Psalm 56

Trust in God Under Persecution

The psalmist prays for help while being persecuted by enemies.

1 - 4 The psalmist asks for God's grace and promises to put his faith in God no matter what

5 - 7 The psalmist refers to the evil of his enemies.

8 - 11 But God is good. "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record?" He will trust God - "What can a mere mortal do to me?"

12 - 13 The psalmist promises to keep his vows to God and render offerings - "For you have delivered my soul from death and my feet from falling so that I may walk before God in the light of life."

Psalm 55

Complaint About a Friend's Treachery

1 - 2 The psalmist asks God to listen to him and he describes his torment over the situation.

3 - 8 The psalmist wishes to escape his troubles: "O that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!" (6) He compares his situation as being in a storm

9 - 11 The psalmist requests God to confuse the enemy because they are ruining the community.

12 - 15 He says he can deal with his enemies, it is those in his own ranks who have betrayed him that is hard to face.

16 - 19 He prays to God to redeem him in battle.

20 - 21 He feels bad because his freind broke a covenant with him.

22 - 23 He gives up his problem to the Lord, and puts his trust in the Lord.

Psalm 54

Prayer for Vindication

1 - 3 The Psalmist asks for help and for God to hear his prayer because "the insolent have risen against me, the ruthless seek my life; they do not set God before them."
4 - 5 The Psalmist calls God his helper, upholder of his life, and knows God will avenge his enemies.
6 - 8 The Psalmist offers a freewill offering and thanks God for hearing and responding to his prayer.