Deliver me from workers of iniquity
This phrase is a plea for divine intervention against those who commit evil acts. In the biblical context, "workers of iniquity" refers to individuals who actively engage in sinful behavior, often with malicious intent. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, seeks God's protection from such people. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where the righteous call upon God to shield them from the wicked (Psalm 5:5, Psalm 6:8). The term "iniquity" denotes moral corruption and is often associated with rebellion against God's laws. This plea can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the ultimate deliverer from sin and evil, as He provides salvation and protection for believers.

and save me from men of bloodshed
The phrase "men of bloodshed" refers to violent individuals who are willing to kill or harm others. In the historical context of David's life, he faced numerous threats from such men, including King Saul and his followers, who sought to take his life (1 Samuel 19:11). The request for salvation from these men highlights the psalmist's reliance on God for physical and spiritual safety. This plea is echoed in other scriptures where God is depicted as a refuge and protector (Psalm 18:48, Psalm 140:1). The imagery of bloodshed also points to the seriousness of sin and the need for divine justice. In a typological sense, this can be connected to Jesus Christ, who, through His sacrificial death, provides a means of salvation from the ultimate consequences of sin and violence.

1. David
The author of this Psalm, who is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. David often faced threats from those who sought his life, including King Saul and other adversaries.

2. Workers of Iniquity
This term refers to those who commit evil acts and live in opposition to God's righteousness. In the context of David's life, it could include those who plotted against him unjustly.

3. Men of Bloodshed
These are individuals who are violent and murderous, seeking to harm or kill others. David faced such threats from those who were envious or threatened by his anointing as king.

4. Saul's Pursuit of David
An event in David's life where King Saul, driven by jealousy and fear, sought to kill David, forcing him to flee and seek God's protection.

5. God as Deliverer
The central theme of this Psalm is God's role as a deliverer and protector of the righteous from their enemies.God as Our Protector
Just as David sought God's protection from his enemies, we too can trust God to be our shield and refuge in times of trouble.

Prayer in Times of Distress
David's example encourages us to turn to God in prayer when facing adversities, seeking His deliverance and guidance.

Recognizing Spiritual Battles
While David faced physical enemies, we must be aware of the spiritual battles we face and rely on God's strength to overcome them.

Responding to Enemies with Love
In light of Jesus' teachings, we are called to respond to those who oppose us with love and prayer, trusting God to handle justice.

Trusting God's Justice
We can rest in the assurance that God sees the injustices we face and will act in His perfect timing to bring about justice.Verse 2. - Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. Foreign enemies are never reproached with being "bloody men," since war is their trade, and it is their business to wound and slay.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Deliver me
הַ֭צִּילֵנִי (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 workers
מִפֹּ֣עֲלֵי (mip·pō·‘ă·lê)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6466: To do, make, to practise

of iniquity,
אָ֑וֶן (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol

and save me
הוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃ (hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

from men of bloodshed.
דָ֝מִ֗ים (ḏā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed


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OT Poetry: Psalm 59:2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity (Psalm Ps Psa.)