The setting of this psalm is when Saul sent messengers to watch David at his house, and his wife, Michal, helped him escape and delayed the man hunt by disguising an idol on David’s bed. This psalm reflects that urgency of needing God and that trust in God for deliverance.
Commentary:
Psalm 59:1-2. David cried out to God for deliverance. In this dangerous and urgent situation, David depended on God.
Psalm 59:3-4. David declared his innocence in this situation. Of course, David had transgression and sin, but they were not the reason for this attack. David was guiltless when it came to Saul’s desire to kill him.
Psalm 59:5. David asked God to awake. It was not like David thought that God has been sleeping. But David was employing a language that was likely common at the time. Elijah asked the prophets of Baal if their God was sleeping (1Kings 18:27). It was David’s urgency that needed God’s quick response.
David wanted justice not only for himself but for the nation of Israel. At the time, Israel was still under the threat of surrounding nations. He wanted God to uphold justice.
Psalm 59:6-8. The lawless people were ruthless. David compared them to the dogs at the night. They were not afraid of anyone and ruled the city. Little they were aware that God laughed at them.
Psalm 59: 9-10. The phrase “because of his strength” should read “because of my strength.” This strength of David is God. This description echoes the idea that God is his stronghold.
David was certain that God would meet him and that he would look triumphantly on his foes. This became truth when David escaped to Samuel, the prophet. Saul and his men pursued him there. Upon seeing Samuel, they were overcome by the Spirit and prophesized instead of trying to capture David. Saul even stripped himself completely. Saul and his men, the foes of David, were totally powerless in front of God (1Sam 19).
Psalm 59:11-13. David prayed for a slow destruction of the enemy. It took twenty years for Saul to crumble. The slow destruction served as a warning for others who had contempt over God’s anointed.
Psalm 59:14-17. The anointed of God would find strength in God when there was not any evidence of such. They would depend on God even when the dark forces reigned. Their trust was based upon the lovingkindness of God. God would be the daylight that drives the darkness and the dogs away.
Meditation:
Is God your strength in the night? In your darkest hour, do you know for sure that God would deliver? In order to answer positively, you need to exercise the faith muscle. Start by resolving to live for Him. Depend on the Lord for the small things now. Then sing praises to God before and after the deliverance.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for listening to our cry of deliverance. You are our strength in the night and our stronghold in our distress. We pray that we know you more. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.