Psalms 56:2

2 (55-3) My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.

Psalms 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.


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.

Psalms 56:2 In-Context

1 (55-1) <Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance form the sanctuary: for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth.> (55-2) Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.
2 (55-3) My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.
3 (55-4) From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.
4 (55-5) In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.
5 (55-6) All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.
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