Psalms 59:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:16 is a vibrant declaration of faith and anticipatory praise from David, even amidst grave danger. Despite being hunted by his enemies, David resolves to sing of God's power and mercy, affirming God as his unwavering "defence and refuge" during times of trouble. This verse marks a profound shift from lament to confident worship, showcasing David's deep trust that God's faithfulness will bring deliverance and light, symbolized by the "morning" praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is categorized as a "Michtam of David," a psalm often associated with a "golden poem" or a "gilded inscription," suggesting its enduring value and significance. The psalm begins with an urgent plea for deliverance from enemies, portraying them as ravenous dogs prowling the city, full of mischief and violence (e.g., [Psalms 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies Prowling")). The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 59:1-5](/psalms/59-1 "Psalm 59:1-5 - David's Plea for Deliverance")) are filled with cries for rescue and justice against those who seek David's life. Verse 16, however, introduces a dramatic shift in tone. From desperate petition and lament, David transitions to a resolute declaration of praise and unwavering confidence, anticipating God's intervention even before it fully materializes. This shift highlights the transformative power of faith, moving from fear and complaint to worship and trust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 59 explicitly links its composition to the perilous time "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him." This refers to the event recorded in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David"). King Saul, consumed by jealousy, repeatedly sought to kill David. In this specific instance, Saul's men surrounded David's house, intending to ambush and kill him in the morning. David's wife, Michal, helped him escape through a window, using an idol to deceive Saul's messengers. The cultural context underscores the constant threat of assassination faced by those in positions of power or those perceived as rivals. The imagery of "dogs" (e.g., [Psalms 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalm 59:6 - Enemies as Dogs")) would have resonated with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of scavenging, predatory animals, symbolizing the ruthless and relentless nature of David's enemies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **unwavering trust in God's deliverance**, even in the direst circumstances. David's resolve to sing of God's power and mercy, even when surrounded by enemies, demonstrates a faith that transcends immediate peril. Secondly, the phrase "in the morning" introduces the theme of **renewed hope and divine faithfulness after darkness**. The morning often symbolizes new beginnings, the breaking of light after a night of distress, and the consistent arrival of God's mercies, as echoed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - New Mercies Every Morning"). Thirdly, the identification of God as "my defence" (a high tower or stronghold) and "refuge" (a secure shelter) emphasizes God's role as an **impenetrable fortress and secure sanctuary**. This concept is a recurring motif, particularly in the Psalms, such as [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), highlighting God's absolute sovereignty and protective power over His people. Finally, David's "anticipatory worship" – praising God for deliverance before it fully manifests – underscores the theme of **faith-filled proclamation**, where belief in God's character leads to praise even when circumstances seem bleak.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sing aloud (רָנַן, _ranan'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies a joyful, ringing cry, a shout of triumph, exultation, or even a public declaration of praise. It implies a vibrant, unrestrained expression of joy and confidence, not a quiet hum. In the context of David's peril, it underscores a profound, defiant joy rooted in God's character, anticipating victory.
* **Defence (מִשְׂגָּב, _misgav'_):** Literally meaning "a high place" or "a secure height," this term refers to an inaccessible fortress, a lofty stronghold, or a place of refuge that is naturally elevated and difficult to assault. It conveys the idea of God being an unassailable protection, beyond the reach or attack of enemies, providing ultimate security.
* **Refuge (מַחֲסֶה, _machaseh'_):** This noun denotes a shelter, a hiding place, or a place of asylum. It emphasizes God as a secure dwelling place, a sanctuary where one can find protection, safety, and rest from danger. Together with "defence," it paints a comprehensive picture of God as an all-encompassing shield and safe haven.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:"** This opening clause marks a powerful volitional statement, a determined shift from David's desperate circumstances to a declaration of worship. Despite the danger, David resolves to focus on God's attributes: His "power" (His omnipotence and ability to act decisively) and His "mercy" (His steadfast love, faithfulness, and compassion). The phrase "in the morning" is highly significant, symbolizing the anticipation of deliverance and the breaking of God's light after a night of distress. It suggests a renewed commitment to praise at the dawn of a new day, expecting God's faithfulness to manifest.
* **"for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble."** This clause provides the foundational reason for David's anticipatory praise. His confidence is not baseless optimism but is rooted in God's proven faithfulness. The past tense "hast been" points to God's consistent character and His historical actions in David's life. God has always served as his "defence" (an unassailable stronghold) and "refuge" (a secure shelter) during previous times of "trouble." This recollection of past deliverances fuels David's faith for the present crisis, affirming God's unchanging nature as his ultimate protector and sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 59:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anticipatory Worship** is a prominent feature, where David declares his intention to praise God for deliverance before it has fully occurred, demonstrating profound faith. The phrase "in the morning" serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not only the literal dawn but also the spiritual dawn of hope, new beginnings, and the consistent arrival of God's mercies after a period of darkness and distress. The use of "power" and "mercy" creates a **Juxtaposition** of God's formidable strength with His compassionate nature, highlighting the comprehensive character of the Divine Protector. Furthermore, the terms "defence" and "refuge" function as **Metaphors** for God, portraying Him as an impregnable fortress and a secure sanctuary, providing vivid imagery of His protective presence. The entire verse is an **Affirmation**, a resolute declaration of trust and praise that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding laments, showcasing a profound shift in perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 59:16 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the appropriate response of humanity in times of crisis. It underscores God's unchanging character as both powerful and merciful, a secure haven for those who trust in Him. David's resolve to praise God *before* full deliverance highlights the biblical concept of faith as a confident assurance in things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")). This anticipatory worship is not naive optimism but a deep theological understanding that God's past faithfulness guarantees His future intervention. The "morning" praise connects to the theme of God's daily mercies and renewed hope, reminding believers that God's faithfulness is "new every morning" ([Lamentations 3:22](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22 - God's Mercies are New Every Morning")). This verse invites believers to shift their focus from the magnitude of their problems to the immensity of God's attributes, finding strength and solace in His unwavering presence.

* [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble")
* [Isaiah 26:3-4](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3-4 - Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God is an everlasting rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 59:16 offers timeless encouragement and a powerful model for believers navigating their own "days of trouble." It challenges us to cultivate a faith that does not merely react to circumstances but proactively declares God's sovereignty and goodness. When faced with overwhelming challenges, the natural inclination is often to lament or despair. However, David's example calls us to intentionally shift our focus from the problem to the character of God—His power to deliver and His mercy to sustain. This verse encourages a practice of anticipatory praise, where we thank God for what He *will* do, based on what He *has* done. Beginning our days with such worship, like David singing "in the morning," sets a spiritual tone, reminding us that God's faithfulness is renewed daily and that He is our constant "defence and refuge." It means intentionally choosing gratitude and trust over anxiety and fear, allowing God's proven track record of deliverance to fuel our hope for the present and future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's shift from lament to praise in this psalm challenge your own typical response to adversity?**
* **What does it mean for you to "sing of God's power and mercy in the morning" in a practical, daily sense?**
* **Can you identify specific instances in your past where God has been your "defence and refuge"? How can recalling these strengthen your faith today?**
* **In what current "trouble" are you called to exercise anticipatory worship, praising God for His intervention before it fully manifests?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of David singing "in the morning"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the morning" carries deep spiritual and symbolic significance. It represents the breaking of light after a night of darkness and distress, symbolizing renewed hope, fresh beginnings, and the consistent arrival of God's faithfulness. Spiritually, it suggests a daily commitment to worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's mercies that are "new every morning" ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Mercies are New Every Morning")). For David, it was an act of faith, anticipating God's deliverance and the dawn of a new day free from his enemies, even while still surrounded by danger. It encourages believers to start each day with an intentional focus on God's character and His unfailing love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of being hunted and threatened, yet finding God as his "defence and refuge," foreshadows Christ's journey through suffering, betrayal, and the ultimate triumph over death. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, faced the ultimate "day of trouble" on the cross, enduring the full wrath of God for sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Yet, through His resurrection, He became the definitive "defence and refuge" for all who believe, conquering sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as David sang of God's power and mercy anticipating deliverance, the New Testament proclaims the power of God manifested in Christ's resurrection ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God with Power")) and His boundless mercy extended to all humanity ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Rich in Mercy")). Believers now sing of God's power and mercy not merely in anticipation, but in the glorious reality of Christ's accomplished salvation, knowing that in Him, we have an eternal stronghold and an unshakeable sanctuary, securing us from all spiritual enemies and the final judgment ([Hebrews 6:18-19](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18-19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")).

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 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.