Psalms 59
Psalm 59 is believed to have been written by David during a time of suffering while he was being pursued by Saul. Despite his innocence, he pleads with God for help and deliverance while he is surrounded by his enemies. This psalm is shaped by the flow of supplication, trust, and praise, showing David’s faith as he places his hope in God even in brutal circumstances.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
2verseDeliver me from the workers of iniquity. Save me from the bloodthirsty men.
3verseFor, behold, they lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together against me, not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, LORD.
4verseI have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!
5verseYou, LORD God of Armies, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.
6verseThey return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city.
7verseBehold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, “For”, they say, “who hears us?”
8verseBut you, LORD, laugh at them. You scoff at all the nations.
9verseOh, my Strength, I watch for you, for God is my high tower.
10verseMy God will go before me with his loving kindness. God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.
11verseDon’t kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.
12verseFor the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies which they utter.
13verseConsume them in wrath. Consume them, and they will be no more. Let them know that God rules in Jacob, to the ends of the earth. Selah.
14verseAt evening let them return. Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.
15verseThey shall wander up and down for food, and wait all night if they aren’t satisfied.
16verseBut I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your loving kindness in the morning. For you have been my high tower, a refuge in the day of my distress.
17verseTo you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1–7: David describes the attacks and cunning of his enemies who seek to harm him, and he begs God to protect him. He says that the enemies come looking for him every night and surround the house, and he lays out their evil deeds and words in detail.
- Verses 8–10: Yet David does not stay only in fear; he is certain that God will mock them. He looks to and relies on only his strength and fortress, and on God, his protector.
- Verses 11–15: David prays that God would not completely destroy the enemies, but would scatter and humble them because of their evil deeds. He hopes that this process will become an opportunity to make all the people aware of God’s rule and justice.
- Verses 16–17: The psalm concludes with David’s confession praising God’s steadfast love and deliverance. Even in suffering, he remembers God’s faithfulness and makes a decision to praise.
Key Message
Psalm 59 emphasizes that, in any crisis and injustice, we should ask God for help and trust in His sovereignty and protection. The enemies’ evil actions may appear as though they have power, but true strength is found in God. Rather than being driven by fear and resentment, David clings to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness and moves forward in praise.
Meditation Points
- When I am in a difficult or unfair situation, where do I set my eyes first?
- What can I learn from David’s attitude of trusting in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness even in suffering?
- When in my life have I experienced God’s protection?
Apply It to Yourself
When I go through suffering or misunderstandings, I look back and ask whether my heart is filled only with fear and resentment. Like David in Psalm 59, I should faithfully bring my situation honestly to God, not only that, but also practice in my life the attitude of faith that trusts in God’s faithfulness and moves forward in praise—and the peace that is given within it.
