Psalm 59:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

Traditional

To the chief Musician, Al–taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Literal

For the one directing. “To Do not Destroy.” Of David. a Miktam at the sending of men by Saul, when they watched the house in order to kill him. Snatch me from my enemies, O my God; from those who rise against me, set me on a place up high.

Latin

In finem, ne disperdas. David in tituli inscriptionem, quando misit Saul et custodivit domum ejus ut eum interficeret. Eripe me de inimicis meis, Deus meus, et ab insurgentibus in me libera me.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

Notes

Psalms 59:1

See 1 Samuel 19:11–18.

Psalms 59:1–2

protect me (or lift me up high): When surrounded by evil, the godly pray for God to set them apart for himself and protect them.

Psalms 59:1–17

The psalmist laments the power of enemies who conspire with other nations.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

1 Samuel 19:11–24
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”
Psalm 18:48
…who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.
Isaiah 33:16
…he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.
Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Luke 1:74–75
…deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,
Psalm 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.
Psalm 143:9
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.
2 Corinthians 11:32–33
In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me.
2 Timothy 4:17–18
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
Psalm 7:1–2
A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,
Psalm 12:5
“For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
Judges 16:2–3
When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.”

Parallels

1 Samuel 19:1–24

People

Al-taschith: Musical or literary term in Psalms, meaning "Do Not Destroy" David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Miktam: A musical or literary term used in Psalm titles Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Al-Taschith David Imprecatory Psalms Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In David: King of Israel: About This Time Writes Enemies: Pray for Deliverance From Music: Al-Taschith: It Appears in the Titles of Music: Micahtam: A Musical Term in the Titles of Persecution of David Psalms: Afflictions Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting: Especially in Adversity

Psalm 59:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?