Psalms 59:1

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.

1 [a][b]Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.

Psalms 59:1 in Other Translations

KJV
1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
ESV
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me;
NLT
1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.
MSG
1 My God! Rescue me from my enemies, defend me from these mutineers.
CSB
1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

Psalms 59:1 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 59:1

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God
David had his enemies in his youth, notwithstanding the amiableness of his person, the endowments of his mind, his martial achievements, his wise behaviour and conduct, and the presence of God with him; yea, it were some of these things that made Saul his enemy, who, by his power and authority, made others; see ( 1 Samuel 18:5-16 ) . Christ had his enemies, though he went about doing good, both to the bodies and souls of men, continually; the chief priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, were his implacable enemies, and even the people of the Jews in general: and the church of God, and members of it, whom David may represent, have their enemies, sin, Satan, and the world; and as David and Christ, so the church has a covenant God to go unto, from whom deliverance from enemies may be desired and expected;

defend me from them that rise up against me;
or, "set me on high above them" F12; out of their reach, as David was protected from Saul and his men, who rose up in an hostile manner against him; and as Christ was, when raised from the dead, and exalted at his Father's right hand; and as the saints are in great safety, dwelling on high, where their place of defence is the munition of rocks; and therefore it matters not who rise up against them.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (ynbgvt) "statue me in loco alto, i.e. tuto", Vatablus; and to the same sense Piscator, Cocceius, Michaelis, Gejerus.

Psalms 59:1 In-Context

1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. In Hebrew texts 59:1-17 is numbered 59:2-18.
  • [b]. Title: Probably a literary or musical term
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