Psalms 56:9

9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

Psalms 56:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
ESV
9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, thatGod is for me.
NLT
9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!
MSG
9 If my enemies run away, turn tail when I yell at them, Then I'll know that God is on my side.
CSB
9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I know: God is for me.

Psalms 56:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 56:9

When I cry [unto thee]
In prayer;

then shall mine enemies turn back;
great is the strength of prayer; the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much against their enemies: when Moses lifted up his hands, Israel prevailed: the cases of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, prove it; this David was assured of, and knew it to be true by experience, his prayer being often the prayer of faith in this respect;

this I know: for God [is] for me;
he knew that when he prayed his enemies would flee; because God was on his side, who is greater than they; or by this he knew that God was for him, and was his God, by hearing his prayers, and causing his enemies to turn back: or, however, let things go how they will, this he was assured of, that he had a covenant interest in God, and who would be his God and guide even unto death.

Psalms 56:9 In-Context

7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?
9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—
11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Cross References 3

  • 1. Psalms 9:3
  • 2. Psalms 102:2
  • 3. S Numbers 14:8; S Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:31
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