Psalms 59:16

But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

But I will sing {H7891}{H8799)} of thy power {H5797}; yea, I will sing aloud {H7442}{H8762)} of thy mercy {H2617} in the morning {H1242}: for thou hast been my defence {H4869} and refuge {H4498} in the day {H3117} of my trouble {H6862}.

But as for me, I will sing of your strength; in the morning I will sing aloud of your grace. For you are my fortress, a refuge when I am in trouble.

But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

But I will sing of thy strength; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning: For thou hast been my high tower, And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Context

Psalm 59 is a "Michtam of David," a psalm of distress and deliverance. The superscription indicates it was composed when King Saul sent men to watch David's house and kill him. The preceding verses of Psalm 59 detail David's urgent plea for rescue from his enemies, whom he describes as dogs prowling the city, speaking mischief and violence. Verse 16 marks a profound shift from desperate lament and petition to unwavering confidence and joyous praise. Despite the ongoing threat, David expresses his absolute trust in God's faithfulness and intervention, anticipating deliverance even before it fully manifests.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Trust in God's Deliverance: Even in the midst of trouble, David's faith is resolute. He declares his intention to sing of God's power and mercy, affirming God as his ultimate protector and safe haven.
  • The Power of Morning Praise: The phrase "in the morning" carries significant spiritual weight. It symbolizes renewed hope after a night of distress, a fresh start, and the expectation of God's faithfulness to bring light after darkness. It suggests a daily commitment to worship and gratitude.
  • God as Defence and Refuge: David identifies God as his "defence" (Hebrew: misgav, a high tower or stronghold) and "refuge" (Hebrew: machaseh, a shelter or place of trust). This highlights God's role as an impenetrable fortress and a secure sanctuary from all threats, a concept echoed throughout the Psalms, such as Psalm 46:1.
  • Anticipatory Worship: David sings of God's power and mercy *before* the full deliverance is achieved. This is a powerful demonstration of faith, praising God for what He has done in the past and for what He is surely about to do.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Sing aloud" (רָנַן - ranan): This Hebrew word implies a joyful, ringing cry, a shout of triumph or exultation. It's not a quiet hum but a vibrant, public declaration of praise, reflecting deep-seated joy and confidence in God's impending victory.
  • "Defence" (מִשְׂגָּב - misgav): This term literally means "a high place," often referring to an inaccessible fortress or a secure, elevated stronghold. It conveys the idea of God being an unassailable protection, beyond the reach of enemies.
  • "Refuge" (מַחֲסֶה - machaseh): This word signifies a shelter or a place of asylum. It emphasizes God as a safe dwelling place, a sanctuary where one can find security and rest from danger.

Practical Application

Psalm 59:16 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing adversity. It calls us to:

  • Shift Focus to Praise: Even when surrounded by challenges, we can choose to fix our eyes on God's attributes—His power and mercy—rather than dwelling on our problems.
  • Start the Day with Gratitude: David's commitment to sing "in the morning" encourages a practice of beginning each day with worship, acknowledging God's faithfulness and seeking His presence, much like the new mercies God provides every morning.
  • Remember Past Deliverances: David's confidence stems from God having "been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble." Recalling God's past faithfulness builds faith for present and future trials.
  • Trust in God's Protection: Regardless of the "trouble" we face—be it personal struggles, illness, or external threats—God remains our steadfast "defence and refuge," a secure place where we can find strength and peace.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 21:13

    Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so] will we sing and praise thy power.

  • Ephesians 3:20

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

  • Romans 15:9

    And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

  • Psalms 30:5

    For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

  • Ephesians 1:6

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Ephesians 1:7

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

  • Psalms 143:8

    Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
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