Psalm 59

Psalm 59 “They’re back! Please help!” This Psalm is an individual lament and prayer for rescue form God. David sought God’s protection from his many enemies, who were attacking him repeatedly. He was confident that God would defeat them and asked that, instead of killing them, God would let them live on in defeat as an object lesson to other opponents. David seeks God’s protection from his enemies and is confident that God will defeat them. This is a lament Psalm but with a little different structure. So I hope my outline of the Psalm helps give a better understanding and incite to how this worshipful song an praise God will also expressing our frustration and sorrow.

I.    David’s Wicked Foes (59:1–7, 11–15): David is stalked by many enemies looking to ambush him.

             A.  Protect me! (59:1–2): David calls upon God to rescue him.

             B.  Punish them! (59:3–7, 11–15)

                        1.   The reasons (59:3–4, 6–7, 14–15)

                                       a.   They are bloodthirsty (59:3–4, 6, 14–15): They want to kill him.

                                       b.   They are boastful (59:7): They speak filth and think no one can hurt them.

                        2.   The requests (59:5, 11–12)

                                       a.   Show them no mercy (59:5): He wants God to punish them.

                                       b.   Bring them to their knees (59:11): God can stagger them with his power.

                                       c.   Let them be captured by their evil words (59:12).

                                       d.   Destroy them (59:13).

                        3.   The results (59:13): When this is done, the world will know that God reigns in Israel.

II.  David’s Wonderful Friend (59:8–10, 16–17)

          A.  God laughs at David’s enemies (59:8).

          B.  God is his strength (59:9–10, 17): God will help him triumph over his enemies.

III. David’s Testimony (59:16): David promises to sing about God’s power.