Psalms 59:15

KJV

Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them wander up and down {H5128}{H8686)}{H8675)}{H5128}{H8799)} for meat {H398}{H8800)}, and grudge {H3885}{H8799)} if they be not satisfied {H7646}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They roam about, looking for food, prowling all night if they don't get their fill.

Berean Standard Bible

They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

American Standard Version

They shall wander up and down for food, And tarry all night if they be not satisfied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:15 is a fervent petition by David, expressing a desire for divine justice against his relentless enemies. It paints a vivid picture of their future state: perpetually restless, aimlessly searching for basic sustenance, and consumed by an insatiable discontent, even if their momentary desires are met. This verse serves as a powerful imprecation, praying that the wicked's own predatory nature will boomerang back upon them, leading to a life of futility and spiritual emptiness, a stark contrast to the satisfaction found in God's provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is a Miktam, a "golden psalm" or "inscription," often associated with deep reflection or a prayer for protection. It is a lament, a cry for deliverance from violent enemies, interwoven with expressions of trust in God's power and justice. This psalm specifically identifies David's desperate situation when King Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him. Verse 15 echoes the imagery of verse 6, where David describes his enemies as "dogs" prowling the city, emphasizing their predatory and restless nature. The psalmist's prayer for their perpetual hunger and discontent serves as a petition for divine retribution, a common theme in imprecatory psalms where the psalmist appeals to God as the ultimate judge. It is part of a larger collection of psalms (Book 2 of the Psalter) that frequently grapple with themes of suffering, divine justice, and the ultimate vindication of the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription directly links this psalm to the events described in [1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul's attempt on David's life"), where Saul's men surrounded David's house to kill him. This historical backdrop underscores David's extreme vulnerability and the treachery he faced. In ancient Israelite culture, "dogs" were often scavengers, despised and associated with impurity or contemptible behavior, making the imagery of enemies as "dogs" a profound insult and a vivid portrayal of their base intentions. The concept of divine justice was central to Israelite theology; God was understood as actively involved in human affairs, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. The prayer for enemies to "wander up and down for meat" would have resonated deeply in a society where basic sustenance was not always guaranteed, highlighting a severe state of deprivation and perpetual want as a form of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Psalm 59 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's active role in judging the wicked and ensuring that their malicious actions ultimately lead to their own downfall. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Wickedness**, portraying a life lived apart from God's provision as one of perpetual restlessness and unfulfilled desire. Unlike the righteous who find contentment and spiritual nourishment in the Lord, as beautifully expressed in [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd"), the wicked are depicted as endlessly searching but never truly satisfied. Lastly, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over all circumstances, even in the face of grave threats, demonstrating David's unwavering trust that God will ultimately vindicate him and bring justice to his oppressors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wander up and down (Hebrew, _nu`_):** This verb (נוּעַ) denotes a restless, aimless, or fugitive movement. It implies instability, a lack of security, and a perpetual state of searching without finding a settled place or true rest. It suggests a life characterized by agitation and an inability to achieve peace or satisfaction.
* **Meat (Hebrew, _lechem_):** While often translated as "meat," the Hebrew word (לֶחֶם) more broadly means "bread" or "food." It symbolizes basic sustenance and livelihood, not luxury. The enemies are depicted as searching for even the most fundamental necessities, indicating a profound and desperate lack, a reversal of their former predatory power.
* **Grudge (Hebrew, _lun_):** This verb (לוּן) means "to murmur," "grumble," or "complain." It signifies a deep-seated dissatisfaction and resentment that persists even when some form of provision is found. It highlights an internal spiritual turmoil, an ungrateful and discontented spirit that can never be truly appeased, underscoring the futility of their pursuits.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them wander up and down for meat":** This is a direct petition for divine judgment. David asks that his enemies, who relentlessly prowl and pursue him, be subjected to a similar, yet far more miserable, fate. They are to be deprived of basic necessities, forced into a restless, aimless search for sustenance, reflecting the spiritual emptiness that results from their wicked ways. This is a reversal of their predatory nature; instead of hunting others, they become the perpetually hungry.
* **"and grudge if they be not satisfied":** This clause intensifies the curse, adding a layer of psychological and spiritual torment. Not only will they be hungry, but even if they manage to find something, it will not bring them true satisfaction. Their internal state will be one of perpetual grumbling, resentment, and discontent. This highlights the inherent futility of a life lived apart from God's true provision and purpose, where even material gain cannot fill the spiritual void.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 59:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Imprecation**, where the psalmist directly calls upon God to bring judgment upon his enemies. This is not a personal act of vengeance but a plea for divine justice. There is also strong **Imagery**, particularly that of "wandering up and down for meat," which evokes the image of scavenging dogs, restless and hungry, a direct echo of David's earlier description of his enemies (v. 6, 14). This imagery vividly portrays their miserable and unfulfilled state. The verse also contains an element of **Irony**, as the very ones who relentlessly pursued David are now depicted as being subjected to a relentless and unfulfilled pursuit of their own. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the restless, unsatisfied state of the wicked and the peace and contentment that the righteous find in God's provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine justice, where the consequences of wickedness ultimately boomerang upon the perpetrator. It is a theological statement that God is not indifferent to evil but actively intervenes to ensure that those who live in opposition to His will ultimately experience the futility and emptiness of their choices. While the specific context is David's personal plea for deliverance, the underlying truth is universal: a life alienated from God's truth and provision leads to perpetual dissatisfaction and spiritual hunger, regardless of material gain. It highlights the inherent self-defeating nature of sin and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous order. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming God's unwavering commitment to justice and His promise to vindicate the righteous.

* [Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Proverbs 13:21 - Evil pursues sinners, but righteousness rewards good")
* [Isaiah 57:20-21](/isaiah/57-20 "Isaiah 57:20-21 - The wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest")
* [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do not fret because of evildoers; for they will soon fade like the grass")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 59:15, as an imprecatory psalm, offers a profound space for believers to bring their raw emotions of pain, frustration, and a desire for justice before God. While the New Testament calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you")), this psalm validates the deep human longing for wrongs to be righted and for evil to be held accountable. It reminds us that God is indeed a God of justice who sees injustice and will ultimately act. For the believer, this means trusting God with the burden of vengeance, rather than taking it into our own hands. It encourages us to find our ultimate satisfaction and provision in God alone, recognizing that worldly pursuits and ill-gotten gains will always leave a spiritual void, leading to the kind of perpetual restlessness and discontent described in the psalm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this psalm help us understand the tension between seeking justice and loving our enemies in a fallen world?**
* **In what ways might a life lived apart from God's will lead to perpetual dissatisfaction and spiritual hunger, even amidst material abundance?**
* **How does trusting God with ultimate justice free us from the burden of personal vengeance and resentment?**

### FAQ
**Is it appropriate for believers to pray imprecatory psalms like this today?**

Answer: While the New Testament commands believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, imprecatory psalms like Psalm 59:15 serve several vital purposes. They provide an honest outlet for expressing deep pain, frustration, and a righteous desire for justice in the face of severe injustice. They are not licenses for personal vengeance but rather prayers that entrust the ultimate judgment to God, who alone is perfectly just and righteous. By praying such psalms, believers acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things, including the consequences of sin, and affirm their trust that He will ultimately bring all things to account. This aligns with the New Testament principle that "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is mine, says the Lord")).

**What does "grudge if they be not satisfied" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound and persistent internal discontent that plagues the wicked, regardless of their circumstances. It means that even if they manage to acquire what they seek—whether it be power, wealth, or even basic necessities—it will not bring them true peace or fulfillment. Their hearts remain ungrateful, resentful, and perpetually grumbling. This highlights the spiritual emptiness that characterizes a life alienated from God. True satisfaction comes not from external possessions or accomplishments, but from a right relationship with God and His provision, which the wicked, by definition, lack. It's a spiritual malaise, a constant state of dissatisfaction that stems from a rejection of God's ultimate purpose and provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:15, with its plea for divine justice against the wicked and their ultimate state of restless dissatisfaction, finds its profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Righteous One who suffered unjustly at the hands of those who pursued Him with malice, fulfilling the lament and suffering aspects of David's experience. Yet, Jesus did not call down imprecations upon His enemies but prayed for their forgiveness ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Father, forgive them")). Nevertheless, the principle of divine justice remains. Christ, through His death and resurrection, ultimately triumphed over all spiritual forces of wickedness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over spiritual forces")). He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who offers genuine and lasting satisfaction to all who come to Him, contrasting sharply with the perpetual hunger and discontent described in the psalm. Those who reject Him and His offer of salvation will ultimately face a spiritual reality of eternal dissatisfaction and separation from God's presence, a fulfillment of the "grudging" and "unsatisfied" state. In Christ, believers find complete peace, provision, and rest, while the unrepentant wicked will experience the ultimate, self-inflicted futility of a life lived apart from the source of all true life and satisfaction ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Job 15:23

He wandereth abroad for bread, [saying], Where [is it]? he knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.

Psalms 109:10

Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek [their bread] also out of their desolate places.

Job 30:1

¶ But now [they that are] younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

Job 30:7

Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together.

Deuteronomy 28:53

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:

Deuteronomy 28:58

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;

Lamentations 5:9

We gat our bread with [the peril of] our lives because of the sword of the wilderness.