The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:6-9

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

"Here a new stanza begins" (Cheyne). The "enemies" of Psalms 59:1 and the "workers of iniquity" of Psalms 59:2 are more elaborately portrayed. First they are represented as "dogs"—such hideous, half-wild dogs as frequent Eastern cities, which sleep during the greater part of the day, and rove about in packs at night—unclean, horrid, loathsome animals (Psalms 59:6).

Then they appear as men—abusive, slanderous, godless (Psalms 59:7). In conclusion, appeal is made to God against them. He will "laugh them to scorn" (Psalms 59:8); and he is a sure Defence against all their efforts (Psalms 59:9).

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 59:1-7Psalms 59:1-7 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIn these words we hear the voice of David when a prisoner in his own house; the voice of Christ when surrounded by his merciless enemies; the voice of the church when under bondage in the world; and the voice of the Chr…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:1-17Psalms 59:1-17 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION LIKE, Psalms 56:1-13 and Psalms 57:1-11, this is a cry for deliverance out of great peril, with a final expression of confidence (verses 16, 17) that the deliverance will be granted. From the psalm itself the…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:1-17Psalms 59:1-17 · The Pulpit CommentaryWaiting upon God. There are expressions in this psalm which sound harsh and cruel, and which Christians would shrink from using. But, on the other hand, there is much here that comes home to our experience, and that is…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:6Psalms 59:6 · The Pulpit CommentaryThey return at evening. Having traced David to his house, they disperse for a time, but "return" again at evening, and take up their watch (1 Samuel 19:11). They make a noise like a dog; i.e. snarl and growl, quarrellin…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 59:1-7In these words we hear the voice of David when a prisoner in his own house; the voice of Christ when surrounded by his merciless enemies; the voice of the church when under bondage in the world; and the voice of the Chr…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:1-17EXPOSITION LIKE, Psalms 56:1-13 and Psalms 57:1-11, this is a cry for deliverance out of great peril, with a final expression of confidence (verses 16, 17) that the deliverance will be granted. From the psalm itself the…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:1-17Waiting upon God. There are expressions in this psalm which sound harsh and cruel, and which Christians would shrink from using. But, on the other hand, there is much here that comes home to our experience, and that is…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:6They return at evening. Having traced David to his house, they disperse for a time, but "return" again at evening, and take up their watch (1 Samuel 19:11). They make a noise like a dog; i.e. snarl and growl, quarrellin…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:7Behold, they belch out with their mouth. All night long they keep uttering abuse and execrations and threats (comp. Psalms 94:4). Swords are in their lips (comp. Psalms 57:4). Speeches that wound and cut to the heart. F…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 59:8-17It is our wisdom and duty, in times of danger and difficulty, to wait upon God; for he is our defence, in whom we shall be safe. It is very comfortable to us, in prayer, to look to God as the God of our mercy, the Autho…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:8But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them (comp. Psalms 2:4). Thou shalt have all the heathen in derision (see the comment on Psalms 59:5, and particularly the explanation there given of "all the heathen").Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 59:9Because of his strength. There is no "because of" in the original, and the reading, "his strength" ( עזּוֹ), is doubtful. Several manuscripts have "my strength" ( עזּי), and this reading was followed in all the ancient…Joseph S. Exell and contributors