Psalm Fifty Nine

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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To the chief Musician, Al-Taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

The reference in the title is probably to 1 Samuel 19:11, when Saul sent “messengers” to kill David in his own home and he was able to escape with the help of Michal, his wife. This is considered to be another (like Psalm 58) of the imprecatory psalms.

Psalm 59:1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Psalm 59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Psalm 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.

Psalm 59:4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.

Psalm 59:5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah

Psalm 59:6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

like a dog. Note also Psalm 59:14. Saul's henchmen were growling like scavenger dogs.

Psalm 59:7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

Psalm 59:8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

shalt laugh. On the Lord's laughing at the wicked, see Psalm 37:13.

Psalm 59:9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

Psalm 59:10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

shall prevent me. The term “prevent” should be understood here in its Old English sense of “go before.”

Psalm 59:11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

Psalm 59:12 For 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.

Psalm 59:13 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

Psalm 59:14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

Psalm 59:15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

Psalm 59:16 But 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.

Psalm 59:17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.