They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. They conspireThe Hebrew root for "conspire" is "קָשַׁר" (qashar), which means to bind or tie together, often used in the context of forming a secret plan or alliance. In the historical context of David's life, this word reflects the constant plotting of his enemies, such as Saul and his men, who sought to undermine and destroy him. This phrase reminds us of the spiritual warfare that believers face, where unseen forces conspire against the faithful. It is a call to vigilance and reliance on God's protection. they lurk
The word "lurking" comes from the Hebrew "צָפַן" (tsaphan), which means to hide or conceal oneself with malicious intent. This imagery paints a picture of enemies who are not only actively plotting but are also stealthily waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Historically, this reflects the tactics of ancient warfare, where ambushes were common. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for the hidden dangers and temptations that Christians must be aware of in their daily walk. they watch my steps
The phrase "watch my steps" uses the Hebrew "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning to keep, guard, or observe. This indicates a close and careful observation, akin to a predator stalking its prey. In David's context, it suggests the relentless scrutiny by his adversaries, seeking any misstep. For believers, it is a reminder that our actions are observed not only by God but also by those who may wish us harm, urging us to walk in righteousness and integrity. while they wait
The Hebrew "קָוָה" (qavah) is used here, meaning to wait or look for with eager expectation. This conveys the patience and persistence of David's enemies, who are willing to bide their time to achieve their malicious goals. It reflects the enduring nature of spiritual opposition, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast and patient in their faith, trusting in God's timing and deliverance. to take my life
The phrase "to take my life" translates from the Hebrew "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), which means soul or life. This indicates the ultimate goal of David's enemies: to destroy him completely. In a broader spiritual sense, it symbolizes the enemy's desire to rob believers of their spiritual vitality and relationship with God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes in spiritual warfare and the need for divine protection and perseverance in faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, who is expressing his distress and seeking God's protection from his enemies. 2. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, who are plotting against him and seeking to harm him. 3. PhilistinesThe historical context of this psalm is believed to be when David was captured by the Philistines in Gath, as noted in the title of the psalm. 4. GathA Philistine city where David sought refuge but found himself in danger. 5. GodThe ultimate protector and deliverer whom David trusts amidst his trials. Teaching Points Trust in God's ProtectionDespite the schemes of enemies, believers can trust in God's sovereign protection. Awareness of Spiritual WarfareJust as David faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual adversaries and must remain vigilant. Prayer as a WeaponDavid's response to his enemies was to turn to God in prayer, setting an example for believers to follow. God's OmniscienceGod is aware of the plots against His people and is actively involved in their defense. Faith Over FearDavid's faith in God overcame his fear of his enemies, teaching believers to prioritize faith over fear. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of David's capture in Gath enhance our interpretation of Psalm 56:6? 2. In what ways can we apply David's trust in God to our own situations of feeling watched or threatened? 3. How does the theme of enemies lurking in Psalm 56:6 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare in the New Testament? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our response to adversity mirrors David's reliance on prayer and faith? 5. How can the assurance of God's omniscience and protection in Psalm 56:6 encourage us in our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 21:10-15Provides the historical context of David's capture by the Philistines in Gath, which is the backdrop for this psalm. Psalm 37:32Discusses the wicked watching the righteous, similar to how David's enemies are watching him. Psalm 59:3Another instance where David speaks of enemies lying in wait for him, showing a recurring theme of persecution. Matthew 10:28Jesus speaks about not fearing those who can kill the body, but rather fearing God, which aligns with David's trust in God despite his enemies' threats. People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Assemble, Attack, Band, Conspire, Eager, Expected, Gather, Heels, Hide, Lurk, Mark, Note, Places, Secret, Soul, Steps, Themselves, Wait, Waited, Waiting, Watch, WatchingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 56:6 5205 alliance
5840 eagerness 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 56:6 NIVPsalm 56:6 NLTPsalm 56:6 ESVPsalm 56:6 NASBPsalm 56:6 KJV
Psalm 56:6 Commentaries
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