Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. New Living Translation O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. English Standard Version Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; Berean Standard Bible For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. Berean Literal Bible For the one directing according to “A Dove of Distant Oaks.” Of David. A Miktam in the seizing of him by the Philistines in Gath. Show favor to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; all the day fighting, he oppresses me. King James Bible To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. New King James Version To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. New American Standard Bible For the music director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, God, for a man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. NASB 1995 For the choir director; according to Jonath elem rehokim. A Mikhtam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. NASB 1977 Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. Legacy Standard Bible For the choir director. According to Jonath Elem Rehokim. A Mikhtam of David. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; All day long, an attacker oppresses me. Amplified Bible To the Chief Musician; set to [the tune of] “Silent Dove Among Those Far Away.” A Mikhtam of David. [A record of memorable thoughts] when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled on me; All day long the adversary oppresses and torments me. Berean Annotated Bible For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks (the silent dove of far-off places). A Miktam of David (beloved), when the Philistines (immigrants) seized him in Gath (winepress). Be merciful to me, O God {Elohim}, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. Christian Standard Bible For the choir director: according to “A Silent Dove Far Away.” A Miktam of David. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. † Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. Holman Christian Standard Bible For the choir director: according to “A Silent Dove Far Away.” A Davidic Miktam. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, God, for man tramples me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. American Standard Version For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. Contemporary English Version Have pity, God Most High! My enemies chase me all day. English Revised Version For the Chief Musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A Psalm of David: Michtam: when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: all the day long he fighting oppresseth me. GOD'S WORD® Translation [For the choir director; according to [yonath elem rechokim]; a [miktam] by David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.] Have pity on me, O God, because people are harassing me. All day long warriors oppress me. Good News Translation Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. International Standard Version Have mercy on me, God, because men have harassed me. Those who oppress me have fought against me all day long. NET Bible For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me. New Heart English Bible [For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.] Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. Webster's Bible Translation To the chief Musician upon Jonathelem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. World English Bible For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for man wants to swallow me up. All day long, he attacks and oppresses me. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTO THE OVERSEER. [SET] ON “A SILENT DOVE FAR OFF.” A MIKTAM OF DAVID, IN THE PHILISTINES’ TAKING HOLD OF HIM IN GATH. Favor me, O God, for man swallowed me up, "" All the day fighting he oppresses me, Berean Literal Bible For the one directing according to “A Dove of Distant Oaks.” Of David. A Miktam in the seizing of him by the Philistines in Gath. Show favor to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; all the day fighting, he oppresses me. Young's Literal Translation To the Overseer. -- 'On the Dumb Dove far off.' -- A secret treasure of David, in the Philistines' taking hold of him in Gath. Favour me, O God, for man swallowed me up, All the day fighting he oppresseth me, Smith's Literal Translation To the overseer for the silent dove of those far off: to David, a poem in the rovers taking him in Gath. Compassionate me, O God, for man panted after me; warring all the day, he will press me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUnto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar ) when the Philistines held him in Geth. Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible For the director. According to Yonath elem rehoqim. A miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him at Gath. [2] Have mercy on me, God, for I am treated harshly; attackers press me all the day. New Revised Standard Version Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBE merciful to me, O God; for man has trodden me under foot; all the day long the fighting oppresses me. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Show mercy upon me, God, because man has trodden upon me, and all day the warrior has persecuted me, because a multitude of warriors has risen up against me. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For the Leader; upon Jonath-elem-rehokim. [A Psalm] of David; Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be gracious unto me, O God, for man would swallow me up; All the day he fighting oppresseth me. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the end, concerning the people that were removed from the sanctuary, by David for a memorial, when the Philistines caught him in Geth. Have mercy upon me, O God; for man has trodden me down; all the day long he warring has afflicted me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Be Merciful to Me, O God1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. 2My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.… Cross References For the choirmaster. Psalm 4:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved my distress; show me grace and hear my prayer. Psalm 55:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. Psalm 67:1 For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. May God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Psalm 22:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? Psalm 45:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 69:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. A Miktam of David, Psalm 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. Psalm 58:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? Psalm 60:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A Miktam of David for instruction. When he fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 1 Samuel 21:10-15 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. / But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing about him in their dances, saying: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” / Now David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. … Psalm 34:1 Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 1 Samuel 27:1-4 David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” / So David set out with his six hundred men and went to Achish son of Maoch, the king of Gath. / David and his men settled in Gath with Achish. Each man had his family with him, and David had his two wives: Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel, the widow of Nabal. … Be merciful to me, O God, Psalm 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. Psalm 86:3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. Psalm 123:3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. for men are hounding me; Psalm 54:3 For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah Treasury of Scripture Be merciful to me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresses me. A. Psalm 16:1 Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. Psalm 57:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Psalm 58:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? when 1 Samuel 21:11-15 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands? … 1 Samuel 29:4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth with him; and the princes of the Philistines said unto him, Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him, and let him not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he be an adversary to us: for wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his master? should it not be with the heads of these men? Be Psalm 31:9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. Psalm 57:1-3 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast… Psalm 59:10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. swallow Psalm 21:9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Psalm 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Psalm 35:25 Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up. Jump to Previous Attacks Chief Choirmaster Daily David Director Distant Dove Far-Off Fighting Gath Gracious Lands Merciful Michtam Miktam Miktamwhen Music Musician Oaks Oppress Oppresses Philistines Poem Psalm Seized Silent Swallow Terebinths Trample Trampled Tune WantsJump to Next Attacks Chief Choirmaster Daily David Director Distant Dove Far-Off Fighting Gath Gracious Lands Merciful Michtam Miktam Miktamwhen Music Musician Oaks Oppress Oppresses Philistines Poem Psalm Seized Silent Swallow Terebinths Trample Trampled Tune WantsPsalm 56 1. David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies,9. He professes his confidence in God's word, and promises to praise him For the choirmaster. This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader in the musical aspect of temple worship. The role of the choirmaster was significant in organizing and leading the musical elements of worship, which were an integral part of Israelite religious life. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, David, is expressing his plea for God's mercy during a time of distress. This psalm is attributed to the time when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 2. God The central figure to whom David directs his plea for mercy and protection. David's relationship with God is one of trust and dependence. 3. Philistines The enemies of Israel who captured David in Gath, representing the external threats and pressures David faced. 4. Gath A Philistine city where David sought refuge but found himself in danger, highlighting the context of his plea for divine intervention. 5. Men The adversaries who are relentlessly pursuing David, symbolizing the constant challenges and opposition believers may face. Teaching Points Dependence on God's MercyRecognize that in times of distress, our first response should be to seek God's mercy, acknowledging our dependence on Him. Facing Adversity with Faith Like David, we can face our adversaries and challenges with confidence, knowing that God is our protector and refuge. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare Understand that the "men" who hound us can represent spiritual battles we face, and we must be vigilant in prayer and trust in God. God's Unchanging Character Trust in God's consistent nature; His mercy and protection are available to us just as they were to David. Living Out Mercy As recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others, reflecting God's character in our interactions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 56:1?2. How can we seek God's mercy in times of fear and distress? 3. What does Psalm 56:1 teach about God's response to our suffering? 4. How does Psalm 56:1 connect with Jesus' teachings on trusting God? 5. How can we apply the plea for mercy in our daily prayer life? 6. What steps can we take to trust God when feeling overwhelmed by enemies? 7. How does Psalm 56:1 reflect God's mercy in times of fear and distress? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 56:1? 9. How does Psalm 56:1 challenge our understanding of divine protection? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 56? 11. Psalm 124:3 describes enemies swallowing Israel alive, but there is no archaeological evidence of such an event. Could this be metaphorical, or is it historically unverified? 12. What is the meaning of Michtam in the Psalms? 13. Since Psalm 60:1 portrays God as angry and distant, how does this align with the Bible's broader portrayal of His mercy and love? 14. Matthew 12:31-32: How can blasphemy against the Holy Spirit be 'unforgivable' if Scripture elsewhere teaches God's limitless forgiveness? What Does Psalm 56:1 Mean For the choirmaster.David intends this song for public worship, not private reflection alone. By handing it to the temple music leader, he signals that every believer can make his personal crisis a shared testimony of God’s faithfulness. Compare Psalm 66:1–4, where corporate praise flows from individual deliverance; see also Psalm 40:9–10. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” The ancient melody title hints at a mood of loneliness and vulnerability. A dove far from its home oak evokes isolation, matching David’s exile in Philistine territory. Similar imagery appears in Psalm 55:6–7, where David longs for “wings like a dove” to flee trouble, and in Hosea 7:11, where Ephraim is called “a dove, easily deceived and senseless.” God hears even when His child feels far from the nest. A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 1 Samuel 21:10–15 records David’s flight to Gath, the hometown of Goliath. Surrounded by enemies, he pretends insanity to escape. Calling the event a “Miktam” (a golden psalm) shows he views the memory as treasure, not trauma. Similar inscriptions appear in Psalm 16 and 57, both rooted in real danger yet brimming with confidence (Psalm 57:3 “God sends forth His love and His faithfulness”). Be merciful to me, O God, David’s first word is not strategy but plea. Mercy acknowledges need and trusts God’s character (Exodus 34:6 “The LORD, compassionate and gracious”). He does not bargain; he depends. Compare Luke 18:13 where the tax collector cries, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” and finds justification. Here David seeks rescue, but the ground is the same mercy. for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. The threat is relentless—“all day.” David’s honesty models how believers may speak plainly about persecution without diminishing faith. Note Psalm 118:13 “I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,” yet verse 14 declares, “The LORD is my strength.” The phrase “hounding me” recalls Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 24:14) and pictures predators chasing prey. In John 15:20 Jesus warns His followers, “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you,” confirming that continual pressure is normal for the faithful. summary Psalm 56:1 opens with public worship intentions, evokes lonely exile through its tune, grounds itself in a historical crisis, appeals to God’s mercy as the only sure refuge, and honestly describes unrelenting human hostility. Believers today can sing David’s words with confidence that the same merciful God literally stepped into history then and still rescues those who trust Him now. (1) Man . . .--Heb., enosh, either as in Psalm 9:19, "mortal man," or, contemptuously, "a rabble, a multitude."Verse 1. - Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; literally, man panteth after me - like a wild beast after his prey. The contrast is sharp between "man" (enosh, "weak man") and God (Elohim, "the Mighty One"). He fighting daily oppreseeth me; rather, all the day long is he fighting and oppressing me.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew For the choirmaster.לַמְנַצֵּ֤חַ ׀ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent To the tune of עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against “A Dove י֬וֹנַת (yō·w·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3123: A dove on Distant רְ֭חֹקִים (rə·ḥō·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious Oaks.” אֵ֣לֶם (’ê·lem) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 482: Silence A Miktam מִכְתָּ֑ם (miḵ·tām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4387: A technical term in psalm titles of David, לְדָוִ֣ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse when the Philistines פְלִשְׁתִּ֣ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm) Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia seized בֶּֽאֱחֹ֨ז (be·’ĕ·ḥōz) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession him in Gath. בְּגַֽת׃ (bə·ḡaṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1661: Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city Be merciful to me, חָנֵּ֣נִי (ḥān·nê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore O God, אֱ֭לֹהִים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction men אֱנ֑וֹשׁ (’ĕ·nō·wōš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 582: Man, mankind are hounding me; שְׁאָפַ֣נִי (šə·’ā·p̄a·nî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 7602: To inhale eagerly, to cover, to be angry, to hasten all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every day long הַ֝יּ֗וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day they press יִלְחָצֵֽנִי׃ (yil·ḥā·ṣê·nî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 3905: To squeeze, press, oppress their attack. לֹחֵ֥ם (lō·ḥêm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle Links Psalm 56:1 NIVPsalm 56:1 NLT Psalm 56:1 ESV Psalm 56:1 NASB Psalm 56:1 KJV Psalm 56:1 BibleApps.com Psalm 56:1 Biblia Paralela Psalm 56:1 Chinese Bible Psalm 56:1 French Bible Psalm 56:1 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 56:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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