To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

PSALMS 56:1KJV
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Psalms 56:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 56:1 mean?

Psalms 56:1 presents David’s plea for God’s mercy while he is under pressure from people who threaten him. David speaks to God from a place of danger, asking for help because his opponents seem intent on overpowering him.

The phrase “swallow me up” pictures an enemy consuming or overwhelming David. “Fighting daily” adds a sense of pressure that keeps coming, rather than a single brief attack.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 56:1

  • “merciful” — חָנַן (ḥanan): This word carries the sense of showing favor or being gracious. David’s request is an appeal for God’s kindness toward him.
  • “Michtam” — מִכְתָּם (mikhtam): This is a term used in the headings of several psalms. Its precise meaning is uncertain, but it appears as a label for the song.

Why Psalms 56:1 matters

  • The heading places David’s words in a particular danger: “when the Philistines took him in Gath.” The Philistines were opponents of Israel, and Gath was one of their cities.
  • The opening addresses God, while the rest of the sentence describes the human threat. That contrast shows whom David turns to and why he makes his request.
  • “Jonathelemrechokim” appears in the heading after “upon.” It is often understood as a musical direction, possibly naming a tune associated with the song.

Where else these words appear

“Michtam” Hebrew H4387 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 16:1 Michtam of David. Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.
  • Psalms 57:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, 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.
  • Psalms 59:1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

“up” Hebrew H7602 · used in 14 verses

  • Job 5:5 Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.
  • Psalms 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
  • Jeremiah 2:24 A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.

“oppresseth” Hebrew H3905 · used in 18 verses

  • Exodus 3:9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
  • Judges 2:18 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.
  • 2 Kings 13:4 And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

“Gath” Hebrew H1661 · used in 31 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
  • 2 Kings 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.