They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. They return in the evening,This phrase suggests a recurring pattern of behavior, indicating persistence and determination in the actions of the enemies. In the biblical context, evening often symbolizes a time of danger or evil (e.g., Genesis 19:1, when the angels visit Lot in the evening). The enemies' return at this time may imply their intent to operate under the cover of darkness, a common tactic for those with malicious intent. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, where evil often seems to intensify in times of vulnerability or darkness. Zep 3:3 Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves… snarling like dogs In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were not typically seen as beloved pets but rather as scavengers and symbols of impurity. The imagery of snarling dogs conveys aggression, hostility, and a lack of restraint. This description highlights the ferocity and threatening nature of the psalmist's adversaries. Biblically, dogs are often used to depict those who are outside the covenant community or who act in opposition to God's people (e.g., Philippians 3:2). This phrase underscores the relentless and vicious nature of the opposition faced by the righteous. Exo 11:7 But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will… and prowling around the city. The act of prowling suggests stealth and a predatory nature, indicating that the enemies are actively seeking opportunities to cause harm. The city, likely Jerusalem in this context, represents a place of refuge and community for God's people. The enemies' presence around the city signifies a direct threat to the safety and peace of the community. This imagery can be connected to 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is described as a prowling lion seeking someone to devour, emphasizing the constant vigilance required of believers. The historical context of ancient cities, often fortified and protected, highlights the audacity and boldness of these adversaries in their attempts to breach the security of God's people. Lam 4:18 They stalked our every step, so that we could not walk… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 59, David wrote this psalm during a time of distress when King Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency and desperation in his plea to God. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who became envious of David and sought to kill him. Saul's pursuit of David is a backdrop for this psalm, highlighting the theme of unjust persecution. 3. Enemies/Watchers The men sent by Saul to watch David's house and kill him. They represent the immediate threat to David's life and are symbolic of the broader theme of evil and wickedness in the world. Teaching Points Understanding the Nature of EvilPsalm 59:6 describes the enemies as "returning at evening, snarling like dogs." This imagery emphasizes the persistent and aggressive nature of evil. Recognizing this helps believers remain vigilant in prayer and reliance on God. God as Protector Despite the threats, David consistently turns to God for protection. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when facing relentless opposition. Prayer as a Weapon David's response to his enemies is to cry out to God. This underscores the power of prayer as a primary means of spiritual warfare and seeking divine intervention. Righteous Anger vs. Vengeance While David expresses anger towards his enemies, he leaves vengeance to God. This distinction is crucial for Christians, who are called to be angry at sin but not to take revenge. Faith in God's Justice David's confidence that God will deal with his enemies reassures believers that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord, encouraging patience and trust in His timing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Psalm 59 enhance our interpretation of David's plea for deliverance?2. In what ways can we relate David's experience with his enemies to the spiritual battles we face today? 3. How does Psalm 59:6's depiction of the enemies as "snarling like dogs" inform our understanding of the nature of evil? 4. How can we apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to situations where we feel persecuted or threatened? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our response to adversity aligns with David's example of seeking God's protection and justice? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 19This chapter provides the historical context for Psalm 59, detailing how Saul sent men to David's house to kill him, and how David's wife Michal helped him escape. Psalm 22 Like Psalm 59, this psalm is a cry for deliverance from enemies. It also foreshadows the suffering of Christ, drawing a parallel between David's plight and the ultimate deliverance through Jesus. Matthew 5:44 Jesus' teaching to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you offers a New Testament perspective on dealing with adversaries, contrasting with the imprecatory nature of some of David's psalms.
People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Dog, Dogs, Evening, Howl, Howling, Noise, Prowl, Prowling, Return, Round, Snarling, Town, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:6Library 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 Scripture Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life Wherefore this do Ye, virgins of God, this do Ye... St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh. Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word... Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. The King --Continued. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; 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 Psalms Links Psalm 59:6 NIVPsalm 59:6 NLT Psalm 59:6 ESV Psalm 59:6 NASB Psalm 59:6 KJV Psalm 59:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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