Psalm 59: God Is My Defense

Psalm 59 can be accurately assigned to a specific event in the life of David.

The psalm was written when Saul sent men to watch David’s house and kill him. David vividly paints a picture of his enemies lying in wait.

He asserts his innocence as he has done nothing to warrant such action.

He knows God will protect him and show his foes no mercy.

Court officers came to the house repeatedly to carry out the orders of Saul, as seen in verses 6 and 14: “They return at evening” (v. 6). To make sure David did not escape, patrols went “round about the city” (v. 14). The guards think no one can hear them (v. 7), but God knows their every move. They think they can secretly advance on David, but God laughs at their feeble attempts. David is willing to wait for God to intervene rather than fight the current battle in his own strength. He is convinced God eventually will allow him to see the retribution awaiting these officers. Perhaps in time, they might see the error of their ways and repent, so he asks they not be slain outright. David abhors Israel’s lawlessness, which allows such a travesty of justice. He wants these merchants of death, so confident of success, to be confounded.

The men surrounding Saul are proud.

They routinely curse and lie as befits men with no moral compass.

Eventually, they will see “that God is the universal sovereign, punishing wickedness and rewarding righteousness.” Expanding the imagery of hungry dogs howling for prey (v. 14), David asks God to “let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied” (v. 15). Though they search all night, David will not be found.

While the wicked do their deeds in the black of night, David offers his gratitude “in the morning” (v. 16), in the light of day, for all to see.

The psalm ends with David attributing his deliverance to God, even though he used the skills given to him to effect a successful retreat (v. 17). “Father, lead me day by day, / Ever in Thine own sweet way; / Teach me to be pure and true; / Show me what I ought to do.”