Psalms 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
David isn't just saying he'll praise God in general; he's specifically praising God for His word. This means that even when his circumstances look dire, his confidence rests not on his own strength or temporary solutions, but on the sure promises God has spoken.
David is in deep distress, feeling hunted and threatened by many enemies who seem determined to destroy him. He's already expressed his fear, acknowledging that his enemies daily try to "swallow him up." This verse marks a crucial turning point where he consciously chooses to trust in God and His promises, finding courage amidst his terror.
David is in a tough spot, facing down enemies. Yet, he shifts from fear to praise. How does he do it?
David’s strategy for overcoming fear is found in the first part of verse 4: “In God I will praise his word.” This isn't just a casual statement; it's a deliberate choice. He isn't praising in spite of God's word, but because of it.
Praising God's Promises
The commentators highlight that David is choosing to focus on God's promises. In the midst of his distress, he turns his attention to what God has spoken and pledged to do. This is powerful because it means his praise isn't dependent on his circumstances, but on the unchanging character and faithfulness of God.
God's Word as Foundation
Think of it like this: when everything around you feels shaky, you need a solid foundation. For David, that foundation is God's word. He trusts that what God says is true and will come to pass, and that truth becomes the fuel for his praise, even when fear tries to take hold.
David contrasts 'flesh' with God's might. What does he mean by 'flesh,' and why is this comparison so crucial for trusting God?
The latter part of the verse boldly declares, 'I will not fear what flesh can do to me.' The word 'flesh' here is a potent way of describing humanity in its weakest, most mortal state. It's a direct contrast to the infinite, eternal power of God.
'Flesh' as Human Limitations
Commentators point out that 'flesh' signifies human beings with all their limitations, their frailty, and their ultimate inability to thwart God’s plans. It’s a way of saying, 'What can mere mortals, with all their schemes and power, truly do against the Almighty God?'
Confidence in Divine Protection
This contrast isn't meant to diminish the real threats David faced. Instead, it's about perspective. When you place your trust in God, the threats from 'flesh' – from other people or circumstances – lose their ultimate power over you. God's power is supreme, and His protection is what truly matters. This understanding frees us from the paralyzing fear of what others might do.
Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
The utterance, command, or revealed will of God. It is considered authoritative, powerful, and life-giving, serving as the foundation for the believer's praise and confidence.
basar · Hebrew Noun
Referring to human beings specifically in their physical, mortal, and fallen nature. It is used to emphasize the limited power of people when compared to the sovereignty and eternal power of God.
This psalm was written during David's desperate flight from King Saul, a time when he was forced to seek refuge among Israel's enemies, the Philistines. His words reveal a profound struggle with fear, but ultimately a triumphant resolve to trust in God's promises rather than the power of mortal men.
c. 1025–1015 BC
David Flees Saul's Persecution
King Saul, jealous of David's popularity, relentlessly pursues him. David lives as a fugitive, often hiding in wilderness areas and even seeking refuge among Israel's enemies.
c. 1015 BC— this verse
David Seeks Refuge with the Philistines
Fearing for his life, David flees to Gath, the city of Goliath, a sworn enemy of Israel. He feigns madness to escape the Philistine king Achish.
c. 1015 BC
David Writes Psalm 56
While in Gath, David composes Psalm 56, expressing his deep fear of his enemies ('flesh') but resolving to trust in God and praise His word, finding courage in divine promises.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
After Saul's death, David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah, marking a significant turning point in his life and his relationship with his enemies.
This passage echoes Psalm 56:4's confidence by assuring the reader that God is with them, strengthening and upholding them, so there's no need to fear when God is on their side.
Romans 8:31Paul uses similar language to declare that if God is for us, then 'who can be against us?', directly reflecting the sentiment in Psalm 56:4 that human opposition is ultimately powerless against God's protection.
Matthew 10:28Jesus' words here distinguish between what 'flesh' can do (kill the body) and what God can do (destroy soul and body), aligning with the psalmist's ultimate trust in God over human threats.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David's confrontation with Goliath is a practical example of this verse; he faced a fearsome enemy not trusting in his own strength ('flesh'), but in the name and power of the Lord.
Jeremiah 17:5-7This passage starkly contrasts those who trust in humans ('flesh') with those who trust in the Lord, highlighting that true security and blessing come from unwavering faith in God, just as Psalm 56:4 proclaims.
pulpitPsalms 56:4: "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."
Verse 4. ? In God I will praise his word; rather, through God; i.e. "with God's help, by his grace," I am ready to praise whatever sentence he pronounces, whatever flat goes forth from him. In God I have put my trust (so again, ver. 11). This is at once the refrain and the keynote of the psalm. In all dangers, in all troubles, whatever happens, whatever seems to be impending, the…
gillPsalms 56:4: "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."
In God I will praise his word,.... Or praise him for his words for the whole Scripture that was then in being; for those testimonies which were David's counsellors in times of difficulty and distress; and particularly for some word of promise made unto him, he was persuaded would be fulfilled, and in which he gloried and made his boast of, and on which his faith and hope were bui…
David isn't just saying he'll praise God in general; he's specifically praising God for His word. This means that even when his circumstances look dire, his confidence rests not on his own strength or temporary solutions, but on the sure promises God has spoken.
David is in deep distress, feeling hunted and threatened by many enemies who seem determined to destroy him. He's already expressed his fear, acknowledging that his enemies daily try to "swallow him up." This verse marks a crucial turning point where he consciously chooses to trust in God and His promises, finding courage amidst his terror.
David is in deep distress, feeling hunted and threatened by many enemies who seem determined to destroy him. He's already expressed his fear, acknowledging that his enemies daily try to "swallow him up." This verse marks a crucial turning point where he consciously chooses to trust in God and His promises, finding courage amidst his terror.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 56:4 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1003 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
David unites all the tribes of Israel under his rule, establishing Jerusalem as his capital and ushering in a golden age for the nation.
"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" — David isn't just saying he'll praise God in general; he's specifically praising God for His word. This means that even when his circumstances look dire, his confidence rests not on his own streng…
