What is the meaning of Psalm 59:6? They return in the evening • David describes a predictable pattern: the threat is not random; it “returns” night after night. • Evening in Scripture often marks the time when evil schemes surface (Judges 19:25; John 13:30). Darkness emboldens wrongdoers, yet God “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:4). • In 1 Samuel 19, Saul’s men surrounded David’s house after dark; Psalm 59 is David’s inspired response. The verse reflects that very real situation, affirming the literal accuracy of the text. • Even when danger resurfaces, the Lord’s covenant love is steadfast “every morning” (Psalm 59:16), contrasting human hostility with divine faithfulness. snarling like dogs • “Snarling” paints a vivid picture of open hostility—growls meant to intimidate. • Dogs in biblical culture were scavengers (Exodus 22:31; 1 Kings 14:11), symbolizing what is unclean or threatening. Paul warns, “Beware of the dogs” (Philippians 3:2), echoing the same imagery. • Psalm 22:16 declares, “For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me,” showing that canine imagery often depicts relentless persecutors. • Isaiah 56:11 calls faithless leaders “greedy dogs,” underscoring the moral corruption behind the aggression David faces. and prowling around the city • The attackers do not merely appear; they “prowl,” suggesting stealth and intent to harm. Proverbs 4:16 notes that the wicked “cannot sleep unless they do evil.” • “Around the city” hints at encirclement—an attempt to cut off escape, as Saul’s men did at David’s home in Gibeah (1 Samuel 19:11). • Psalm 55:10 laments, “Day and night they encircle the walls,” showing that urban settings often become stages for oppression. • Modern readers can relate: evil may circle our lives, jobs, or communities, yet God remains our fortress (Psalm 59:9, 17). summary Psalm 59:6 pictures David’s enemies returning nightly, growling with menace, and stalking the streets to trap him. The verse underscores how persistent, aggressive, and coordinated evil can be—yet the broader psalm proclaims that God sees every movement, hears every snarl, and will ultimately silence the prowlers while exalting His steadfast love. |
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