Tuesday August 12th, 2025
Tehilliym (Psalms) 56
The complaint of one who, though oppressed by enemies, nevertheless trusts in Elohiym.
To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of Da’vid, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
Introduction:
Tehilliym 56 is a psalm that was written by Da’vid when he was detained in Gath by the Philistines. It is a prayer that highlights the theme of faith in the face of adversity, where Da’vid acknowledges his fear but ultimately chooses to trust in Elohiym’s protection and faithfulness. The psalm also serves as a plea for Elohiym’s mercy and justice against his enemies, who are constantly oppressing him.
Tehilliym 56 (KJV-YS):
Verses 1-2: A Plea for Mercy from Elohiym
Insights: Da’vid prays to Elohim to have mercy on him as he and his men flee from Sha’ul into the land of the Philistines and they detain him.
“1. Be merciful unto me, O Elohiym: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou El Elyon (Most High).”
v-1
1st Shemu’el (Samuel) 27:1 – “And Da’vid said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Sha’ul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 31:9 – “Have mercy upon me, O Yahuah, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.”
v-2
Tehilliym (Psalms) 57:3 – “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. Elohiym shall send forth His mercy and His truth.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 3:1 – “Yahuah, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.”
Reflection: Da’vid was being oppressed by men on every side and he continues to place his faith in Elohiym’s mercy upon him. No matter how rough the road is, as long as we have faith in Elohiym, He will deliver us.
Verses 3-4: Overcoming Fear by Trusting Elohiym
Insights: Da’vid acknowledges his fear but still proclaims his trust in Elohiym.
“3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. 4. In Elohiym I will praise His word, in Elohiym I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
Cross References:
v-3
1st Shemu’el (Samuel) 30:6 – “And Da’vid was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but Da’vid encouraged himself in Yahuah Elohayu (Yahuah his Elohiym)”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 34:4 – “I sought Yahuah, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 1:8-10 –“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in Elohiym which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us;”
v-4
Tehilliym (Psalms) 27:1 – “Yahuah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yahuah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy Elohiym: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”
Luqas (Luke) 12:4-5 – “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.”
Romaiym (Romans) 8:31 – “What shall we then say to these things? If Elohiym be for us, who can be against us?”
Reflection: Fears will arise in our lives and it is crucial that we keep our trust in Elohiym and He will be with us as long as we fear Him and live according to His commandments.
Verses 5-7: Evil Haters
Insights: The people that hate Da’vid twist his words to use them against him.
“5. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7. Shall they escape by iniquity? in Thine anger cast down the people, O Elohiym. ”
Cross References:
v-5
1st Shemu’el (Samuel) 18:21 – “And Sha’ul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Sha’ul said to Da’vid, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law in the one of the twain.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 22:15 – “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle Him in his talk.”
v-6
Tehilliym (Psalms) 59:3 – “For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Yahuah.”
Luqas (Luke) 20:20 – “And they watched Him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of His words, that so they might deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor.”
v-7
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 28:15 – “Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:”
Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 18:19-20 – “Give heed to me, O Yahuah, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me. Shall evil be recompensed for good? For they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before Thee to speak good for them, and to turn away Thy wrath from them.”
Reflection: Da’vid walked boldly in his relationship with Yahuah and it caused evil people to hate him. Haters still persecute the followers of Mashiach Yahusha today and it is getting worse by the hour. Just as in Da’vid’s time, they think because they have made a contract with the enemy that they can escape the judgment to come and the second death but vengeance isYahuah’s.
Verses 8-9: Tears of the Righteous
Insights: Da’vid knows that Elohiym knows everything about him and that He alone can save him from his enemies.
“8. Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book? 9. When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for Elohiym is for me.”
Cross References:
v-8
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 38:5 – “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith Yahuah, the Elohiym of Da’vid thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 84:8 – “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 10:30 – “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Chazon (Revelation) 20:12 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before Elohiym; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
v-9
Tehilliym (Psalms) 118:6 – “Yahuah is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 8:9-10 – “Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for Elohiym is with us.”
Yochanon (John) 18:6 – “As soon then as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground.”
Reflection: Yahuah knows everything about everyone and everything, He know every hair on our head, every tear we shed, every grit of sand in the oceans and He will never let the enemy triumph over His people. The nations of the world think that they can defeat the people of Elohiym but He will defeat them and then judge them according to the books that are written.
Verses 10-11: Don’t Fear Men
Insights: Da’vid declares that in Yahuah he will praise His Word through trust in Him and he will not fear what men will do to him.
“10. In Elohiym will I praise His Word: in Yahuah will I praise His Word. 11. In Elohiym have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
Cross References:
v-10
Tehilliym (Psalms) 119:97, 171-172 – “O how love I Thy Torah (Law)! it is my meditation all the day. 171. My lips shall utter praise, when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all Thy commandments are righteousness. ”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 24:35 – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
v-11
Tehilliym (Psalms) 112:7 – “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in Yahuah.”
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 51:7 – “Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My Torah (Law); fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.”
Reflection: Da’vid has Yahuah’s Word in his heart and places all of his trust in the understanding of Elohiym’s Word. Trust in Yahuah comes from studying the word through the scriptures and if we walk in His Torah we will not have to worry about what men can do to us.
Verses 12-13: Walking Before Elohiym
Insights: Da’vid acknowledges the vows he has made to Elohiym and praises Him. He then asks Yahuah will He deliver his feet from falling so that he can continue to walk before Him?
“12. Thy vows are upon me, O Elohiym: I will render praises unto Thee. 13. For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before Elohiym in the light of the living?”
Cross References:
v-12
Tehilliym (Psalms) 50:14 – “Offer unto Elohiym thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto El Elyon (the Most High):”
Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) 5:4-5 – “When thou vowest a vow unto Elohiym, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”
v-13
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 38:2-3 – “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto Yahuah. And said, Remember now, O Yahuah , I beseech thee, how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.”
Yochanon (John) 8:12 – “Then spake Yahusha again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Chazon (Revelation) 21:22-24 – “And I saw no temple therein: for Yahuah Elohiym Tseva’oth and the Lamb are the Temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of Elohiym did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”
Reflection: Just as Da’vid does, we should pay our vows to Yahuah and constantly praise Him for delivering our souls from death through His Son Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, the light of the world.
Conclusion:
Psalm 56 teaches us to trust in Elohiym during times of fear and adversity, reminding us that His Word is a source of comfort and that He is intimately aware of our struggles. It highlights the importance of prayer, gratitude, and faith in Elohiym’s faithfulness, even when facing challenging circumstances.
Tehilliym (Psalms) 57
A confident cry amid cruel enemies and a resolve to praise Elohiym for deliverance.
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.
Introduction:
Tehilliym 57 is a prayer of refuge and praise, written by Da’vid while hiding in a cave from king Sha’ul. It reflects Da’vid’s trust in Elohiym’s protection and his confidence that Elohiym will deliver him from his enemies, ultimately leading to his glorification. The psalm is structured with an initial plea for mercy and refuge, followed by a declaration of faith and praise.
Tehilliym 57 (KJV-YS):
Verse 1: Another Plea to Elohiym
Insights: Da’vid prays for mercy from Elohiym because he trusts Him and He alone is his refuge.
“1. Be merciful unto me, O Elohiym, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. ”
v-1
1st Shemu’el (Samuel) 24:3-4 – “And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and Da’vid and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which Yahuah said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then Da’vid arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s rob privily.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 61:4 – “I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of Thy wings.”
Mattithyahu (Matthew) 23:37 – “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
Reflection: Da’vid prays for mercy from Elohiym and receives it. Elohiym is our refuge and strong tower, we can always rely on Him for protection.
Verses 2-5: Crying out to Elohiym
Insights: Da’vid cries out to Elohiym to protect him from his enemies who are gathered around him like lions who cut him with the swords of their mouths but he still exalts Elohiym in his distress.
“2. I will cry unto El Elyon (Elohiym Most High); unto Elohiym that performeth all things for me.
3. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. Elohiym shall send forth His mercy and His truth. 4. My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5. Be Thou exalted, O Elohiym, above the heavens; let Thy glory be above all the earth.”
Cross References:
v-2:
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 26:12 – “Yahuah, Thou wilt ordain peace for us: for Thou also hast wrought all our works in us.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 138:8 – “Yahuah will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Yahuah, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of Thine own hands.”
Ivriym (Hebrews) 13:20-21 – “Now the Elohiym of peace, that brought again from the dead our Adonai Yahusha, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amein.”
v-3
Tehilliym (Psalms) 40:11 – “Withhold not Thou Thy tender mercies from me, O Yahuah: let Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me.”
Ma’asiym (Acts) 12:11 – “And when Kepha was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that Yahuah hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Yahudiym (Jews).”
v-4
Tehilliym (Psalms) 58:6 – “Break their teeth, O Elohiym, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Yahuah.”
Ya’aqov (James) 3:6 – “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
Chazon (Revelation) 19:15 – “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Yahuah Tseva’oth (Almighty God).”
v-5
Chabaqquq (Habakkuk) 2:14 – “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahuah, as the waters cover the sea.”
Reflection: Da’vid knew that Elohiym would send him help from heaven and we can have faith that Yahuah will do the same for us. We are in an unprecedented time where the world’s hate for those who walk in the commandments of Yahuah is increasing every day. Their words are going to continually be against us and will lead to the persecution and death of many that walk in the way of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach but He will use the sword of His mouth against them and all of the glory and honour will be Elohiym’s.
Verses 6-7: Praising Elohiym in the Midst of Persecution
Insights: Da’vid boldly declares that his heart is fixed on praising Elohiym no matter what traps the enemy lays for him.
“6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. 7. My heart is fixed, O Elohiym, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”
v-6
Tehilliym (Psalms) 9:15 – “The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.”
Tehilliym (Psalms) 35:7 – “For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.”
v-7
Tehilliym (Psalms) 100:1-2 – “Make a joyful noise unto Yahuah, all ye lands. Serve Yahuah with gladness: come before His presence with singing.”
Eph’siym (Ephesians) 5:20 – “Giving thanks always for all things unto Elohiym and the Father in the name of our Adonai Yahusha Ha’Mashiach;”
Reflection: The enemy will always try to set snares for the followers of Yahuah but as long as our hearts are fixed on Him we can sing the praises of Elohiym and not worry about the pits dug for us.
Verses 8-10: Praising Yahuah in Front of Everyone
Insights: Da’vid declares that he will praise Yahuah among everyone because of His mercy and truth.
“8. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9. I will praise thee, O Yahuah, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10. For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and Thy truth unto the clouds.”
Cross References:
v-8
Tehilliym (Psalms) 16:9 – “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
Ma’asiym (Acts) 12:11 – “Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:”
v-9
Tehilliym (Psalms) 22:22-23 – “I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the assembly will I praise Thee. Ye that fear Yahuah, praise Him; all ye the seed of Ya’aqov, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Yashar’el.”
Romaiym (Romans) 15:9 – “And that the nations might glorify Elohiym for His mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the nations, and sing unto Thy name.”
v-10
Tehilliym (Psalms) 108:4 – “For Thy mercy is great above the heavens: and Thy Truth reacheth unto the clouds.”
Ivriym (Hebrews) 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Reflection: Through all of our trials, tribulations and attacks from the enemy, we should always praise Yahuah.
Verse 11: Elohiym Exalted Above Everything
Insights: Da’vid declares that Elohiym shall be exalted above the heavens and His glory above all the earth for what He has done for him.
“11. Be Thou exalted, O Elohiym, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.”
Cross References:
v-11
Tehilliym (Psalms) 8:1 – “O Yahuah our Adonai (Lord), how excellent is Thy name in all the earth! who hast set Thy glory above the heavens.”
Philippiym (Philippians) 2:9-11 – “Wherefore Elohiym also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:That at the name of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is the glory of Elohiym the Father.”
Reflection: Elohiym is to be exalted above everything in our lives, above everything in creation because of everything He has done for all of us.
Conclusion:
Psalm 57 is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, it’s possible to find refuge and strength in Elohiym’s love and faithfulness. It also shows the importance of praising and exalting Elohiym, trusting in His deliverance and purpose.
Self-Reflection Questions:
Tehelliym 56
1. Verses 1-2: A Plea for Mercy from Elohiym
“Be merciful unto me, O Elohiym: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Why does Da’vid ask for Elohiym to “be merciful unto” him and what exactly does that mean?
- Do you pray for Elohiym to have mercy on you when others do evil against you?
2. Verses 3-4: Overcoming Fear by Trusting Elohiym
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Do you trust Yahuah to remove your fear from you?
- Do you praise His word when you are afraid?
- What is the only thing we are supposed to truly fear in this life?
3. Verses 5-7: Evil Haters
“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- What is the best way to deal with people who twist your words and use them out of context?
- Have you ever had people gather themselves together against you?
- Will they be able to lie their way out of judgment when the anger of Elohiym is upon them?
4. Verses 8-9: Tears of the Righteous
“When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for Elohiym is for me.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- How does this statement from Da’vid give encourage you to trust Elohiym more?
- Does it give you comfort to know that Yahuah knows everything about you even the number of tears you have cried and that He cares for each and every tear you have shed?
- Are you ensuring that the things written in your book are pleasing to Yahuah?
6. Verses 10-11: Don’t Fear Men
“In Elohiym have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Do you trust in Yahuah to deliver you from the battle with peace in your soul?
- How does the fear of Elohiym deliver this peace?
- Do you trust in Yahuah or the ability of your own words to get you out of trouble?
7. Verses 12-13: Walking Before Elohiym
“For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before Elohiym in the light of the living?”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Yahuah has redeemed our souls from death, how much more should we trust Him to deliver us from the trials we face here?
- Do you honour the vows you have made to Yahuah?
- Do you walk before Elohiym to praise and worship Him?
Self-Reflection Questions:
Tehelliym 57
1. Verse 1: Another Plea to Elohiym
“Be merciful unto me, O Elohiym, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. ”
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Do you trust in Elohiym to be merciful to you?
- How does the imagery of taking refuge under the wings of Elohiym give you comfort?
2. Verses 2-5: Crying out to Elohiym
“I will cry unto El Elyon (Elohiym Most High); unto Elohiym that performeth all things for me.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- What does the statement “Elohiym that performeth all things for me” mean to you personally?
- Do you rely on things from Elohiym to save you from the reproach of men?
- What do the statements in these verses about the words we speak say to you?
3. Verses 6-7: Praising Elohiym in the Midst of Persecution
“My heart is fixed, O Elohiym, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Is your hear fixed in the things of Elohiym or on your own desires?
- Have people ever tried to entrap you for doing good?
- Did you praise Elohiym while they were trying to trap you?
2. Verses 8-10: Praising Yahuah in Front of Everyone
“ I will praise thee, O Yahuah, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Do you praise Yahuah in in front of everyone, no matter who it is?
- Do you awake early to praise Yahuah and have fellowship with Him?
3. Verse 11: Elohiym Exalted Above Everything
“Be Thou exalted, O Elohiym, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.”
Self-Reflection Questions:
- Do you exalt Elohiym above everything in your life?
- How can we ensure we are placing Elohiym above everything in our life?