But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. But I will sing of Your strengthThe psalmist begins with a declaration of intent to sing, which in Hebrew is "ashirah," a form of the verb "shar," meaning to sing or to praise. This act of singing is not merely a musical expression but a profound declaration of faith and trust in God's power. The word "strength" in Hebrew is "oz," which signifies might, power, and boldness. In the context of David's life, this strength is not just physical but also spiritual, representing God's ability to protect and deliver. Historically, David faced numerous adversities, and his reliance on God's strength was a recurring theme in his life and psalms. and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning
The phrase "proclaim Your loving devotion" uses the Hebrew word "chesed," which is often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, or steadfast love. This word is rich in meaning, encompassing God's covenantal faithfulness and unwavering love for His people. The act of proclaiming, "agid," suggests a public declaration or testimony, emphasizing the importance of sharing God's faithfulness with others. "In the morning" signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, and the renewal of God's mercies, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23. It reflects the psalmist's confidence that each day brings a renewed experience of God's love and faithfulness. For You are my fortress
The term "fortress" in Hebrew is "misgav," which denotes a high place of refuge, a stronghold, or a secure height. This imagery is powerful, evoking the idea of God as a place of safety and protection against enemies. In ancient times, a fortress was a critical defense structure, often situated on elevated ground to provide a strategic advantage. Spiritually, this metaphor illustrates God's role as a protector and defender of His people, offering security and peace amidst life's battles. my refuge in times of trouble
"Refuge" is translated from the Hebrew word "manos," meaning a place of escape or shelter. This concept is central to the psalms, where God is frequently depicted as a refuge for the oppressed and those in distress. "Times of trouble" refers to periods of adversity and hardship, which are inevitable in life. The psalmist's acknowledgment of God as a refuge underscores a deep trust in God's provision and care, even when circumstances are dire. This assurance is a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to seek God as their ultimate source of comfort and protection. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this Psalm, who often found himself in dire situations, relying on God's strength and protection. 2. SaulThe King of Israel during David's time, who sought to kill David, prompting many of David's pleas for deliverance. 3. EnemiesThe adversaries of David, often representing broader spiritual or physical threats faced by believers. 4. God as FortressA recurring theme in the Psalms, where God is depicted as a place of safety and protection. 5. MorningSymbolic of new beginnings and hope, often used in the Psalms to signify renewal and God's faithfulness. Teaching Points God's Strength and ProtectionRecognize that God is our ultimate source of strength and protection, much like a fortress that shields us from harm. Morning DevotionBegin each day by acknowledging God's loving devotion and strength, setting a tone of gratitude and reliance on Him. Facing Adversity with FaithIn times of trouble, turn to God as your refuge, trusting in His ability to deliver and sustain you. Proclaiming God's FaithfulnessMake it a practice to verbally declare God's faithfulness and loving devotion, reinforcing your faith and encouraging others. Spiritual WarfareEquip yourself with the knowledge of God's strength and protection as you face spiritual battles, drawing parallels to the armor of God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God as a fortress change the way you approach challenges in your life? 2. In what ways can you incorporate morning devotion into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with God? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection. How did it impact your faith? 4. How can proclaiming God's loving devotion to others serve as a testimony of His faithfulness? 5. What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's strength rather than your own in times of trouble? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:2This verse also describes God as a fortress and deliverer, emphasizing His role as a protector. Psalm 92:2Highlights the importance of declaring God's loving devotion in the morning, similar to Psalm 59:16. Lamentations 3:22-23Speaks of God's mercies being new every morning, aligning with the theme of morning renewal. Ephesians 6:10Encourages believers to be strong in the Lord, connecting to the theme of God's strength. Philippians 4:13Affirms that believers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, echoing the reliance on divine strength. People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Adversity, Aloud, Cries, Defence, Defense, Distress, Fortress, Hast, Joy, Joyfully, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Morn, Morning, Power, Refuge, Sing, Songs, Steadfast, Strength, Stronghold, Tower, Trouble, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:16 4954 morning
5490 refuge
5491 refugees
5562 suffering, innocent
8150 revival, personal
8665 praise, reasons Psalm 59:16-17 1240 God, the Rock
5316 fortress
7960 singing 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 59:16 NIVPsalm 59:16 NLTPsalm 59:16 ESVPsalm 59:16 NASBPsalm 59:16 KJV
Psalm 59:16 Commentaries
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