Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. Do not kill them, or my people will forget.This phrase reflects a plea for God's judgment to be a reminder rather than an obliteration. The psalmist, David, seeks a form of divine justice that serves as a lasting lesson for the people of Israel. In the historical context, David was often pursued by enemies, including King Saul, and he desired that their downfall be a testament to God's power and justice. The concern that "my people will forget" highlights the human tendency to forget God's past deliverances and judgments, as seen throughout Israel's history (e.g., Judges 8:34). This plea aligns with the broader biblical theme of remembrance, where God’s acts are to be remembered and recounted (Deuteronomy 6:12). Deu 6:12 be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you… Scatter them by Your power, The request to "scatter" the enemies suggests a desire for their disbandment and confusion rather than their immediate destruction. This reflects a strategic approach to dealing with adversaries, ensuring they are rendered ineffective. The scattering of enemies is a recurring theme in the Psalms and other parts of the Old Testament, symbolizing God's ability to disrupt the plans of the wicked (Psalm 68:1). The phrase "by Your power" emphasizes reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength, a common motif in David's life and writings (1 Samuel 17:47). Deu 28:64 Then the LORD will scatter you among all the nations,… and bring them down, This phrase calls for the humiliation and defeat of the enemies, ensuring they are brought low from their positions of power. The imagery of being "brought down" is often used in the Psalms to describe God's judgment against the proud and wicked (Psalm 55:23). It reflects the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Historically, David experienced God's deliverance from his enemies, reinforcing his trust in God's ability to humble those who oppose His anointed. Oba 1:4 Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest… O Lord, our shield. Referring to God as "our shield" conveys a deep trust in His protection and defense. The shield is a powerful symbol of God's safeguarding presence, frequently used in the Psalms to describe His role as a protector (Psalm 3:3). This imagery would have been particularly resonant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where shields were essential for survival in battle. The personal and communal aspect of "our shield" indicates that this protection is not only for David but for all who trust in God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where faith is described as a shield against spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:16). Psa 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, who is seeking God's protection from his enemies. This psalm is traditionally attributed to David during the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. 2. Saul The first king of Israel, who became jealous of David and sought to kill him. His actions are the backdrop for this psalm. 3. Enemies The adversaries of David, likely Saul's men, who are pursuing him. They represent the forces of evil and opposition against God's anointed. 4. God (Yahweh) Referred to as "Lord, our shield," indicating His role as protector and defender of His people. 5. Israel The people of God, who are to remember God's acts of deliverance and justice. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and JusticeGod is in control of all situations, and His justice will prevail. We can trust Him to deal with our enemies in His perfect timing and way. The Importance of Remembrance Remembering God's past deliverance strengthens our faith. We should recount His deeds to avoid spiritual amnesia. Prayer for Deliverance Like David, we should pray for God's intervention in our lives, asking Him to scatter and bring down the forces of evil. God as Our Shield God is our ultimate protector. In times of trouble, we should rely on Him as our shield and refuge. The Role of Mercy Even in seeking justice, we should remember God's mercy. David's request not to kill his enemies outright reflects a desire for them to recognize God's power and possibly repent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of David's life enhance our interpretation of Psalm 59:11?2. In what ways can we apply the concept of God as our "shield" in our daily lives? 3. How does the theme of remembrance in Psalm 59:11 relate to other biblical passages that emphasize the importance of remembering God's works? 4. What can we learn from David's approach to dealing with his enemies that can be applied to conflicts in our own lives? 5. How does the balance between justice and mercy in this verse reflect the character of God, and how can we emulate this balance in our interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 19This chapter provides the historical context for Psalm 59, detailing Saul's attempts to kill David and David's subsequent escape. Psalm 18:2 This verse also refers to God as a shield, emphasizing His protective nature. Deuteronomy 32:27 This passage speaks to the idea of God not destroying His enemies completely so that His people will remember His power and justice. Proverbs 21:30-31 These verses highlight the futility of human plans against God's will, reinforcing the theme of divine protection and sovereignty.
People David, Jacob, Joab, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Bring, Death, Directions, Forget, Fro, Kill, Lest, Low, Memory, O, Power, Saviour, Scatter, Shake, Shield, Slay, Strength, Totter, WanderDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 59:11Library Waiting and Singing'Because of his strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defence.... 17. Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.'--PSALM lix. 9, 17. There is an obvious correspondence between these two verses even as they stand in our translation, and still more obviously in the Hebrew. You observe that in the former verse the words 'because of' are a supplement inserted by our translators, because they did not exactly know what to make of the bare words as they … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life Wherefore this do Ye, virgins of God, this do Ye... St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of iveragh. Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word... Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers. The King --Continued. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500 Psalms Links Psalm 59:11 NIVPsalm 59:11 NLT Psalm 59:11 ESV Psalm 59:11 NASB Psalm 59:11 KJV Psalm 59:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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