Psalms 56:10

In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word.

Psalms 56:10 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 56 is a lament written by David when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Surrounded by enemies who twisted his words, David still declared his trust in God. This verse repeats the same promise twice, showing his firm decision to praise God no matter what he faced.

Meaning

David says he will praise God’s word, meaning he will boast in it and honor it as true and reliable. The verse uses two names for God: first “God” (Elohim) and then “LORD” (Yahweh). This repetition is not empty; it strengthens the certainty of his trust. Some Jewish teachers connect Elohim with justice and Yahweh with mercy, but that is a rabbinic view, not a firm Bible doctrine. The main point is that David’s praise is active, not passive. He chooses to magnify God’s promises even when his life is in danger. This deliberate choice is an act of defiance against those who distort and oppose God’s word.

Biblical connections

The same phrase appears in Psalm 56:4, where David first voices this trust. Here he repeats it, as if preaching to his own heart. Praising God’s word is inseparable from praising God himself. In the New Testament, Christ is called the living Word (John 1:1,14), so our honor for Scripture finds its fullest meaning in him, though this psalm is not a direct prophecy of Jesus.

Application

When people distort our words or oppose us, we can follow David’s example. We can make a habit of praising God’s word through reading, meditation, and spoken testimony. Our confidence rests not in our own strength but in God’s character and promises, which are worthy of praise in every circumstance. This habit strengthens our faith, especially in times of fear.

Reflection

David’s doubled praise challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we trust God’s word only when life is easy, or do we praise him in the middle of fear? His resolve becomes our model, reminding us that worship is not limited to joyful times but should flow from a heart that knows God is faithful.