Psalms 59

Psalm 59 is a cry for divine protection by David while besieged by Saul's men, transitioning from a plea for deliverance into a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty. It captures the reality of the righteous suffering unjustly at the hands of the wicked while asserting the ultimate judgment of God over all the earth.

• David petitions God for immediate rescue from his enemies who are actively seeking his life.
• He asserts his innocence regarding their specific grievances, highlighting the irrational malice of his attackers.
• He appeals to God as the universal Judge and the God of Israel, asking for justice against the heathen.
• He describes the persistent, scavenging nature of his enemies who return night after night to terrorize him.
• He concludes by contrasting the transient power of his enemies with the eternal power and mercy of God, declaring he will sing of his defense.

• Saul's men watching the house (superscription and vv. 1-6)
• The enemies returning at evening and making a noise like a dog (vv. 6, 14)
• God as a 'defence' (misgab, H7682) (vv. 9, 16, 17)
• The distinction between David's innocence regarding the attackers and his trust in God's righteousness.

This passage highlights the righteous sufferer's appeal to God's justice, framing the believer's defense not in human strength but in divine sovereignty. It demonstrates how to maintain confidence and praise during times of extreme oppression.

When surrounded by persistent malice, the believer's appropriate response is to wait upon the Lord, viewing Him as both the merciful refuge and the sovereign Judge who will ultimately vindicate His people.

The Psalm begins with an urgent request for help in the face of human injustice and concludes with a confident vow to sing praises because the singer recognizes God as his eternal fortress.

• God shall be a defense to those who wait upon Him (v. 9, 17)
• God will let the righteous see His justice upon their enemies (v. 10)
• God will judge the wicked for the sin of their mouth and the pride of their lips (v. 12)

• Awake to help me (v. 4)
• Awake to visit all the heathen (v. 5)
• Be not merciful to any wicked transgressors (v. 5)

• Those who act in pride and lying will be taken by their own words (v. 12)
• Wicked transgressors will not escape the observation and judgment of God (v. 5, 8)

• The superscription links this Psalm to 1 Samuel 19:11, where Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him in the morning.
• David was in a state of extreme vulnerability, trapped within his own home.

• The 'dogs' described (v. 6, 14) refer to the semi-wild scavengers that roamed ancient cities, illustrating the aggressive, persistent nature of David's enemies.
• The 'Miktam' (`מִכְתָּם` [H4387]) is likely an technical term for a 'golden' or precious poem, suggesting this composition was highly valued by the author.

• The Psalm functions as a lament that moves toward a vow of praise, a common structure in the Psalter where the act of prayer itself changes the speaker's perspective.
• Matthew Henry observes that in times of danger, it is our wisdom and duty to wait upon God, looking to Him as the God of our mercy.

• The prayer for God to 'awake' (`עוּר` [H5782]) echoes similar calls in the Psalms for God to show Himself active in human history.
• The references to Jacob and the heathen establish a covenantal theology where David recognizes God's rule extends beyond Israel to the nations.

• The imagery of 'dogs' surrounding the sufferer is also found in Psalm 22, indicating a common prophetic metaphor for violent, godless adversaries.

• The title 'choirmaster' or 'chief musician' comes from `נָצַח` [H5329], implying the song was intended for liturgical use in the Temple.
• The plea 'Deliver me' comes from `נָצַל` [H5337], meaning to snatch away or rescue from danger.
• The term 'defence' translates `שָׂגַב` [H7682], which implies being set on a high, inaccessible place; God is the impenetrable fortress for the believer.

• The specific mention of 'evening' and 'morning' (v. 6, 14, 16) highlights the cycle of the believer's struggle and the ultimate victory found in the morning light.
• David differentiates between his enemies' sin (which he prays will lead to their judgment) and his own innocence regarding their specific attack.

• The exact meaning of 'Miktam' (`מִכְתָּם` [H4387]) remains debated among scholars, though it likely refers to a specific musical style or a golden, precious poem.