What does Psalm 59:10 mean?

The first half of this psalm focused on David's violent, hateful enemies (Psalm 59:1–8). The second half turns to express confidence in the Lord. David referred to God as his "Strength" (Psalm 59:9), echoing ideas expressed in his other writings (Psalm 18:1–3). Here, David bursts with confidence in the Lord. He is certain God's loyal, unfailing love will champion his cause.

The Hebrew word referring to God "meeting" David literally means something that goes out ahead or approaches closely. David looks forward in time and fully expects to see the Lord arriving to provide rescue. In this expected future, the Lord first meets David, then provides him with victory over his wicked enemies. Most translations indicate that David describes how God acts—in faithfulness or unfailing love—rather than directly describing Him as "faithful."

Believers can share David's confidence. Their Commander-in-Chief, the Lord Jesus, leads them, and He always causes believers to triumph. The apostle Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession" (2 Corinthians 2:14). In Romans 8:37 he assures believers, "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Revelation 19:11–16 pictures the end of the tribulation, when Jesus and His followers descend from heaven to the earth. Jesus goes before His followers, and He alone quells His enemies (Revelation 19:17–21).