Psalms 59:3

KJV

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, they lie in wait {H693}{H8804)} for my soul {H5315}: the mighty {H5794} are gathered {H1481}{H8799)} against me; not for my transgression {H6588}, nor for my sin {H2403}, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there they are, lying in wait to kill me. Openly they gather themselves against me, and not because I committed a crime or sinned, ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.

American Standard Version

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; The mighty gather themselves together against me: Not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 59:3 captures King David's desperate lament as he faces overwhelming and unprovoked hostility. He describes his powerful enemies as lying in wait for his very life, asserting emphatically before the LORD that their aggression is not a consequence of any personal transgression or sin on his part. This verse serves as a profound appeal for divine intervention and vindication, powerfully conveying the malicious and unjust nature of his persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 59 is categorized as a "Michtam of David," often signifying a psalm of deep personal distress, lament, and a fervent plea for deliverance. Its superscription, "When Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him," immediately grounds the psalm in a specific, life-threatening historical event, setting it apart from more general expressions of sorrow. This psalm is part of a broader collection of Davidic psalms that frequently articulate the psalmist's suffering, his unwavering trust in God, and his longing for divine justice against his adversaries. It shares thematic and emotional parallels with other psalms of lament, such as [Psalm 3](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Morning Prayer for Deliverance") and [Psalm 7](/psalms/7 "Psalm 7 - A Prayer for Vindication"), where David similarly presents his case before God amidst intense persecution. The verses immediately following Psalm 59:3 continue David's plea, vividly portraying his enemies as "bloodthirsty men" (verse 2) and "dogs" (verse 6), underscoring their relentless and savage pursuit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription directly references the events detailed in [1 Samuel 19:11-17](/1_samuel/19-11-17 "1 Samuel 19:11-17 - Michal Helps David Escape Saul"). King Saul, consumed by an evil spirit and intense jealousy, repeatedly sought to kill David, despite David's loyal service and divine anointing as the future king of Israel. This particular incident describes Saul dispatching messengers to surround David's house at night, with the explicit intention of killing him in the morning. David's wife, Michal, ingeniously aided his escape through a window, using a household idol and a goat hair pillow to deceive Saul's men. Within ancient Israelite culture, kings were divinely appointed to protect their people and uphold justice, making Saul's actions a profound betrayal of his royal duty and a grievous sin. David's direct appeal to the LORD for justice against his own king highlights the deep-seated belief in God as the ultimate sovereign and righteous judge, whose authority transcends even that of earthly rulers. The concepts of "sin" (*chaṭṭâʼâh*) and "transgression" (*peshaʻ*) were central to the covenant relationship, denoting a breach of fidelity or a deviation from God's revealed law. David's emphatic denial of these charges underscores the unprovoked and unjust nature of Saul's attack.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes present within Psalm 59 and the broader Psalter. The theme of **Unjust Persecution** is paramount; David's forceful denial of "transgression" or "sin" establishes him as a victim of unprovoked malice, rather than someone suffering divine judgment for personal wrongdoing. This theme resonates throughout biblical narratives, particularly in the accounts of righteous individuals enduring suffering despite their faithfulness, thereby foreshadowing the ultimate suffering of Christ. Another crucial theme is **Divine Vindication and Justice**. By directly addressing "O LORD," David appeals to God as his ultimate defender and judge, trusting that God perceives the truth of his situation and will act righteously on his behalf. This underscores the profound conviction that God is sovereign over all human affairs and will ultimately bring about justice. Finally, the psalm highlights **The Nature of the Enemy**, depicting them as "mighty" and "lying in wait," which emphasizes their power, treachery, and murderous intent. This portrayal of formidable adversaries serves to magnify God's power as the only one capable of delivering David from such a dire threat, a theme consistently found in David's laments (e.g., [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Properly, a breathing creature or vitality; used very widely to encompass the entire person, life, or self. When enemies "lie in wait for my soul," it signifies their intent to take David's very life, to destroy his existence, indicating a profound and existential threat.
* **Transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ_):** A revolt, rebellion, or trespass. It denotes a deliberate breaking of a covenant or law, implying a willful act of defiance against God or an established order. David's denial of *peshaʻ* emphasizes that his enemies' actions are not a just consequence of his rebellion.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh_):** An offense or missing the mark, encompassing both intentional and unintentional moral failings. David's denial of both *peshaʻ* and *chaṭṭâʼâh* comprehensively asserts his innocence regarding any specific wrongdoing that would justify the violent pursuit against him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul":** This opening clause immediately establishes the imminent and insidious danger David faces. The interjection "lo" (or "behold") serves to draw urgent attention to the gravity of the situation. The phrase "lie in wait" (from the Hebrew root *’ârab*) suggests a deliberate, cunning ambush or a hidden plot, rather than an open, honorable confrontation. The target, David's "soul" (*nephesh*), indicates that his very life is at stake, signifying a profound, existential threat.
* **"the mighty are gathered against me":** This phrase further intensifies the perceived threat by identifying the formidable nature of David's adversaries. They are described as "mighty" (*ʻaz*), denoting their strength, ferocity, and potentially their influential position (such as King Saul's royal guard). Their "gathering" implies a concerted, organized effort, a collective force arrayed against a single individual, thereby emphasizing the overwhelming odds David faces.
* **"not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD":** This is the heart of David's plea for vindication and his direct address to "O LORD" (*Yᵉhôvâh*), appealing to God as the ultimate witness and righteous judge. By explicitly denying both "transgression" (*peshaʻ*) and "sin" (*chaṭṭâʼâh*), David asserts his innocence regarding the specific cause of his enemies' pursuit. He is not claiming absolute sinlessness in a general theological sense, but rather that his current persecution is unmerited and not a divine consequence of any specific wrongdoing on his part that would justify such a violent, life-threatening attack. This emphatic declaration sets the stage for God's righteous intervention and vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 59:3 skillfully employs several potent literary devices to convey David's dire plight and fervent plea. **Lament** is the overarching genre, characterized by a direct address to God, a vivid description of suffering, a heartfelt complaint against enemies, and an earnest appeal for divine deliverance. Within this, the **Direct Address** to "O LORD" highlights David's personal and intimate relationship with God, underscoring his complete reliance on divine justice. The phrase "lie in wait for my soul" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "soul" stands for David's entire being or life, thereby emphasizing the existential nature of the threat. The description of the enemies as "mighty" and "gathered against me" creates a powerful sense of overwhelming force through **Hyperbole** or intense description, effectively emphasizing the stark disparity between David's vulnerability and his adversaries' power. Finally, the parallel structure of "not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin" is a form of **Negative Parallelism**, which emphatically denies two related but distinct categories of wrongdoing, thereby strengthening David's assertion of innocence and the unprovoked nature of the attack.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 59:3 profoundly articulates the experience of unjust suffering, a recurring and significant theme throughout biblical narrative and theology. David's fervent cry of innocence before the LORD is not a claim of perfect righteousness in an absolute sense, but rather an assertion that the specific persecution he endures is not a direct consequence or divine judgment for his actions. This raises critical questions about the nature of suffering in a fallen world and the unwavering character of divine justice. The psalm champions the belief that God is a righteous judge who sees all things, including the hidden motives of the wicked and the unmerited suffering of the innocent. It invites believers to bring their pleas for vindication directly to God, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and His steadfast commitment to justice, even when human systems fail or are corrupted. This theological stance provides immense comfort and a robust framework for understanding trials that seem to lack explanation or justification, pointing to a God who is both witness to our pain and the ultimate deliverer.

* [1 Samuel 19:11](/1_samuel/19-11 "1 Samuel 19:11 - Saul Sends to Kill David")
* [Psalm 7:3-5](/psalms/7-3-5 "Psalm 7:3-5 - David's Plea of Innocence and Righteousness")
* [1 Peter 2:19-23](/1_peter/2-19-23 "1 Peter 2:19-23 - Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world frequently marked by injustice, false accusations, and unprovoked hostility, Psalms 59:3 offers a profound anchor for the soul. David's raw honesty in presenting his case to God, coupled with his unwavering trust in divine justice, provides a powerful and enduring model for believers. When we find ourselves facing situations where we are unfairly targeted, slandered, or persecuted without just cause, this verse serves as a potent reminder that our first and most vital recourse is to turn directly to the LORD. We are invited to lay bare our circumstances before Him, articulating our innocence where applicable, and entrusting our vindication to His perfect judgment. This does not imply a claim of absolute sinlessness in a general sense, but rather the confidence to assert that specific accusations or sufferings are indeed unmerited. Ultimately, David's example encourages us to find our refuge and strength in God, who sees beyond mere appearances, knows the truth of every heart, and acts as the ultimate deliverer for those who trust in Him, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's plea of innocence in this verse resonate with your own experiences of unjust accusation or suffering?**
* **In what ways can you emulate David's direct appeal to God when facing unmerited opposition?**
* **How does trusting in God's ultimate justice impact your desire for personal revenge or self-vindication?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of God's character in the face of human injustice?**

### FAQ

**What does "lie in wait for my soul" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "lie in wait for my soul" (Hebrew: *’ârab l'napshi*) signifies a deliberate, cunning, and often hidden plot to take David's life. The word "soul" (*nephesh*) here refers to David's entire being, his very existence. So, it means his enemies are actively and insidiously plotting to kill him, not just to harm or imprison him. This highlights the grave, existential threat he faces from powerful, malicious adversaries, emphasizing the treachery and murderous intent behind their actions.

**Why does David emphasize his innocence ("not for my transgression, nor for my sin")?**

Answer: David's emphasis on his innocence is crucial for his appeal to God. He is not claiming to be perfectly sinless in an absolute sense (as [Psalm 14:3](/psalms/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - All Have Gone Astray") and [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") attest to humanity's fallen nature). Instead, he is asserting that the specific persecution he is enduring from King Saul and his men is *unjustified* by any particular transgression (*peshaʻ*, rebellion) or sin (*chaṭṭâʼâh*, missing the mark) on his part against them or against God that would warrant such a severe, life-threatening attack. He is presenting his case to God, seeking divine vindication based on the unprovoked nature of the aggression against him.

**How does Psalm 59 relate to other psalms of lament or imprecation?**

Answer: Psalm 59 is a classic example of a psalm of lament, characterized by the psalmist's complaint, plea for deliverance, and expression of trust in God amidst distress. It also contains strong elements of imprecation (curses against enemies) in later verses (e.g., [Psalms 59:11-13](/psalms/59-11-13 "Psalm 59:11-13 - David's Prayer for Vengeance")), where David asks God to punish his adversaries. Like many laments, it typically moves from deep distress and a cry for help to an expression of confidence in God's eventual deliverance and praise (e.g., [Psalms 59:16-17](/psalms/59-16-17 "Psalm 59:16-17 - David's Song of Deliverance")). It shares common themes with other psalms of David, such as [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 35](/psalms/35 "Psalm 35 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies"), which also vividly describe the psalmist's struggles with enemies and his reliance on God for justice and salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 59:3, with David's poignant cry of unjust persecution and emphatic assertion of innocence, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, though relatively innocent of the specific charges brought by Saul, was still a fallen human being in need of God's grace. Jesus, however, was perfectly innocent, "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), yet He endured the most egregious form of unjust persecution imaginable. Like David, who was hunted by a jealous king, Jesus was relentlessly pursued by the religious and political authorities who "lie in wait for [His] soul" ([Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). The "mighty" of His day—the Sanhedrin and the Roman Empire—"gathered against" Him ([Acts 4:27](/acts/4-27 "Acts 4:27 - The Rulers Conspire Against Christ")), condemning Him to death "not for [His] transgression, nor for [His] sin," but because of their deep-seated hatred for truth and light. Indeed, He was "led as a lamb to the slaughter" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), bearing the sins of humanity though He Himself committed none ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of unmerited suffering, was paradoxically God's perfect plan for redemption. Through His innocent suffering, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, Christ achieved the ultimate vindication, not just for Himself, but for all who trust in Him, offering them true deliverance from the power of sin and death ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus' Resurrection for Our Justification")). Thus, David's lament becomes a prophetic echo of the perfect Lamb of God, whose unmerited suffering secured eternal justice and salvation for all humanity.

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 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

Psalms 69:4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.

1 Samuel 24:11

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that [there is] neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.

Proverbs 12:6

¶ The words of the wicked [are] to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

John 15:25

But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Psalms 37:33

The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.