Psalm 56:9

9 Then my enemies will turn back {when} I call. This I know because God [is] for me.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 56:9 In-Context

7 Because of iniquity will they escape? In anger cast down [the] peoples, O God.

8 You have kept count of my wonderings. Put my tears in your bottle; [are they] not in your book?

9 Then my enemies will turn back {when} I call. This I know because God [is] for me.

10 God, [whose] word I praise, Yahweh, [whose] word I praise,

11 God I trust; I do not fear. What can [mere] humankind do to me?

Footnotes

• [a] Literally "in the day"
• [b] i.e., call on God
• [c] Or "that"