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Psalms 59:1

Psalms 59:1 in Multiple Translations

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: Set me on high from them that rise up against me.

Take me out of the hands of the cruel ones, O my God; keep me safe from those who come up against me.

Rescue me from my enemies, God! Protect me from those who are attacking me!

To him that excelleth. Destroy not. A Psalme of David on Michtam. When Saul sent and they did watch the house to kill him. O my God, deliuer mee from mine enemies: defend me from them that rise vp against me.

To the Overseer. — 'Destroy not,' by David. — A secret treasure, in Saul's sending, and they watch the house to put him to death. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God, From my withstanders set me on high.

Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.

To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, for the inscription of a title, to David himself, for doctrine,

God, save me from my enemies! Protect me from those who want to attack me!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 59:1

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 59:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לַ/מְנַצֵּ֣חַ אַל תַּשְׁחֵת֮ לְ/דָוִ֪ד מִ֫כְתָּ֥ם בִּ/שְׁלֹ֥חַ שָׁא֑וּל וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֥וּ אֶת הַ֝/בַּ֗יִת לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ
לַ/מְנַצֵּ֣חַ nâtsach H5329 to conduct Prep | V-Piel
אַל ʼAl tashchêth H516 Do Not Destroy Part
תַּשְׁחֵת֮ ʼAl tashchêth H516 Do Not Destroy V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לְ/דָוִ֪ד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper
מִ֫כְתָּ֥ם miktâm H4387 Miktam N-ms
בִּ/שְׁלֹ֥חַ shâlach H7971 to send Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֥וּ shâmar H8104 to keep Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ֝/בַּ֗יִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms
לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ mûwth H4191 to die Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 59:1

לַ/מְנַצֵּ֣חַ nâtsach H5329 "to conduct" Prep | V-Piel
To conduct or oversee, this word describes a leader or chief musician. In the Bible, it is used in the book of Psalms to describe the role of a music director. The word implies a sense of leadership and guidance.
Definition: 1) to excel, be bright, be preeminent, be perpetual, be overseer, be enduring 1a) (Niphal) enduring (participle) 1b) (Piel) to act as overseer or superintendent or director or chief Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsach (נְצַח "to distinguish oneself" H5330)
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: excel, chief musician (singer), oversee(-r), set forward. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:21; Psalms 49:1; Psalms 4:1.
אַל ʼAl tashchêth H516 "Do Not Destroy" Part
Do Not Destroy is likely the title of a song, with the phrase serving as a command to musicians, appearing in Psalm 57 and other places. It may have been a familiar melody used in worship services. The phrase is a call to preserve and protect.
Definition: § Al-taschith = "do not destroy" (Hiphil) a command to the chief musician, or perhaps the title of a melody used for several Psalms
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Al-taschith. See also: Psalms 57:1; Psalms 59:1; Psalms 58:1.
תַּשְׁחֵת֮ ʼAl tashchêth H516 "Do Not Destroy" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Do Not Destroy is likely the title of a song, with the phrase serving as a command to musicians, appearing in Psalm 57 and other places. It may have been a familiar melody used in worship services. The phrase is a call to preserve and protect.
Definition: § Al-taschith = "do not destroy" (Hiphil) a command to the chief musician, or perhaps the title of a melody used for several Psalms
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Al-taschith. See also: Psalms 57:1; Psalms 59:1; Psalms 58:1.
לְ/דָוִ֪ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מִ֫כְתָּ֥ם miktâm H4387 "Miktam" N-ms
Miktam is a Hebrew word for a poem or engraving. It is used in the titles of some Psalms, like Psalm 16, to describe a type of poem. The word is about poetry.
Definition: michtam a technical term found in psalm titles meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Michtam. See also: Psalms 16:1; Psalms 58:1; Psalms 56:1.
בִּ/שְׁלֹ֥חַ shâlach H7971 "to send" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
שָׁא֑וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֥וּ shâmar H8104 "to keep" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ֝/בַּ֗יִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לַ/הֲמִיתֽ/וֹ mûwth H4191 "to die" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

Study Notes — Psalms 59:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Deliver Me from My Enemies

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 19:11–24 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. Then Michal took a household idol and laid it in the bed, placed some goat hair on its head, and covered it with a garment. When Saul sent the messengers to seize David, Michal said, “He is ill.” But Saul sent the messengers back to see David and told them, “Bring him up to me in his bed so I can kill him.” And when the messengers entered, there was the idol in the bed with the quilt of goats’ hair on its head. And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” So David ran away and escaped. And he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. When Saul was told that David was at Naioth in Ramah, he sent messengers to capture him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
2 Psalms 18:48 who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.
3 Psalms 57:1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
4 Isaiah 33:16 he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
5 Luke 1:74–75 deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives.
6 2 Timothy 4:17–18 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
7 2 Corinthians 11:32–33 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.
8 Psalms 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.
9 Psalms 143:9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.
10 Psalms 12:5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”

Psalms 59:1 Summary

Psalms 59:1 is a prayer where the Psalmist is asking God to protect him from people who want to hurt him. This is something we can all relate to, because we all face challenges and enemies in our lives. Just like the Psalmist, we can trust in God's love and care for us, and ask for His protection, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Matthew 7:11. By praying and trusting in God, we can find peace and safety, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of enemies is the Psalmist asking to be delivered from in Psalms 59:1?

The Psalmist is asking to be delivered from those who seek to harm him, likely referring to physical enemies, as seen in Psalms 59:2-3, but also spiritual enemies, as warned against in Ephesians 6:12.

Is it selfish to ask God to protect us from our enemies?

No, it is not selfish to ask God for protection, as He is our loving Father who cares for our well-being, as seen in Matthew 7:11 and Psalms 23:4.

How can we apply the principle of seeking God's protection in our own lives?

We can apply this principle by praying for God's protection and guidance, as the Psalmist does, and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.

What does it mean to 'rise against' someone in this context?

To 'rise against' someone means to oppose or attack them, as seen in Psalms 59:1, and is often used to describe those who seek to harm or overthrow God's people, as in Ezekiel 38:15-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am being 'risen against' by enemies, and how can I seek God's protection in those areas?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection, even when I feel like I am being overwhelmed by my enemies?
  3. What are some ways I can pray for God's protection and guidance in my life, like the Psalmist does in Psalms 59:1?
  4. How can I remember that God is my loving Father who cares for my well-being, even when I am facing difficult circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 59:1

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God,.... David had his enemies in his youth, notwithstanding the amiableness of his person, the endowments of his mind, his martial achievements, his wise behaviour

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 59:1

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Psalms 59:1-17.-Two divisions.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 59:1

Psalms 59 THE The matter and design of this Psalm is the same in general and for substance with the former, to wit, a declaration of the cruelty and treachery of his enemies; and a prayer to God to deliver him out of their hands. David, in danger, prayeth unto God for deliverance from his enemies, ,2, relating his own innocency and their cruelty, . He trusteth in God, and prayeth against them, ; promiseth thankfulness to God for being his defence and refuge, ,17. He chiefly understands Saul, but speaks in the plural number, out of, reverence to his king, and that he might, as far as he could in truth, derive the envy and hatred of these odious practices upon those that were about him; as he doth , and elsewhere.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 59:1

Psalms 59:1 « To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. » Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.Al-taschith] Destroy not, preserve me from this ambush. See Psalms 57:1, title. When Saul sent, and they watched the house] But were disappointed by Michal shifting him out of the way, preferring a husband before a father, though she had otherwise no great goodness in her. The glory of this deliverance David wholly ascribeth to God, and seeketh help of him. Ver. 1. Deliver me from mine enemies, O God] This psalm is the same in substance with those aforegoing, viz. David’ s desire to be delivered from Saul’ s craft and cruelty. Defend me from them] Heb. Set me on high, far out of their reach.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 59:1

(1) Defend me.—Literally, set me on high, i.e., place me on some lofty and secure height.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 59:1

PSALM LIX The psalmist prays for deliverance from his enemies, whose desperate wickedness he describes, 1-7; professes strong confidence in God, 8-10; speaks of the destruction of his enemies, 11-15; praises God for benefits already received; and determines to trust in him, 16, 17. NOTES ON PSALM LIX The title, "To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David," has already occurred: and perhaps means no more than that the present Psalm is to be sung as Psalms 57:1-11, the first which bears this title. But there is here added the supposed occasion on which David made this Psalm: it was, "when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him." When the reader considers the whole of this Psalm carefully, he will be convinced that the title does not correspond to the contents. There is scarcely any thing in it that can apply to the circumstances of Saul's sending his guards by night to keep the avenues to the house of David, that when the morning came they might seize and slay him; and of his being saved through the information given him by his wife Michal, in consequence of which he was let down through a window, and so escaped. See 1 Samuel 19:10-11. There is not in the whole Psalm any positive allusion to this history; and there are many things in it which show it to be utterly inconsistent with the facts of that history. The Psalm most evidently agrees to the time of Nehemiah, when he was endeavouring to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, when the enterprise was first mocked; then opposed by Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, who watched day and night that they might cause the work to cease; and laid ambuscades for the life of Nehemiah himself. Every part of the Psalm agrees to this: and I am therefore of Calmet's opinion, that the Psalm was composed in that time, and probably by Nehemiah, or by Esdras. Verse 1. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God] A very proper prayer in the mouth of Nehemiah, when resisted in his attempts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who opposed the work, and endeavoured to take away the life of the person whom God had raised up to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. I conceive the Psalm to have been made on this occasion; and on this hypothesis alone I think it capable of consistent explanation.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 59:1

1–5. The Psalmist prays for deliverance from the enemies who are bent on taking his life, pleading his innocence, and appealing to God to punish all injustice.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 59:1

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God - See the notes at Psalms 18:48. This prayer was offered when the spies sent by Saul surrounded the house of David.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 59:1

1. Defend me—Literally, set me on high, as in a strong tower, or upon a rocky cliff. The first two verses are an earnest cry for help.

Sermons on Psalms 59:1

SermonDescription
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The Great Tribulation Preceding the Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the perfect harmony of prophecy in the Bible, focusing on the events and blessings surrounding the great day of Jehovah. He highlights the cha
Henry Law Psalm 59 by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's cry for deliverance from imminent perils and enemies, highlighting the unwavering faith and confidence in God's power and mercy. Despite being
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 59 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. He discusses the sins of the Jews, their bli
A.W. Tozer A Man Who Exalted God by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of exalting God above all else, using Psalm 57 as a foundation. He reflects on David's prayer for God's mercy and his commitment to praise God
John Henry Jowett Under His Wings by John Henry Jowett John Henry Jowett beautifully illustrates the tender and gracious image of finding refuge under the shadow of God's wings, symbolizing warmth, shelter, and rest in God's loving emb
David Wilkerson "We'll Do It on Our Own" by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of self-reliance and rebellion against God, as illustrated by Isaiah's warning to Israel. He explains that true rebellion is not just overt si
Bob Hoekstra More on David and the Lord's Lovingkindness by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches on the precious lovingkindness of God, drawing parallels between lovingkindness in the Old Testament and grace in the New Testament. He emphasizes how God's l

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