PSALM 59

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, 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. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield. 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. 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. And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. (Psalm 59, KJV)

Psalm 59

A Sly Fox and his Fortress

This Psalm finds David denned in
His own house like a wild beast,
Unjustly assailed. Saul’s henchmen
Circle and roar like the wild beasts,

Howling with hunger for their
Prey. Saul’s party surely raved
And raged fiercely to find only
The goat hair image, not David.

He escaped to his fortress secure.
Go dogs to your kennel and gnaw
On your bones for this good man
Is not meat for your jaws.

Heaven ere long shall look down
Upon his foe, overthrown, destroyed.
When Jehovah leads the way, victory
Follows at his heels; David overjoyed.

As dawn breaks, of your strength, will
I sing. Tune the harps now for morning
Comes where the sun shall never set.
Are you ready for the Day is coming.

Away, away, adversaries of my soul,
My God of mercy will keep you at bay—
         Nor shall the infernal lion  rend
          Whom He desires to keep.

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

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