Psalms
Summary
Psalm 59 is a prayer for protection from treacherous enemies, written when Saul's men watched David's house to kill him. He describes his foes as "bloody men" who prowl like "dogs" around the city at evening, snarling and sniffing for prey. David contrasts their "swords in their lips" with his own confidence in God's protection. The psalm features the recurring declaration: "I will sing of your power... for you have been my high tower and refuge in the day of my trouble." It is a powerful witness to finding security in God when surrounded by those who "belch out" evil words.
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men.
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.
They run and prepare themselves though I have done no wrong; awake to help me, and behold.
You therefore, O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the nations; be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
They return at evening; they make a noise like a dog and go round about the city.
Behold, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips; for "Who," they say, "does hear?"
But you, O LORD, shall laugh at them; you shall have all the nations in derision.
Because of his strength I will wait upon you; for God is my high tower.
The God of my mercy shall go before me; God shall let me see victory over my enemies.
Do not slay them, lest my people forget; scatter them by your power and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride, and for the cursing and lying which they speak.
Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be; and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah.
And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog and go round about the city.
Let them wander up and down for food and growl if they are not satisfied.
But I will sing of your power; yes, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning; for you have been my high tower and refuge in the day of my trouble.
To you, O my strength, will I sing; for God is my high tower and the God of my mercy.