Psalms 59:17

KJV

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God [is] my defence, [and] the God of my mercy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto thee, O my strength {H5797}, will I sing {H2167}{H8762)}: for God {H430} is my defence {H4869}, and the God {H430} of my mercy {H2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My Strength, I will sing praises to you, for God is my fortress, God, who gives me grace.

Berean Standard Bible

To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

American Standard Version

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing praises: For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:17 stands as a powerful declaration of King David's unwavering faith and resolute worship amidst dire circumstances. Facing mortal threats from King Saul, David proclaims God as his ultimate strength, an impenetrable defense, and the unfailing source of steadfast mercy. This verse transcends a mere plea, culminating the psalm in a triumphant affirmation of God's character as fundamentally faithful and compassionate, irrespective of immediate peril, thereby shifting from desperate lament to confident praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 59 is designated a "Michtam of David," a term suggesting a significant, perhaps "golden," psalm or an inscription. Its superscription, "When Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him," directly connects it to the historical account in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11-17 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Michal Helps David Escape Saul"). The psalm opens with David's urgent cries for deliverance from his enemies, whom he graphically describes as bloodthirsty "dogs" (e.g., [Psalms 59:6](/psalms/59-6 "Psalms 59:6 - Enemies Howling Like Dogs")) who "prowl around the city" ([Psalms/59-14](/psalms/59-14 "Psalms 59:14 - Enemies Return at Evening")). While much of the psalm is a lament and imprecation (verses 1-13), it characteristically pivots towards trust and a vow of praise (verses 16-17). Verse 17, therefore, functions as the climactic declaration of faith, a confident resolution to praise God for His anticipated deliverance and His enduring character, even before the full manifestation of salvation. This shift exemplifies the psalmist's journey from distress to doxology, a common pattern in the Psalms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 59:17 is the intense period of King Saul's relentless pursuit of David, driven by jealousy and paranoia, as detailed in the books of Samuel. David, anointed by God but not yet enthroned, was a fugitive, constantly in peril of his life. In the ancient Near East, the concept of "defense" (Hebrew: *misgav*) was not abstract; it referred to literal high fortresses, inaccessible cliffs, or secure strongholds that provided vital protection against hostile forces. David's enemies were real—Saul's assassins, lying in wait to kill him—making his reliance on God as his *misgav* a profound statement of absolute trust. Culturally, "mercy" (Hebrew: *chesed*) was a cornerstone of covenant relationships, denoting steadfast love, loyalty, and faithfulness that extended beyond mere pity or obligation. For David, God's *chesed* was not a generic attribute but a deeply personal, active commitment to him as God's chosen servant, sustaining him in his weakest and most vulnerable moments.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 59:17 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, portraying God as the ultimate refuge and strength against overwhelming odds, a truth echoed in [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength in Trouble") and [Psalms 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalms 91:2 - My Refuge and My Fortress"). Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Steadfast Love (Hesed)**, underscoring His covenant faithfulness and compassionate character as the bedrock of David's hope even in distress. This theme is beautifully articulated in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Mercies Never End"). Thirdly, the verse demonstrates the theme of **Worship in Adversity**, showing that true faith leads to praise and singing even before deliverance is fully realized. This proactive worship, a testament to God's unchanging nature and worthiness of adoration regardless of circumstances, transforms fear into confident expectation and is a hallmark of mature faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _‘ôz'_):** This term (H5797) signifies power, might, and inherent ability in various applications, including force, security, majesty, and praise. When David addresses God as "my strength," he acknowledges that his capacity to endure, resist, and ultimately overcome his adversaries is derived solely from God's intrinsic and limitless power. It is a profound declaration of divine empowerment, recognizing God as the source of his fortitude, resilience, and the vigor needed to face life-threatening situations.
* **Sing (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** This primitive root (H2167) properly means to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, to play upon it, and to make music accompanied by the voice. Hence, it refers to celebrating in song and music, giving praise, or singing forth psalms. David's declaration "will I sing" is a volitional act of worship, a determined choice to express adoration and praise to God. Despite the immediate peril, it signifies a faith that actively chooses adoration over despair, recognizing God's worthiness regardless of circumstances.
* **Defence (Hebrew, _misgâb'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be high" or "inaccessible," this word (H4869) literally refers to a cliff, a lofty or inaccessible place, or abstractly, altitude. Figuratively, it means a refuge, a high fort, or a tower. When David calls God his "defence," he portrays God as an impregnable, elevated sanctuary—an unassailable stronghold that lifts him above the reach of his pursuers, placing him in a secure position where no harm can reach him. It speaks to God's active role as a protector and deliverer.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** One of the richest and most complex words in the Old Testament (H2617), *chesed* encompasses kindness, favour, good deed, loving-kindness, and steadfast love. It denotes an active, enduring commitment, especially within a covenant relationship. When David calls God "the God of my mercy," he affirms that God's fundamental character towards him is one of unwavering, compassionate, and loyal love. This attribute assures David that any deliverance or blessing he experiences is an outflow of God's unmerited favor and active goodness, solidifying the personal and relational aspect of God's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing:"** This opening clause establishes an intimate, direct, and personal address to God, identifying Him as the singular source of David's strength and acknowledging his utter dependence. The phrase "will I sing" (a future tense, volitional expression) signifies a determined act of worship and praise. Despite the immediate and severe peril, David resolves to offer adoration to God, demonstrating a faith that transcends his present circumstances and actively chooses praise over despair. This is a proactive declaration of trust and gratitude, a commitment to worship regardless of the outcome.
* **"for God [is] my defence,"** This phrase provides the foundational reason for David's unwavering resolve to sing. God is not merely *a* defense but *his* personal, impregnable stronghold and refuge. The Hebrew term *misgâb* (defence) evokes the image of a high, inaccessible place of safety, reinforcing the idea that God lifts and protects His people from the reach of their enemies. This is a powerful statement of absolute confidence in God's protective power, a firm belief that God acts as his personal fortress against all threats.
* **"[and] the God of my mercy."** This final clause deepens the theological foundation of David's praise. God is presented not only as powerful and protective but also as the very source and embodiment of *chêçêd*—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This attribute assures David that God's actions towards him are rooted in enduring compassion, loyalty, and unmerited favor. It implies that any deliverance or blessing David experiences flows directly from God's active goodness and unwavering commitment, solidifying the deeply personal and relational aspect of God's character towards His servant.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 59:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of trust and praise. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as David directly addresses God ("Unto thee, O my strength," "O God of my mercy"), creating an intimate and personal tone that draws the reader into his direct communion with the Divine. The verse also utilizes powerful **Metaphor**, portraying God as "my strength" and "my defence." These are not literal descriptions but vivid conceptual comparisons that evoke God's active role as a mighty source of power and an unassailable fortress, respectively. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Parallelism**, specifically synthetic and perhaps a subtle form of synonymous parallelism, in the way God's attributes are listed: "my strength," "my defence," and "the God of my mercy." While not perfectly synonymous, these phrases collectively describe God's saving and sustaining character, reinforcing His multifaceted role in David's life and providing a cumulative declaration of His faithfulness. The repeated possessive pronoun "my" (e.g., "my strength," "my defence," "my mercy") emphasizes the deeply personal and relational nature of David's experience with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 59:17 serves as a profound theological anchor, affirming God's immutable character as the ultimate source of strength, protection, and steadfast love for His people. It highlights the biblical truth that God is not a distant, detached deity but an intimately involved deliverer who actively intervenes on behalf of those who trust Him. This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His *chesed* (steadfast love/mercy) is the bedrock of His relationship with humanity, especially in times of distress. David's resolute choice to sing, even in the face of death, underscores the theological principle that worship is not contingent upon favorable circumstances but is a proper and defiant response to God's inherent worthiness and His unchanging nature. It teaches us that true security is found not in human might or worldly defenses, but solely in the divine fortress of God's presence and power, a truth that echoes throughout salvation history.

* [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")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Great Mercies Never End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 59:17 offers timeless encouragement and a powerful model for believers navigating their own seasons of trial and adversity. David's declaration reminds us that in moments of weakness, fear, or overwhelming opposition, our true strength and security are found not within ourselves or external circumstances, but solely in God. This verse calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power and compassion. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of worship that transcends our immediate feelings, choosing to sing praises to God for who He is—our unwavering strength, impenetrable defense, and the source of unfailing mercy—even before our prayers are fully answered. Such worship is an act of defiant faith, transforming our perspective and anchoring our hope in the unshakeable character of God. It encourages us to lean into His *chesed*, trusting that His steadfast love will always prevail, providing grace, protection, and ultimate deliverance in His perfect timing and according to His sovereign will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel most vulnerable or in need of divine strength and defense? How does this verse encourage you to lean on God in those areas?**
* **David resolves to "sing" despite being hunted and in mortal danger. What does it truly mean to worship God in adversity, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate such a posture of praise in your own challenging circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God as "the God of my mercy" (His *chesed*) deepen your trust in His character, especially when you feel undeserving, are facing difficult situations, or perceive His discipline?**
* **Beyond intellectual assent, what practical steps can you take this week to actively acknowledge God as your strength, defense, and mercy in your daily life and decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Why does David resolve to "sing" when he is in such distress?**

Answer: David's resolve to "sing" in Psalms 59:17, despite being hunted by Saul, is a profound expression of faith that transcends immediate circumstances. It signifies a conscious choice to worship God for His immutable character and inherent worthiness rather than for present comfort or immediate deliverance. This act of singing is not a denial of his pain or the reality of his peril, but a defiant declaration of trust in God's ultimate power and faithfulness. It is an anticipation of victory, a spiritual discipline that shifts his focus from his overwhelming problems to God's unwavering sovereignty. By singing, David affirms that God is worthy of praise regardless of the immediate outcome, strengthening his spirit and demonstrating his unwavering reliance on God as his strength and defense, even before the physical threat is removed.

**What is the significance of God being called "the God of my mercy"?**

Answer: The phrase "the God of my mercy" (Hebrew: *chêçêd*) is deeply significant because it highlights God's steadfast love, loyalty, and covenant faithfulness as the very foundation of His relationship with David. *Chesed* is not merely a general attribute of compassion; it is an active, enduring, and unmerited commitment that God extends to His people within the framework of His covenant. For David, it means that God's actions towards him—His protection, strength, and ultimate deliverance—are rooted in an unwavering, personal, and profoundly loving commitment. Even when David is in extreme peril or feels undeserving, God's *chesed* ensures His continued care, provision, and faithfulness. This attribute assures David that God's goodness is constant and reliable, providing hope and security even in the face of mortal danger, as seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalms 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:17, with its declaration of God as strength, defense, and the God of mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's strength, through whom believers are empowered to overcome all things, for "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Christ is our supreme defense, not merely against earthly enemies, but against the spiritual forces of darkness, the condemnation of sin, and the sting of death. His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection serve as the ultimate stronghold and refuge for all who believe, providing an eternal security that far surpasses any earthly fortress or human protection ([Hebrews 6:18-19](/hebrews/6-18-19 "Hebrews 6:18-19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")). Most significantly, Jesus is the living manifestation of "the God of my mercy." In Him, God's *chêçêd*—His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness—is fully revealed and poured out upon humanity, demonstrating His love for us "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love for Us")). Through Christ, we receive not only mercy but also abundant grace to help us in our time of need, enabling us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, David's ancient song of trust becomes a prophetic echo, pointing to the Lamb of God who is our strength, our eternal defense, and the living, boundless expression of God's unfailing mercy.

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 59:9

[Because of] his strength will I wait upon thee: for God [is] my defence.

Psalms 59:10

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.