My God of loving devotionThis phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, highlighting God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The Hebrew term "chesed" is often translated as loving devotion or steadfast love, indicating a covenantal loyalty. This concept is central to the Old Testament, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people, as seen in His covenants with Abraham (
Genesis 12:1-3) and David (
2 Samuel 7:12-16). It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's love through Jesus Christ (
John 3:16).
will come to meet me;
The imagery of God coming to meet the psalmist suggests divine intervention and support. In biblical history, God often intervened on behalf of His people, such as during the Exodus (Exodus 14:13-14) and in battles where Israel was outnumbered (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). This phrase reassures believers of God's active presence in their lives, echoing the promise of Jesus to be with His followers always (Matthew 28:20).
God will let me stare down my foes.
This phrase conveys confidence in God's deliverance and victory over enemies. In the historical context, David, the attributed author of this psalm, faced numerous adversaries, including King Saul and foreign nations. The assurance of triumph over foes is a recurring theme in the Psalms (Psalm 23:5,Psalm 110:1) and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). This victory is not just physical but spiritual, encouraging believers to trust in God's power to overcome all forms of opposition.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe author of this Psalm, David, is expressing his trust in God's deliverance from his enemies. This Psalm is traditionally understood to have been written during a time when Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to kill him.
2.
GodReferred to as the "God of loving devotion," highlighting His steadfast love and faithfulness towards those who trust in Him.
3.
Enemies/FoesThe adversaries that David faces, representing any opposition or threat to the believer's life.
4.
SaulThe King of Israel at the time, who was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.
5.
MizpahAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Mizpah is a place of watchfulness and prayer, symbolizing God's protective oversight.
Teaching Points
God's Loving DevotionGod's love is steadfast and unwavering. The Hebrew word "chesed" used here implies a covenantal love that is loyal and faithful.
Divine EncounterGod actively meets us in our times of need. This is not a passive relationship; God is proactive in His care and intervention.
Victory Over EnemiesBelievers can have confidence that God will enable them to overcome their adversaries, whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional.
Trust in God's TimingDavid's assurance that God will let him "stare down" his foes suggests a trust in God's perfect timing for deliverance.
Prayer and WatchfulnessLike David, we are called to be vigilant in prayer, trusting that God sees and knows our struggles and will act on our behalf.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 59
What defines a home church?
What are the guidelines for early Christian church practices?
What defines an organic church?
Can a person be righteous? (Romans 3:10 vs. Luke 1:5-6)(10)
Prevent--
i.e., come to meet. (See
Psalm 21:3, Note.)
See my desire.--See Note,Psalm 54:7. (Comp.Psalm 92:11.)
Verses 10-13. - The enemies are still the main subject. Their pride, their cursing, their lying, are denounced (ver. 12). The psalmist trusts to "see his desire" upon them (ver. 10). First he begs that they may not be slain, but only "scattered abroad," so that they may remain as examples of God's vengeance for the warning of others (ver. 11). Then, forgetting this wish, he pleads for their capture and their utter destruction, without which God's glory will not be fully vindicated (vers. 12, 13).
Verse 10. -
The God of my mercy shall prevent me; or, according to another reading,
God with his mercy shall prevent (
i.e. anticipate)
me.
God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies (comp.
Psalm 54:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof loving devotionחַסְדִּ֣י(ḥas·dî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautywill come to meet me;יְקַדְּמֵ֑נִי(yə·qad·də·mê·nî)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6923:To project, precede, to anticipate, hasten, meetGodאֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativewill let me stare downיַרְאֵ֥נִי(yar·’ê·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To seemy foes.בְשֹׁרְרָֽי׃(ḇə·šō·rə·rāy)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8324:To be hostile
Links
Psalm 59:10 NIVPsalm 59:10 NLTPsalm 59:10 ESVPsalm 59:10 NASBPsalm 59:10 KJV
Psalm 59:10 BibleApps.comPsalm 59:10 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 59:10 Chinese BiblePsalm 59:10 French BiblePsalm 59:10 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 59:10 My God will go before me (Psalm Ps Psa.)