Psalm 59

1. This psalm, if the superscription is correct, shows us the power of a negative memory. Most scholars believe that the psalm was written after David became king of Israel, but it points back to a time when Saul looked to kill the young man (First Samuel 19). We often have similar “negative flashbacks,” recalling a bad time in our life after we seemingly have moved beyond it. As with many other psalms, David pleads with God to take away his enemies and asks the Lord for deliverance (clearly seen in verse 1).

2. As he has done several times, David again enters a plea of “innocent” (verses 3-4). He is not saying he is perfect, but, rather that he is being attacked (or ambushed) for a reason that is not legitimate. I find the use of the word “ambush” to be significant. It is is as if David felt trapped on all sides and as if things quickly came upon him. It is again interesting to note that this psalm is written about a memory; so, it seemed this way in his mind.

3. Verse 5 contains an interesting statement about God’s justice. David knows that God treats sinners equally, so he asks God to punish these evildoers. Usually we think of God’s justice when it comes to treating righteous people without prejudice.

4. Verse 7 contains one of the most uncouth descriptions in all the Psalms of David’s enemies: “They belch forth with their mouth.” These men were not worried about manners or proper custom.

5. In verses 9 and 10, David admits that he has some power, but that God is the One Who is truly powerful enough to overthrow these enemies. Because of that realization, David puts his trust in the Lord.

6. Again, in verse 12, David admits that he is only asking for this work of God because those who are against him are evil. He is not asking simply out of dislike or being uncomfortable. Instead, these enemies are prideful and sinful, and David knows they need to be punished.

7. Verses 14 and 15 show us how persistent these enemies were. This was not a one-time attack. They had continually come upon David and he was tired of trying to fight alone.

8. As he has done several times, David ends this psalm of lament by singing a praise to God as if he has already been delivered (verses 16-17). He promises through these words to sing to others about what God has done. In this psalm, though, the words are not “as if” he had been delivered. Remember that this is written later, so David had been delivered!