Psalms 59:3

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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Psalm 59:3 vividly portrays the desperate situation of King David, who finds himself surrounded by enemies seeking his life, yet he vehemently denies any wrongdoing on his part that would justify such aggression. This verse is a poignant cry for divine intervention, asserting his innocence before the LORD.

Context

Psalm 59 is a Michtam of David, with its superscription indicating it was written "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him." This refers to a specific historical event recorded in 1 Samuel 19:11, where King Saul, consumed by jealousy, dispatched messengers to David's home to apprehend and kill him. David, with the help of his wife Michal, narrowly escaped. The psalm, therefore, captures the intense fear and sense of betrayal David felt as he was unjustly hunted by the very king he served.

Key Themes

  • Unjust Persecution: The central theme is David's suffering at the hands of powerful adversaries without a legitimate cause. He clearly states, "not for my transgression, nor for my sin," highlighting the malicious and unprovoked nature of the attack. This resonates with the experience of many who face unjust suffering for righteousness' sake.
  • Appeal to Divine Justice: David's direct address, "O LORD," signifies his unwavering trust in God as his ultimate defender and judge. He presents his case to God, seeking vindication from the Almighty who sees all things.
  • The Nature of the Threat: The enemies are described as "mighty" and "lie in wait for my soul," conveying a powerful, insidious, and life-threatening danger. Their intent is not merely to capture but to destroy David's very life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lie in wait for my soul" uses the Hebrew verb ’arav (to lie in ambush, to conspire) and the noun nephesh, which often means "soul" but can also refer to one's life, person, or vital being. This emphasizes that the attack is not just physical but targets David's very existence and identity. The "mighty" are described with the Hebrew word ’azzim, denoting fierce, strong, or violent individuals, underscoring the formidable nature of his opposition.

Practical Application

Psalm 59:3 offers comfort and guidance for believers facing unjust accusations or persecution. When you feel unfairly targeted or slandered, this verse reminds us:

  • God Sees and Hears: Like David, we can bring our pleas directly to the LORD, trusting that He is a righteous judge who sees the truth, even when human justice fails.
  • Focus on Innocence (Where Applicable): While we are all sinners, there are times when specific accusations against us are false or exaggerated. In such moments, we can confidently assert our innocence before God, much like David did.
  • Trust in God's Deliverance: David's ultimate hope rests in God's power to deliver him from his enemies (see Psalm 18:2). This psalm encourages us to find our refuge and strength in God when facing overwhelming odds.
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 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.

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