FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 59
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm
59
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.
[Preliminary
Comments: Yet another historically based Psalm – see
1 Sam 19:11- as David becomes aware of Saul's plans which are
revealed by his daughter. He petitions the Lord to deal with those
against him [v.1-7] and then strengthens himself by the things
he knows about the Lord.]
PART
1: v.1-7: The Evil of the Enemy
v.1,2
David petitions the Lord to save him from whose who would come
against him
v.1
Deliver
me from my enemies, O God;
be my fortress against those who are
attacking me.
v.2 Deliver
me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after
my blood.
v.3,4
He declares he is innocent of any cause for their actions
v.3
See
how they lie in wait for me!
Fierce men conspire against me
for no offense or sin of mine, Lord.
v.4 I
have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
Arise to help me; look on my plight!
v.5
He appeals to the One who established this nation
v.5
You,
Lord
God Almighty,
you who are the God of Israel,
v.5b,6
He calls on Him to deal with these evil ones
rouse
yourself to punish all the nations;
show no mercy to wicked traitors.
v.6
They
return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.
v.7
Their words reveal their arrogance
v.7
See
what they spew from their mouths—
the words from their lips are sharp as
swords,
and they think, “Who can hear us?”
PART
2: v.8-17: The Lord
v.8
But the Lord is not deterred by such people and just mocks them
v.8
But
you laugh at them, Lord;
you scoff at all those nations.
v.9
This God is his strength and protection
v.9
You
are my strength, I watch for you;
you, God, are my fortress,
v.10
He knows the Lord will deliver him
v.10
my God on whom
I can rely.
God
will go before me
and will let me gloat over those who
slander me.
v.11
He asks not for destruction of them, just discipline that is seen
v.11
But
do not kill them, Lord our shield,
or my people will forget.
In your might uproot them
and bring them down.
v.12
May their words reveal what they are like
v.12
For
the sins of their mouths,
for the words of their lips,
let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,
v.13
But yet, deal with and remove their evil natures
v.13
consume them
in your wrath,
consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
that God rules over Jacob.
v.14,15
If not, they will keep coming back
v.14
They
return at evening,
snarling like dogs,
and prowl about the city.
v.15
They
wander about for food
and howl if not satisfied.
v.16,17
Yet he will rejoice in God's strength & love and protection
v.16
But
I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.
v.17
You
are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely.
[Additional
Thoughts: As so often with David's writing, he focuses
first on his enemies [Saul and his followers in this case] and
their wrong doing [v.1-7,12,14,15] but then strengthens himself
by declaring truths about the Lord – God who laughs at the folly
of the world [v.8], who is David's security [v.9,16,17], who is
always there for David [v.10], who is mighty to bring down enemies
[v.11,12], and who rules over Israel [v.13] and thus [implied]
will protect them as a nation and he as the Lord's anointed over
Israel.]
Continue
to Psa 60