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.

A Cry for Deliverance from Treacherous Enemies

1
For the leader. Set to "Do Not Destroy." By David; a mikhtam, when Sha'ul sent men to keep watch on David's house in order to kill him: My God, rescue me from my enemies! Lift me up, out of reach of my foes! ​
2
Rescue me from evildoers, save me from bloodthirsty men.
3
For there they are, lying in wait to kill me. Openly they gather themselves against me, and not because I committed a crime or sinned, ADONAI. ​
4
For no fault of mine, they run and prepare. Awaken to help me, and see!
5
You, ADONAI Elohei-Tzva'ot, God of Isra'el, arouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those wicked traitors. (Selah) ​

The Violent Behavior of the Wicked

6
They return at nightfall, snarling like dogs as they go around the city. ​
7
Look what pours out of their mouth, what swords are on their lips, [as they say to themselves,] "No one is listening, anyway." ​
8
But you, ADONAI, laugh at them, you mock all the nations.
9
My Strength, I will watch for you, for God is my fortress.
10
God, who gives me grace, will come to me; God will let me gaze in triumph at my foes. ​

A Prayer for Judgment and God’s Glory

11
Don't kill them, or my people will forget; instead, by your power, make them wander to and fro; but bring them down, Adonai our Shield, ​
12
for the sins their mouths make with each word from their lips. Let them be trapped by their pride for the curses and falsehoods they utter.
13
Finish them off in wrath, finish them off, put an end to them, and let them know to the ends of the earth that God is Ruler in Ya'akov. (Selah) ​

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

14
They return at nightfall, snarling like dogs as they go around the city. ​
15
They roam about, looking for food, prowling all night if they don't get their fill.
16
But as for me, I will sing of your strength; in the morning I will sing aloud of your grace. For you are my fortress, a refuge when I am in trouble. ​
17
My Strength, I will sing praises to you, for God is my fortress, God, who gives me grace.

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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