What does Psalm 59:17 mean?
Once again, David refers to the Lord God as his "Strength" (Psalm 59:9). David is fully convinced God will rescue him and keep him safe (Psalm 59:8–10) from these enemies (Psalm 59:1–3). Despite the dangers David faced, he trusted God completely as the source of his confidence and security.David survived the assassination attempt which inspired this psalm (1 Samuel 19:11–16). After that, he spent a long time as a fugitive from Saul's jealous wrath (1 Samuel 20:1–3). Yet he consistently relied on the Lord for protection, and the Lord did not fail him. David was hated by Saul and his men, but he was greatly loved by the Lord, whose love for His people never fails. John 3:16 points out that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes on His Son will have everlasting life. The apostle John never lost the wonder of God's amazing love. He writes in 1 John 3:1, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."
Psalm 59:9–17 delivers an appropriate climax to David's cry for deliverance from his enemies. David puts his trust in God. He anticipates divine wrath being poured out on his unclean, beastly enemies. He also looks forward to more opportunities to offer praise for God's protection and love. As part of an "imprecatory" psalm, David calls on the Lord to make His retribution harsh and public, so the world will see it and acknowledge God.
David prays, asking the Lord to deliver him from a lurking band of bloodthirsty enemies. He calls on the God of Israel to make an example of these lying, evil men, and to destroy them entirely. Rather than despair, David firmly trusts in the Lord and looks forward to victory. David concludes his psalm with praise to the Lord, his Strength, whose love is loyal. David praises God for being his fortress and shelter.
