Psalms 59

Psalms 59:1

Psalm 59: The God Who Comes to Meet UsHere David storms the throne of God in almost breathless haste because Saul has sent men to surround the house and tighten the noose. 59:1-4 The words come gushing out like a hot torrent"Deliver me . . . defend me . . . save me." The language is vehement, abrupt, urgent. These ungodly men are thirsting for his blood. Relentlessly they wait for their chance to kill him; they unite in a common effort to eliminate him. And yet it is all so unprovoked. The psalmist is not guilty of the treason and disloyalty with which they charge him. Their feverish preparations were provoked through no fault of his. If only God would awaken and come to David’s rescue! 59:5 For a moment, the son of Jesse seems to look beyond his immediate foes to all the enemies of Israel and calls on God to do a thorough work of punishment. Here he addresses God as Jehovah, Elohim Sabaoth, Elohe Israel, a reduplication of the names of God that is intended to express all He is in His essential being and in His special relation to Israel. 59:6, 7 Like a pack of wild alley dogs, they return to besiege the psalmist, howling and prowling. Their incessant barking, their snarling growls fill the air. They arrogantly suppose themselves to be immune from detection. 59:8, 9 But they are known to the LORDand He laughs at their insensate folly, the same God who looks down on the boasting nations with cool derision. This great God is David’s Strength, the One for whom he watches and his sure defense. 59:10 Someone has given us this unforgettable paraphrase of verse 10a: “My God, with His lovingkindness, shall come to meet me at every corner.” What a comfort for storm-tossed souls of every age! Linked with this assurance is the knowledge that God will preserve us to see this defeat of our enemies. 59:11-13 The prayer of verse 11 is unique. David asks the Lord not to slay the enemy suddenly lest the people of Israel entertain light thoughts of the seriousness of sin. If the punishment is gradual, the severity of God will be more indelibly impressed on them. But it is clear from what follows that ultimate destruction is included in the catalog of dire judgments which the psalmist specifies for his persecutors. He prays that they be scattered by God’s power, and brought down by the Lord who guards Israel. He asks that they might be captured while they are showing off their consummate pride and brought to account for their sinful, wicked words.

Finally he prays that they might be utterly destroyed for their cursing and lying speech. Then at last the world will know from east to west that God really does care for the descendants of Jacob. 59:14, 15 In the meantime the human dogs return to the city searching for the psalmist, growling, prowling, and howling for his life, and angry when they don’t get it. 59:16, 17 The dogs are growling in the evening, but the son of Jesse is singing in the morning. He is extolling the power and mercy of the Lord because He has proved Himself a defense and refuge in the day of deep need. The morning is coming for all God’s people when their enemies will be gone and when the power and love of the Savior will be the theme of endless song.