Barnes' Notes on Psalms 56:1

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Notes on the Whole Bible
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Be merciful unto me, O God - See the notes at Psalms 51:1. For man would swallow me up - The word used here means properly to breathe hard; to pant; to blow hard; and then, to pant after, to yawn after with open mouth. The idea is, that people came upon him everywhere with open mouth, as if they would swallow him down whole. He found no friend in man - in any man. Everywhere his life was sought. There was no “man,” wherever he might go, on whom he could rely, or whom he could trust; and his only refuge, therefore, was in God. He fighting daily - Constantly; without intermission. That is, all people seemed to be at war with him, and to pursue him always. Oppresseth me - Presses hard upon me; so presses on me as always to endanger my life, and so that I feel no security anywhere. return to 'Top of Page'

Read Psalms 56:1 →Read the full chapter →John Gill's Exposition →Jamieson, Fausset & Brown →Tyndale Open Study Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →Keil & Delitzsch →

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This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.