Psalms 59:11

KJV

Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

KJV (with Strong's)

Slay {H2026}{H8799)} them not, lest my people {H5971} forget {H7911}{H8799)}: scatter {H5128}{H8685)} them by thy power {H2428}; and bring them down {H3381}{H8685)}, O Lord {H136} our shield {H4043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.

American Standard Version

Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power, and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:11 captures a profound and counter-intuitive prayer from David, who, facing imminent threat, asks God not for the immediate annihilation of his enemies but for their prolonged humiliation and dispersion. This request reveals a sophisticated understanding of divine justice, not merely as retribution, but as a pedagogical display of God's power and faithfulness designed to serve as an enduring lesson for His people, preventing them from forgetting His mighty acts and sovereign protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is a "Michtam of David," a golden psalm or a psalm of lasting significance, specifically set against the backdrop of King Saul's attempt to kill David by sending men to watch his house ([1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul Sends Men to Kill David")). The psalm opens with a desperate plea for deliverance from violent, bloodthirsty adversaries who "lie in wait for my life" ([Psalms 59:3](/psalms/59-3 "Psalm 59:3 - Enemies Lie in Wait")). David vividly describes them as "dogs" ([Psalms 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies Like Dogs")) who "breathe out swords with their lips" ([Psalms 59:7](/psalms/59-7 "Psalm 59:7 - Malicious Words of Enemies")), highlighting their malicious intent and verbal assault. Amidst this peril, David expresses unwavering confidence in God's ultimate sovereignty over the nations ([Psalms 59:8](/psalms/59-8 "Psalm 59:8 - God Mocks the Nations")) and His role as his strength and refuge ([Psalms 59:9-10](/psalms/59-9 "Psalm 59:9-10 - God is David's Strength")). Verse 11, therefore, is not a sudden shift but a nuanced articulation of *how* David desires God's justice to be executed, fitting within the broader narrative of a righteous man seeking divine vindication against relentless, unprovoked evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting of Saul's pursuit of David is crucial. David, though anointed king, was a fugitive, constantly evading Saul's murderous intentions. This period was one of profound testing for David, forcing him to rely entirely on God for survival. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divine judgment was often understood as a public display of power, vindicating the righteous and shaming the wicked. The concept of "forgetting" God's works was a grave concern in Israelite theology, as seen throughout the Deuteronomic history, where apostasy often followed a failure to remember God's covenant faithfulness and mighty acts ([Deuteronomy 8:11](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11 - Do Not Forget the Lord")). David's prayer reflects this cultural understanding, seeking a form of judgment that would serve as a lasting object lesson, not just for his immediate enemies, but for the broader community of God's people and even the nations. The enemies were not just personal foes but representatives of ungodly power structures that defied the Lord's anointed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Its Timing**. David's plea, "Slay them not," is not a request for mercy but for a specific *mode* and *duration* of judgment. It underscores God's sovereignty over the timing and method of justice, demonstrating that His ways are higher than human expectations ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher")). Secondly, the phrase "lest my people forget" emphasizes the **Pedagogical Purpose of Divine Action**. God's interventions are not merely transactional; they are designed to teach, to remind His people of His power, justice, and faithfulness, thereby strengthening their trust and preventing spiritual amnesia. This theme resonates with the repeated calls to remember God's deeds in the Psalms ([Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")). Thirdly, David's confident address, "O Lord our shield," reinforces the theme of **God as Protector and Deliverer**. Even when surrounded by enemies, David's ultimate security rests in God's unfailing defense, a common motif throughout the Psalms where God is frequently invoked as a shield, fortress, and deliverer ([Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Slay them not" (Hebrew, _'al tahargeim'_):** This phrase, derived from the root הָרַג (_harag_), meaning "to kill" or "to slay," is negated by _'al_. It signifies a deliberate request for God *not* to utterly destroy or annihilate his enemies immediately. Instead of swift death, David desires a prolonged process of defeat and humiliation, which would serve a greater purpose than instant eradication. This is a nuanced prayer, demonstrating David's understanding that God's justice can manifest in various forms, not always the most obvious or immediate.
* **"Scatter them" (Hebrew, _haphiytseimo'_):** From the root פּוּץ (_puts_), meaning "to break up," "to disperse," or "to discomfit." This word implies a judgment that weakens, disorients, and renders the enemies ineffective by breaking their unity and power. It suggests a public, visible dismantling of their strength, rather than a hidden, swift execution. This scattering would make their defeat evident and undeniable.
* **"Bring them down" (Hebrew, _horiydem'_):** Derived from the root יָרַד (_yarad_), meaning "to go down," "to descend," or "to bring low." In this context, it signifies a humbling, a stripping away of their power, status, and ability to oppress. It implies a descent from their position of perceived strength and influence, making their defeat a public spectacle of God's justice.
* **"Our shield" (Hebrew, _maginneynu'_):** From the root מָגֵן (_magen_), referring to a buckler or protector. This title emphasizes God's role as the ultimate defender and protector of His people, David specifically, and by extension, Israel. It underscores David's confidence that his safety and vindication come solely from the Lord, even when facing overwhelming threats.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Slay them not, lest my people forget:"** This opening clause presents David's counter-intuitive request. He petitions God not to utterly destroy his enemies immediately. The crucial purpose for this delay is "lest my people forget." If the adversaries were instantly eradicated, the lesson of God's power and justice might be lost or quickly forgotten. A prolonged, visible downfall ensures that God's intervention is etched into the memory of His people, serving as a powerful, enduring testimony to His faithfulness and a warning against rebellion or trusting in human strength. It highlights God's pedagogical intent in His dealings with humanity.
* **"scatter them by thy power;"** This part of the prayer specifies the desired form of judgment. Instead of annihilation, David asks for dispersion. "Scattering" implies breaking their unity, disorienting their plans, and rendering them powerless to continue their malicious pursuits. This act would be a clear demonstration of God's overwhelming "power," publicly dismantling their strength and making their defeat undeniable to all observers, further reinforcing the lesson for God's people.
* **"and bring them down, O Lord our shield."** This final clause reiterates the request for their humiliation and downfall, emphasizing a public descent from their position of power and arrogance. The address "O Lord our shield" serves as a powerful affirmation of David's unwavering trust in God's protective nature. Despite the enemies' threats, David confidently appeals to the One who is his ultimate defense and protector, acknowledging that all vindication and deliverance come solely from the sovereign Lord, who is the bulwark of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 59:11 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The most striking is the **Paradox** or **Irony** in David's initial plea, "Slay them not." This unexpected request, seemingly counter to a natural desire for immediate vengeance, immediately draws the reader's attention and highlights the deeper, pedagogical purpose of God's judgment. The psalm also uses **Metaphor**, particularly in earlier verses (e.g., enemies as "dogs"), which casts the adversaries in a dehumanizing light, emphasizing their viciousness and lack of reason, thus justifying the divine response. The direct address, "O Lord our shield," is an example of **Apostrophe**, a figure of speech where the speaker directly addresses an absent or abstract entity. This elevates the prayer, making it a direct, personal appeal to God as the ultimate protector. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Petition** or **Prayer**, a direct supplication to God, revealing David's complete reliance on divine intervention. The underlying purpose, "lest my people forget," imbues the verse with a strong **Didacticism**, indicating that God's actions, even in judgment, are meant to teach and instruct His people, ensuring the enduring memory of His power and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 59:11 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine justice, demonstrating that God's judgment is not always immediate or solely punitive, but often serves a redemptive and pedagogical purpose. David's prayer reveals a mature understanding that God's timing and method of dealing with evil are perfectly wise, designed not just to punish the wicked but to instruct and preserve the righteous. The "scattering" and "bringing down" of enemies, rather than their instant annihilation, ensures that the demonstration of God's power is prolonged and visible, serving as a lasting testimony to His sovereignty and a constant reminder for His people to remember His works and remain faithful. This concept underscores God's patience and His desire for His people to learn from His interventions, fostering a deeper trust in His role as their ultimate shield and protector. It teaches us that God's justice is always purposeful, often revealing His glory and strengthening the faith of His covenant community.

* [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget What You Have Seen")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")
* [Psalm 78:1-8](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness to Rebellious Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often craves instant gratification and immediate solutions, David's prayer in Psalms 59:11 offers a powerful lesson in trusting God's timing and methods. When we face injustice, opposition, or spiritual warfare, our natural inclination might be to pray for the swift and complete removal of our adversaries or problems. However, David's nuanced request encourages us to consider that God's wisdom may involve a longer, more visible process of humbling and scattering. This process, though perhaps more agonizing in the short term, serves a greater purpose: it allows God's power and justice to be displayed more fully, not only for the defeat of the wicked but as an enduring testimony to His people. It reminds us that the downfall of evil is not just about retribution but also about revelation—revealing God's character and strengthening our faith. We are called to rely on God as our ultimate "shield," knowing that He is sovereign over all circumstances and that His deliverance, whether immediate or gradual, is always perfect in its purpose and timing, designed to prevent us from forgetting His mighty hand in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's prayer for a delayed, pedagogical judgment challenge my own desires for immediate resolution to problems or injustices?**
* **In what ways might God be allowing a prolonged struggle in my life or in the world to serve as a testimony or a lesson for me or for others?**
* **How can I actively "remember" God's past acts of deliverance and protection in my life to strengthen my faith when facing current adversaries?**
* **What does it mean practically to rely on God as my "shield" when I feel vulnerable or threatened?**

### FAQ

**Why would David ask God *not* to slay his enemies, which seems counter-intuitive for someone under threat?**

Answer: David's request is not a plea for mercy on his enemies, but a strategic and theologically profound prayer for a specific *form* and *timing* of judgment. If his enemies were instantly annihilated, the lesson of God's power and justice might be quickly forgotten. By asking God to "scatter them" and "bring them down," David desires a prolonged, visible humiliation of his adversaries. This public and enduring display of God's power would serve as a constant reminder for God's people, preventing them from forgetting His mighty acts and sovereign protection. It underscores that God's judgment often has a pedagogical purpose, designed to teach and remind His covenant people of His faithfulness and ultimate authority, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember How the Lord Led You").

**What does "lest my people forget" imply about God's purpose in dealing with evil?**

Answer: The phrase "lest my people forget" is central to understanding the verse's meaning. It implies that God's actions, including His judgments, are not solely about retribution but also about instruction and remembrance for His covenant people. If the enemies were swiftly removed, the profound lesson of God's intervention, His justice, and His faithfulness might fade from memory. A gradual, visible downfall of the wicked serves as an enduring testimony, reinforcing the consequences of rebellion against God and the certainty of His vindication for the righteous. This pedagogical aspect is crucial for maintaining the spiritual health and memory of the community, ensuring they continue to trust in God as their ultimate deliverer and not fall into idolatry or complacency, a theme echoed in [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:11, with its prayer for a pedagogical judgment and reliance on God as "our shield," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David prayed for the visible, prolonged humbling of his earthly enemies to prevent God's people from forgetting, Christ's victory over the spiritual powers of darkness provides the ultimate, enduring lesson that can never be forgotten. Jesus, the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), did not immediately annihilate evil at His first coming. Instead, through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, He "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). This "scattering" and "bringing down" of spiritual enemies is a cosmic, visible defeat, serving as an eternal reminder of God's power and justice. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "shield" for His people, offering not just physical protection but eternal salvation and spiritual defense against the schemes of the enemy ([Ephesians 6:16](/ephesians/6-16 "Ephesians 6:16 - The Shield of Faith")). His patience in delaying final judgment, allowing time for repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is Patient")), also mirrors David's prayer for a non-immediate slaying, ensuring that more might come to remember God's grace and mercy before the ultimate day of reckoning. Thus, Christ's completed work on the cross and His ongoing reign ensure that God's people will never forget His ultimate deliverance and 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

Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Revelation 9:6

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

Luke 1:51

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Genesis 4:12

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.