Psalm 59 Meaning Explained

A watchman's prayer. Pursued by Saul's men watching his house, David portrays his enemies as howling dogs prowling the city walls at evening. He asks God not to kill them immediately, but to make them a spectacle—to 'bring them down' in such a way that God's rule is known to all nations. It’s a plea for deliverance that serves as a public display of divine sovereignty.

A clear explanation of Psalm 59, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 59 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. 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 help 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.
10. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
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, 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.

Historical Context

Psalm 59, attributed to David, was composed when Saul sent men to watch David’s house, expressing confidence in God’s deliverance.