Psalm 59

A song in the night.

This was written when Saul sent men to watch David's house, so that they might kill him.
Reference I Samuel 19.    This event happened early in the Saul/David saga.

David is a part of Saul's household;  his son-in-law, a mighty warrior of his army, and a comfort to Saul with his music.  But Saul is jealous of his might and good standing with the people, and hates him.  Sudden outbursts are frequent.  This night, David escaped from Saul when he sought to pin him to a wall with a spear.  He flees to his own house, where his wife, Saul's own daughter, urges him to flee.  She helps him escape and arranges the bed to look as if he is there.  Saul sends his henchmen to watch the house and capture David, but when, by morning he isn't found, they enter his home, to find that he's escaped.

There is a curious bone in my body that wants to know exactly when this song was written.  Was it in hindsight, after the fact?   Was is during that long night, knowing his life was in grave danger?  Or was is after he fled his house and found momentary respite with Samuel the prophet?

In prayer, David describes the problem first, as is his habit in the Psalms.  Bloodthirsty workers of iniquity rise up against him.  They scheme against him;  they watch for opportunity to take him.....and he's done nothing to warrant such treatment!

While acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness to keep His promises to keep and deliver his own.....David asks Him to act....quickly.   "Awake!" he cries.  "Show them no mercy!"

They pursue David relentlessly, thinking that they are getting away with it, and realizing no wrong in themselves.  But God hears.   He sees.  And He will act.  So, David will wait on Him.....God of mercy and his defense.  This is "an expression of complete trust" (NKJV note on 25:21)

He asks that all might see and know the demise of his enemies, as a lesson regarding judgement.  Bring them down by their own devices, and teach them that God does see and hear, and He rules.
And as David so beautifully does time after time.....he ends the lament with a song of joy......He will remember God's mercy and power, and how He has been his defense and refuge.

Again,  I don't know enemies like David did,.....but I can learn a lesson here.  To wait on the Lord, patiently, (that's the hard part!), and always, always, sing of His mighty deeds.