King James Version
What Does Psalms 59:4 Mean?
“They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. help: Heb. meet”
Psalms 59:4 · KJV
Context
2
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
4
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. help: Heb. meet
5
Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
6
They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe enemies' running and preparation 'without my fault' emphasizes the injustice of persecution. David's appeal 'awake to help me' uses anthropomorphic language—God neither sleeps (Psalm 121:4) but David pleads for God to act visibly. 'Behold' requests divine witness of injustice, confident that God's omniscience will lead to intervention.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Saul's men actively surrounded David's house (1 Samuel 19:11), creating immediate danger. David's escape required both Michal's warning and God's providence, showing that 'help' comes through ordained means, not merely miraculous intervention.
Reflection Questions
- How does crying out for God to 'awake' express urgency while maintaining faith in His sovereignty?
- What role do human means play in God's deliverance?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsבְּֽלִי1 of 7
H1097properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
וְיִכּוֹנָ֑נוּ4 of 7
“and prepare”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
לִקְרָאתִ֣י6 of 7
“to help”
H7125an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
וּרְאֵה׃7 of 7
“me and behold”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
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 59:4 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 59:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge