Psalms 59:10

Authorized King James Version

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
The 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
#2
חַסְדִּ֣ו
H2617
of my mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#3
יְקַדְּמֵ֑נִי
H6923
shall prevent
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
#4
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
The 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
#5
יַרְאֵ֥נִי
H7200
shall let me see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#6
בְשֹׁרְרָֽי׃
H8324
my desire upon mine enemies
to be hostile (only active participle an opponent)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing mercy contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection