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Psalm 56 | Bible Study Questions

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Psalm 56.
  2. What repeated words do you see?
  3. Do you notice any contrasts or similarities in this Psalm?
  4. What situation was David in? How does he describe it?
  5. How does David describe God in this Psalm?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. The superscript of this Psalm tells us that the setting was "when the Philistines seized David in Gath."
    1. When did this happen?
    2. Read 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1 if you need a reminder!
  2. David has defeated Goliath and other enemies, and it's easy to think about him as being fearless. How does he describe himself here?
    1. Where is the word “trust” used in this Psalm?
      1. How is the concept of trust expressed in imagery or illustrations?
    2. How can trust help people like David with their fears?
  3. God is described here as tender and near (Ps. 56:8, 9, 13), rather than distant or merciless. How does Jesus Christ embody these characteristics of God?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. What are some things in your life right now that are causing you to fear?
    1. What would it look like to cast our fears and anxieties on God?
    2. How can we do that practically?
    3. How can we encourage others in the church to trust in God and not be afraid?
  2. Pray in light of this passage and any applications you've made.
  3. Sing Ancient of Days to God and to one another.

Psalm 56 | Bible Study Questions

Observation

What does it say?

  1. Read Psalm 56.
  2. What repeated words do you see?
  3. Do you notice any contrasts or similarities in this Psalm?
  4. What situation was David in? How does he describe it?
  5. How does David describe God in this Psalm?

INTERPRETATION

What does it mean?

  1. The superscript of this Psalm tells us that the setting was "when the Philistines seized David in Gath."
    1. When did this happen?
    2. Read 1 Samuel 21:10-22:1 if you need a reminder!
  2. David has defeated Goliath and other enemies, and it's easy to think about him as being fearless. How does he describe himself here?
    1. Where is the word “trust” used in this Psalm?
      1. How is the concept of trust expressed in imagery or illustrations?
    2. How can trust help people like David with their fears?
  3. God is described here as tender and near (Ps. 56:8, 9, 13), rather than distant or merciless. How does Jesus Christ embody these characteristics of God?

APPLICATION

How should it change us?

  1. What are some things in your life right now that are causing you to fear?
    1. What would it look like to cast our fears and anxieties on God?
    2. How can we do that practically?
    3. How can we encourage others in the church to trust in God and not be afraid?
  2. Pray in light of this passage and any applications you've made.
  3. Sing Ancient of Days to God and to one another.

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