◄ Psalm 56:5 ►
All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.
Study Bible
All day long
This phrase emphasizes the relentless nature of the psalmist's adversaries. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "kol," meaning "all" or "every," combined with "yom," meaning "day." This suggests a continuous, unceasing attack, reflecting the psalmist's feeling of being under constant pressure and surveillance. Historically, this can be seen as David's experience when he was pursued by King Saul, highlighting the intensity and persistence of his trials.

they twist my words
The Hebrew root for "twist" is "עָצַב" (atsab), which can mean to distort or to cause pain. This indicates a deliberate manipulation of the psalmist's words, turning them against him. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the common experience of God's people being misunderstood or misrepresented, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, including the New Testament, where Jesus Himself faced similar distortions of His teachings.

all their thoughts
The word "thoughts" comes from the Hebrew "מַחֲשָׁבוֹת" (machashavot), which can also mean plans or schemes. This suggests that the adversaries are not only distorting words but are also actively plotting against the psalmist. The use of "all" again underscores the totality and intensity of their scheming, leaving no room for peace or respite.

are against me
This phrase highlights the personal nature of the attacks. The Hebrew preposition "עַל" (al) can mean "against" or "upon," indicating a direct opposition. This personal opposition is a common experience for those who stand for righteousness, as seen throughout biblical history, where God's servants often faced hostility from those who opposed God's ways.

for evil
The Hebrew word "רָע" (ra) is used here, which means evil, wickedness, or harm. This underscores the malicious intent behind the adversaries' actions. In the biblical narrative, evil is often portrayed as being in direct opposition to God's goodness and righteousness. The psalmist's cry here is a recognition of the spiritual battle between good and evil, a theme that is prevalent throughout Scripture and is a reminder of the believer's call to stand firm in faith amidst adversity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 56, David is expressing his trust in God amidst persecution and fear. This psalm is attributed to the time when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they captured David, leading to his plea for God's deliverance.

3. Gath
A Philistine city where David sought refuge from King Saul, only to find himself in danger again.
Teaching Points
Trust in God Amidst Adversity
David's situation in Gath teaches us to place our trust in God even when we are surrounded by enemies or difficult circumstances. His reliance on God serves as a model for us to follow.

The Power of Prayer
David's response to his fear and persecution was to turn to God in prayer. This emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of seeking God's help and comfort.

God's Sovereignty Over Our Enemies
Despite the constant plotting of his enemies, David acknowledges God's control over his life. This reminds us that God is sovereign and can protect us from those who seek to harm us.

Faith Over Fear
David's faith in God allowed him to overcome his fear. This encourages us to strengthen our faith, knowing that God is greater than any fear we may face.

The Importance of Integrity
David's life, even in distress, reflects a commitment to integrity and righteousness. We are called to maintain our integrity, trusting that God sees and honors our faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's experience with the Philistines in Gath relate to the challenges you face today? What can you learn from his response?

2. In what ways can you apply David's trust in God to your own life when you feel surrounded by difficulties?

3. How does the context of 1 Samuel 21:10-15 enhance your understanding of Psalm 56:5?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt persecuted or misunderstood. How did you respond, and how might David's example guide you in the future?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12 encourage you when you face opposition for your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 21:10-15
This passage provides the historical context for Psalm 56, describing David's escape to Gath and his subsequent capture by the Philistines.

Psalm 34
Another psalm written by David during his time in Gath, highlighting his praise and trust in God despite his circumstances.

Matthew 5:11-12
Jesus speaks about being blessed when persecuted for righteousness, which connects to David's experience of being pursued and maligned.
Sermons
Fear and DeliveranceW. Forsyth Psalm 56:1-13
The Deprecable and the DesirableHomilistPsalm 56:1-13
The Struggle and Victory of FaithC. Short Psalm 56:1-13
People
David, Psalmist, Saul
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Affairs, Always, Cause, Distort, Evil, Harm, Injure, Plotting, Seek, Thoughts, Trouble, Twist, Wrest, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 56:5

     5817   conspiracies

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

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