◄ Psalm 56:11 ►
in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Study Bible
In God
The phrase "In God" signifies a profound trust and reliance on the divine. The Hebrew root for God here is "Elohim," which is a plural form often used to denote the majesty and power of the one true God. This phrase sets the foundation for the entire verse, emphasizing that the source of the psalmist's confidence and security is not in human strength or wisdom, but in the Almighty Creator. Historically, the Israelites often found themselves surrounded by enemies, and their survival depended on their faith in God. This trust is not passive but an active placing of one's life and circumstances into God's hands.

I trust
The Hebrew word for "trust" is "batach," which conveys a sense of boldness and confidence. It is not merely a feeling but an action, a decision to place one's confidence in God despite external circumstances. This trust is rooted in the character and promises of God, who has proven Himself faithful throughout the history of Israel. The psalmist's declaration of trust is a powerful statement of faith, especially in times of fear or uncertainty.

I will not be afraid
This phrase reflects a conscious choice to reject fear. The Hebrew word "yare" for "afraid" indicates a deep, paralyzing fear. By stating "I will not be afraid," the psalmist is making a deliberate decision to stand firm in faith. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the faithful are encouraged to choose faith over fear, knowing that God is their protector and deliverer. The historical context of David's life, often pursued by enemies, adds depth to this declaration, as he repeatedly experienced God's deliverance.

What can man do to me?
This rhetorical question underscores the psalmist's confidence in God's protection. The word "man" here is "adam" in Hebrew, referring to humanity in its frailty and limitations. The psalmist contrasts the power of mortal man with the omnipotence of God. This perspective diminishes the threat posed by human adversaries, as their power is insignificant compared to God's. This assurance is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God promises to be their shield and defender. Historically, this reflects the experiences of the Israelites, who often faced overwhelming odds yet were delivered by God's mighty hand.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The 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. Philistines
A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. David's capture by the Philistines in Gath is the backdrop for this psalm.

3. Gath
A Philistine city where David sought refuge from King Saul but ended up being captured, leading to the writing of this psalm.
Teaching Points
Trust in God Overcomes Fear
Trusting in God provides a foundation that dispels fear, as His power and protection surpass any threat from man.

The Limitations of Human Power
Recognizing that human power is limited helps believers focus on God's omnipotence and sovereignty.

Faith in Adversity
Like David, believers are encouraged to maintain their faith even in dire circumstances, knowing that God is their ultimate protector.

God's Faithfulness
Reflect on God's past faithfulness as a source of strength and confidence in present challenges.

Courage Through Scripture
Use scripture as a tool to bolster courage and trust in God, especially when facing fear or uncertainty.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of David's capture by the Philistines enhance your interpretation of Psalm 56:11?

2. In what ways can you apply the principle of trusting God over fearing man in your daily life?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Hebrews 13:6 and Matthew 10:28, reinforce the message of Psalm 56:11?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt afraid. How might Psalm 56:11 guide you in handling similar situations in the future?

5. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God, especially when facing challenges or fears?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 27:1
This verse echoes the theme of trusting God and not fearing man, reinforcing the idea that God is our light and salvation.

Hebrews 13:6
This New Testament verse directly quotes Psalm 56:11, emphasizing the continuity of the message of trust in God across both Testaments.

Matthew 10:28
Jesus teaches about fearing God rather than man, aligning with the message of Psalm 56:11 about the limitations of human power compared to God's sovereignty.
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
Afraid, Confidence, Fear, Hope, Trust, Trusted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 56:11

     5763   attitudes, positive to God

Psalm 56:9-11

     8135   knowing God, nature of

Psalm 56:10-11

     8031   trust, importance

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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