Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 198

Psalm 59:1b "Defend me from those who rise up against me..."

Day 198 – Psalm 59

“Defend me from those who rise up against me…” Psalm 59:1b

DANGEROUS TIMES

David had already escaped from Saul’s personal attempts to kill him on at least three occasions (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). Orders had been issued by the king to kill David. David knew that these were dangerous times for him.

DESPERATE PRAYER

David fled from the presence of king Saul after the third attempt on his life (1 Samuel 19:10). He knew that there was only one sane thing to do. He had to flee from the court of King Saul, even if that meant having to leave Michal his wife behind. He trusted that the manic-depressive king would not kill his own daughter!

But how would he escape? David knew that he would need Divine help to deliver him from almost certain death. Thus with all his heart he offered a truly desperate prayer to God.

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men.”
Psalm 59:1-2

1. Deliver me

This was a direct and desperate prayer offered up to God! This was a straightforward plea to be delivered from certain death. The servants of King Saul had surrounded the home of David and Michal. How would he be able to escape?

2. Defend me

This was a slightly different prayer. Two elements may be noted:-

a) With reference to the immediate situation, the word “defence” is closely related to “deliverance”.
b) With reference to the ultimate solution, David knew that he would need God to continue to defend him. King Saul would not stop hunting David till he had killed him.

3. Save me

David spelt out this request loud and clear! He pleaded for his life to be saved!

4. The adversaries identified

a) They were “enemies”.
b) They were described as people “who rose up against (him)”.
c) These were “workers of iniquity”.
d) They were “bloodthirsty men” (These wicked people would not hesitate to kill David)!