59:9 59:9

Psalms 59:10

59:11 59:11

Bible Versions

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.
The God {H430} of my mercy {H2617} shall prevent {H6923}{H8762)} me: God {H430} shall let me see {H7200}{H8686)} my desire upon mine enemies {H8324}{H8802)}.
God, who gives me grace, will come to me; God will let me gaze in triumph at my foes.
My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes.
My God with his lovingkindness will meet me: God will let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 59:10 (KJV) declares David's unwavering confidence in God's protective and vindicating power amidst intense persecution. This verse encapsulates a deep trust in God's personal mercy and His ultimate justice.

Context

Psalm 59 is a "Michtam of David," specifically attributed to the time "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" (1 Samuel 19:11). David, surrounded by relentless enemies seeking his life, cries out to God for deliverance. The psalm is a fervent prayer for rescue from unjust adversaries, highlighting David's reliance on God as his refuge and strength.

Key Themes

  • God's Personal Mercy and Proactive Care: The phrase "The God of my mercy shall prevent me" speaks volumes. It emphasizes God's personal relationship with David ("my mercy") and His readiness to act on David's behalf. The KJV use of "prevent" means to "go before" or "anticipate," signifying God's proactive intervention before David's enemies can succeed. This is a powerful declaration of God's leading and protective presence.
  • Divine Vindication and Justice: "God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies" reflects David's assurance that God will justly deal with his adversaries. It is not an expression of personal revenge, but a confident expectation that God will bring about His righteous judgment and vindicate David in due time. This aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • Unwavering Trust in Adversity: Despite facing mortal threats, David's faith remains steadfast. He looks to God as his ultimate deliverer and the one who will ensure justice prevails, demonstrating a profound reliance on divine power rather than human strength.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "The God of my mercy" translates from the Hebrew Elohei chasdi (אֱלֹהֵי חַסְדִּי). Chasdi is derived from chesed, a rich Hebrew term signifying God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness. This emphasizes that God's mercy is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring, covenantal attribute.
  • The KJV word "prevent" in this context is an older English usage of the word, meaning "to go before," "to precede," or "to anticipate." It does not carry the modern sense of "to hinder" or "to stop." Thus, "The God of my mercy shall prevent me" means God's mercy will proactively come to David's aid, preceding any harm.

Practical Application

Psalm 59:10 offers profound encouragement for believers facing challenges, injustice, or opposition today:

  • Trust in God's Proactive Care: When feeling overwhelmed, remember that God's mercy is personal and He is often at work on our behalf before we even perceive it. We can rest in His compassionate and faithful nature.
  • Leave Vengeance to God: Like David, we are called to trust God for vindication rather than seeking personal revenge. God sees all injustice and will act in His perfect timing and way.
  • Confidence in Divine Justice: This verse reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, God remains sovereign. We can confidently pray for His intervention and trust that He will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to light.
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.

  • Psalms 54:7

    For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

  • Psalms 21:3

    For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.

  • Psalms 59:17

    Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God [is] my defence, [and] the God of my mercy.

  • Psalms 54:5

    He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.

  • Psalms 92:11

    Mine eye also shall see [my desire] on mine enemies, [and] mine ears shall hear [my desire] of the wicked that rise up against me.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
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