◄ Psalm 56:9 ►
Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.
Study Bible
Then my enemies will retreat
The phrase "Then my enemies will retreat" speaks to the assurance of divine intervention and protection. The Hebrew root for "retreat" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This word is often used in the context of repentance or a change of direction. In this context, it signifies a reversal of fortune for the psalmist's adversaries. Historically, the Israelites often faced physical enemies, but this verse also applies to spiritual battles. The confidence that enemies will retreat is rooted in the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, turning the tide in their favor.

on the day I call
The phrase "on the day I call" emphasizes the immediacy and responsiveness of God to the prayers of the faithful. The Hebrew word for "call" is "קָרָא" (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or summon. This word is used throughout the Old Testament to describe the act of calling upon God in times of need. The historical context of this phrase reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to hear and respond to the cries of His people. It underscores the importance of prayer and the assurance that God listens and acts when His people reach out to Him.

this I know
The phrase "this I know" conveys a deep, personal conviction and certainty. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This is not mere intellectual assent but a profound understanding rooted in experience and relationship. In the biblical context, knowing God is often associated with trust and faithfulness. The psalmist's declaration of "this I know" reflects a steadfast confidence in God's character and promises, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures as believers are called to trust in God's unfailing love and faithfulness.

for God is on my side
The phrase "for God is on my side" is a powerful affirmation of divine support and presence. The Hebrew preposition "לְ" (le) can be translated as "for" or "on behalf of," indicating God's active role in supporting and defending the psalmist. This assurance of God's presence is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God is often depicted as a warrior fighting for His people. The historical context of Israel's battles and deliverance from enemies serves as a backdrop for this declaration. For believers, this phrase is a reminder of the New Testament promise that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31), reinforcing the idea that God's presence brings victory and peace.

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

2. Enemies
The adversaries of David, likely referring to the Philistines or Saul's forces, who sought to harm him. They represent any opposition faced by believers.

3. God
The central figure in whom David places his trust. God is portrayed as a protector and ally in times of trouble.

4. Gath
A Philistine city where David sought refuge, highlighting the context of his distress and the presence of his enemies.

5. Day of Crying for Help
Represents moments of desperation and prayer, where David calls upon God for deliverance.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Deliverance
Just as David trusted God to make his enemies retreat, believers today can have confidence that God will intervene in their struggles.

The Power of Prayer
David's cry for help is a reminder of the importance and power of prayer. In times of trouble, turning to God should be our first response.

God's Faithfulness
The assurance that God is on our side is a testament to His faithfulness. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God is always present and supportive.

Victory Over Adversity
The retreat of enemies symbolizes victory over adversity. With God, believers can overcome challenges and opposition.

Assurance of God's Presence
Knowing that God is on our side provides peace and assurance, even when facing formidable challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of David's situation in Gath enhance our interpretation of Psalm 56:9?

2. In what ways can we apply David's confidence in God's deliverance to our own personal struggles today?

3. How does the assurance that "God is on my side" influence our perspective on facing opposition or adversity?

4. What role does prayer play in experiencing God's deliverance, as seen in Psalm 56:9 and other scriptures?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, as demonstrated by David in this psalm?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18:6
This verse also speaks of David calling upon the Lord in distress and being heard, reinforcing the theme of God responding to cries for help.

Romans 8:31
This New Testament verse echoes the assurance that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, similar to David's confidence in God's support.

Exodus 14:14
The assurance that the Lord will fight for His people, encouraging believers to trust in God's deliverance.
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
Prayer Vanquishing EnemiesHelps for the PulpitPsalm 56:9-11
People
David, Psalmist, Saul
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Backward, Cry, Enemies, Haters, Return, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 56:9-11

     8135   knowing God, nature of

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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