According to the heading of Psalm 59, the poem was written in connection with the events of 1 Samuel 19, when Saul had tried to kill David with a javelin, and then sent spies to kill him the next morning.  
What a time to compose a song!  But let us remember that on the night when Jesus knew He was about to be betrayed, He and the disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30).  And then there is the story of Paul and Silas, who sang spiritual songs while in jail, while they were suffering from severe beatings (Acts 16:25).
Let us learn from this psalm by noting six ways that it answers the question, “Why would the faithful ask for such things to befall the enemy?”
1.  It is God’s work to deliver those who are against the faithful (59:1,2).

A reading of the stories we noted in the introduction will easily demonstrate the wisdom of relying on God in times of peril.  We need to do so, for vengeance does belong to Him—and we have the right to do so, for it is according to His will that deliverance and defence are rooted in His nature.  Also, we must learn to view the enemies of the faithful as also being the enemies of God.  It is with these things in mind that we can more fully understand why the enemies are described in such graphic language in the Holy Scriptures.
2.  The faithful are not suffering due to their own sin (59:3,4).

It is also proper for the faithful to maintain their innocence in tribulation.  This is another regular theme in the life of David.  Others, such as Job, Jesus, and Paul, serve as examples of this for us.  Again, in these verses, the wicked are described as they are in light of that which God knows about them.
3.  It is not fitting to be merciful to the enemy of God and His people (59: 5-7).

At evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city. Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, "Who hears?" 
The enemies that are under consideration here are clearly unwilling to be taught the ways of God.  They do not even believe that He is listening to the evil that “belches” out of their mouths.  In a very specific request, David implores God to withhold any mercy from them, for there is no evidence that it would be helpful in any way—their minds are set on sin.
4.  I need to have God as my defense (59:8-10).

The word “defence” (KJV) is spelled “defense” in the NKJV.  It is similar to the verb “defend” in verse 1.  It refers to something that is high, as a tower.  This kind of a high place was very important as a place of defense in Israel (and many other places).  It was a very easy way to remind the oppressed to look up to the high place where God is when help was needed.  They could be confident that He would go before them to protect and deliver.  He would see to it than all enemies who refuse His ways would receive their “wages” (Romans 6:23).
5.  Other people need to observe the wicked as they reap what they have sown (59:11-15).

In a startling section of the psalm, David makes the request that the evil ones receive a punishment that takes time to come to completion—he does not merely ask for them to be killed.  As a matter of fact he specifically asks for them to continue living!  He wants their sins to be exposed, punished, and observed by others so that these others can learn from the things they see.  A proper view of life—in light of the Bible—would show us that God still brings things on people: He chastises His people when they offend Him, He allows the evil to suffer earthly consequences to their sins, He allows the righteous to suffer among the evil ones, He allows the righteous to be persecuted, and He brings the faithful out victoriously from all of this world’s difficulties!
6.  The God Who does this will be praised in song—as he deserves (59:16,17). 

Finally, we complete the circle we started in the beginning of this lesson—let us sing the praises of the God of Israel, Who is the LORD God of Hosts.  Let us sing of His power; let us sing aloud; let us sing of His mercy; let us sing in the morning; let us sing of His defense; LET US SING!

    — Skip Andrews
 
 

SICK LIST:  Lucy Jerrolds is to have surgery this week.  Mike Lanier has been ill.  Electa Wilson (Room 148, Gwinnett Extended Care), Steve Fishel, and Donna Fields remain on our prayer list.
GROUP 2:  Group 2 is in charge of the services at Plantation South at 1:30.  Also, please meet up front following evening services for visitation assignments.
SEEKING THE LOST:  Class will meet Thursday, July 13, at 7:30, and Sunday evening, July 30, at 7:15.
CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 today.
FOR THE RECORD: 
AM Class   83
AM Worship   119
PM Worship   91  Wednesday   120
Contribution   $5495  
Budget    $6500  
 AWAY:  Ed Crookshank and Rod Rutherford are in Zambia and will return July 19.  Let’s remember them as they travel and work.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  “We Believe Because...” is the theme for our VBS July 9-12 (Sunday: 6:00-8:00; Monday-Wednesday: 7:30-9:00).  There will be classes for all ages. Invite a friend.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL:  There will be an ice cream social and housewarming party for Lori Andrews (who has just bought her first house) on Sunday, July 16, following evening services.  Please bring your favorite ice cream and celebrate with Lori.  (See Jane Graham or Tracie Lanier if you have any questions).

TEACHERS’ WORKSHIP:  There will be a teachers’ workshop Saturday, July 29, to help us get ready to teach our new curriculum this fall.  Please make plans to be here that day—whether you teach, plan to teach, are a parent...