July 24, 2024

Modern-Day Enemies

Psalm 59

Bentley Borrego
Wednesday's Devo

July 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

July 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

July 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

July 24, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 59:1

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
protect me from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 59

Deliver Me from My Enemies

To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam 1 59:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of David, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.

1  Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
    protect me from those who rise up against me;
2  deliver me from those who work evil,
    and save me from bloodthirsty men.

3  For behold, they lie in wait for my life;
    fierce men stir up strife against me.
For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,
4      for no fault of mine, they run and make ready.
Awake, come to meet me, and see!
5      You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel.
Rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
    spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah

6  Each evening they come back,
    howling like dogs
    and prowling about the city.
7  There they are, bellowing with their mouths
    with swords in their lips—
    for “Who,” they think, 2 59:7 Hebrew lacks they think “will hear us?”

8  But you, O LORD, laugh at them;
    you hold all the nations in derision.
9  O my Strength, I will watch for you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress.
10  My God in his steadfast love 3 59:10 Or The God who shows me steadfast love will meet me;
    God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.

11  Kill them not, lest my people forget;
    make them totter 4 59:11 Or wander by your power and bring them down,
    O Lord, our shield!
12  For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,
    let them be trapped in their pride.
For the cursing and lies that they utter,
13      consume them in wrath;
    consume them till they are no more,
that they may know that God rules over Jacob
    to the ends of the earth. Selah

14  Each evening they come back,
    howling like dogs
    and prowling about the city.
15  They wander about for food
    and growl if they do not get their fill.

16  But I will sing of your strength;
    I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.
For you have been to me a fortress
    and a refuge in the day of my distress.
17  O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,
    for you, O God, are my fortress,
    the God who shows me steadfast love.

Footnotes

[1] 59:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[2] 59:7 Hebrew lacks they think
[3] 59:10 Or The God who shows me steadfast love
[4] 59:11 Or wander
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #29: Pride

Fact: Pride

Pride (59:12) is the opposite of humility. It means putting excessive confidence in one’s own abilities, wealth, or position. Pride causes a person to crave the glory and honor that belong only to God.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 59:5 Nations (see v. 8) usually refers to Gentiles. The title, however, sets the psalm in a situation in which the enemies are Israelites. The psalm describes these Israelites who sought to kill David as acting like Gentiles (see note on 54:3).

Study Notes

Ps. 59:6 The singer’s enemies are howling like dogs, prowling about the city like a pack of semi-wild scavengers. Thus they posed a danger to any human who might venture out alone in the evening. But God is greater than these enemies. He can easily thwart their schemes (vv. 8–10).

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #29: Pride

Fact: Pride

Pride (59:12) is the opposite of humility. It means putting excessive confidence in one’s own abilities, wealth, or position. Pride causes a person to crave the glory and honor that belong only to God.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 59. This is an individual lament, seeking God’s protection from enemies who threaten the faithful person’s life. The title connects the psalm to 1 Sam. 19:11, where David escaped from Saul’s men through a window. The psalm is geared for the particular case in which the hostility is “for no fault of mine” (Ps. 59:4). The song has two sections (vv. 1–10, 11–17). The first section is a cry for help, and the second section expresses confidence that God will protect the singer.

Ps. 59:11–17 The basic request is that God will bring judgment on these people in such a way that all people, both in Israel (my people, v. 11) and elsewhere (to the ends of the earth, v. 13), may know that a just, loving, and mighty God rules over Jacob and protects his faithful.

S3:144 Psalm 59

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 59

Have you ever felt like everyone and everything is out to get you? Feeling like the Lord has somehow placed a target on your back? If so, you're not alone. David understood firsthand what it meant to be persecuted for playing on God's team.

Today, we live in a world filled with enemies of God. As believers entrusted with the message of the gospel, many see us as a disease to be eradicated. The sin-sick culture around us doesn't just want to discredit the gospel, it wants to eliminate it—along with its proponents. But this shouldn't surprise us. For followers of Jesus, Paul knew that persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel are inevitable realities.

So if suffering in this life is certain, then we can expect it, and if we expect it, then we can prepare for it. And when it comes, we can face it, and fight it—clothed in the armor of God with the most formidable weapon at our disposal—direct, uninterrupted access to the Father. "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

When we choose to call upon the Lord in seasons of suffering like David does here, we must be alert to our heart's posture. As believers, we should be more concerned with the advancement of God's kingdom than we are with the easing of our own trials. This means we should not limit God by simply asking for our thorn to be removed. Instead, we should submit our circumstances to His perfect will and seek strength to persevere regardless of timing or outcome so that, through our perseverance, His name will be glorified.

His day is coming, friends—when pain is gone, and death shall be no more (Revelation 21:4). As we wade through the trenches this side of heaven and take fire from the enemies of the gospel, may we root ourselves on the Rock, as David did. In His arms, we will not be overwhelmed, we will not be burned (Isaiah 43:2).

This month's memory verse

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

– Romans 15:13

Discussion Questions

1. To whom or what do you run in times of trouble?

2. What attributes of God does David lean on in times of suffering? How would it change your life if you viewed God as David did?

3. Why is it difficult to see our suffering through the lens of God's glory?

4. The enemy has been trying to destroy God's people (and God's Messiah) since the beginning of time. How does it encourage you to look back on God's sovereignty and power through suffering? Why, after knowing these things, do we still doubt?

5. What if soldiers on the battlefield stopped advancing because their boots were uncomfortable? Do we stop advancing the gospel for equally trivial reasons? Or do we lay down our lives for Jesus?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

3rd Psalm in a row where God’s glory will reach or be seen to the ends of the earth in Psalm 57:11, Psalm 58:5,11, Psalm 59:13 6th Psalm in a series of 7 Psalms about specified enemies coming in on the big finish next and looking to the future. This song is inspired by a time Saul sent some men on a snatch and grab mission to get David. Saul’s agents come to David’s house and even bed. And David is moved to sing about God’s global glory. David paints them as prowling dogs in the city. They growl. I sing. Famous last words: "Who,” they think, “will hear us?”? They think God doesn't see or hear. He does. "Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter". The word for totter is sometimes translated move as in “Will not be moved” for the opposite. Those who trust in God will not be moved or totter. In Psalm 59, the repeated, similar, contrasting, related words emphasize the psalmist's plea for deliverance from enemies, his trust in God's protection, and his praise for God's steadfast love. Key repetitions include: "Deliver" / "Save" / "Enemies": (verses 1-2) "Lie in wait" / "Attack" / "Mighty": (verses 3-4) "Lord" / "Laugh" / "Scoff": (verse 8) "Strength" / "Fortress" / "Refuge": (verses 9, 16-17) "Love" / "Morning" / "Sing": (verses 16-17) The repetition of these phrases underscores the psalmist's urgent plea for deliverance, his confidence in God's protection, and his commitment to praise God's steadfast love. This is yet another of David's songs inspired by specific enemies with a promise of world wide glory for God. "...consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah..."
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Bentley, what a cool name. Feeling like the Lord has somehow placed a target on your back? Yes. Literally at times. Figurative targets other times. A Miktam of David When Saul Sent Men To Watch His House In Order to Kill Him. AKA when all the men Saul sent hunting for David to kill him prophesied and not to be out done by his men Saul was led by the spirit to prophesy naked. AKA 1 Samuel 19:24. And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It seems like everyone mentioned in this chapter is filled with the Holy Spirit and led to prophecy. No details on the prophetic words that are spoken. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;     protect me from those who rise up against me;   deliver me from those who work evil,     and save me from bloodthirsty men. Psalm 59:1-2 No doubt about who David is talking about-Saul and his men. For behold, they lie in wait for my life;     fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,       for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! Psalm 59:3-4 Still singing about the same fella’s You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations;     spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah Psalm 59:5 Is David being prophetic here concerning, all, the nations as Saul and his men were being prophetic in the narrative? I think he is. And he’s highlighting the blind spot that he has of himself in doing so. He will rape Uriah’s wife. Then he will cover the act by not only having Uriah killed in battle but all the men around also in a constructed bloodbath. Then God will spare David but the child he will conceive will die due to his sin. David is always getting off. David is always rescued. So as a prophesy it can be read applying the opening questions of Psalm 58 and personalizing them to David. (David) Do you indeed decree what is right, you god? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your heart you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. Psalm 58:1-2 edited Something about the sons of God and how they are dealt with will have to happen before the following prophecy can happen among the nations. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;     surely there is a God who judges on earth.” Psalm 58:11 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Luke 24:44 Something like that.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Bentley, thank you for your deeper dive today pointing out David’s dependence on the Lord, calling out to him while Saul’s men were coming for his life. It’s so interesting to me that David recounts the way his enemies words affect him. In verse 59:7 he says their words are like “swords from their lips” and in verse 59:12 David calls out “the sins of their mouths.” David, Gods warrior man, needed to seek Gods refuge when he was emotionally affected by the words of enemy. Wow! What a great reminder that our words have power! God made it that way. I need to use my words to: - build up 1 Thess 5: 11-24 - show gentleness instead of harshness Proverbs 15:1 - restore gently Galatians 6:1
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you so much, Bentley! Most of us don't have enemies breathing down our necks like David did, but we ALL have spiritual, demonic enemies wanting to take us out. Just as David turned to the Lord in trust, completely confident that God Almighty was bigger and stronger and more powerful than his enemies, we need to trust Him to protect and guard us in spiritual warfare. David paid attention to his enemies' strategies and reacted accordingly. We need to as well. Which is why I am REALLY looking forward to Jonathan "JP" Pokluda's book coming out in January, "Your Story Has a Villain."
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God. 2. Strength and confidence are two attributes of God David leans on in times of suffering. For me, I lean on God’s strength and confidence and see great results too. 3. Suffering sometimes feels like we failed or we made mistakes. 4. God has worked hard for good things. And doubt still occurs because we don’t want to be misunderstood by God. 5. They could be captured or be killed. When advancing the gospel, it is always best to relate it to the person who is receiving it and help them be empowered with the gospel. We shouldn’t worry with trivial things if we can help someone live a better life. We should definitely keep Jesus in mind as we discuss the gospel with others. Bentley - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point, “When we choose to call upon the Lord in seasons of suffering like David does here, we must be alert to our heart's posture. As believers, we should be more concerned with the advancement of God's kingdom than we are with the easing of our own trials. This means we should not limit God by simply asking for our thorn to be removed. Instead, we should submit our circumstances to His perfect will and seek strength to persevere regardless of timing or outcome so that, through our perseverance, His name will be glorified”. Excellent!