Psalm 59:1
New International Version
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.

New Living Translation
Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.

English Standard Version
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me;

Berean Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me.

New American Standard Bible
For the music director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him. Rescue me from my enemies, my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

NASB 1995
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. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

NASB 1977
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the choir director. Al-tashheth. Of David. A Mikhtam. When Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to put him to death. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

Amplified Bible
To the Chief Musician; set to [the tune of] “Do Not Destroy.” A Mikhtam of David, [a record of memorable thoughts] when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on an inaccessibly high place away from those who rise up against me.

Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him. † Rescue me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Davidic Miktam. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

American Standard Version
For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David. Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: Set me on high from them that rise up against me.

Contemporary English Version
Save me, God! Protect me from enemy attacks!

English Revised Version
For the Chief Musician; set to Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David: Michtam: when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: set me on high from them that rise up against me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[For the choir director; [al tashcheth]; a [miktam] by David when Saul sent men to watch David's home and kill him.] Rescue me from my enemies, O my God. Protect me from those who attack me.

Good News Translation
Save me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who attack me!

International Standard Version
Save me from my enemies, my God! Keep me safe from those who rise up against me.

Majority Standard Bible
For the choirmaster. To the tune of ?Do Not Destroy.? A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David?s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

NET Bible
For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when Saul sent men to surround his house and murder him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God! Protect me from those who attack me!

New Heart English Bible
[For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.] Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.

Webster's Bible Translation
To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

World English Bible
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
TO THE OVERSEER. “DO NOT DESTROY.” A MIKTAM OF DAVID, IN SAUL’S SENDING, AND THEY WATCH THE HOUSE TO PUT HIM TO DEATH. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God, "" Set me on high from my withstanders.

Young's Literal Translation
To the Overseer. -- 'Destroy not,' by David. -- A secret treasure, in Saul's sending, and they watch the house to put him to death. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God, From my withstanders set me on high.

Smith's Literal Translation
To the overseer, Thou wilt not destroy, to David a poem; in Saul sending, and they will watch the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O God: thou wilt set me on high from those rising up against me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of It title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; and defend me from them that rise up against me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Unto the end. May you not destroy. Of David, with the inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house, in order to execute him. Rescue me from my enemies, my God, and free me from those who rise up against me.

New American Bible
For the director. Do not destroy. A miktam of David, when Saul sent people to watch his house and kill him. [2] Rescue me from my enemies, my God; lift me out of reach of my foes.

New Revised Standard Version
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
DELIVER me from mine enemies, O God; defend me from them that rise up against me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Save me from my enemies, oh, God, and from those who stand against me, lift me up.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader; Al-tashheth. [A Psalm] of David; Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God; Set me on high from them that rise up against me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end. Destroy not: by David for a memorial, when Saul sent, and watched his house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O God; and ransom me from those that rise up against me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Deliver Me From My Enemies
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. 2Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 19:11
Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!”

Psalm 18:48
who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.

Psalm 18:17
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

Psalm 31:15
My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Psalm 140:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

Psalm 143:9
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.

2 Samuel 22:49
who frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.

Psalm 7:1
A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,

Psalm 17:13
Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,

Psalm 71:2
In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.

Psalm 109:28
Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.

Psalm 35:1
Of David. Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.

Psalm 56:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.

Psalm 64:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.


Treasury of Scripture

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

A.

Psalm 57:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

Psalm 58:1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Michtam.

when

Judges 16:2,3
And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him…

1 Samuel 19:11
Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

2 Corinthians 11:32,33
In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: …

Deliver

Psalm 7:1,2
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: …

Psalm 18:48
He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalm 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

defend me [heb.

Psalm 12:5
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Psalm 91:14
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Isaiah 33:16
He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Jump to Previous
Al-Taschith Al-Tashheth Chief David David's Defend Deliver Destroy Director Enemies High Him House Kill Leader Michtam Miktamwhen Music Musician Poem Protect Psalm Rise Saul Tune Watched
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Al-Taschith Al-Tashheth Chief David David's Defend Deliver Destroy Director Enemies High Him House Kill Leader Michtam Miktamwhen Music Musician Poem Protect Psalm Rise Saul Tune Watched
Psalm 59
1. David prays to be delivered from his enemies
6. He complains of their cruelty
8. He trusts in god
11. He prays against them
16. He praises God














Deliver me from my enemies, O my God
The psalmist begins with a plea for deliverance, highlighting the personal relationship with God by using "my God." The Hebrew word for "deliver" is "נצל" (natsal), which conveys a sense of being snatched away or rescued from danger. This reflects the urgency and desperation in David's cry. Historically, David faced numerous adversaries, including King Saul, who sought his life. The term "enemies" (אויבים, 'oyebim) refers to those who are hostile or adversarial, emphasizing the real and present danger David faced. The invocation of "O my God" signifies a deep, personal trust and reliance on God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of protection and salvation.

protect me from those who rise against me
The word "protect" is translated from the Hebrew "שׂגב" (sagab), which means to set on high or make inaccessible. This implies not just a defensive action but an elevation above the threat, suggesting divine intervention that places the psalmist out of harm's reach. "Those who rise against me" indicates active opposition, often seen in the historical context of David's life, where he faced rebellion and betrayal. The phrase underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers are often confronted by forces that seek to undermine their faith and mission. The psalmist's appeal is for God to act as a fortress, a common biblical metaphor for divine protection, ensuring safety and security amidst life's battles.

(1) Defend me.--Literally, set me on high, i.e., place me on some lofty and secure height.

Verse 1. - Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God. This is David's almost constant cry (see Psalm 7:1; Psalm 17:13; Psalm 22:20; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 31:1, 2, 15; Psalm 35:17; Psalm 40:13; Psalm 43:1; Psalm 69:18; Psalm 70:1, 4; Psalm 109:21, etc.). He has enemies, both domestic and foreign. In his early youth Saul becomes his enemy out of jealousy; then most of Saul's courtiers espouse their master's quarrel, he has enemies at the court of Achish; enemies in his family, even among his sons, as Absalom enemies among his counsellors, as Ahithophel; foreign enemies on all sides of him - Philistines, Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Amalekites, Syrians, Mesopotamians, etc. Against all of them he invokes God's aid, and by God's aid he triumphs over all. Defend me from them that rise up against me; or, set me on high above them (Kay, Revised Version). David's domestic foes "rose up against him," no less than his foreign foes; made war on him; sought to seize his person, and put him to death.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֣חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

To the tune of
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's Hebrew

“Do Not Destroy.”
תַּשְׁחֵת֮ (taš·ḥêṯ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular
Strong's 516: destroy not', a phrase in Psalm titles

A Miktam
מִ֫כְתָּ֥ם (miḵ·tām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4387: A technical term in psalm titles

of David,
לְדָוִ֪ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

when Saul
שָׁא֑וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

sent
בִּשְׁלֹ֥חַ (biš·lō·aḥ)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

men to watch
וַֽיִּשְׁמְר֥וּ (way·yiš·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

[his] house
הַ֝בַּ֗יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

to kill him.
לַהֲמִיתֽוֹ׃ (la·hă·mî·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

Deliver me
הַצִּילֵ֖נִי (haṣ·ṣî·lê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

from my enemies,
מֵאֹיְבַ֥י ׀ (mê·’ō·yə·ḇay)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

O my God;
אֱלֹהָ֑י (’ĕ·lō·hāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

protect me
תְּשַׂגְּבֵֽנִי׃ (tə·śag·gə·ḇê·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7682: To be, lofty, inaccessible, safe, strong

from those who rise against me.
מִּמִתְקוֹמְמַ֥י (mi·miṯ·qō·wm·may)
Preposition-m | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand


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OT Poetry: Psalm 59:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 58:11
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