They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. They return at eveningThis phrase suggests a cyclical pattern of behavior, indicating persistence and relentlessness. In the Hebrew context, the word "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) often implies a repetitive action, akin to a dogged pursuit. Historically, this could reflect the constant threats faced by David from his enemies, who were relentless in their pursuit. The evening time may symbolize a period of vulnerability or darkness, a time when evil deeds are often carried out, reflecting the spiritual battles believers face. snarling like dogs
The imagery of "snarling like dogs" evokes a sense of aggression and hostility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were not the domesticated pets we know today but were often seen as scavengers, representing uncleanliness and danger. The Hebrew word for "snarling" (הָמָה, hamah) conveys a sense of growling or roaring, emphasizing the threatening nature of David's adversaries. This metaphor highlights the ferocity and intimidation tactics used by those who oppose God's anointed, reminding believers of the spiritual warfare they encounter. and prowling around the city
The phrase "prowling around the city" suggests a stealthy and insidious threat. The Hebrew verb used here (סָבַב, sabab) means to encircle or surround, indicating a siege-like situation. Historically, cities were fortified places of refuge, and to prowl around them implies a breach of security and peace. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual forces that seek to infiltrate and disrupt the lives of the faithful. It serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to guard one's spiritual life against such encroachments. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, who is seeking deliverance from his enemies. This psalm is attributed to David during a time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. 2. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, often representing those who oppose God's anointed and righteous people. They are depicted as relentless and vicious, like snarling dogs. 3. CityLikely referring to Jerusalem or a similar setting where David's enemies are prowling. The city represents a place of both refuge and threat, depending on the presence of enemies. 4. EveningThe time of day when the enemies return, symbolizing a period of darkness and danger, often associated with evil deeds. 5. DogsIn the cultural context, dogs were not seen as pets but as scavengers, symbolizing impurity and aggression. This imagery is used to describe the nature of David's enemies. Teaching Points Vigilance in Spiritual WarfareJust as David's enemies returned in the evening, believers must be vigilant against spiritual attacks that can come at unexpected times. Trust in God's ProtectionDespite the prowling enemies, David's psalm is ultimately a declaration of trust in God's deliverance. Believers can find comfort in God's protection against adversaries. Recognizing the Nature of OppositionUnderstanding the nature of our spiritual enemies, as depicted by the imagery of snarling dogs, helps us to be prepared and rely on God's strength. Prayer as a Response to ThreatsDavid's response to his enemies is to turn to God in prayer. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble. The Reality of EvilThe psalm acknowledges the presence and persistence of evil in the world, reminding believers to remain steadfast in faith and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of "snarling like dogs" help us understand the nature of David's enemies, and how can this apply to our understanding of spiritual warfare today? 2. In what ways does the historical context of 1 Samuel 19 enhance our understanding of Psalm 59:14? 3. How can we apply the principle of vigilance in our daily spiritual lives, especially in times of darkness or difficulty? 4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate trust in God's protection when facing opposition or threats? 5. How does the concept of prayer as a response to danger in Psalm 59 inspire us to handle our own challenges and adversities? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 22:16This verse also uses the imagery of dogs to describe enemies, highlighting their viciousness and the threat they pose to the righteous. 1 Samuel 19The historical context of this psalm can be found in the account of Saul's pursuit of David, where Saul's men are sent to watch David's house. Matthew 7:6Jesus uses the metaphor of dogs to describe those who are hostile to the gospel, emphasizing discernment in dealing with opposition. People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Dog, Dogs, Evening, Howl, Howling, Noise, Prowl, Prowling, Return, Round, Snarling, Town, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:14 4630 dog Library Waiting and Singing
'Because of his strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defence.... 17. Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.'--PSALM lix. 9, 17. There is an obvious correspondence between these two verses even as they stand in our translation, and still more obviously in the Hebrew. You observe that in the former verse the words 'because of' are a supplement inserted by our translators, because they did not exactly know what to make of the bare words as they …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureOf Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life
I will acknowledge my sin unto Thee;(1) I will confess to Thee, Lord, my infirmity. It is often a small thing which casteth me down and maketh me sad. I resolve that I will act bravely, but when a little temptation cometh, immediately I am in a great strait. Wonderfully small sometimes is the matter whence a grievous temptation cometh, and whilst I imagine myself safe for a little space; when I am not considering, I find myself often almost overcome by a little puff of wind. 2. Behold, therefore, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Wherefore this do Ye, virgins of God, this do Ye...
53. Wherefore this do ye, virgins of God, this do ye: follow ye the Lamb, whithersoever He shall have gone. But first come unto Him, Whom ye are to follow, and learn, in that He is meek and lowly of heart. Come ye in lowly wise unto the Lowly, if ye love: and depart not from Him, lest ye fall. For whoso fears to depart from Him asks and says, "Let there not come to me foot of pride." [2214] Go on in the way of loftiness with the foot of lowliness; Himself lifteth up such as follow in lowly wise, …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh.
16. (10). At that time an episcopal see was vacant,[321] and had long been vacant, because Malachy would not assent: for they had elected him to it.[322] But they persisted, and at length he yielded when their entreaties were enforced by the command of his teacher,[323] together with that of the metropolitan.[324] It was when he was just entering the thirtieth year of his age,[325] that he was consecrated bishop and brought to Connor; for that was the name of the city through ignorance of Irish ecclesiastical …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word...
18. Whence also the just of old, before the Incarnation of the Word, in this faith of Christ, and in this true righteousness, (which thing Christ is unto us,) were justified; believing this to come which we believe come: and they themselves by grace were saved through faith, not of themselves, but by the gift of God, not of works, lest haply they should be lifted up. [2679] For their good works did not come before God's mercy, but followed it. For to them was it said, and by them written, long ere …
St. Augustine—On Patience Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500
In the second period of the history of the Church under the Christian Empire, the Church, although existing in two divisions of the Empire and experiencing very different political fortunes, may still be regarded as forming a whole. The theological controversies distracting the Church, although different in the two halves of the Graeco-Roman world, were felt to some extent in both divisions of the Empire and not merely in the one in which they were principally fought out; and in the condemnation …
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 59:14 NIVPsalm 59:14 NLTPsalm 59:14 ESVPsalm 59:14 NASBPsalm 59:14 KJV
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