Psalm Fifty Nine
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
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 59:4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
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 59:8 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 59:15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
Psalm 59:17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.