Psalms 56:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.
What it says
The superscription links the psalm to David's seizure in Gath and presents it as a miktam for the choirmaster.
What it is doing
This verse anchors the prayer in a moment of acute vulnerability among enemies.
In context
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 2My enemies pursue me all day long, 3When I am afraid, 4In God, whose word I praise — 5All day long they twist my words; 6They conspire, they lurk, 7In spite of such sin, will they escape? 8You have taken account of my wanderings. 9Then my enemies will retreat 10In God, whose word I praise, 11in God I trust; I will not be afraid. 12Your vows are upon me, O God; 13For You have delivered my soul from death,