Psalm 56 is part individual lament and part a Psalm of anticipated thanksgiving. A prayer of gratitude that God has heard the cry for help and will act. The events behind this Psalm are the same as Psalm 34, and they are discussed in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when the Philistines seized David in the City of Gath.
1-4 – David reviews his difficult circumstances and sets his mind to trust in God for help and rescue. Notice the words attacker, oppress, and enemies are followed by the word trust. In this way, with the proper response of trust in God, David is not afraid.
5-7 – David gives further description of his enemies. They are the opponents of all that is good, not just opponents of David.
8-11 – Here the singer acknowledges that God is for him, and this is the basis of his trust and his decision not to be afraid. God is always for those who trust in him.
12-13 – Finally, the singer expresses confidence that if God is for him, then it is as good as done.
