King James Version
What Does Psalms 59:13 Mean?
“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.”
Psalms 59:13 · KJV
Context
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.
14
And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15
Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied. for meat: Heb. to eat and grudge: or, if they be not satisfied, then they will stay all night
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe repeated plea 'Consume them in wrath' paradoxes with verse 11's 'slay them not.' Resolution lies in 'that they may not be'—judgment removing their power, not merely their existence. The purpose clause 'that they may know that God ruleth in Jacob' reveals that judgment serves testimony, extending 'unto the ends of the earth,' anticipating gospel's universal reach.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Saul's consumption in wrath occurred at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31), where his defeat by Philistines demonstrated God's removal of His favor. This judgment testified to surrounding nations that Israel's God actively governed His people's destiny.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's judgment on the wicked serve evangelistic purposes?
- What does God's universal rule ('unto the ends of the earth') mean for current events?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsכַּלֵּ֪ה1 of 12
“Consume”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
כַּלֵּ֪ה3 of 12
“Consume”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
וְֽיֵדְע֗וּ5 of 12
“them that they may not be and let them know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי6 of 12
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱ֭לֹהִים7 of 12
“that God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְאַפְסֵ֖י10 of 12
“unto the ends”
H657cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
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 59:13 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 59:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge