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Psalms 59:13

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Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

Consume {H3615}{H8761)} them in wrath {H2534}, consume {H3615}{H8761)} them, that they may not be: and let them know {H3045}{H8799)} that God {H430} ruleth {H4910}{H8802)} in Jacob {H3290} unto the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}. Selah {H5542}.

Finish them off in wrath, finish them off, put an end to them, and let them know to the ends of the earth that God is Ruler in Ya'akov. (Selah)

Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah

Consume them in wrath, consume them, so that they shall be no more: And let them know that God ruleth in Jacob, Unto the ends of the earth. [Selah

Commentary

Psalm 59:13 is a fervent plea from King David, a cry for divine intervention and judgment against his enemies, coupled with a declaration of God's universal sovereignty. It encapsulates David's desperate situation and his unwavering faith in the Lord's ultimate authority.

Context

Psalm 59 is a deeply personal lament and prayer for deliverance, thought to have been composed by David when King Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him (1 Samuel 19:11). The psalm opens with David's urgent plea for rescue (Psalm 59:1) from his bloodthirsty adversaries, whom he describes as dogs prowling the city. Verse 13, therefore, is a powerful expression within this "imprecatory psalm," where the psalmist calls upon God to judge and destroy his enemies, not merely for personal vengeance but for God's glory to be revealed through His decisive action.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Justice: David's fervent plea for his enemies to be "consumed in wrath" is a cry for God's righteous judgment against those who unjustly persecute the innocent. It reflects a deep conviction that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice, and that wickedness will not go unpunished.
  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: The core message of the latter part of the verse is that "God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth." This declares God's supreme authority not only over His chosen people (Jacob/Israel) but universally over all nations and creation. The judgment sought is ultimately to demonstrate this truth to both the wicked and the righteous. This concept is echoed in other psalms that proclaim God's sovereign rule over all.
  • Vindication of God's Name: The desired outcome of the enemies' destruction is for them to "know that God ruleth." This highlights that God's actions, even in judgment, serve to reveal His power and righteousness to both His people and His adversaries, ensuring His name is glorified across the entire world, from "Jacob" to the "ends of the earth."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's powerful repetition of "Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them]" emphasizes the intensity of David's prayer and the desired decisiveness of God's intervention. The Hebrew word often translated "consume" (כָּלָה, kalah) can mean to complete, finish, or utterly destroy, signifying a definitive end. The phrase "ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth" powerfully conveys God's universal dominion. "Jacob" serves as a metonymy for Israel, God's covenant people, through whom His rule is first made manifest, extending outwards to encompass all creation, as seen in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof."

Practical Application

While the imprecatory nature of this verse can be challenging for modern readers, it teaches us several profound truths. First, it affirms that God is a God of justice who will ultimately judge wickedness. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and method of justice, rather than seeking personal retribution (Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance belongs to God). Second, it underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty; no power on earth can ultimately thwart His plans or escape His oversight. Finally, it reminds us that God's actions, even in judgment, are ultimately for the purpose of revealing His glory and ensuring that all creation acknowledges His supreme rule.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 83:18 (7 votes)

    That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

  • Psalms 7:9 (6 votes)

    Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

  • Ezekiel 39:7 (5 votes)

    So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not [let them] pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

  • Psalms 59:11 (4 votes)

    Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

  • Ezekiel 38:23 (3 votes)

    Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Numbers 14:34 (3 votes)

    After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

  • Numbers 14:35 (3 votes)

    I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.