As we have said previously, Saul was one of the narcissists in David’s life – one with significant power over David since he was the king. David wrote several Psalms in connection to his dealings with Saul, including Psalm 59.
The introductory statement of Psalm 59 says:
“For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.”
This heading provides context for the psalm, situating it during a specific event in David’s life when King Saul sent men to watch David’s house and capture him with the intent to kill him. This incident is recorded in 1 Samuel 19:11-18.
David was serving in King Saul’s court, but Saul had grown increasingly jealous of David due to his military successes and popularity with the people. Saul’s jealousy turned into murderous intent. In 1 Samuel 19:11, Saul sent men to watch David’s house and kill him in the morning. David’s wife, Michal (who was also Saul’s daughter), warned David and helped him escape by letting him down through a window. She then used an idol and a bed covering to trick the men into thinking David was still in bed, buying David time to flee.
David’s escape and the danger he faced are what prompted him to write Psalm 59. The psalm reflects David’s feelings of being surrounded by enemies and his reliance on God for protection and deliverance.
This context provides a powerful backdrop to the themes of Psalm 59, where David prays for deliverance from his enemies and expresses his trust in God’s protection.
Some excerpts of how David prayed:
- He prayed for GOD to deliver him
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from those who do iniquity
And save me from men of bloodshed.
For behold, they have set an ambush for my life
Psalm 59:1-3
- David told GOD of his innocence, asked Him to see what’s going on, and cried for help
Fierce men [Saul’s henchmen] launch an attack against me,
Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord,
For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me.
Arouse Yourself to help me, and see!
You, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel,
Awake to punish all the nations
Psalm 59:3-5
- David told GOD that because of Saul’s strength, David would look to GOD for his help and protection. And he was confident that GOD would, out of His goodness, take care of him.
Because of his strength I will watch for You,
For God is my stronghold.
My God in His lovingkindness will meet me;
God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.Psalm 59:9-10
- David specifically asked GOD to judge his enemies for their lying and cursing words and pride.
Do not slay them, or my people will forget;
Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down,
O Lord, our shield.
On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips,
Let them even be caught in their pride,
And on account of curses and lies which they utter.Psalm 59:11-12
- And finally, David looked ahead – in faith that GOD would answer – and praised GOD for His strength and kindness, knowing that GOD would protect him.
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.Psalm 59:16-17
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GOD did rescue David in this situation, and ultimately completely delivered him from Saul.
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If you are in a similar situation, pray this Psalm – you can use David’s exact words in talking to GOD about it.