59:8 59:8

Psalms 59:9

59:10 59:10

Bible Versions

[Because of] his strength will I wait upon thee: for God [is] my defence.
Because of his strength {H5797} will I wait {H8104}{H8799)} upon thee: for God {H430} is my defence {H4869}.
My Strength, I will watch for you, for God is my fortress.
I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress.
Because ofhis strength I will give heed unto thee; For God is my high tower.

Context

Psalm 59 is a powerful lament and prayer of King David, written during a time of intense danger and persecution. The psalm's superscription indicates it was composed "When Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him" (1 Samuel 19:11). Surrounded by enemies who sought his life, David expresses his distress and appeals to God for deliverance. Verse 9, therefore, is a pivotal declaration of faith amidst severe adversity, highlighting David's unwavering trust in God as his ultimate protector.

Key Themes

  • Divine Strength as Foundation: The verse begins with "Because of his strength," emphasizing that God's inherent power and might are the sole basis for David's confidence and patient endurance. It is not his own ability or human alliances that he relies on, but the omnipotence of the Almighty.
  • Patient Expectation (Waiting): "Will I wait upon thee" signifies an active, hopeful reliance on God, not a passive resignation. In the face of immediate danger, David chooses to look to God, expecting His intervention and timing. This patient waiting is an act of profound faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty over circumstances.
  • God as a Stronghold and Defense: The declaration "for God is my defence" underscores God's role as a personal refuge and bulwark against all threats. He is portrayed as an impenetrable fortress, a secure haven where David can find safety from his adversaries. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, depicting God as a rock, fortress, and deliverer for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strength" in this verse is 'oz (עֹז), which conveys not just physical power but also a sense of security, might, and a fortified place. The phrase "wait upon thee" comes from the Hebrew root yachal (יָחַל), meaning to hope, to expect, to tarry with anticipation. It denotes an active, expectant waiting rather than mere idleness.

Most significantly, "my defence" is translated from the Hebrew word misgav (מִשְׂגָּב). This term literally means a "high tower" or "lofty place," signifying a secure, inaccessible refuge. It paints a vivid picture of God as an elevated, unassailable stronghold where David is safe from his enemies' reach. This imagery powerfully conveys God's role as an ultimate protector.

Practical Application

Psalm 59:9 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own trials and challenges today. When life's circumstances seem overwhelming, and we feel surrounded by difficulties, this verse calls us to:

  • Place Our Hope in God's Strength: Recognize that our ultimate security and ability to endure come from God's infinite power, not our own limited resources.
  • Practice Patient, Active Waiting: Learn to trust God's timing and method of deliverance. "Waiting upon the Lord" (as seen in Isaiah 40:31) involves persistent prayer, confident expectation, and steadfast obedience, even when the path ahead is unclear.
  • Rest in God as Our Defense: Embrace the truth that God Himself is our ultimate refuge and protector. He is our shield against spiritual attacks, emotional distress, and physical dangers, offering a secure sanctuary in times of trouble.

This verse reminds us that true security is found not in avoiding conflict, but in standing firm in the knowledge that God Himself is our impregnable defense.

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.

  • Psalms 9:9

    The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

  • Psalms 62:2

    He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

  • Psalms 59:17

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

  • Psalms 27:14

    Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

  • Isaiah 26:3

    Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

  • Isaiah 26:4

    Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

  • Isaiah 40:31

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.
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