Psalms 59:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Consume {H3615}{H8761)} them in wrath {H2534}, consume {H3615}{H8761)} them, that they may not be: and let them know {H3045}{H8799)} that God {H430} ruleth {H4910}{H8802)} in Jacob {H3290} unto the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Finish them off in wrath, finish them off, put an end to them, and let them know to the ends of the earth that God is Ruler in Ya'akov. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah

American Standard Version

Consume them in wrath, consume them, so that they shall be no more: And let them know that God ruleth in Jacob, Unto the ends of the earth. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:13 is a fervent imprecatory prayer from David, likely composed during a period of intense persecution by King Saul. It functions as a dual petition and declaration: first, an urgent plea for God to utterly destroy his adversaries in divine wrath, and second, a profound proclamation that this decisive judgment will serve to reveal God's absolute and universal sovereignty, extending from His covenant people in Jacob to the farthest reaches of the earth. The verse encapsulates David's desperate reliance on divine justice and his unwavering conviction in the Lord's ultimate dominion over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 59 is categorized as an individual lament and an imprecatory psalm, where the psalmist appeals to God for deliverance and judgment against his enemies. The psalm is framed by David's desperate cries for rescue from those who seek his life, whom he vividly describes as "dogs" prowling the city at night, full of malice and deceit ([Psalms 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies Prowling")). Throughout the preceding verses, David highlights his own innocence and the unprovoked nature of his enemies' attacks, contrasting their wickedness with God's righteousness. Verse 13 serves as a climactic petition within this emotional outpouring, moving beyond mere personal safety to a profound desire for God's decisive intervention, not solely for David's vindication, but for the public demonstration of God's sovereign rule. The "Selah" at the end of the verse invites a contemplative pause, emphasizing the weighty theological declaration that precedes it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription directly links Psalm 59 to the historical account in [1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David"), where King Saul dispatched men to watch David's house and kill him. This context is crucial: David, though anointed by God as the future king, was hunted by the reigning monarch. In ancient Israel, the king was considered God's anointed representative, and an attack on him was often perceived as an affront to God's chosen order and covenant. David's imprecatory prayer, therefore, transcends personal vengeance; it is a call for God to defend His own honor, His covenant, and the integrity of His divine plan for Israel. The assertion of God's rule extending "unto the ends of the earth" was a radical theological claim in a polytheistic world where deities were often localized. It proclaimed Yahweh's unique, universal sovereignty over all nations, powers, and even the cosmos, a truth often revealed through acts of judgment and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, asserting that God is not indifferent to wickedness but will ultimately intervene to punish the unrighteous. David's fervent plea for his enemies to be "consumed in wrath" reflects a deep conviction that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, ensuring that evil does not prevail unchecked. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Absolute and Universal Sovereignty**. The declaration that "God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" proclaims Yahweh's supreme authority not only over His covenant people, Israel (represented by [Jacob](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Jacob's Name Changed to Israel")), but universally over all nations and creation. This theme is foundational throughout the Psalms, as seen in passages like [Psalm 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereign Rule"), which states, "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Vindication of God's Name and Glory**. The desired outcome of the enemies' destruction is for them to "know that God ruleth," signifying that God's actions, even in judgment, serve to reveal His power, righteousness, and unique identity to both His people and His adversaries, ensuring His name is glorified across the entire world, from "Jacob" to the "ends of the earth," echoing the universal dominion proclaimed in [Psalm 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "The Earth is the Lord's and its Fullness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consume (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root carries the meaning of bringing to an end, completing, finishing, or utterly destroying. Its repetition ("Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them]") intensifies the psalmist's plea, emphasizing a desire for the absolute and definitive annihilation of his enemies' power and influence. It is not merely a request for their defeat, but for their complete cessation, implying their removal from any position to threaten or defy God's order, so they "may not be."
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "heat," this term figuratively denotes intense anger, fury, or indignation. In this context, it refers to the righteous indignation of God against injustice and wickedness. David's plea for God to "consume them in wrath" is a call for God to unleash His holy displeasure and judgment against those who are actively opposing His anointed and His divine purposes.
* **Ruleth (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** This verb signifies exercising dominion, governing, or having sovereign authority. When applied to God, as it is here, it speaks of His absolute power and active control over all creation. The declaration that God "ruleth" is a direct counter to the apparent chaos and injustice David experiences, asserting an ultimate divine order where God is not a passive observer but the active, reigning King whose authority is undeniable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]:"** This opening clause is a fervent imprecation, a prayer for divine judgment. The repetition of "consume them" underscores the psalmist's intense desire for a decisive and complete end to his enemies' power and existence. The phrase "in wrath" highlights the righteous indignation of God against injustice and wickedness. The purpose clause, "that they may not be," indicates that the desired outcome is not just punishment, but the utter cessation of their threat and influence, ensuring they no longer pose a danger or defy God's order. This is a plea for God to act definitively and decisively against those who oppose His anointed and His will.
* **"and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth."** This second, declarative clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind the requested judgment. The destruction of the wicked is not an end in itself, but a means by which God's supreme sovereignty will be made manifest. The phrase "let them know" implies a didactic or revelatory purpose: the judgment will serve as an undeniable demonstration of God's power and authority. His rule is first affirmed "in Jacob," signifying His covenant relationship and active governance over Israel, His chosen people. However, this rule extends "unto the ends of the earth," proclaiming a universal dominion that encompasses all nations, peoples, and powers. This declaration asserts that Yahweh is not a localized deity but the supreme, sovereign ruler of the entire cosmos, and His actions will ensure this truth is recognized by all, even His adversaries.
* **"Selah."** This Hebrew term, appearing 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk, is a musical or liturgical notation. While its precise meaning is debated, it is generally understood to signify a pause for reflection, a moment to contemplate the profound truth or emotional weight of the preceding words. In Psalms 59:13, "Selah" invites the reader to ponder the gravity of God's wrath, the certainty of His judgment, and the expansive, undeniable reality of His universal rule.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 59:13 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic doubling of "Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them]." This rhetorical device intensifies the psalmist's plea, underscoring the urgency and totality of the desired divine judgment. It conveys a sense of desperation and an unwavering conviction that only a complete and decisive intervention from God will suffice. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "Jacob" to represent the nation of Israel, God's covenant people. This allows the psalmist to speak of God's rule over His chosen nation as a foundational truth that then expands. Furthermore, the phrase "in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a whole. Here, "Jacob" (the specific, localized people) and "the ends of the earth" (the universal, boundless realm) combine to signify the totality and universality of God's dominion. Finally, the entire first half of the verse embodies **Imprecation**, a form of prayer that invokes divine judgment, calamity, or curses upon enemies. While challenging for modern readers, it is a legitimate biblical expression of justice sought from a righteous God against those who oppose His will and people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 59:13 stands as a profound theological statement on the character of God, affirming His active involvement in human affairs, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His ultimate, unchallengeable sovereignty. It asserts that God is not merely a distant observer but a righteous judge who will decisively intervene against wickedness. The psalmist's plea for judgment is rooted in a deep conviction that God's honor and rule must be vindicated when His people are unjustly persecuted. This verse teaches that divine judgment, while severe, ultimately serves a revelatory purpose: to make known God's supreme authority to all, both those who acknowledge Him and those who defy Him. It underscores the truth that no power, human or otherwise, can ultimately thwart God's purposes or escape His ultimate accountability, and that His kingdom extends universally, from His covenant people to the farthest reaches of creation.

* [Psalms 2:4-6](/psalms/2-4-6 "Psalm 2:4-6 - God's Rule Over Nations")
* [Isaiah 45:22-23](/isaiah/45-22-23 "Isaiah 45:22-23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 59:13, with its imprecatory language, presents a challenging yet deeply instructive message for contemporary believers. While the New Testament calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this verse reminds us that God is ultimately a God of justice who will not allow evil to triumph indefinitely. It invites us to trust in His perfect timing and method of justice, rather than seeking personal retribution or taking matters into our own hands. Our role is to commit vengeance to the Lord, knowing that "[Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")". Furthermore, the verse powerfully underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty; no power on earth, no oppressive regime, and no personal adversary can ultimately thwart His plans or escape His oversight. This truth offers immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that even amidst chaos and injustice, God remains firmly on His throne, ruling "unto the ends of the earth." Our ultimate hope rests not in human strength or political solutions, but in the unwavering, comprehensive dominion of the Almighty. Finally, it reminds us that God's actions, even in judgment, are ultimately for the purpose of revealing His glory and ensuring that all creation acknowledges His supreme rule. We are called to live in light of this truth, boldly proclaiming His sovereignty and living as His faithful subjects.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ultimate justice in verses like Psalms 59:13 shape our response to injustice in the world today?**
* **In what ways can we practically demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances or threatened by adversaries?**
* **How does the universal scope of God's rule ("unto the ends of the earth") encourage or challenge your perspective on global events and evangelism?**

### FAQ
**What is an imprecatory psalm, and how should Christians understand them?**

Answer: An imprecatory psalm is a prayer that invokes divine judgment, calamity, or curses upon enemies. These psalms, like Psalms 59, are expressions of deep anguish and a cry for justice from those who are suffering unjustly. For Christians, understanding them requires nuance. They are not licenses for personal vengeance, which the New Testament explicitly forbids, as seen in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God"). Instead, they represent: 1) A raw, honest outpouring of emotion before God, acknowledging His role as ultimate judge. 2) A recognition that God is righteous and will indeed judge evil. 3) A commitment to God's justice rather than human retribution. They remind us that while we are called to love our enemies, God's nature also includes holy wrath against sin and a commitment to setting all things right in His perfect timing.

**How does the declaration "God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" relate to God's covenant with Israel and His universal plan?**

Answer: This declaration beautifully bridges God's particular covenant with Israel ("in Jacob") and His universal dominion ("unto the ends of the earth"). "Jacob" represents the nation of Israel, God's chosen people, through whom He first revealed Himself and established His covenant. His rule "in Jacob" signifies His active governance, protection, and faithfulness to His promises to them. However, this particular relationship is not exclusive but serves as the starting point for a universal purpose. God's rule extends "unto the ends of the earth," signifying that His sovereignty is not limited by geography or people group. This concept foreshadows the New Testament revelation that salvation, which originated with Israel, is ultimately for all nations, as articulated in [Acts 13:47](/acts/13-47 "Acts 13:47 - Light for the Gentiles"). God's plan has always been both particular (through Israel) and universal (for all humanity).

**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and also in Habakkuk. While its exact meaning remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is widely understood to be a musical or liturgical notation, likely indicating a pause for reflection, a change in musical accompaniment, or a moment for the congregation to meditate on the preceding words. In the context of Psalms 59:13, "Selah" serves as a powerful invitation to pause and deeply consider the profound theological truths just stated: the certainty of God's wrath against evil, the complete cessation of the wicked, and the undeniable, universal reign of God from Jacob to the ends of the earth. It encourages the reader to let these weighty declarations sink in and resonate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:13, with its fervent plea for divine judgment and declaration of universal sovereignty, finds its ultimate and climactic fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry for God to "consume [them] in wrath" foreshadows the righteous judgment that will be executed by the Son of God. While David prayed for the judgment of specific human enemies, Christ's judgment is cosmic in scope, directed against sin, death, and all spiritual powers that oppose God's rule. Jesus Himself declared that the Father "has given him authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man" ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus Given Authority to Judge")). He is the one before whom "every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

The declaration that "God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" is perfectly embodied in Christ's resurrected and ascended reign. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), establishing a spiritual kingdom that extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of Jacob/Israel to encompass all nations and peoples, fulfilling the ancient prophecies of a Messiah whose dominion would be universal ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). The ultimate purpose of the judgment David sought—that enemies "know that God ruleth"—is realized in the revelation of Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose return will visibly demonstrate His absolute sovereignty to all creation ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge and King")). Thus, the longing for justice and the affirmation of God's universal rule in Psalms 59:13 point directly to the person and work of Jesus, who both embodies divine justice and perfectly exercises God's dominion over all things.

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 83:18

That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

Psalms 7:9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Ezekiel 39:7

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

Psalms 59:11

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

Ezekiel 38:23

Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Numbers 14:34

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

Numbers 14:35

I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.