Psalms 59 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 59

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. Psalm 59 is a personal lament, where the author cries out to God for protection from his enemies. The author expresses his deep distress and fear as he faces threats from those who seek to harm him in this psalm. He calls upon God to intervene and save him, reminding the Lord of his faithfulness and the injustice he is facing. The psalm foreshadows the author’s ultimate trust in God’s deliverance and the downfall of his adversaries.

This passage echoes the sentiments found in other Davidic psalms, such as Psalm 3, where the author seeks refuge in God amidst the turmoil of his circumstances. The author’s unwavering faith in the Lord’s power and justice serves as a testament to the importance of relying on divine guidance during times of adversity. Reflecting on this psalm reminds us of the comfort and strength that we can find in turning to God in our own moments of distress.

Psalms 59:1-5

The psalmist in Psalms 59:1-5 begins by crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. This section sets the tone for the entire psalm as it expresses the psalmist’s distress and plea for God’s intervention. The psalmist acknowledges that his enemies are fierce and numerous (“deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me”). The psalmist recognizes that these adversaries are not only a physical threat but also a spiritual one, as they do not seek God or show mercy. He implores God to come to his aid and deliver him from the hands of his enemies. This shows the psalmist’s trust in God’s power and protection.

This passage reflects a common theme throughout the Bible – the reliance on God in times of trouble. The psalmist’s cries for deliverance resonate with many other biblical figures who found themselves in similar situations. For example, David faced many enemies throughout his life, including Saul and Absalom, and he often turned to God for help and protection. David trusted in God’s strength to defeat the giant when he faced Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Similarly, in Psalm 23, David proclaims his trust in God as his shepherd who leads him through the darkest valleys.

The psalmist’s plea in these verses also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s protection and deliverance in times of need. It highlights the psalmist’s awareness of his own limitations and his recognition of God’s power to save him. This message of seeking God’s help in difficult times is echoed throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 18:10, which states, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The opening verses of Psalms 59 set the stage for the rest of the psalm, emphasizing the psalmist’s trust in God’s intervention and his reliance on God’s protection in the face of enemies. This passage encourages readers to turn to God in times of trouble and to seek His deliverance with faith and humility, knowing that God is our ultimate protector and savior.

Psalms 59:6-8

David, the author of this Psalm, expresses his feelings of frustration and fear towards his enemies in Psalms 59:6-8. He starts by describing them as a pack of dogs, prowling the city, snarling and baring their teeth. This vivid imagery conveys the malicious intent of his enemies, likening them to wild and aggressive animals ready to attack. The use of such strong language emphasizes the seriousness of the situation that David finds himself in, facing threats to his life from those seeking to harm him.

David then shifts his focus to the actions of his enemies, who come back in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling the city. This repeated imagery of dogs emphasizes the persistency and tenacity of his adversaries in their pursuit to harm him. Despite the darkness of night, they do not cease in their wicked schemes, highlighting the treacherous nature of the situation David finds himself in. This sense of constant threat and danger adds a layer of tension to the Psalm, as David grapples with the challenges before him.

However, in the midst of these dire circumstances, David finds solace in God. He declares his trust in the strength and protection of the Lord, acknowledging Him as his fortress. This act of turning to God in the face of adversity is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and the Bible as a whole. David’s unwavering faith in God’s power to deliver him from his enemies serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking refuge in the Lord during times of trouble.

This passage in Psalms 59 not only showcases David’s personal struggles and reliance on God but also serves as a timeless message for believers facing challenges in their own lives. Just as David found comfort and strength in God’s protection, we too can find reassurance in the Lord during times of difficulty. The imagery of the fierce enemies and the unwavering trust in God’s divine protection paints a powerful picture of the age-old battle between good and evil, with God ultimately being the ultimate source of refuge and deliverance. Let us remember to follow David’s example in times of distress and place our trust in the Almighty, knowing that He is our ultimate stronghold and protector.

Psalms 59:9-10

The passage in Psalms 59:9-10 reads, “O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.” My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.”

Firstly, the psalmist addresses God as their strength and fortress, highlighting their unwavering trust and reliance on Him in times of trouble. This demonstrates the psalmist’s deep faith in God’s power to protect and deliver them from harm. The imagery of God as a fortress signifies a place of security and refuge amid danger, portraying the divine protection that God offers to His people.

The psalmist also acknowledges God’s steadfast love, emphasizing His faithfulness and loyalty towards those who trust in Him. The reference to God’s steadfast love reflects the unchanging nature of God’s affection and mercy towards His children, reinforcing the idea of God as a dependable and caring presence in the lives of believers. The psalmist expresses confidence that God will grant them victory over their enemies. This displays the psalmist’s faith in God’s sovereignty and assurance that He will ultimately bring justice and vindication to those who are faithful to Him. The triumph over enemies symbolizes God’s ability to overcome all adversities and challenges, showcasing His ultimate authority and power. God is seen as a stronghold and protector for His people in the broader context of the Bible. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”” This echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalms 59:9-10, emphasizing God’s role as a source of strength and security for those who put their trust in Him. Psalms 59:9-10 conveys a message of faith, trust, and confidence in God’s protection, love, and victory over enemies. It serves as a reminder for believers to turn to God in times of trouble, seeking refuge in His unfailing love and finding assurance in His ability to bring deliverance and triumph in all circumstances.

Psalms 59:11-13

The text in Psalms 59:11-13 reads, “Do not kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.”

Let’s break this down into key sections for a detailed interpretation:

1. “Do not kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Lord our shield.” Here, the psalmist is acknowledging the power of God to intervene and bring judgement upon their enemies. The plea to not kill them may sound contradictory, but it reflects a desire for the enemies to experience God’s power and come to a realization of their wrongdoing. The psalmist recognizes that God, as their shield, is ultimately in control of the situation by scattering them and bringing them down.

2. “For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more.” This section highlights the destructive power of words. The psalmist is asking for divine justice to be meted out upon those who have sinned through their speech. The mention of pride, curses, and lies speaks to the sinful nature of their enemies and the consequences they should face. The plea for divine wrath to consume them emphasizes the seriousness of their transgressions.

3. “Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.” The psalmist ends this passage by recognizing that through God’s actions, His supremacy will be acknowledged by all. This statement underscores the overarching theme of God’s sovereignty and justice prevailing over all nations and peoples. The reference to Jacob symbolizes the chosen people of God, highlighting the enduring covenant between God and His people. We see a common theme of seeking refuge and protection from enemies through prayer and trust in God’s power in understanding these verses in the context of Psalms 59. The psalmist’s plea for justice against those who have wronged them is rooted in a belief in God’s righteousness and ultimate authority over all things. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in times of adversity and the assurance that God will ultimately bring justice and vindication to His people.

This passage resonates with other verses in the Bible that speak about God’s judgement on the wicked and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” states Proverbs 18:21.” This echoes the sentiment in Psalms 59 about the sins of the tongue and the consequences they carry. Additionally, in Romans 12:19, it says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” This verse reinforces the idea that justice belongs to God and that believers should trust in His timing and methods of bringing about justice.

Psalms 59:14-15

The verses in Psalms 59:14-15 read: “And at evening let them return; let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.” Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. King David’s prayer for deliverance from his enemies, who are described as a “noisy crowd of evil,” is seen in the preceding verses of Psalm 59.” These verses point towards the consequences that will befall David’s enemies. David prays that his enemies will be scattered in the evening, making noise like dogs, and wandering around the city in search of sustenance but finding none. This imagery is quite vivid and is a depiction of the fate that awaits those who come against God’s anointed.

This portion of the Psalm serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of standing against God’s chosen ones. It highlights the principle of divine justice and protection afforded to those who walk in righteousness. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God delivers His faithful servants from the hands of their enemies. David himself experienced this on multiple occasions, notably when he faced Goliath and Saul, yet God remained faithful and delivered him time and again. This theme of God’s protection and vindication of the righteous is a recurring motif, reinforcing the timeless message that God is a stronghold for those who place their trust in Him.

The imagery of enemies making noises like dogs and wandering aimlessly for food also symbolizes a state of restlessness and dissatisfaction. It portrays the idea that those who oppose God’s chosen will ultimately find themselves in a state of spiritual barrenness, where no amount of seeking will satisfy their needs. This can be viewed as a cautionary tale against engaging in actions that go against God’s will, as it leads to emptiness and futility.

The concept of enemies being scattered and left unsatisfied also finds resonance in other parts of the Bible. The verse in Proverbs 11:7 states, “When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.”” This aligns with the idea presented in Psalm 59 that those who operate in wickedness and oppose the righteous will ultimately find their efforts in vain and their desires unfulfilled. Psalm 59:14-15 serves as a powerful declaration of God’s protection over His people and the ultimate fate of those who come against them. It underscores the principle of divine justice and the assurance that God will scatter the plans of the wicked. It also functions as a reminder for believers to trust in God’s deliverance in the face of adversity, knowing that He is their ultimate refuge and vindicator.

Psalms 59:16-17

The text in Psalms 59:16-17 reads: “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”

Here, the psalmist expresses a deep sense of trust and reliance on God in the face of adversity. The psalmist vows to sing of God’s strength and love, highlighting the faithfulness and protection that God provides as a fortress and refuge in times of trouble. This declaration of song and praise reflects a posture of thankfulness and worship towards God amidst challenges.

The acknowledgement of God as a fortress and refuge is a common theme throughout the Bible. “It states in Psalms 46:1, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’”” This consistent message emphasizes the idea that God is a place of shelter and security for those who place their trust in Him. This concept is also echoed in Proverbs 18:10, which says, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

The psalmist’s declaration of God as their strength reinforces the belief that our own abilities and resources are limited, but with God, we can draw on a power that surpasses all understanding. “But he said to me in 2 Corinthians 12:9, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”‘ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. Believers are called to have unwavering faith and praise in God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It encourages us to look to God as our ultimate source of strength, love, and refuge, inviting us to trust in His faithfulness and rely on His power in all circumstances.

After Psalms 59

The psalmist cried out to God for deliverance from his enemies. He trusted in God’s protection and power, even when it seemed his foes would prevail. The psalmist looks ahead with hope as the chapter draws to a close, knowing that God’s steadfast love would guide him through the trials to come.

With this assurance, we now turn our attention to Psalm 60. Here, the psalmist laments the apparent abandonment of God’s people, even as he clings to the promise of ultimate victory. Though the path may be difficult, the psalmist knows that those who put their faith in the Lord will not be put to shame.