and obedience, even when circumstances are challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's situation in Gath enhance our understanding of his trust in God as expressed in Psalm 56:4? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "praising God's word" in our daily lives, especially during times of fear or uncertainty? 3. How does the rhetorical question "What can man do to me?" challenge our perspective on human threats versus divine protection? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced fear. How did trusting in God change your response to that situation? 5. How can the themes of Psalm 56:4 be seen in the life and teachings of Jesus, particularly in His responses to fear and opposition? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 27:1This verse echoes the theme of trusting God and not fearing man, reinforcing the idea that God is our light and salvation. Hebrews 13:6This New Testament verse draws directly from the sentiment of Psalm 56:4, emphasizing confidence in God's protection over human threats. Isaiah 12:2This verse highlights trust in God as a source of strength and salvation, similar to David's declaration of trust in Psalm 56:4. People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Afraid, Confidence, Fear, Flesh, Hope, Mere, Mortal, Praise, Trust, TrustedDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 56:4 5914 optimism
8166 theology
8334 reverence, and God's nature Psalm 56:1-4 8754 fear Psalm 56:3-4 5562 suffering, innocent 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 56:4 NIVPsalm 56:4 NLTPsalm 56:4 ESVPsalm 56:4 NASBPsalm 56:4 KJV
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