PSALM 59

Psalms 59:1-17 . 1 Samuel 19:11 , &c. The scope is very similar to that of the fifty-seventh: prayer in view of malicious and violent foes, and joy in prospect of relief.

1. defend me--(Compare Margin).
rise up . . . me--(Compare Psalms 17:7 ).

2. (Compare Psalms 5:5 , 6:8 ).

4, 5. prepare--literally, "set themselves as in array."
awake--(Compare Psalms 3:7 , 7:6 ), appeals to God in His covenant relation to His people ( Psalms 9:18 ).

6, 7. They are as ravening dogs seeking prey ( Psalms 59:6 ), and as such,
belch out--that is, slanders, their impudent barkings.

7. for who, say they--For the full expression with the supplied words, compare Psalms 64:5 .

8. (Compare Psalms 2:4 , 37:13 ).

9. By judicious expositors, and on good grounds, this is better rendered, "O my strength, on Thee will I wait" ( Psalms 59:17 ).
defence--(Compare Psalms 18:3 ).

10. prevent me--( Psalms 21:3 ).
see my desire--in their overthrow ( Psalms 54:7 ).
enemies--as in Psalms 5:8 .

11. Slay them not--at once ( Judges 2:21-23 ); but perpetuate their punishment ( Genesis 4:12 , Numbers 32:13 ), by scattering or making them wander, and humble them.

12. let them even be . . . taken in their pride--while evincing it--that is, to be punished for their lies, &c.

13. Though delayed for wise reasons, the utter destruction of the wicked must come at last, and God's presence and power in and for His Church will be known abroad ( 1 Samuel 17:46 , Psalms 46:10 Psalms 46:11 ).

14, 15. Meanwhile let the rapacious dogs prowl, they cannot hurt the pious; yea, they shall wander famished and sleepless.

15. grudge if, &c.--literally, "they shall stay all night," that is, obtain nothing.

16, 17. Contrast the lot of God's servant, who employs his time in God's praise.
sing aloud . . . in the morning--when they retire famishing and disappointed, or it may denote delightful diligence in praise, as in Psalms 30:5 .