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Day 208

Psalm 59:14a "And at evening they return..."

Day 208 – Psalm 59

“And at evening they return…” Psalm 59:14a

THE IMAGERY OF SCAVENGER DOGS

Once again David employed the imagery of scavenger dogs in the following text.

“And at evening they return,
They growl like a dog, and go all around the city.
They wander up and down for food,
And howl if they are not satisfied.”
Psalm 59:14-15

1. Purpose behind repeating an imagery

What was David’s purpose in repeating this imagery in this text (Psalm 59:6). Let us ponder the following thoughts:-

a) To embed this imagery in the mind further.
i) The first use was powerful.
ii) The second use was poignant.
b) For emphasis:
i) To instruct
ii) To warn against the nature of wicked enemies.

2. Additional ideas

David added further thoughts to the original imagery.

a) The first idea was repeated (Psalm 59:6, 14).
The same words were employed.
b) They wander up and down for food.
i) The scavenger dogs were driven by hunger.
ii) They were restless because of their hunger.
iii) The wicked were like these dogs; they too hunted for victims as dogs look for food.
c) And howl if they are not satisfied.
i) These wild dogs would howl if their hunger was not satisfied.
ii) The wicked would also “howl” if their bloodlust was not satisfied.

The comparison between wild dogs and enemies were startlingly clear to David!