Psalms 59

Psalms 59:1

To the chief Musician. See App-64.

Al-taschith = Destroy not. See App-65.

Title. Michtam. See App-65.

when, &c. Compare 1 Samuel 19:11.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Defend me = set me on high.

Psalms 59:2

iniquity. Hebrew. ’aven. App-44.

men. Hebrew, plural of ’enosh.

Psalms 59:3

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

transgression = rebellion. Hebrew. pasha’.

sin. Hebrew. chata’.

LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Psalms 59:5

LORD God of hosts = Jehovah Elohim Sabaoth. See note on 1 Samuel 1:3.

heathen = nations.

wicked. Hebrew. ’aven. App-44.

transgressors = hypocrites. Hebrew. bagad.

Selah. Connecting the wicked transgressors with their true character as dogs of the Gentiles; and marking off and connecting the two prayers in verses: Psalms 59:1-5, and verses: Psalms 59:11-13. See App-66.

Psalms 59:8

laugh. Compare Psalms 2:4.

Psalms 59:9

Because of his strength: or, O my strength, as in Psalms 59:17.

Psalms 59:10

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

prevent = anticipate.

Psalms 59:11

LORD*. One of the 134 places where the Sopherim altered “Jehovah” to “Adonai”. App-32.

Psalms 59:12

sin. Hebrew. chata’. App-44.

Psalms 59:13

Selah. See note on Psalms 59:5.

Psalms 59:15

wander = prowl about.

grudge: or, stay all night.

Psalms 59:16

power = strength, as in Psalms 59:9.

been = proved.

defence = high tower.

Psalms 59:17

sing = sing praise.

To the chief Musician. See App-64.

upon = relating to.

Shushan-eduth. It is “testimony” relating to the second Passover provided for in Numbers 9:5-14 and acted on in 2 Chronicles, chapter 30. See App-65.) The other of the two Psalms thus used is Psalms 79.