Chapter 59
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Deliver 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.
“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.”
Overview
Psalm 59 was written when Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him. David cries: 'Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.' His enemies return at evening, howling like dogs and going around the city. They belch out with their mouths, swords are in their lips, for they say, 'Who doth hear?' But David declares that God shall laugh at them and hold all heathen in derision. God is his defence and the God of his mercy. David will sing of God's power and mercy in the morning, for God has been his defence and refuge in the day of trouble.
Key Themes
God as Defence Against Assassins
With killers surrounding his house, David's defence is not his own strategy but God — the one who laughs at the schemes of the wicked.
The Arrogance of Enemies
The enemies ask 'Who doth hear?' — assuming God is deaf to their threats, but God hears everything and holds them in derision.
Morning Songs of Mercy
After a night of threat and danger, David vows to sing of God's power and mercy in the morning — rescue brings morning praise.
Study Questions
How does the historical context of Saul's assassins at David's house intensify this psalm's urgency?
What does the image of enemies 'howling like dogs' (v. 6) and going around the city reveal about their nature?
Why is it significant that God 'laughs' at the schemes of the wicked (v. 8)?
How does David's commitment to sing of God's mercy 'in the morning' (v. 16) demonstrate faith?
What does this psalm teach about maintaining praise when threats are immediate and personal?
Connection to Christ
Jesus was watched and surrounded by enemies who sought to destroy Him — the religious leaders plotted, Herod schemed, and Judas betrayed. Yet God was His defence. Christ trusted the Father through the darkest night and emerged in resurrection morning, vindicating every promise of this psalm. He is the God of mercy who becomes the refuge of His people.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 59. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?