Psalm 56 10

Psalm 56:10 kjv

In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

Psalm 56:10 nkjv

In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word),

Psalm 56:10 niv

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise?

Psalm 56:10 esv

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,

Psalm 56:10 nlt

I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised.

Psalm 56 verses

Psalm 56 10 Meaning

Psalm 56:10 proclaims the certain outcome of faithful prayer: when the Psalmist cries out to God, his enemies will surely retreat. This confidence is rooted not in self-strength, but in a settled, experiential knowledge that God actively sides with and defends him. It is a profound declaration of divine protection and an unwavering trust in God's faithfulness amidst adversity.

Psalm 56 10 Context

Psalm 56 is a "Miktam of David," specified to be from "when the Philistines seized him in Gath." This historical setting describes David's desperate plight when fleeing from King Saul, he sought refuge among the Philistines, Saul's enemies, only to find himself recognized and apprehended in Gath (1 Sam 21:10-15). This was a time of intense personal danger, surrounded by foes who sought his harm and death.

The psalm begins with David appealing for mercy (v. 1-2) from those who actively "trample" and "oppress" him. He candidly admits to his fear ("When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you," v. 3), but immediately contrasts it with his resolute trust in God and His Word (v. 4). He reiterates the constant plotting and malicious intent of his enemies (v. 5-7) and declares his certainty that God numbers his wanderings and records his tears (v. 8).

Verse 56:10 stands as a triumphant pivot within this context of deep distress and expressed fear. It transitions from recounting the oppressors to a confident declaration of God's decisive intervention. The certainty of his enemies' defeat and God's unwavering support becomes the bedrock upon which his courage and praise (v. 12-13) are built, transforming fear into bold assurance.

Psalm 56 10 Word Analysis

• When I cry unto thee (בְּיוֹם אֶקְרָא אֵלֶיךָ - bə-yōm ‘eqrā’ ’êleyḵā):

  • When I cry (bə-yōm ‘eqrā’): The Hebrew bə-yōm literally means "in the day of" but here functions idiomatically as "when" or "the moment that." ‘eqrā’ (I call/cry) is a powerful verb indicating an earnest, heartfelt appeal, a fervent cry for help, not just a casual mention. It implies distress and urgency, an invocation of God's name and presence. This isn't merely talking about God, but direct, personal communion.
  • unto thee (’êleyḵā): Emphasizes the directness and specificity of the prayer – it is aimed towards God alone, highlighting God as the singular source of help and rescue.

• then shall mine enemies turn back (אָז יִסֹּגוּ אוֹיְבַי - ’āz yisōḡū ’ōyəḇay):

  • then shall (’āz): An emphatic adverb denoting immediate and certain consequence, a definitive moment.
  • mine enemies (’ōyəḇay): Denotes those hostile to David, those actively working against him, seeking to destroy him. This includes not only human adversaries but also spiritual opposition.
  • turn back (yisōḡū): From the root sug, meaning "to retreat," "withdraw," "recede," or "flee." This word often carries the connotation of being routed, put to flight, or forced into retreat due to confusion or defeat. It suggests a decisive, God-instigated turning away rather than a mere disengagement. This reversal is seen as God's doing.

• this I know (זֹאת יָדַעְתִּי - zōṯ yāda‘tî):

  • this (zōṯ): Refers to the immediate preceding statement: the retreat of enemies upon David's prayer.
  • I know (yāda‘tî): From the root yada‘, meaning "to know." This is not a superficial or intellectual knowing, but a deep, experiential, settled conviction. It implies a personal acquaintance with the truth of God's character and power, confirmed by past experience and revelation. It is an act of faith asserting knowledge beyond mere observation. It reflects certainty and assurance.

• for God is for me (כִּי־אֱלֹהִים לִי - kî-’ĕlōhîm lî):

  • for (kî): A conjunction indicating the reason, basis, or ground for the preceding declaration of knowledge. It explains why David knows his enemies will retreat.
  • God (’ĕlōhîm): The generic, powerful name for God, emphasizing His divine sovereignty, creator power, and ultimate authority. This is a contrast to the limited power of human foes or pagan deities, a subtle polemic against any other source of strength.
  • is for me (lî): The preposition lā with the first-person singular suffix, profoundly meaning "for me," "belongs to me," or "on my side." It signifies God's active favoritism, allegiance, and protection. It's not merely that God exists or is neutral, but that He is personally engaged and dedicated to David's cause, acting as his champion and advocate. This brief phrase carries immense theological weight, foundational to the security of believers.

Psalm 56 10 Bonus Section

The concept of "God is for me" (אֱלֹהִים לִי – Elohim li) is more than a statement of protection; it's a declaration of divine advocacy and partisanship on behalf of the believer. In the ancient world, to have a powerful king or deity "for you" meant unparalleled security and success in conflict. This verse positions God as David's ultimate legal and military champion. It forms the theological basis for much of the New Testament's assurance regarding overcoming trials and spiritual warfare, echoing in statements like Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This doesn't guarantee an easy life, but it assures ultimate triumph and that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isa 54:17) when God Himself is our defense. The Philistines, trusting in their false gods, would have found this statement incomprehensible and yet experienced its devastating reality.

Psalm 56 10 Commentary

Psalm 56:10 encapsulates a bedrock truth of the Christian faith: the power of believing prayer and the assurance of God's active championship. David, a man intensely pressed by foes, asserts a profound spiritual law. He doesn't merely hope, but knows that the very act of crying out to God initiates a supernatural turning point for his enemies. Their retreat is not coincidental or due to his own efforts, but a direct consequence of divine intervention activated by prayer.

The depth of his conviction, expressed in "this I know," stems from a personal, intimate knowledge of God's character, faithfulness, and past deliverances. This is not intellectual assent, but a settled reality ingrained in his being. The reason for this unshakable certainty is profoundly simple yet powerful: "God is for me." This declaration highlights God's sovereignty (Elohim) combined with His intimate, protective relationship (lî). It signifies that the Creator and Sustainer of the universe has aligned Himself with David, making Him an unbeatable ally. This theological truth serves as the ultimate source of courage in the face of any opposition, promising victory not through human strength but through divine omnipotence and allegiance.

Practical application for believers involves:

1. Direct Appeal: When in distress, turn immediately and directly to God in prayer.
2. Assured Expectation: Pray with confident expectation, knowing that God hears and responds.
3. Rest in His Alliance: Base confidence not on circumstances or self, but on the profound truth that "God is for us" (Rom 8:31), implying His power, love, and protection.