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Psalms 59:11-15

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

11. Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. 12. [For] the sin of their mouth [and] the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying [which] they speak. 13. Consume [them] in wrath, consume [them], that they [may] not [be]: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah. 14. And at evening let them return; [and] let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. 15. Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

Psalms 59:11-15 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 59:11

Theological / Devotional

Slay them not. That is, not immediately. Cain was allowed to wander on earth as a living example of the wretched consequences of hate and murder (see Gen. 4:12–14). Ps. 59:11 begins the second section of the psalm. Verses 11–15 contain a series of strong imprecations, calling for a gradual bringing of retribution upon the wicked enemies of the psalmist, perhaps that time may be given for men to see the full consequences of sin (see on v. 5).

My people. An expression suggesting the psalmist’s tender regard for Israel. He feels that the entire nation should be concerned over the general lawlessness.

Forget. When we have enjoyed complete deliverance, we tend to forget the dangers from which we have been delivered (see Ps. 78:11, 42 ; 106:13, 21; etc.).

Shield. In harmony with Ugaritic usage (see p. 618), the Heb. magen should probably be translated as a verb, “to implore,” “to beseech,” as also elsewhere in the psalms (see on Ps. 84:9). The clause would then be rendered, “We beseech thee, O Lord.”

By SdaBc