Psalms 59:1-17 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

LIX. The Ps. seems to be directed against Jewish and not foreign enemies. It might well be a prayer for the downfall of the aristocratic Sadducees. On the other hand in Psalms 59:5 and Psalms 59:8 the Psalmist prays against heathen. But a slight change gives the word we need, viz. proud (cf. Psalms 9:17).

Psalms 59:6 is a variant of Psalms 59:14; it is in its right place after Psalms 59:13.

Psalms 59:7. Swords: read insulting words. Who doth hear? Nobody, they think, hears, i.e. nobody of any consequence. Especially God does not hear.

Psalms 59:11. The Psalmist desires not a sudden victory over the wicked. That might make a great impression at the time and soon be forgotten. He prays rather that they may be gradually displaced, till the Law reigns supreme in Israel.

Psalms 59:14 f. Translate Every evening they come again and howl like a dog. Probably the meaning is that the enemies of the pious make raids on the city by night. tarry: read murmur (LXX).

Related Commentaries of Psalms 59:1

Psalms 59:1-17

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

2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to helpa me, and behold.

5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.

6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.b

10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.c

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

12 For 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.

13 Consume 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.

14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

15 Let them wander up and down for meat,d and grudge if they be not satisfied.

16 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.

17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.