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
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. ​
2
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. ​
4
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5
Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. ​

The Violent Behavior of the Wicked

6
They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. ​
7
Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? ​
8
But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9
Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10
The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. ​

A Prayer for Judgment and God’s Glory

11
Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. ​
12
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13
Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. ​

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

14
And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. ​
15
Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16
But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. ​
17
Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

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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