This psalm is believed to have been authored by David upon learning of Saul’s plot to take his life. Despite David’s suspicions about Saul, Jonathan, Saul’s son, initially did not entertain the idea of his father’s ill intentions towards his friend. However, as time passed, Jonathan too realized the true nature of his father’s intentions and assisted David in his escape from Saul. This marked the beginning of David’s life as a fugitive, constantly on the run for his safety (1 Samuel 19).
Deliver Me From My Enemies
Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me
Psalm 59:1-3 (NIV)
for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
David fervently implored God to rescue him from his adversaries once he comprehended the evil intentions of Saul and his commanders. Expressing his dismay at their unjust actions, David highlighted his unwavering loyalty to Saul and his household, as well as his continuous efforts to combat the enemies of God’s people. Rather than merely serving Saul, David devoted himself to serving God by vanquishing those who sought to defame His name. David acknowledged his inability to comprehend the rationale behind their behaviour, yet instead of questioning God, he entreated Him to intervene, irrespective of the cause.
It is a remarkable lesson for us to acknowledge that understanding the cause of our circumstances may not offer a resolution. Many individuals earnestly inquire of the clergy the reasons behind their hardships, only to be met with blame, whether as sinners themselves or as victims of demonic forces. Some assert that darkness and evil spirits have overtaken their homes. Rather than dispelling the problem, these leaders guide people to recognize and dwell on their issues, visiting them frequently and extracting monetary benefit from the poor soul. Whether our problems are small or large, we may not always grasp their roots, making it wise to entrust the entire situation to the hands of God.
Informing God of The State Of the Affair
I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.
Psalm 59:4-5 (NIV)
Well before we appeal to Him in prayer, God is already aware of our situation. Jesus emphasized this truth when his disciples inquired about how to pray (Matthew 6:8). God perceives our hearts, not just our outward appearance. He knows the intentions of everyone, even before they are expressed in words or actions. It is presumptuous to assume that God is unaware of what is unfolding, and even more so to attempt to instruct Him on the circumstances and what courses of action to take.
God chose to establish a Kingdom for David and guided him from his days as a shepherd for his father’s flock. It was God who revealed to David the malicious intentions of Saul and enabled his escape. However, David’s lack of awareness led him to seek God’s intervention. God is always benevolent, understanding our circumstances and safeguarding us in remarkable ways. While God disclosed David’s predicament, He often manages our affairs without our knowledge.
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus did not need to brief God on His unbearable condition. Knowing that His Father knew all, He simply asked for the burden to be removed, if it was His will. It has unfortunately become a habit among the people of God to publicly recount the atrocities committed by people or the Government, sowing seeds of hatred in the hearts of non-believers. However, we must comprehend that God may not alter the situation for reasons known only to Him, yet He will undoubtedly strengthen us to endure it. When Jesus submitted to the will of His Father, an angel from heaven appeared and gave Him strength (Luke 22:43).
God Is In Control
They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.
See what they spew from their mouths — the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” But you laugh at them, LORD;
you scoff at all those nations.
Psalm 59:6-8 (NIV)
The Psalmist diligently recounts the daily activities of the evildoers to God. He observes their comings and goings during the daytime and notes their return to the dwellings of the people in the evening, where they snarl like dogs and prowl about the city, seeking opportunities to inflict emotional harm with their harsh words. Peter similarly describes the devil in his epistle, drawing a parallel to the evildoers, emphasizing that it is not the evildoers themselves, but the devil who has chosen to work through them, prowling about like a predator.
Once the evildoers fall prey to the forces of darkness, they become unaware of their words and actions. Their senses are nullified, allowing the darkness to possess and manipulate them. The darkness veils their perception, leading them to believe that the cries of their victims for mercy go unheard, or that there is no consequence for their evil deeds. However, the psalmist held a deep understanding that God reigns supreme, and he derides those who believe they are beyond His control.
Evil To The Evils
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down.
Psalm 59:9-11 (NIV)
Understanding the sovereign power of God, the Psalmist finds strength in relying on God and feeling His presence before him. It can be challenging for people to place their trust in God and depend solely on Him when no one else is there to help. Many are affected by the treacherous acts of their loved ones, feeling perplexed and unable to realize that God is different and will never forsake them. Furthermore, God allows the devil to roam in our lives, not to harm us but to make us seek shelter. This will happen only if we earnestly trust Him and cling to Him when the devil attacks us, making our loved ones victims.
When we find ourselves among the victims of evil, even though we are not the direct target, we unwittingly absorb the cruelty of the wrongdoers. That is why the Psalmist, despite seeking refuge in God, asked Him not to kill the evildoers but to torment them by uprooting and bringing them down. The Psalmist believed that if God were to simply end their lives, people might forget the severity of their actions. Instead, the Psalmist suggested that God should gradually bring about their downfall so that their victims would rejoice in their eventual defeat.
If we come to God with wicked intentions, instead of responding to our prayers, He will support the wrongdoers. Our lack of understanding and misguided approach to God are what empower evildoers. Consequently, we may question why God is enabling them. However, He fortifies them to showcase His glory through their malevolence.
Pride Goes Before the Fall
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,
Psalm 59:12 (NIV)
God hardens the hearts of those who rely on their wealth, leading them to become proud and forgetful of God. Eventually, God destroys them and erases their name from the face of the earth. However, God grants us more grace, as the Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble” (James 4:6). Whether we pray or not, this is a fundamental principle of God. Verses 13 to 15 may seem redundant, as the Psalmist repeatedly describes the wickedness of evildoers.
My God On Whom I Rely
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. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV)
After encountering the deceitful actions of those around him, the Psalmist concluded that placing his trust in God was the only recourse. When we find ourselves surrounded by people for various reasons, we often lose sight of God. However, when people betray us, we turn to God, recognizing no other secure haven exists. Moreover, faith in God gives rise to heartfelt songs of praise. These songs need not always be accompanied by musical notation, as the Psalmist demonstrated; they can manifest as expressions of joy, with or without formal musical accompaniment. Having lamented the unjust behaviour of the wrongdoers, the Psalmist ultimately resolved to place his trust in God.
Let us respond to God’s warnings without narrating the prevailing, with a clear understanding that God knows our plight even before we make it known. God redeemed the people from their captivity, fully aware of their plight. He sent His only son to save us from eternal death. No one ever asked God to save us from eternal death, as no one was aware of our dreadful end. Hence, there is no need for us to update God on our plight, but believing in His sovereignty, we should always rely on Him.
Heavenly Father,
help us in conquering our anxieties,
enlighten us to discern the genuine nature of those in our midst,
ultimately directing us to seek solace only in you.
The Jordan Valley 
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