Psalms 59:1

Authorized King James Version

Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַצִּילֵ֖נִי
Deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#2
מֵאֹיְבַ֥י׀
me from mine enemies
hating; an adversary
#3
אֱלֹהָ֑י
O my God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
מִּמִתְקוֹמְמַ֥י
me from them that rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#5
תְּשַׂגְּבֵֽנִי׃
defend
to be (causatively, make) lofty, especially inaccessible; by implication, safe, strong; used literally and figuratively

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection