See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. For beholdThis phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the reader or listener to observe the situation with urgency and seriousness. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is often translated from "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is used to draw attention to something significant. It emphasizes the immediacy and reality of the threat faced by the psalmist, encouraging the reader to recognize the gravity of the situation. they lie in wait for me
The imagery here is of an ambush, suggesting a premeditated and malicious intent. The Hebrew root "אָרַב" (arab) conveys the idea of lurking or lying in ambush, often used in contexts where enemies are plotting harm. This phrase highlights the psalmist's vulnerability and the deceitful nature of his adversaries, who are actively seeking to harm him without just cause. fierce men
The term "fierce" underscores the intensity and aggression of the psalmist's enemies. In Hebrew, "עָז" (az) can mean strong, mighty, or fierce, indicating not only physical strength but also a ruthless disposition. These are not mere opponents; they are formidable and relentless, posing a significant threat to the psalmist's safety and peace. conspire against me
This phrase suggests a deliberate and coordinated effort to harm the psalmist. The Hebrew root "קָשַׁר" (qashar) means to bind or conspire, often used in the context of plotting or scheming. It implies a betrayal or treachery, as these men are not acting alone but are united in their malicious intent, reflecting the psalmist's sense of isolation and betrayal. for no transgression or sin of my own
Here, the psalmist asserts his innocence, emphasizing that the hostility he faces is undeserved. The Hebrew words "פֶּשַׁע" (pesha) for transgression and "חַטָּאָה" (chatta'ah) for sin denote rebellion and moral failure, respectively. By declaring his lack of transgression or sin, the psalmist appeals to God's justice, highlighting the unjust nature of the attacks against him. O LORD
The invocation of "LORD" is a direct appeal to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. In Hebrew, "יְהוָה" (YHWH) is the personal name of God, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness. By calling upon the LORD, the psalmist seeks divine intervention and protection, trusting in God's righteousness and sovereignty to deliver him from his enemies. This appeal reflects a deep faith and reliance on God's character and promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, who is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. This psalm is traditionally attributed to the time when Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, who became jealous of David and sought to kill him. His actions are part of the backdrop for this psalm. 3. Fierce MenThese are the adversaries of David, described as ruthless and unjust in their pursuit of him. 4. God (LORD)The divine protector and judge to whom David appeals for justice and deliverance. 5. ConspiracyThe act of plotting against David, highlighting the unjust and malicious intent of his enemies. Teaching Points Trust in God's JusticeDavid's appeal to God highlights the importance of trusting in divine justice rather than seeking personal revenge. Innocence Before GodDavid asserts his innocence, reminding us to maintain integrity and righteousness even when falsely accused. Prayer in PersecutionLike David, we should turn to prayer when facing unjust treatment, seeking God's intervention and guidance. God as ProtectorRecognize God as our ultimate protector who sees and knows our struggles, and who is capable of delivering us from harm. Endurance in TrialsDavid's situation encourages believers to endure trials with faith, knowing that God is aware of our circumstances and will act in His timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's situation in Psalm 59:3 reflect the broader theme of trusting God in the face of unjust persecution? 2. In what ways can we apply David's example of prayer and reliance on God when we face our own "fierce men" or adversaries today? 3. How does understanding the historical context of 1 Samuel 19 enhance our interpretation of Psalm 59:3? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain our integrity and innocence when falsely accused, as David did? 5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 be applied to our understanding of Psalm 59:3, particularly in dealing with enemies? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 19This chapter provides the historical context for Psalm 59, detailing how Saul sent men to watch David's house to kill him. Psalm 7Another psalm where David appeals to God for deliverance from his enemies, emphasizing his innocence. Romans 12:19This verse speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, which aligns with David's appeal to God for justice. Matthew 5:44Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you, which can be seen as a New Testament reflection on David's reliance on God rather than personal vengeance. People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Ambush, Assembled, Attack, Band, Behold, Conspire, Disobedience, Evil-doing, Fierce, Gather, Gathered, Impudent, Laid, Launch, Lie, Mighty, O, Offense, Ones, Secret, Sin, Soul, Strong, Themselves, Transgression, Wait, WatchingDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:3 5205 alliance
5817 conspiracies
5977 waiting
6206 offence Psalm 59:1-4 5086 David, rise of
8795 persecution, nature of Psalm 59:3-4 5562 suffering, innocent 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 59:3 NIVPsalm 59:3 NLTPsalm 59:3 ESVPsalm 59:3 NASBPsalm 59:3 KJV
Psalm 59:3 Commentaries
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