Psalms 59:1

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies.

1 1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; 2Set me securely on high away 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 my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from those who do iniquity And save me from men of bloodshed.
3 For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD ,
4 For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me. Arouse Yourself to help me, and see!
5 You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity. Selah.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 143:9
  • 2. Psalms 20:1; Psalms 69:29

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "May You put me in an inaccessibly high place"
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.