Why do enemies attack without cause, as stated in Psalm 59:4? Text and Immediate Setting Psalm 59:4 records David’s cry: “For no fault of my own they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and see!” The superscription ties the psalm to 1 Samuel 19, when Saul’s men surrounded David’s house. David is innocent; hostile forces close in “without cause,” highlighting the question at hand. Historical Background: David and Saul 1 Samuel 18–24 narrates Saul’s jealousy after David’s victory over Goliath. Archaeology confirms David’s historicity (Tel Dan Stele, ca. 9th century BC, reads “House of David”; the Khirbet Qeiyafa ostracon, 10th century BC, fits a united monarchy). Thus the episode is not legend but recorded history: the king’s troops stalk an unarmed psalmist who has “done no wrong” (1 Samuel 19:4–5). Primeval Roots: Sin’s Intrusion into Human Nature Genesis 3 introduces cosmic rebellion; Genesis 4 follows with Cain’s unprovoked murder of Abel. 1 John 3:12 interprets Cain’s act: “his own deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” From the fall onward, the righteousness of others often provokes aggression rather than admiration (Romans 8:7). Spiritual Warfare and Satanic Opposition Ephesians 6:12 locates the ultimate conflict “against the spiritual forces of evil.” Revelation 12 portrays Satan pursuing the covenant community. David’s night siege foreshadows every believer’s experience of an unseen adversary who “prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Jealousy and the Psychology of Guilt Behavioral research on cognitive dissonance shows people attacking sources of moral dissonance to reduce inner tension (Festinger, 1957). Scripture anticipated this insight: Proverbs 29:27—“He who is upright in the way is detestable to the wicked.” Saul’s envy (1 Samuel 18:8–9) crystallizes the mechanism: perceived loss of status + moral contrast = hostility “without cause.” Foreshadowing the Messiah John 15:25 cites Psalm 35:19: “They hated Me without reason.” The innocent sufferer of Psalm 59 prefigures Jesus, “the Righteous One” (Acts 3:14), against whom false witnesses rose though Pilate found “no basis for a charge” (Luke 23:4). David’s plea, therefore, prophetically gestures toward the greater Son of David whose resurrection validates divine justice (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Providential Purposes 1. Refinement of the faithful (1 Peter 1:6–7). 2. Public vindication of God’s righteousness (Psalm 59:9–10). 3. Advancement of redemptive history: David’s survival preserves the messianic line; Christ’s suffering secures salvation (Romans 5:6–9). Scriptural Survey of Baseless Attacks • Joseph—betrayed though obedient (Genesis 37). • Daniel—targeted by jealous officials (Daniel 6). • Jeremiah—beaten for truth-telling (Jeremiah 20). • Early church—persecuted though charitable (Acts 4–5). In every case God overrules malice for good (Genesis 50:20). Problem of Evil and the Character of God Psalm 59 does not deny evil’s reality; it sets it inside covenant hope: “My God in His loving devotion will come to meet me” (59:10). The resurrection guarantees that unjust suffering is temporary and reversible (Acts 17:31). The existence of unexplained hostility, far from discrediting God, magnifies the need for ultimate justice—fulfilled in Christ’s return (Revelation 19:11-16). Application for Believers • Expect opposition (John 16:33). • Examine personal integrity (1 Peter 4:15). • Pray for deliverance and for enemies’ repentance (Matthew 5:44). • Trust divine timing; David waited, and “Saul died because of his unfaithfulness” (1 Chronicles 10:13). • Reflect Christ’s pattern—no retaliation, entrusting Himself “to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Conclusion Enemies attack without cause because human sin, jealousy, and demonic hostility unite against righteousness. Psalm 59:4 exposes the pattern, Scripture explains the roots, Christ embodies the ultimate example, and His resurrection secures the final answer. Until then, the faithful echo David’s cry and rest in the God who sees. |
    |