Psalms 59
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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.
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Commentary
David knew he could confidently call on God to deliver him, for a number of reasons:
1) He is “Lord God Almighty”, God of angel armies. He has spiritual warriors in uncountable numbers to send to the aid of the humblest, weakest person who cries to Him for help.
2) He laughs off the threats against us because He already has the matter in hand. “God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted [or tried] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Cor 10:13).
3) David calls Him “my loving God”, and adds, “I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love.” That is, God’s steadfast love (RSV), His unfailing love, His absolute faithfulness to us each new day.
4) “God will go before me.” Whatever situation we face, God has already met it and will take us through it.
5) God’s reputation is at stake; when He delivers us, says David, “It will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.” The story will spread, and God’s saving power will be evident and honoured.
Garth Bainbridge
Australia
