Bible Strands
Psalms 56:1
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 Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses God immediately after the Philistines seized him in Gath. He speaks as a pursued individual facing relentless daily hostility from human pursuers.
The words — The Hebrew חָנֵּנִי (chānēnî) literally means "show favor to me," and שְׁאָפַנִי (šʾāfanî) translates to "he has crushed me." These terms frame the verse as both a petition for grace and a report of sustained oppression.
The thread — The opening plea mirrors Psalms 16:1 and Psalms 31:9, where David again calls for divine preservation during distress. The historical context of Philistine pursuit corresponds to the narrative in 1 Samuel 29:4.
Why it lands — The text requires a direct appeal to God for mercy when facing continuous human attack. It demands the reader acknowledge their exposure to hostility and seek divine refuge instead of relying on human defense.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
To the chief Musician upon Jonath–elem–rechokim, 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.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 29:4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?
- Psalms 16:1 A Miktam of David. Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.
- Psalms 31:9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.
- Psalms 59:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.
- Psalms 69:13 But my prayer to You, O LORD, is for a time of favor. In Your abundant loving devotion, O God, answer me with Your sure salvation.
- 1 Samuel 21:11 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’?”
- Psalms 27:2 When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
- Psalms 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!
- Psalms 143:12 And in Your loving devotion, cut off my enemies. Destroy all who afflict me, for I am Your servant.
- 1 Corinthians 15:54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”