Psalm 59
Seeking God's Protection and Deliverance
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Intro
In Psalm 59, the psalmist cries out to God for protection and deliverance from their enemies. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of refuge and salvation. We will explore the themes of seeking God's intervention, finding security in His presence, and responding with praise and thanksgiving.
Section 1: Crying Out for God's Intervention (vs 1-5)
"Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD. I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's urgent plea for deliverance and protection from enemies.
The recognition of unjust attacks and conspiracies against the psalmist.
The call for God's intervention and righteous judgment on the wicked.
Harmony: Romans 8:31 (NIV), "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's cry for deliverance challenge you to turn to God in times of trouble and trust in His protection?
In what ways can we seek God's intervention and justice when we face unjust attacks or conspiracies?
How does Jesus, as the one who stands with us and fights on our behalf, give us confidence that God is for us and will deliver us from our enemies?
Section 2: Finding Security in God's Presence (vs 6-10)
"You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's affirmation of God as their strength and fortress, the one they rely on.
The trust in God's justice and the anticipation of witnessing the downfall of those who slander the psalmist.
The plea for God's intervention without completely destroying the wicked, so that His righteous judgment would be known.
Harmony: Matthew 5:44 (NIV), "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's reliance on God as their strength and fortress inspire you to find security in His presence in the midst of adversity?
In what ways can we trust in God's justice and pray for our enemies, even when faced with slander or persecution?
How does Jesus, as the one who taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, provide us with the strength and perspective to respond with grace and forgiveness in difficult situations?
Section 3: Responding with Praise and Thanksgiving (vs 16-17)
"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's resolution to sing of God's strength and love.
The acknowledgment of God as the fortress and refuge in times of trouble.
The response of praise and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and reliability.
Harmony: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's commitment to sing of God's strength and love challenge you to cultivate a heart of praise and thanksgiving in all circumstances?
In what ways can we find refuge and strength in God, even amidst trials and troubles?
How does Jesus, as the one who secures our refuge and strength, enable us to offer continual praise and thanksgiving in every situation?
Summary
Psalm 59, portrays the psalmist's plea for deliverance from enemies and his confidence in God's protection, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's acknowledgment of God as his strength and fortress prefigures Jesus as the Rock and the source of our refuge and strength (Psalm 18:2, Psalm 62:6-7).
The psalmist's description of the wicked as fierce dogs and their plots against him echoes the opposition and hostility Jesus faced during His earthly ministry (Matthew 26:3-4, Matthew 26:59-60).
The psalmist's plea for God's mercy and deliverance points to Jesus as our Savior, who offers us forgiveness and redemption through His sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:13-14).
The psalmist's determination to sing praises to God in the midst of trouble reflects our response of worship and trust in Jesus, even in the face of adversity (Philippians 4:4, Hebrews 13:15).
The psalmist's confidence in God's unfailing love and faithfulness aligns with our assurance in Jesus, who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39).
Ultimately, Psalm 59 leads us to Jesus as our Protector, Savior, and the object of our praise, inviting us to find comfort and strength in Him amidst trials and challenges.