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The Blue Letter Bible

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Psalm 59

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The Book of Psalms

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

PSALM 59

Psa 59:1-17. See on JF & B for 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 Psa 17:7 ).

      2. (Compare Psa 5:5 6:8 ).

      4, 5. prepare--literally, "set themselves as in array."
      awake--(Compare Psa 3:7 7:6 ), appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people ( Psa 9:18 ).

      6, 7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey ( Psa 59:6 ), 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 Psa 64:5.

      8. (Compare Psa 2:4 37:13 ).

      9. By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait" ( Psa 59:17 ).
      defence--(Compare Psa 18:3 ).

      10. prevent me-- ( Psa 21:3 ).
      see my desire--in their overthrow ( Psa 54:7 ).
      enemies--as in Psa 5:8.

      11. Slay them not--at once ( Jdg 2:21-23 ); but perpetuate their punishment ( Gen 4:12 Num 32:13 ), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.

      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 Psa 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 Psa 30:5.

Introduction to Job ← Prior Book
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Commentary on Psalm 58 ← Prior Chapter
Commentary on Psalm 60 Next Chapter →
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