For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice. For no fault of my ownThis phrase underscores the innocence of the psalmist, traditionally attributed to David. The Hebrew root here, "חִנָּם" (chinnam), conveys the idea of being without cause or gratuitously. Historically, David often found himself pursued by enemies, notably King Saul, without justifiable reason. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering unjustly, a motif that resonates with the experiences of many believers who face persecution or trials despite their innocence. It calls Christians to trust in God's justice and timing, even when human justice fails. they move swiftly to attack me
The imagery here is vivid, suggesting urgency and aggression. The Hebrew verb "רוּץ" (ruts) means to run or rush, indicating the relentless pursuit by David's enemies. This can be likened to the spiritual battles Christians face, where adversaries, both physical and spiritual, seem to attack with speed and determination. Historically, David's life was marked by such relentless pursuits, and this phrase captures the intensity of his plight. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12, urging believers to remain vigilant and steadfast. Arise to help me
This plea is a direct appeal to God, invoking His intervention. The Hebrew word "קוּם" (qum) means to arise or stand up, often used in the context of God taking action. It reflects a deep trust in God's power and willingness to save. Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a divine warrior who rises to defend His people. This phrase encourages believers to call upon God in times of distress, trusting in His ability to deliver and protect. and take notice
The psalmist asks God to "take notice," using the Hebrew "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which means to see or perceive. This is not merely a request for God to observe but to act upon what He sees. It reflects the belief that God is not distant or indifferent but is intimately aware of the struggles of His people. In a broader scriptural context, this aligns with the assurance that God sees and cares for His creation, as seen in passages like Exodus 3:7, where God acknowledges the suffering of the Israelites. For Christians, it is a comforting reminder that God is attentive to their cries and is actively involved in their lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 59, David is in a time of distress, pursued by King Saul's men. This psalm is a plea for deliverance from his enemies. 2. SaulThe first king of Israel, who becomes envious of David and seeks to kill him. His pursuit of David is the backdrop for this psalm. 3. EnemiesThe men sent by Saul to watch David's house and kill him. They represent the immediate threat to David's life. 4. GodThe ultimate deliverer and protector whom David calls upon in his time of need. Teaching Points Trust in God's DeliveranceDavid's situation teaches us to rely on God for deliverance in times of trouble. Just as David trusted God amidst his enemies, we too can have confidence in God's protection. God's JusticeThe psalm reflects a belief in God's justice, that He will deal with the wicked. We can rest assured that God sees our struggles and will act in His perfect timing. Prayer in DistressDavid's example shows the importance of turning to God in prayer when faced with adversity. Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God's intervention and peace. Faith Amidst FearDespite the fearsome circumstances, David's faith remains strong. This encourages us to maintain our faith even when we are afraid or uncertain. God's SovereigntyThe psalm underscores God's sovereignty over all situations. Recognizing God's control can bring comfort and assurance in the midst of chaos. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of 1 Samuel 19 enhance our reading of Psalm 59:4? 2. In what ways can we apply David's trust in God to our own lives when facing "enemies" or difficult situations? 3. How does the theme of God's justice in Psalm 59 relate to other scriptures that speak of God's righteousness and judgment? 4. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our prayer life, following David's example in this psalm? 5. How can we find peace in God's sovereignty when we are in situations that seem out of control? 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 18Another psalm of David that echoes themes of deliverance and God's protection against enemies. Romans 8:31This New Testament verse reinforces the idea that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, similar to David's trust in God's protection. People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Arise, Arouse, Attack, Awake, Behold, Fault, Guilt, Meet, Plight, Prepare, Punishment, Quickly, Ready, Rise, Rouse, Run, Sin, Stir, Themselves, Thyself, Wrong, YetDictionary of Bible Themes 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 59:4 NIVPsalm 59:4 NLTPsalm 59:4 ESVPsalm 59:4 NASBPsalm 59:4 KJV
Psalm 59:4 Commentaries
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