Psalms 59:10

KJV

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

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)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God, who gives me grace, will come to me; God will let me gaze in triumph at my foes.

Berean Standard Bible

My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes.

American Standard Version

My God with his lovingkindness will meet me: God will let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:10, a powerful declaration from David, expresses profound confidence in God's proactive mercy and ultimate vindication amidst intense persecution. Despite being surrounded by enemies seeking his life, David trusts that the God of his covenantal love will intervene on his behalf, going before him to deliver him and ensuring that divine justice will prevail, allowing him to witness God's righteous judgment against his adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is a "Michtam of David," a type of psalm often associated with a prayer or a golden psalm, indicating its preciousness or a specific musical instruction. The superscription explicitly links it to the dramatic historical event "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" ([1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul Sends to Kill David")). The psalm begins with an urgent cry for deliverance from bloodthirsty enemies (vv. 1-5), shifts to a description of their wicked nature (vv. 6-7), and then moves to a confident assertion of God's power and justice (vv. 8-10). This verse, specifically, marks a pivotal turn from desperate plea to unwavering faith, anticipating God's certain intervention and vindication. It stands as a testament to David's unwavering reliance on God as his fortress and refuge, even when besieged.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is David's precarious existence as a fugitive from King Saul, who, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, repeatedly sought to kill him. David was literally under house arrest, with assassins waiting outside. In this ancient Near Eastern context, personal honor and vindication were paramount, and the concept of "seeing one's desire" upon enemies could easily be misconstrued as a call for personal revenge. However, within the biblical framework, especially for a king in Israel, it signifies the expectation of divine justice. God, as the ultimate Judge and Warrior, was expected to defend His anointed and execute righteous judgment against those who defied His will and persecuted His servants. This was not about David's personal vendetta, but about God establishing His justice and sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **God's personal and proactive mercy ( _chesed_ )**, emphasizing that God's steadfast love is not passive but actively "prevents" or goes before His people, anticipating their needs and dangers. This resonates with themes of divine protection seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 31:8](/deuteronomy/31-8 "Deuteronomy 31:8 - God Goes Before You"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine vindication and justice**. David's expectation to "see [his desire] upon mine enemies" is a confident declaration that God will bring about His righteous judgment against the wicked, rather than a personal desire for vengeance. This aligns with the biblical principle that ultimate vengeance belongs to the Lord, as expressed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord"). Finally, it demonstrates **unwavering trust in adversity**, portraying David's profound reliance on God's power and faithfulness even when facing mortal threats, echoing the psalmist's consistent call to trust in God as a refuge in times of trouble, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chesed'_):** Translated from the Hebrew term _chesed_ (חֶסֶד), which is a profound and multifaceted word in the Old Testament. It signifies God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, unfailing kindness, and enduring faithfulness. When David says "The God of my mercy," he is not referring to a fleeting emotion but to God's inherent character as one who is perpetually loyal and committed to His covenant people. It is a personal and relational declaration, emphasizing God's specific and unwavering _chesed_ towards David himself.
* **Prevent (Old English, _praevenire'_):** The King James Version's use of "prevent" here is an archaic English translation of the Hebrew word _qadam_ (קָדַם), meaning "to go before," "to precede," or "to anticipate." It does not carry the modern connotation of "to hinder" or "to stop." Thus, "The God of my mercy shall prevent me" means that God's mercy will proactively come to David's aid, preceding and anticipating any harm his enemies might inflict, acting on his behalf before he even fully comprehends the danger.
* **See (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** The Hebrew verb _ra'ah_ (רָאָה) means "to see," "to perceive," or "to experience." In this context, "God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies" implies more than just a visual observation. It signifies David's confident expectation that he will witness and experience God's righteous judgment and vindication against his adversaries. It is the assurance of seeing God's justice unfold in a tangible way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The God of my mercy":** This opening phrase establishes the intimate and personal nature of David's relationship with God. It is not merely "God's mercy" in general, but "the God *of my* mercy," highlighting God's specific, personal, and covenantal faithfulness towards David. It anchors David's hope in God's character, particularly His steadfast love and loyalty ( _chesed_ ).
* **"shall prevent me":** This clause emphasizes God's proactive and anticipatory intervention. God's mercy is not reactive but precedes David's need, acting as a vanguard against his enemies. It speaks to God's sovereign control and His commitment to protect His servant by going before him, clearing the way, and neutralizing threats before they fully materialize.
* **"God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies":** This concluding phrase expresses David's confident expectation of divine vindication. The "desire" is not a personal longing for revenge, but the righteous outworking of God's justice against those who unjustly persecute. David trusts that God will not only deliver him but will also ensure that His justice is plainly manifested, allowing David to witness the righteous consequences for his adversaries. It is a declaration of faith in God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to uphold justice for His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of trust and triumph. The phrase "The God of my mercy" is a profound example of **Personal Address** and **Intimacy**, establishing a deeply relational connection between the psalmist and God, emphasizing God's specific and unwavering _chesed_ towards David. The use of "prevent" (in its archaic sense) acts as a form of **Proactive Imagery**, painting a picture of God's mercy as a protective force that moves ahead of David, anticipating and neutralizing threats. The declaration "God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "my desire" stands for the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment and vindication, rather than a personal wish for retribution. This declarative statement also functions as an **Affirmation of Faith**, transforming the psalm from a lament into a confident assertion of God's ultimate victory and justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 59:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God is both merciful and just, and these attributes are not in conflict but are perfectly integrated within His character. His mercy is not a weakness but an active, protective force that precedes and defends His people. His justice, in turn, is the righteous outworking of His covenant loyalty, ensuring that evil does not ultimately triumph and that His faithful servants are vindicated. This verse speaks to the believer's confidence that even when surrounded by overwhelming opposition, God remains sovereign, actively involved in their circumstances, and committed to upholding righteousness. It teaches us to trust God's timing and method for justice, rather than seeking personal retribution, knowing that He sees all injustice and will act in His perfect wisdom.

* [Psalm 18:48](/psalms/18-48 "Psalm 18:48 - God Subdues Enemies")
* [Psalm 37:34](/psalms/37-34 "Psalm 37:34 - Wait for the Lord")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by injustice, opposition, and personal struggles, Psalms 59:10 offers profound encouragement and a vital framework for faith. It calls us to cultivate an unwavering trust in "the God of our mercy," recognizing that His steadfast love is not a passive sentiment but an active, proactive force in our lives. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances or assailed by those who wish us harm, this verse reminds us that God's mercy "prevents" us—He goes before us, anticipating our needs, preparing the way, and shielding us from unseen dangers. It liberates us from the burden of seeking personal revenge, urging us instead to rest in God's perfect justice. We are invited to confidently pray for His intervention, knowing that He will, in His perfect timing, bring about His righteous judgment and vindication, allowing us to witness His sovereignty unfold. This fosters a deep peace, knowing that our ultimate defense and deliverance come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "preventing" mercy to go before you?**
* **How does the understanding that God's justice is part of His mercy change your perspective on dealing with those who have wronged you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to release the desire for personal vindication and instead trust God for His ultimate justice?**
* **How does David's unwavering confidence in adversity inspire your own faith when facing challenges?**

### FAQ

**What does "prevent" mean in the King James Version of Psalms 59:10?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "prevent" carries an archaic meaning that differs significantly from its modern usage. It comes from the Latin _praevenire_, meaning "to go before," "to precede," or "to anticipate." Therefore, "The God of my mercy shall prevent me" means that God's mercy will proactively come to David's aid, going before him to clear the way and protect him from his enemies before they can succeed. It does not mean God will hinder or stop David, but rather that He will act in advance on David's behalf. This understanding highlights God's active and anticipatory care for His people, as also seen in passages like [Psalm 21:3](/psalms/21-3 "Psalm 21:3 - God Prevents with Blessings").

**Is David's desire to "see [his desire] upon mine enemies" a call for personal revenge?**

Answer: No, the phrase "God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies" is not an expression of personal revenge or a vengeful wish on David's part. Instead, it reflects a confident expectation of divine vindication and the outworking of God's righteous justice. In the biblical context, especially for an anointed king, "seeing one's desire" often refers to witnessing God's righteous judgment against those who oppose His will and persecute His servants. It is a prayer for God to uphold His own justice and sovereignty, ensuring that the wicked do not ultimately prevail over the righteous. This aligns with the principle that vengeance belongs to God alone, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine").

**How can God be described as "the God of my mercy" while also allowing David to "see his desire" upon his enemies?**

Answer: This verse beautifully reconciles God's mercy and justice. God is "the God of my mercy" because His steadfast love ( _chesed_ ) is the foundation of His relationship with His covenant people, leading Him to proactively protect and deliver them. His justice, which allows David to "see [his desire]" upon his enemies, is not a contradiction to His mercy, but rather an extension of it. God's justice ensures that His mercy towards His people is upheld by addressing the evil that threatens them. When God's people are unjustly persecuted, His righteous judgment against the oppressors is an act of mercy and faithfulness towards His covenant. It demonstrates His commitment to His people and His ultimate sovereignty over all evil, bringing about a just resolution that glorifies His name, as seen in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's experience of being pursued by enemies and trusting in the "God of my mercy" foreshadows the life of Christ, who was relentlessly persecuted by spiritual and human adversaries. Jesus, the perfect embodiment of God's _chesed_ (mercy), was "prevented" by the Father's will in the sense that God's plan of salvation went before Him, guiding His every step towards the cross and ensuring His ultimate triumph. The Father's mercy proactively worked through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, anticipating the needs of humanity and providing the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Just as David anticipated seeing God's justice upon his enemies, Christ, through His atoning work, has definitively "seen His desire" upon the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication, demonstrating God's righteous judgment against these powers. Through Christ, believers are now recipients of this same proactive mercy and share in His victory, knowing that the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and triumphed over principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The "God of our mercy" in Christ has gone before us, securing our eternal salvation and guaranteeing that the last enemy, death, will be destroyed ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")).

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

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,