King James Version
What Does Psalms 59:11 Mean?
“Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.”
Psalms 59:11 · KJV
Context
9
Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. defence: Heb. high place
10
The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies. enemies: Heb. observers
11
Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12
For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13
Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryDavid's prayer 'Slay them not' requests judgment that demonstrates God's power without immediate annihilation. 'Lest my people forget' reveals pedagogical purpose—gradual judgment teaches ongoing dependence on God. 'Scatter them' and 'bring them down' depict sustained divine discipline rather than instant destruction, mirroring God's patience in redemptive history.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This principle manifested in God's treatment of Canaanites—gradual dispossession (Exodus 23:29-30) taught Israel dependence. Similarly, Saul's decline was gradual, serving as public testimony to the consequences of rejecting God's word.
Reflection Questions
- What does God's use of gradual judgment rather than instant destruction teach about His purposes?
- How does the defeat of God's enemies serve the spiritual formation of believers?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsאַל1 of 10
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִשְׁכְּח֬וּ4 of 10
“forget”
H7911to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
עַמִּ֗י5 of 10
“them not lest my people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֲנִיעֵ֣מוֹ6 of 10
“scatter”
H5128to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
בְ֭חֵילְךָ7 of 10
“them by thy power”
H2428probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וְהוֹרִידֵ֑מוֹ8 of 10
“and bring them down”
H3381to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
מָֽגִנֵּ֣נוּ9 of 10
“our shield”
H4043a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 59:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 59:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge