Psalm 56 John Brown of Haddington

This psalm was penned by David, when the Philistines apprehended him in Gath, 1 Sam. 21:10-15. It contains, (1.) His earnest supplications to God for merciful protection, and deliverance from his enemies, who were barbarous, powerful, crafty, malicious, and restless, ver. 1-2, 5-7. (2.) His assured confidence in God, as his own God, who had spoken good concerning him, and took particular notice of his grievances, ver. 3-4, 8, 11. (3.) Firm hopes that his prayers should issue in the defeat of his enemies, and that his faith would set him above the slavish fears of men, ver. 9-11; and that, while he paid his vows to God, he should have further occasion to praise the

Lord, for what he had done, and would do for him, ver. 12-13. Thus let me, in all my straits, have recourse to God. While his promises remain infallible, let me rejoice therein, and, without anxiety, cheerfully expect their fulfillment.