Chapter Summary
Psalm 56, written when David was seized by the Philistines in Gath, expresses trust amid fear. Though enemies trample him all day, when he is afraid he puts his trust in God. He declares "In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" God keeps count of his wanderings and stores his tears in a bottle. His vows of praise will be fulfilled.
Key Verses in This Chapter
Psalms Chapter 56
Chapter 56 of Psalms from the Holy Bible
Verses
Psalms 56:1
Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.
Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
Psalms 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:4
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psalms 56:5
Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
Psalms 56:6
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
Psalms 56:7
Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.
Psalms 56:8
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Psalms 56:9
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Psalms 56:10
In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
Psalms 56:11
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psalms 56:12
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
Psalms 56:13
For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
People Also Ask
What is Psalms Chapter 56 about?
Psalms Chapter 56 is part of the book of Psalms in the Wisdom Literature (Poetic Books). This chapter contains 13 verses. Read the full text above to study its message in context with the surrounding chapters.
How many verses are in Psalms Chapter 56?
Psalms Chapter 56 contains 13 verses. You can use the Audio Reader to listen to this chapter read aloud, or use the font size controls above to adjust the text for comfortable reading. Bookmark individual verses by hovering over them and clicking the bookmark icon.
How can I study Psalms Chapter 56 more deeply?
To study this chapter more deeply: (1) Read the surrounding chapters for context - start with Chapter 55. (2) Explore related themes in our Faith Discussions section. (3) Find verses that match your emotional needs in Verses by Emotion. (4) Use the bookmark feature to save key verses for later reflection.