Psalms 59:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, Altaschith {H516}{H8686)}, Michtam {H4387} of David {H1732}; when Saul {H7586} sent {H7971}{H8800)}, and they watched {H8104}{H8799)} the house {H1004} to kill him {H4191}{H8687)}. Deliver {H5337}{H8685)} me from mine enemies {H341}{H8802)}, O my God {H430}: defend {H7682}{H8762)} me from them that rise up {H6965}{H8693)} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

American Standard Version

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: Set me on high from them that rise up against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 59:1 opens with an urgent, desperate prayer from David, a plea for divine deliverance and protection amidst a life-threatening situation. The superscription immediately grounds the psalm in a specific historical event: King Saul's attempt to assassinate David by sending men to surround his house. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing David's profound reliance on God as his sole refuge and defender against malicious and unprovoked aggression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is categorized as a Michtam, a "golden psalm" or "inscription," suggesting its enduring significance. It is also designated "Altaschith," meaning "Do not destroy," a phrase found in other psalms (e.g., [Psalm 57](/psalms/57 "Psalm 57 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors"), [Psalm 58](/psalms/58 "Psalm 58 - A Prayer Against Unjust Judges"), [Psalm 75](/psalms/75 "Psalm 75 - God the Judge of the Earth")), likely indicating a specific musical instruction or a thematic emphasis on preservation. Following psalms of intense personal distress and national lament, Psalm 59 continues the theme of a righteous individual crying out to God from the depths of persecution. The opening verse immediately establishes the primary antagonist and the dire circumstances, leading into a vivid depiction of the enemies' wicked intentions and David's confident appeal to God's justice and power throughout the subsequent verses of the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" directly links this psalm to the events recorded in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David"). King Saul, consumed by jealousy and paranoia over David's popularity and divine favor, repeatedly sought to kill him. In this specific incident, Saul dispatched agents to David's home to seize and execute him. David's wife, Michal, intervened, helping him escape through a window under the cover of darkness. This episode highlights the constant peril David faced as a fugitive, hunted by the very king he had faithfully served. Culturally, the concept of "enemies" in ancient Israel often encompassed not just military adversaries but also personal foes, those who sought to undermine one's reputation, livelihood, or life through treachery or violence, often seen as a violation of divine and human justice.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 59:1 introduces several key themes prevalent throughout David's psalms and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **urgent plea for divine deliverance** in the face of overwhelming and unjust persecution. David's cry, "Deliver me... defend me," underscores his absolute reliance on God as his sole refuge and strength, a recurring motif seen in passages like [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress") where God is described as his rock, fortress, and deliverer. Another significant theme is **God's role as a just defender** against the wicked. David appeals to God's righteousness to intervene against those who "rise up against me" without cause, reflecting the broader biblical emphasis on God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in upholding justice for the oppressed. Finally, the psalm subtly introduces the theme of **unwavering trust in God's sovereignty**, even when circumstances appear dire, a testament to David's personal relationship with his "God."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natsal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to draw out," or "to deliver." It implies a swift, decisive act of extraction from danger or oppression. It is not merely a request for protection but for an active intervention that removes David from the immediate threat, emphasizing the urgency and severity of his situation.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _'oyeb_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hate" or "to be hostile," this term refers to those who are actively hostile, adversaries, or foes. In this context, it denotes personal enemies who are seeking David's life, highlighting the malicious intent and personal nature of the threat he faces.
* **Defend (Hebrew, _sagav'_):** This verb means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be inaccessible." When used in a protective sense, it signifies placing someone in a high, secure place, beyond the reach of danger. It speaks of God's ability to elevate and protect David from his assailants, making him safe and unassailable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.":** This superscription is integral to understanding the psalm. "To the chief Musician" indicates it was intended for public worship and musical performance. "Altaschith" ("Do not destroy") is a musical or thematic instruction, perhaps reflecting the psalm's plea for preservation. "Michtam of David" suggests a "golden psalm" or a psalm of lasting significance by David. The historical note, "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him," directly connects the prayer to the specific event in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David"), providing the immediate, life-threatening context for David's urgent plea.
* **"Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God:":** This is David's direct, immediate cry to God. The imperative "Deliver me" conveys the intense urgency and desperation of his situation. He acknowledges his adversaries as "mine enemies," personalizing the threat. The address "O my God" signifies a deep, personal relationship and an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and omnipotence, recognizing Him as the only one capable of providing true salvation.
* **"defend me from them that rise up against me.":** This clause reiterates and expands upon the initial plea. "Defend me" (from _sagav'_) implies placing David in a high, secure, and inaccessible place, beyond the reach of his pursuers. The phrase "them that rise up against me" describes the active, aggressive, and unjust nature of his enemies' actions, portraying them as malicious assailants who have initiated an unprovoked attack.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalm 59 employs several key literary devices. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as David directly addresses God ("O my God"), creating an intimate and immediate sense of prayer. The superscription functions as a **historical reference** or **colophon**, grounding the psalm in a specific, verifiable event, which lends authenticity and emotional weight to David's subsequent lament and plea. The phrase "them that rise up against me" utilizes **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where "rising up" represents the full scope of their aggressive, hostile actions, implying not just physical assault but also malicious intent and unjust opposition. The entire verse, in its urgent simplicity, acts as an **invocation**, calling upon divine power at the very outset of the psalm to set the stage for the desperate prayer that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 59:1 establishes a foundational theological truth: in moments of extreme peril and unjust persecution, the believer's primary recourse is direct, urgent appeal to God. David's cry is not merely for physical safety but for divine intervention that upholds justice and demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, even in the face of overwhelming evil. This verse underscores God's character as a faithful protector and deliverer of His people, particularly those who are righteous yet oppressed. It highlights the personal nature of God's relationship with His servants ("O my God"), emphasizing that He is not a distant deity but one who hears and responds to the cries of His children, acting as their ultimate refuge and vindicator.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [2 Samuel 22:3](/2_samuel/22-3 "2 Samuel 22:3 - God is My Rock, My Fortress, My Deliverer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 59:1 offers a timeless model for how believers should respond when faced with opposition, injustice, or life-threatening situations. David's immediate and fervent cry to "O my God" teaches us that prayer is not a last resort but our primary, instinctive response. It is an invitation to bring our deepest fears, our most pressing dangers, and our most malicious enemies directly before the throne of grace, trusting in God's unparalleled power to deliver and defend. This verse encourages us to cultivate a personal and dependent relationship with God, recognizing Him as our ultimate refuge and the one who can elevate us above any threat. In a world where we may encounter various forms of "enemies"—whether literal adversaries, systemic injustices, spiritual attacks, or overwhelming circumstances—Psalm 59:1 reminds us that our hope and security are found not in our own strength or strategies, but in the sovereign, protective hand of our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "enemies" or "those who rise up against" you in your life today, and how does David's immediate cry to God inspire your own prayer life?**
* **How does understanding the historical context of David's persecution by Saul deepen your appreciation for his reliance on God in this verse?**
* **In what specific ways can you practically "deliver" your fears and "defend" your trust in God when faced with overwhelming challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the superscription "Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" for understanding Psalm 59:1?**

Answer: The superscription is critically important as it provides the precise historical, musical, and thematic context for the psalm. "Altaschith" (Do not destroy) likely indicates a musical instruction or a thematic emphasis on preservation, setting a tone of urgent plea for deliverance. "Michtam" suggests a "golden psalm" or a psalm of enduring significance. Most importantly, "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" directly links the psalm to the events in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David"), where King Saul attempted to assassinate David. This specific context reveals that David's prayer is not a general lament but an immediate, desperate cry for divine intervention in a moment of extreme, life-threatening peril, making his plea for "deliverance" and "defense" profoundly personal and urgent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 59:1, with David's desperate cry for deliverance from unjust enemies, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, though anointed, was hunted and persecuted without cause, foreshadowing the ultimate suffering of the true Anointed One. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, faced unparalleled hostility from "enemies" who "rose up against" Him, culminating in His unjust trial, crucifixion, and death (e.g., [Matthew 27:1-26](/matthew/27-1 "Matthew 27:1-26 - Jesus Before Pilate")). Yet, like David, Jesus entrusted Himself to His Father, even crying out from the cross (e.g., [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commits His Spirit")). The Father "delivered" and "defended" Him not by preventing His death, but by raising Him from the dead, triumphing over sin and death (e.g., [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). For believers, Christ is our ultimate "Deliverer" and "Defender." Through His finished work, we are delivered from the power of sin and death (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life")), and He stands as our High Priest, interceding for us and defending us against all spiritual adversaries (e.g., [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede for Us")). Thus, David's ancient plea becomes our confident prayer, knowing that in Christ, our ultimate Deliverer has already secured our eternal safety and daily protection.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 19:11

¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

1 Samuel 19:24

And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

Psalms 18:48

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 57:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

Isaiah 33:16

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

Luke 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.