Psalms59

Psalm 59 is a fervent prayer of David for deliverance from his murderous enemies, who unjustly seek his life. He appeals to God as his defence, asking Him to scatter and consume these wicked transgressors, not for his own sake, but so that all may know God's universal rule. Despite the threat, David expresses unwavering trust in God's power and mercy, vowing to sing His praises.
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A Cry for Deliverance from Treacherous Enemies

1
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. ​
2
Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.
3
See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ​
4
For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.
5
O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah ​

The Violent Behavior of the Wicked

6
They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. ​
7
See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” ​
8
But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations.
9
I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress.
10
My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. ​

A Prayer for Judgment and God’s Glory

11
Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. ​
12
By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.
13
Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah ​

The Final Outcome: Shame for the Wicked, Praise for God

14
They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. ​
15
They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
16
But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ​
17
To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

Study Notes for Psalms 59

Verse 1

The superscription links this psalm to 1 Sam 19:11, where David escaped Saul’s assassins; this context underscores the immediacy and treachery of the attack, as his life was sought unjustly.

Verse 3

David insists that the threat against his life is undeserved ('not for my transgression'), establishing this as a plea for divine intervention against unjust persecution and political malice.

Verse 5

By invoking 'LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,' David appeals both to God's covenant loyalty (Israel) and his universal power (hosts), demanding judgment on all wicked oppressors.

Verse 6

The description of the enemies returning 'at evening' and making a 'noise like a dog' portrays them as restless, scavenging predators, lacking human dignity or moral restraint.

Verse 7

The phrase 'swords are in their lips' vividly illustrates the destructive power of their slander and verbal violence, which they unleash arrogantly, assuming God does not observe their actions.

Verse 10

The Hebrew word translated 'prevent' (qadam) means 'to go before' or 'to meet,' expressing David's confidence that God's mercy will anticipate the attack and act decisively on his behalf.

Verse 11

David asks God not to kill them quickly but to 'scatter them,' ensuring their slow humiliation serves as a visible, lasting object lesson of divine justice for the people of Israel ('lest my people forget').

Verse 13

The ultimate goal of the judgment is the visible demonstration that the God of the covenant ('God ruleth in Jacob') is sovereign over the entire world ('unto the ends of the earth').

Verse 14

This verse repeats the imagery of verse 6, but now it functions as an imprecation, implying that their hateful, scavenging surveillance will now be coupled with their failure and distress.

Verse 16

The contrast between the enemies' nightly noise (v. 6, 14) and David's morning song highlights the shift from despair and danger to renewed hope and confident praise following God's deliverance.

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