Psalm 59 explained: Rescue from Enemies Who Prowl

A cry for rescue (vv. 1-5)

The psalm's heading links it to the night King Saul sent men to watch David's house so they could kill him in the morning (1 Samuel 19:11). The speaker insists he has done nothing to deserve this and asks God, as Israel's God and judge, to step in and punish the guilty.

Enemies like stray dogs (vv. 6-8)

In ancient towns, packs of half-wild dogs scavenged the streets at night, so this is a harsh picture of the attackers circling the city and spreading words that cut like swords. They act as if no one, not even God, is listening, but the psalm pictures God laughing at their arrogance.

God as a high fortress (vv. 9-10)

The image is a walled stronghold on high ground that enemies cannot reach. The speaker trusts that God will act on his behalf and let him see the people slandering him defeated.

Bring them down, but slowly (vv. 11-13)

He asks God not to kill them at once but to scatter and humble them, so people will not forget the lesson, then asks God to finish them off in anger. This is a raw prayer for the enemy's ruin, and readers have long noticed the tension between its two requests; it may simply mean destroy their power in a way everyone can see.

Howling at night, singing at dawn (vv. 14-17)

The dog picture returns, but now the enemies wander hungry and come away with nothing. In contrast the speaker greets the morning with a song about God's strength and love, repeating the earlier line about God as his fortress.

Key verse: Psalm 59:16

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on how to treat this psalm's prayers for enemies to be destroyed: some see them as honest anger rightly handed over to God, while others see them as a stage that Jesus' teaching to love and pray for enemies moves beyond.

Something to think about

When you feel wronged, is it better to say your anger out loud, even in harsh words, as this psalm does, or to keep it to yourself?