Psalms 59:2

KJV

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Deliver {H5337}{H8685)} me from the workers {H6466}{H8802)} of iniquity {H205}, and save {H3467}{H8685)} me from bloody {H1818} men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rescue me from evildoers, save me from bloodthirsty men.

Berean Standard Bible

Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.

American Standard Version

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from the bloodthirsty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 59:2 encapsulates the desperate and urgent prayer of King David, who, facing imminent danger from relentless adversaries, cries out to God for divine intervention. He implores the Lord to "deliver" him from those who actively plot and execute wickedness, described as "workers of iniquity," and to "save" him from individuals characterized by their violent and murderous intent, the "bloody men." This verse powerfully articulates David's profound trust in God as his ultimate refuge and sole protector against treacherous opposition and life-threatening persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is a deeply personal lament, immediately identifiable by its superscription, which provides the crucial historical backdrop: "When Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him." This sets the stage for a psalm saturated with David's urgent plea for deliverance. Following the opening verse, where David establishes his general need for divine protection ("Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me" [Psalm 59:1](/psalms/59-1 "Psalm 59:1 - A Plea for Deliverance")), verse 2 intensifies this petition by specifically identifying the nature of his assailants. The psalm then continues with vivid descriptions of the enemies' malicious intent, their relentless pursuit, and their godless character, contrasting their evil with God's righteousness and David's unwavering faith. The structure of the psalm moves from desperate petition (vv. 1-5) to confident declaration of God's power (vv. 6-10) and eventual praise for His deliverance (vv. 16-17), framing verse 2 as a foundational cry for intervention that undergirds the entire composition's emotional and theological trajectory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 59:2 is the escalating conflict between King Saul and David, specifically the incident detailed in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11-17 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Saul's Attempt to Kill David Through Messengers"). Driven by intense jealousy and paranoia over David's popularity and God's favor, King Saul had repeatedly sought to kill David. This particular event describes Saul dispatching messengers to David's house to assassinate him, forcing David to escape through a window with the help of his wife, Michal. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king's word was absolute law, and any perceived opposition or threat, even from a loyal servant, was considered treason, punishable by death. David, despite having been anointed by Samuel as the future king, was still subject to Saul's authority, making his situation incredibly precarious and his life literally hanging by a thread. This cultural context underscores the immense power disparity and the immediate, mortal danger David faced, highlighting his complete vulnerability apart from divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 59:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer of His faithful from overwhelming odds and unjust persecution. David's fervent plea underscores a profound belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, especially in times of extreme peril, a concept richly developed in psalms like [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 34](/psalms/34 "Psalm 34 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous"). Another prominent theme is the **Nature of Wickedness**, as David vividly describes his adversaries as "workers of iniquity" and "bloody men," emphasizing their active malice, treachery, and violent intent. This highlights the reality of evil forces that oppose God's purposes and His chosen ones, a constant tension throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Finally, the verse exemplifies **Prayer in Peril**, serving as a timeless model for turning to God immediately and directly with specific, desperate requests for protection and salvation when facing unjust persecution or life-threatening danger, reflecting the deep personal relationship between the psalmist and his God, a hallmark of the book of [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This verb (H5337) carries the strong connotation of "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to draw out." It implies an urgent, active intervention to extricate someone from danger or from the grasp of an oppressor. It suggests a powerful act of liberation, often from a perilous situation where one is unable to free oneself. In David's plea, it signifies his desperate need for God to actively intervene and remove him from the immediate threat posed by his enemies.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_):** The Hebrew word (H205) translated "iniquity" is rich in meaning, encompassing "nothingness," "trouble," "vanity," and "wickedness." It can refer to futile effort or, more significantly in this context, to moral evil that leads to trouble and harm. When combined with "workers," it describes individuals whose very "work" or activity is characterized by mischief, harm, and moral perversity, often involving deceptive or destructive schemes.
* **Bloody (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term (H1818), meaning "blood," is used here in an idiomatic sense to describe "bloody men." It refers to individuals whose character is defined by bloodshed, violence, and murderous intent. It emphasizes their ruthless and brutal nature, indicating a complete disregard for human life and a readiness to inflict physical harm. The phrase "bloody men" (literally "men of blood") powerfully conveys the extreme danger David faced from those intent on taking his life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Deliver me from the workers of iniquity":** This initial clause is a fervent cry for God's active rescue. The verb "deliver" (Hebrew _nâtsal_) conveys a sense of being snatched away from danger. "Workers of iniquity" (Hebrew _po'aley 'awen_) describes individuals who are not merely passive sinners but active agents of evil, whose very occupation or nature is to devise and execute malicious plans, causing distress and destruction. David is pleading for God to intervene and extricate him from the insidious plots and pervasive evil propagated by these malevolent individuals.
* **"and save me from bloody men":** The second clause intensifies the plea, employing the Hebrew verb _yasha'_ (H3467), which means "to save," "to preserve," or "to bring to safety." This specifically addresses the physical, life-threatening danger posed by "bloody men" (Hebrew _'ishey damim_), a vivid idiom for individuals whose character is defined by violence, bloodshed, and murderous intent. David's request highlights his need for God to provide ultimate security and preservation from those who literally seek to shed his blood. The parallelism between the two clauses underscores the dual nature of the threat: the insidious plotting ("workers of iniquity") and the overt, violent aggression ("bloody men").

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 59:2 powerfully utilizes several **literary devices** to convey David's desperate plea and the nature of his adversaries. The most prominent is **parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the two clauses—"Deliver me from the workers of iniquity" and "and save me from bloody men"—express similar ideas using different but reinforcing language. This repetition serves to intensify the urgency of David's appeal and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the threat he faces, encompassing both insidious plotting and overt violence. **Vivid imagery** is also employed in the descriptions "workers of iniquity" and "bloody men," which are not abstract terms but conjure concrete, unsettling pictures of malicious schemers and violent assailants, making the danger palpable and immediate. The phrase "bloody men" itself functions as a powerful **metonymy** or **idiom**, where "blood" stands in for or signifies their character and actions, representing their murderous intent and propensity for violence. This combination of devices creates a compelling and emotionally charged cry for divine intervention, drawing the reader into the psalmist's perilous situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's character as the ultimate Deliverer and Protector of His people. It affirms the theological truth that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the righteous at the hands of the wicked, but actively intervenes on behalf of those who trust in Him. David's plea is an act of profound faith, recognizing God's sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "workers of iniquity" and "bloody men" represent the forces of evil that consistently oppose God's kingdom and His chosen servants throughout history. The psalm's cry for deliverance is therefore not merely a personal petition but a theological statement about God's active role in preserving His purposes and vindicating the innocent. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness, and God's ultimate triumph over all forms of wickedness, assuring believers of His protective hand in their own struggles.

* [Psalm 18:48](/psalms/18-48 "Psalm 18:48 - God Delivers from Violent Men")
* [Psalm 7:9](/psalms/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - The End of the Wicked")
* [2 Samuel 22:49](/2_samuel/22-49 "2 Samuel 22:49 - God's Vengeance Against Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While David's specific peril involved literal assassins and a king seeking his life, the principles of Psalm 59:2 resonate deeply with believers today. We may not face physical threats from "bloody men" in the same way, but we contend with various forms of "iniquity"—spiritual attacks, deceptive ideologies, unjust systems, and individuals whose actions are driven by malice and opposition to God's truth. This verse calls us to cultivate a similar posture of absolute reliance on God when confronted with overwhelming challenges or spiritual warfare. It reminds us that our ultimate safety and victory do not depend on our own strength or cunning, but on God's unfailing power to deliver. Just as David laid bare his vulnerability and trust before God, we are encouraged to bring our fears, anxieties, and petitions for protection directly to our sovereign Lord, knowing He hears and acts on behalf of His children. Our deliverance may come in unexpected ways, but it is always rooted in His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "workers of iniquity" or "bloody men" (metaphorically or literally) do you perceive as threatening your peace, faith, or well-being today?**
* **How does David's immediate and specific cry to God in peril challenge your own first response to difficult or dangerous situations?**
* **In what specific ways can you demonstrate greater trust in God's power to deliver you from current struggles, both seen and unseen?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific terms "workers of iniquity" and "bloody men"?**

Answer: These terms are not generic but highly descriptive. "Workers of iniquity" (Hebrew: _po'aley 'awen_) denotes those who actively plot and execute evil, whose very "work" or occupation is mischief, harm, and moral perversity. It points to a deliberate, intentional engagement with wickedness, often involving deceptive schemes. "Bloody men" (Hebrew: _'ishey damim_) is a vivid idiom meaning "men of blood," emphasizing that their character is marked by violence and murderous intent. Together, they describe a comprehensive threat: the insidious planning of evil and the brutal execution of violence. David is asking God to deliver him from both the hidden schemes and the overt aggression of his enemies, highlighting the extreme and multifaceted danger he faced from individuals whose nature was fundamentally opposed to righteousness and life. This dual description underscores the depth of his peril and the totality of the deliverance he seeks from God.

**How does this psalm relate to the broader theme of divine justice?**

Answer: Psalm 59:2, and indeed the entire psalm, is a powerful cry for divine justice. David is not seeking personal vengeance but rather God's righteous intervention against those who unjustly seek his life. The psalm appeals to God's character as a righteous judge who sees the wickedness of humanity and will ultimately bring it to an end. It anticipates the day when God will "consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be" [Psalm 59:13](/psalms/59-13 "Psalm 59:13 - God's Judgment on the Wicked"). This plea for deliverance is rooted in the conviction that God will uphold justice, protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked, thereby demonstrating His holiness and power to the nations. The psalmist's confidence in God's justice is a recurring theme in the Psalms, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness"), where God is depicted as judging the world in righteousness and equity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 59:2, with David's desperate plea for deliverance from "workers of iniquity" and "bloody men," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like David, Jesus was relentlessly pursued by those who actively plotted His demise—the religious leaders who were "workers of iniquity" in their schemes, false accusations, and unjust judgments (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). He was ultimately delivered into the hands of "bloody men"—the Roman soldiers and the mob who cried for His crucifixion, shedding His innocent blood (e.g., [Matthew 27:24-25](/matthew/27-24-25 "Matthew 27:24-25 - Pilate Washes His Hands")). Yet, unlike David, Jesus did not pray for immediate escape from death, but willingly offered Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), taking upon Himself the iniquity of us all. His ultimate "deliverance" was not from death, but *through* death, triumphing over sin and death itself through His resurrection (e.g., [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and Victory Over Death")). He is the true Deliverer, who by His sacrifice, saves His people from the ultimate "workers of iniquity"—Satan and his spiritual forces—and from the spiritual "bloody men" of sin and death, offering eternal salvation and true freedom to all who believe (e.g., [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Jesus' victory ensures that those who are in Him are eternally delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom (e.g., [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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 139:19

Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

Psalms 26:9

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.