Psalm 56:2

2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

Psalm 56:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 56:2

Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up
For not one man only, but many, were his enemies; who observed and watched him, and were eagerly desirous of his ruin. The believer has many enemies, sin, Satan, and the world, seeking to devour and destroy him, though they cannot;

for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High;
he appeals to God, who dwells on high, and sees all things, for the truth of this, that he had many enemies both at Gath and in Israel; as well as applies to him for help, he being higher than they. Some render the words, "for [they] be many that fight against me from on high" ^F17, or "highly" {r}, proudly and haughtily. Aben Ezra gives a very different sense,

``I have many angels on high that fight for me.''

But (Mwrm) , "marom", is an epithet of God, as in ( Psalms 92:8 ) ( Micah 6:6 ) ; and so it is interpreted by Jarchi and Kimchi; and also by the Targum, which renders it, O God most High; and adds,

``whose throne is on high;''

which is approved by Gussetius ^F19.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 (Mwrm) "a sublimi", Junius & Tremellius; "ex alto", Cocceius; so Arab vers. and Michaelis.
F18 "Elato animo", Musculus; so some in Vatablus; "superbe", Gejerus.
F19 Ebr. Comment. p. 783.

Psalm 56:2 In-Context

1 Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.