Psalms 59

Ps 59:1-17.

See on

Ps 57:1,

title, and for history,

1Sa 19:11,

&c. The scope is very similar to that of the fifty-seventh: prayer in

view of malicious and violent foes, and joy in prospect of relief.

1. defend me--(Compare Margin).

rise up . . . me--(Compare

Ps 17:7).

2. (Compare

Ps 5:5; 6:8).

4, 5. prepare, &c.--literally, "set themselves as in array."

awake--(Compare

Ps 3:7; 7:6),

appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people

(Ps 9:18).

6, 7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey, and as such,

belch out--that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.

7. for who, say they--For the full expression with the supplied words,

compare

Ps 64:5.

8. (Compare

Ps 2:4; 37:13).

9. By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better

rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait"

(Ps 59:17).

defence--(Compare

Ps 18:3).

10. prevent me--

(Ps 21:3).

see my desire--in their overthrow

(Ps 54:7).

enemies--as in

Ps 5:8.

11. Slay them not--at once

(Jud 2:21-23);

but perpetuate their punishment

(Ge 4:12;

Nu 32:13),

12. let them even be . . . taken in their pride--while evincing

it--that is, to be punished for their lies, &c.

13. Though delayed for wise reasons, the utter destruction of the

wicked must come at last, and God's presence and power in and for His

Church will be known abroad

(1Sa 17:46;

Ps 46:10, 11).

14, 15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt

the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.

15. grudge if, &c.--literally, "they shall stay all night," that is,

obtain nothing.

16, 17. Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in

God's praise.

sing aloud . . . in the morning--when they retire famishing and

disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in

Ps 30:5.