Lord Have Mercy
1 (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.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3 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.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5 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.
6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 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.
13 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.
14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16 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.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Lord Have Mercy
In Psalm 59, it seems that King Saul has placed a bounty on David. He is a wanted man, dead or alive. Many mighty wicked men, like bloodthirsty dogs, have found their prey, the innocent man, David. They gather outside his dwelling place. David boldly calls upon God to deliver and defend him from his enemies who are literally at his door. “Deliver me from the workers of iniquity and save me from bloody men” (59:2). Imagine the terrible images of these men who are ready to kill David. Surely this is not the first time they have murdered for the king. “For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul” (58:3). The mighty are gathered against me.
David says to the Lord that he has not transgressed or sinned. These men are running after him due to no fault of his own. He shouts for God to awake to help him and behold. He knows God, with His righteous eyes, will see things just as he has described them. David calls on the God of hosts and of Israel. He evokes the name of God in heaven, who rules over all the angels and the God who also has a personal connection with His people. God is not so far away that He does not hear and see His children’s needs. David asks God to not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. These wicked men hound David day and night. They return in the evening and make a noise like a dog. They also are in the city making obnoxious noises from their mouths, not caring who witnesses their incivility. “For who, they say, doth hear” (59:7). But David says God will laugh at them and have all the heathens in derision. David rises up in the face of this danger to declare God is his defense.
He knows God is stronger than these vile men. “The God of my mercy shall prevent me from being overtaken by enemies” (59:10). God will let him see his desire on his enemies. He asks God not to slay them, but to scatter them and bring them down. “Let them be taken in their pride” (59:12). David will see them all be consumed so all will see their might turned to ashes. They will know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. David repeats the imagery of these men wandering like dogs, unsatisfied, finding no meat. David responds with a song of God’s power and mercy in the morning. God has been his defense and refuge in the day of his trouble. “Unto thee, o my strength, will I sing” (59:17). From deep in his heart, David will sing of God’s mercy towards him.
David was a man after God’s own heart. Over and over again, in these psalms, David writes lyrics of faith and trust in a loving God who will always have mercy on the righteous. He sings of finding a place of strength and refuge in God, as he confidently faces his enemies. He does not shy away from telling God his true feelings of pain and anguish. He never wavers from reaching out to him for salvation.
I live in a world today where I am surrounded by frightening news of wars, diseases and economic turmoil. If I dwell on what I see and hear, I can be overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness. But, like David, I want to look to Jesus. He knows what is going on. God said He is our very present help in times of trouble. Jesus said because He has overcome the world, we too have overcome the world. Help me, God, to find my strength in you in the face of this world’s turmoil. Help me to sing and write songs of your power and glory and rest confidently in you.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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