Psalms 59:14

KJV

And at evening let them return; [and] let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at evening {H6153} let them return {H7725}{H8799)}; and let them make a noise {H1993}{H8799)} like a dog {H3611}, and go round about {H5437}{H8779)} the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They return at nightfall, snarling like dogs as they go around the city.

Berean Standard Bible

They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.

American Standard Version

And at evening let them return, let them howl like a dog, And go round about the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:14 vividly portrays the relentless and predatory nature of David's enemies, likening them to scavenging dogs that return at night to prowl and menace the city. This verse is part of a fervent lament and imprecatory prayer where David appeals to God for deliverance and justice against those who unjustly seek his life, highlighting their persistent malice and the constant, inescapable threat he faced. It underscores David's desperate situation while implicitly affirming his profound trust in God's ultimate intervention and righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is a deeply personal lament, specifically a "Michtam of David" (a golden psalm or a psalm of engraving), composed "when Saul sent men, and they watched the house to kill him" (as recorded in [1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David")). The psalm begins with an urgent cry for deliverance from bloodthirsty adversaries (verses 1-2), transitions into a vivid description of the enemies' deceitful character and their unprovoked aggression (verses 3-7). David then moves into a series of imprecatory prayers, calling upon God to judge and consume his adversaries (verses 8-13). Verse 14, along with verse 15, serves as a direct continuation of this imprecatory section, intensifying the portrayal of the enemies' persistent and animalistic pursuit. The repetition of the "dogs" imagery from [Psalm 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies Howling Like Dogs") reinforces their consistent, degrading behavior, effectively setting the stage for David's concluding declaration of trust and praise in [Psalm 59:16-17](/psalms/59-16-17 "Psalm 59:16-17 - David's Trust and Praise").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalm 59 is David's flight from King Saul, who, driven by intense jealousy and paranoia, repeatedly sought to kill him. This particular incident refers to Saul's men surrounding David's house in Gibeah, necessitating Michal's quick thinking to help David escape through a window. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were generally not domesticated pets but wild, scavenging animals that roamed in packs, often associated with uncleanness, aggression, and contempt. To be likened to a dog was a severe insult, implying a lack of honor, dignity, and moral restraint. The "evening" (or night) was a time when such wild dogs were most active, prowling for food, and also a time when clandestine or malicious activities were often carried out, adding a layer of menace and stealth to the enemies' actions. The imagery of "going round about the city" suggests a siege-like encirclement or persistent surveillance, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the threat David faced within his own home and city.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **relentless nature of unrighteous opposition**. David's enemies are not merely a fleeting threat but are persistently returning, demonstrating their unwavering malice and determination to destroy him. Secondly, the degrading imagery of "dogs" underscores the **depravity and base character of the wicked**, who operate without moral compass, driven by predatory instincts. This theme is echoed in other psalms where enemies are depicted as wild animals, such as in [Psalm 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Enemies as Dogs and Bulls") and [Psalm 17:12](/psalms/17-12 "Psalm 17:12 - Enemies like Lions"). Thirdly, the verse is embedded within an **imprecatory prayer**, where David appeals to God for divine justice rather than seeking personal vengeance. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding that God is the ultimate judge who will bring the wicked to account, a concept found throughout the wisdom literature, for example, in [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Trap of the Wicked"). Despite the intensity of the imprecation, the underlying theme is David's profound trust in God as his strength and refuge, even amidst overwhelming danger, as declared in [Psalm 59:9](/psalms/59-9 "Psalm 59:9 - God My Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evening (Hebrew, _‘ereb'_):** (H6153) From a root meaning "to mingle," this term denotes the twilight or dusk, the transition from day to night. In biblical contexts, evening often symbolizes a time of vulnerability, increased danger, and the cover for malicious or clandestine deeds. For David, it signifies the persistent, lurking threat of his enemies who exploit the diminishing light to carry out their sinister intentions, much like wild beasts emerge at dusk. It emphasizes the constant, round-the-clock nature of the danger he faced, extending into the perceived safety of night.
* **Noise (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** (H1993) A primitive root meaning "to make a loud sound," this word implies more than a simple bark. It suggests a restless, hungry, snarling, or growling sound—the menacing clamor of a pack of wild dogs seeking prey or expressing agitation. This term vividly conveys the aggressive, unsettling, and predatory intent of David's enemies, their agitation and hunger for his destruction, a disquieting clamor that fills the night.
* **Dog (Hebrew, _keleb'_):** (H3611) In ancient Israel, dogs were largely undomesticated scavengers, often seen as unclean, contemptible, and aggressive. They roamed in packs, feeding on refuse and carrion, and were associated with base, uncontrolled behavior. To compare someone to a "dog" was a profound insult, stripping them of human dignity and associating them with morally debased, predatory actions. This imagery powerfully communicates David's contempt for his enemies and their morally depraved, unprincipled pursuit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at evening let them return;":** This clause describes the persistent, cyclical nature of the enemies' pursuit. The "evening" highlights the opportune time for their malicious activity, suggesting a stealthy, shadowy return to their watch. The imperative "let them return" is an imprecatory plea, asking God to allow their persistent, futile efforts to continue, thereby exposing their relentless malice and ultimately leading to their frustration and judgment. It underscores their unwavering determination to harm David, a threat that resurfaces with the setting sun.
* **"[and] let them make a noise like a dog,":** This is a direct imprecation and a vivid simile. David prays that his enemies' true, base nature be revealed through their actions—their restless, snarling, and hungry clamor. The comparison to "dogs" strips them of any pretense of honor or legitimate authority, exposing them as wild, scavenging, and morally depraved individuals driven by malice and a thirst for destruction. It's a prayer for their humiliation and exposure, that their true character would be evident in their animalistic behavior.
* **"and go round about the city.":** This final clause describes their physical actions: circling, patrolling, or besieging. It paints a picture of constant surveillance and encirclement, like a pack of predators stalking their prey. For David, this meant being trapped and under constant threat, with no escape from their watchful, menacing presence. The imprecation is that their futile circling will continue, leading to their ultimate exhaustion and failure, rather than success in their malevolent designs.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 59:14 is rich in **Imagery**, primarily through the striking comparison of David's enemies to "dogs." This employs a powerful **Simile** ("like a dog"), immediately conjuring associations of wildness, uncleanness, scavenging, and predatory behavior, thereby stripping the enemies of any human dignity and portraying them as base and contemptible. The setting of "evening" further enhances the imagery, suggesting a time of darkness, stealth, and heightened danger, when such creatures are most active. The verse also employs **Imprecation**, a form of prayer where the psalmist calls upon God to execute judgment on the wicked. While seemingly harsh, these are appeals to divine justice, entrusting vengeance to God alone. The repetition of the "dog" motif from earlier in the psalm ([Psalm 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies Howling Like Dogs")) creates a strong sense of **Cohesion** and reinforces the persistent, degrading nature of the adversaries, emphasizing their consistent character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, situated within David's fervent prayer for deliverance, powerfully articulates the reality of persistent evil and the believer's recourse to divine justice. It underscores that opposition to God's chosen ones often manifests in base, relentless, and dehumanizing ways, driven by malice rather than righteousness. The psalmist's appeal for God to allow his enemies to continue their futile, dog-like prowling is not merely a cry for vengeance but a profound theological statement: God sees the wicked's true nature and will ultimately expose and frustrate their plans. It affirms God's role as the righteous Judge who will not permit evil to triumph indefinitely, providing solace and assurance that even in the face of overwhelming and degrading opposition, the believer's ultimate vindication rests with the Lord. This passage reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, discerning the hearts and intentions of all, and will bring about His justice in His perfect timing.

* [Psalm 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Enemies as Dogs and Bulls")
* [Proverbs 26:11](/proverbs/26-11 "Proverbs 26:11 - The Fool's Return to Folly")
* [Isaiah 56:10-11](/isaiah/56-10-11 "Isaiah 56:10-11 - Blind Watchmen and Greedy Dogs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 59:14 offers a profound lens through which to view the nature of persistent opposition in the life of faith and how believers are called to respond. Just as David faced relentless, demeaning adversaries who prowled and sought his destruction, we too may encounter individuals, circumstances, or spiritual forces that exhibit a similar base and unyielding malice. This verse reminds us that evil often does not give up easily; it returns, it makes noise, and it seeks to encircle and intimidate. However, David's response is not to engage in personal retaliation but to bring his distress and his appeal for justice directly to God. This teaches us the vital practice of entrusting our battles to the Lord, recognizing that He is our ultimate refuge and righteous Judge. In moments where we feel surrounded, maligned, or relentlessly pursued, we are called to discern the true nature of the opposition (often revealed as base and devoid of honor, much like the "dogs") and to respond with fervent prayer, confident that God sees, hears, and will ultimately act on behalf of His faithful. This passage encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to stand firm in our trust in God's sovereignty, and to persevere in prayer, knowing that our vindication comes from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a persistent, "dog-like" opposition or harassment, whether from people or circumstances?**
* **How does David's prayer for God to expose his enemies' true nature encourage you to trust God with your own adversaries and their intentions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "make a noise" of fervent prayer and unwavering trust, rather than succumbing to fear or seeking personal vengeance, when facing relentless opposition?**
* **How does recognizing the "base" or unprincipled nature of some opposition help you to engage in spiritual warfare with discernment and a deeper reliance on God's power?**

### FAQ
**Why are dogs used as negative imagery in this psalm?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, unlike many modern cultures, dogs were generally not cherished pets but rather wild, scavenging animals that roamed in packs. They were considered unclean (e.g., [Leviticus 11:27](/leviticus/11-27 "Leviticus 11:27 - Unclean Animals")), associated with filth, disease, and feeding on carrion. To be likened to a "dog" was a profound insult, stripping an individual of dignity and associating them with uncontrolled, aggressive, and contemptible behavior. David uses this imagery to vividly portray his enemies as base, predatory, and morally debased, lacking honor or restraint in their relentless pursuit of him, much like a pack of wild dogs would stalk and harass prey. This negative connotation is consistent throughout much of the Old Testament and even into the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 7:6](/matthew/7-6 "Matthew 7:6 - Do Not Give What is Holy to Dogs")).

**Is this psalm promoting revenge or personal vengeance?**

Answer: No, this psalm, like other imprecatory psalms, is not promoting personal revenge. Instead, it is a fervent appeal to God, the righteous Judge, to execute justice against the wicked. David is not taking matters into his own hands but is entrusting his cause to the Lord. He is praying for God to intervene and bring about the just consequences for his enemies' malicious actions. This aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and Recompense") and [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Avenge Not Yourselves")). David's prayer is an act of faith, believing that God sees the injustice and will ultimately act to vindicate His servant and uphold His righteousness. It is a plea for divine intervention, not a call to personal retaliation.

**What does it mean for the enemies to "go round about the city"?**

Answer: The phrase "go round about the city" vividly describes the enemies' persistent and menacing actions. It suggests a form of encirclement, surveillance, or patrolling, much like a pack of wild dogs might circle their prey or a besieging army might surround a city. For David, who was literally trapped in his house by Saul's men (as per the psalm's superscription and [1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David")), this imagery conveys the inescapable and relentless nature of the threat. It emphasizes their constant watchfulness, their determination to find a weakness, and their pervasive presence, creating an atmosphere of fear and confinement. David prays that this futile circling will continue, ultimately leading to their exhaustion and failure rather than their success in capturing or harming him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:14, with its depiction of relentless, dog-like enemies prowling around the city at evening, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the suffering and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. David's experience of being unjustly pursued and maligned by those seeking his life foreshadows the perfect Lamb of God, who was surrounded by a hostile crowd and religious leaders crying for His crucifixion. Just as David's enemies "made a noise like a dog," the chief priests and elders howled for Jesus' death, inciting the crowd to demand His crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 27:20-23](/matthew/27-20-23 "Matthew 27:20-23 - The Crowd Demands Barabbas")). The soldiers who gambled for His garments at the foot of the cross, described in [Psalm 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Enemies as Dogs and Bulls") as "dogs" surrounding the psalmist, find their ultimate expression in the Roman guard at Calvary (e.g., [John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide His Garments")). The "evening" when David's enemies returned can be seen as a shadow of the hour of darkness when Christ was betrayed and crucified, seemingly overwhelmed by the forces of evil (e.g., [Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - This is Your Hour, and the Power of Darkness")). However, unlike David, who still prayed for deliverance, Jesus perfectly endured the full onslaught of these "dogs" of humanity and hell, ultimately triumphing over them through His death and resurrection. His victory disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), fulfilling David's imprecation by bringing ultimate judgment and humiliation upon the spiritual forces of evil and those who align with them. Thus, Christ is the true Deliverer, who, by enduring the ultimate "dog-like" assault, secured eternal deliverance for His people and demonstrated God's ultimate triumph over all forms of unrighteous opposition.

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 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Psalms 59:6

They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.