David
Psalm 59
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.
Scripture (KJV)
1Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
2Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
4They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
6They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
8But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13Consume 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.
14And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Summary
Psalm 59 is a prayer for deliverance written when Saul sent men to watch David’s house to kill him. David cries to God to deliver him from enemies and bloody men who lie in wait without cause. The enemies prowl at evening like dogs around the city, belching swords from their lips. Yet the LORD will laugh at them and hold the nations in derision. David waits on God as his defense and the God of his mercy. He prays that God would not slay them lest His people forget, but scatter them by His power. The psalm closes with morning praise: "But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning." God is his defense, his refuge, and his strength.
The major themes are deliverance, protection, God’s sovereignty, morning praise, and God as strength. Practically, the psalm teaches that nighttime fear can become morning praise when God is our defense. The great lesson is that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth, and those who trust Him sing of His power.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 59
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Save me from bloody men who lie in wait without cause. Awake to help me and behold. You, O LORD God of hosts, shall laugh at them and hold the nations in derision. Because of Your strength I wait upon You, for God is my defense. The God of my mercy shall go before me. Slay them not, lest Your people forget, but scatter them by Your power. Let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. I will sing of Your power and sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning, for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto You, O my strength, I will sing, for God is my defense and the God of my mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1How does the image of enemies prowling like dogs at night contrast with morning praise?
- 2What does it mean that God "shall laugh at them"?
- 3Why does David pray "slay them not, lest my people forget"?
- 4How can my nighttime fear become morning praise?
Related Psalms
Psalm 56
“Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily vexeth me.”
Trust in God’s word when afraid; recording tears in His book.
Read morePsalm 57
“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: and in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge.”
A prayer for refuge and a resolve to awake the dawn with praise.
Read morePsalm 58
“Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?”
A protest against unjust rulers and confidence in God’s righteous judgment.
Read morePsalm 54
“Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.”
A prayer for help against betrayers, trusting God to sustain.
Read morePsalm 140
“Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;”
Psalm 140 is a lament of David against violent and deceitful enemies.
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